Broken

Chapter-11: Lucky Day

After dwelling in my house the entire day, I decided to go out for some fresh air. Sitting on the wooden bench in the neighborhood's park, I allowed my eyes to roam over the surroundings. The lush green grass danced with each gust of the wind. The morning breeze caressed my face, brushing against the warmth of my cheeks. I sighed softly, the tensions and worries radiating from my body and my mind drifted into a peaceful feeling, making my muscles relax under the delicate touch of the weather. Regardless of all my anxieties, I felt completely at ease.

"Mind if I join?" a manly voice shook me from my trance, making me jerk my head up and I averted my gaze to the figure who stood by me. Narrowing my eyes, my gaze traveled from his leather boots to his boyish grin.

My heart skipped a beat when his lips curled into a dashing smile.

I shook my head awkwardly and backed away a bit, making room for him to sit, "Sure," I twirled a strand of my hair in nervousness and tucked it behind my ear as he took the seat beside me.

Getting along with people wasn't quite one of my things. Maybe it was because of the prevailing fear of being judged by people or the possibility of being the odd one out. I simply couldn't tell.

He was sitting so close to me and I was hyperaware of his presence next to mine. Warmth radiated from his body and the faint smell of the cologne that he was wearing played with my nostrils.

"A nice day, isn't it?" he spoke in a gravelly calm voice and tilted his head in my direction.

I took the moment to register his face. Gaping openly, I studied his masculine features. He had tousled chocolate brown hair and a wide pair of eyes. He seemed a year or two older than me.

Smooth tanned skin, bridged pointed nose, and perfectly alluring eyes. No wonder, girls would swoon over him.

Eying him demurely, I finally mustered the courage to respond, "Sure, it is."

"I love coming here. This place makes me relax."

"Me too."

"What was your name, again?" He furrowed his brows, his gaze dipped to my face.

"My bad, I'm Alissa and you are?" I smiled meekly, glancing sideways out of nervousness.

"That's a cute name. I'm Tyler," he said extended his hand and a blush coated my cheeks.

"Nice to meet you, Tyler," I shook his warm hand, swallowing my inner cheek.

My eyes implored him, taking in every inch of his face. Perhaps it was the gentleness in his eyes or the simplicity of his smile that intrigued me. We kept chatting for over an hour, talking about our interests and hobbies.
He seemed like a gentleman and I felt quite comfortable with him.

"Let me buy you ice cream and then I can walk you back home," he suggested, his face cracking into a lopsided grin.

Was he asking me out?

I couldn't believe my ears. My cheeks flushed with shyness and my breath deepened. I let out a shaky sigh.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea."

My words struck him hard and he scrunched his brows together, slightly offended.

"Look, I just got out of a thing," I shrugged my shoulders, giving him a quick glance and shifted my eyes to the floor, flashing my lashes.

"Come on, a little fun won't hurt. I promise you don't have to rush it. We will take things slow. Besides, it's just ice cream," he blurted, running a hand through his hair.

Startled at his choice of words, I opened my mouth to say something but I couldn't. My lips tugged into a sluggish grin for a mere moment. Before he could register the expression on my face, I wiped it away.

He smiled confidently, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's your call."

I didn't know if I was ready for this but a little fun wouldn't hurt, would it?

Confused, I drew in a shaky breath, contemplating the odds of the situation.

It's not every day that a handsome stranger asks you out.