DaisyWhen I finally pulled back, my breathing was uneven and my lips tingling while Liam’s eyes stayed locked on mine, searching, almost as if he was trying to figure out if what had just happened was real. For a moment, the air between us was thick and quiet then the noise of the group came rushing back.“Damn!” someone shouted.“That was not three minutes, that was like… five!” another laughed.“Get a room!” a guy teased, earning a roar of approval from the others.I could feel my cheeks burning, partly from the drinks but mostly from the way they were all looking at me like they’d just witnessed something far more intimate than a silly dare.I climbed off Liam’s lap, forcing out a laugh to mask how unsteady I felt. The game moved on, but my mind was stuck replaying the kiss over and over. My lips still felt warm from it and my body… my body was still leaning toward him, even as I sat back in my chair.I had kissed before, of course Liam and I have even kissed before but this was d
DaisyI was in the living room, scrolling absentmindedly on my phone, when I heard the knock at the door. My heart gave that little skip it always does when I know who it is before even checking. I opened it and saw Liam standing there with a warm and confident smile on his face that instantly lifted my mood.He already told me yesterday that we’d be going on a date today and he’d be coming over to pick me up. About an hour ago, I started preparing and once I was done, I can’t into the living room to watch some tv before he arrives. I didn’t even pay attention to the show airing, I was busy with my phone talk through.“You look beautiful,” he said, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that wasn’t creepy but still made my stomach flutter. I had gone for something simple but cute. I wore a soft, pastel dress that skimmed my knees and the daintiest sandals I owned.“Thank you,” I let out slowly with a smile while he then handed me a sleek black bag with gold accents. “This is for you.” He
Hope The room was still dark when I opened my eyes and my first thought was that I’d slept through the night, that maybe the pills had done their job and knocked me out cold. I rolled over, reaching for my phone on the nightstand, already expecting to see early morning hours glowing on the screen as I turned it on. But then, it lit up and my brain couldn’t process the numbers.Ten minutes… I have been sleeping for only ten freaking minutes!I just stared at the screen, my heart thudding as it didn’t make any sense at all. My body felt heavy, my eyes were puffy and my mind worn thin. How is it possible that I’d been lying here for less time than it takes to watch an episode of some random sitcom? I threw the phone back onto the bed and sat up slowly, like maybe moving too fast would make the whole thing feel worse.I pressed my hands into my face, letting out a long, muffled groan. I had no idea what to do with myself. My thoughts kept circling like vultures no matter what I tried to
HopeI don’t even know how long I stood there in that shadowy corner of the backyard, my heart hammering so loud I was sure they’d hear it. I had been smiling to myself just minutes ago, thinking Ryan had gone to buy my favorite flowers. I was already planning the way I’d tease him for being sneaky and romantic at the same time.But then, there he was with her… She was was petite, pretty, wearing a loose cardigan and slippers. Her hair still damp like she’d just showered. She smiled so warmly at him it made my stomach twist.And Ryan… God, the way his facelit up.He handed her the bouquet, and she took it like it was the most precious thing in the world. Then she hugged him and it wasn’t the usual friendly hug, it was the kind where your whole body leans in, where your hands grip the other person like you’re afraid they might vanish. And then, they just… stood there, staring into each other’s eyes. Slow, deep, lingering like two people completely lost in their own bubble.That was it
HopeI wasn’t ready for the day to end so I didn’t even bother answering when Ryan asked if we were leaving soon.“You seem in a hurry, if I was an overthinker, I’d think you’re trying to get away from me so fast.” I let out while he laughed so hard.“My goodness… I fucking love you Hope Grenier. My life would be so boring without you in it. I mean, how the heck did you come up with that in a second.” He let out and I just managed to laugh too. I was busy reading his expression. “Well, there’s that too anyway but that’s the vibe I’m getting from you but it’s okay.” I said and we then went on to talk about other things.But then, throughout the whole time, Ryan was clearly distracted. If he wasn’t busy on his phone, he’s busy trying to force a conversation or forcing a laugh so I don’t ask questions. I saw everything but I never asked him anything. When we were finally done having fun, we decided to call it a night. Ryan walked me to my car, his hand warm against the small of my back
HopeRyan and I pulled into the restaurant almost at the same time, which, honestly, felt like a movie moment. He stepped out of his car just as I did mine, that easy smile of his already in place.One look at his fine face and I was already smiling too. My God, he looked so good and that just made me more sure of why I was doing this.‘I love this man’ - I muttered under my breathe. “Well, look at that,” he said, meeting me halfway on the pavement. “Perfect timing. You stalking me now, my love?” He added while I laughed, leaning in for a light hug. “You wish.” I let out softly but the moment my cheek brushed his shoulder, something caught my attention. It was a soft floral scent and definitely not mine. My brows pulled together before I could stop them.I leaned back, inhaling just a little more on purpose. “Hmm. You smell… different.” I retorted while he blinked and then smirked. “Different bad or different good?” He quizzed while I searched his eyes but found nothing. “Differ