(Orion Ligh)
We live in a society where a small gesture gives rise to a bond that can not be shaken. I don't think people realise that when cooking, baking, or even frying food, a lot of emotions go into making it. Anger, grief, joy, sadness, all of these can be conveyed in a simple dish, but for food to really stick and linger and attach itself to one's soul, it's made with love, the secret ingredient.
Yesterday, however, everything felt different. I couldn't quite explain what I was even thinking at all. The only thing I could focus on was the overwhelming urge to create something special for him. It was a reckless impulse I knew I shouldn't have indulged. The last time I allowed someone into my culinary world, it had shattered my sense of stability, turning my universe upside down. That bastard, I'll never forgive him for tearing apart my sanctuary, but with Colton, it felt, I felt safe, which is stupid, I don't even know him that well.
Yet, strangely, a single, genuine smile from Colt had the power to ignite a flicker of trust within me, tempting me to believe in second chances and open up my guarded heart once more.
What am I even thinking? When did that thought sneak into my mind? Snap out of it, Orion!
I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, studying my face as if trying to find the answers within my own eyes. A soft, knowing smile forms on my lips, unaware of the subtle chuckle that escapes from the doorway. Turning around, I see him standing there, watching me.
"If I had known you talked to yourself while staring at the mirror, I would have recorded you," Colton says, leaning in the doorway. "It would have been priceless."
"Ha, ha funny, why are you dressed like a mafia though?"
He looks at himself and unbuttons his shirt even more. He then walks towards me and grins.
"You think I look like a rebel?"
That's so cringe, trying to get compliments for his looks. Is he a teenager? or something. I can't tell him that, though.
"Please button up your shirt, those kinda tricks don't work anymore."
Who am I kidding? If he was aiming for a thirsty trap, I'm hooked in his trap. I hope he can't tell. He just looks at me and smirks.
Looking at my wristwatch, we are running late. I want to experience the festival from the very beginning. Who am I kidding, it's an all you can eat buffet of strawberries. I think I'm in heaven. How I wish that my little bunny were here. We would have a lot of fun together.
Turning to look at Colton, I find him studying me. Weird, is something wrong with my face? Did I apply a lot of lip balm? Do I have specks on my eyes, which is impossible because I just came out of the tab after finishing reading a novel. Looking at the mirror, I find nothing wrong with my looks.
"Let's get going then, don't want to be late now, do we?"
I urge Colton and usher him out of my room. I ran my hands through my hair to make it more fluffy since it's curly. Damn my mother new how to choose her partner. I don't want to get all teary right now. I miss them a lot. I wish they could see how their little boy is doing right now.
Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror before closing my room, I find Colton already at the door waiting for me. His face tells that he's impatient. Wow, would it kill him to just chill sometimes?
"Umm, we need to get going, your highness."
I just roll my eyes. For a business person, he keeps time in the literal sense. Maybe I should just teach him that sometimes in life, it doesn't hurt to just live a little. Looking at him, a shiver just runs down my spine. What was I even thinking? He won't get it. Though, honestly, it's kinda nice just the way he is uptight. Maybe I should learn from him. Yeah, let's give it a try. People keep telling me I need to learn how to keep time. Looking at the watch my family gifted me, who am I fooling? I can't. Even with five alarms, each ten minutes apart can't make me wake up on time, what's to say it'll rub off on me?
"Yeah, let's go! Those strawberries are waiting for me to devour them!"
That earns me a chuckle that I've come to differentiate from his other chuckles. It's weird, who even notices things like that? I'm officially losing it. I just hope I don't do something stupid. Looking at him chuckling, I feel a ray of sunshine. Yeap, I'm losing it. This stray is rubbing me all the wrong ways.
"Argh! " I scoff as I walk away.
This is not happening to him? Why couldn't it be one of those super handsome, kinda can't have them, so I have posters on my walls, guys? I mean, what did I expect someone to just come and knock on my door and say they are my soulmate and have been looking for me? Maybe? I don't know. Colton, he's just, I don't know how to put it exactly. It's just a crush, it'll go away on its own. I can't dwell on it.
Walking to the parking lot, Colton is still chuckling, which has turned into laughter. But why do I want to hide from him? It's just a silly laugh, nothing to be concerned about. Trying to open the car door, I find it locked.
"Are you not gonna open the car door?" That gets him to stop laughing.
Instead, he gives me that look that says, it's my car, and I'm going to do whatever i want to do with it.
"It's my car, get a ride or something, I don't know." He deadpans.
I don't even wait to muster a comeback, instead, I turn on my heel to walk away. But before I can escape, a rough, calloused hand grabs my left wrist and pulls me back, spinning me around with an unexpected force. Suddenly, I find myself pinned between the sturdy frame of the jeep and Colton, his imposing presence towering over me. His breath is warm and slightly scented, brushing against my face, and I can see the striking depth of his icy blue eyes. They shimmer with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine, and in that moment, I can't help but notice how hauntingly similar they are to the little icy blue eyes I know so well.
"Where do you think you're going?"
My train of thought is interrupted by him. He opens the passenger seat. His eyes convey it all. I feel so small when he is close to me, but at the same time, I feel safe, protected, and even. I don't need to be told twice, my body moves on its own, and I find myself seated. I'm sure my face is beetroot red. This is embarrassing, I'm behaving like a teenager.
"You tend to get lost in your thoughts. What goes on in that mind of yours?" Colton asks me with a simple smile plastered on his face.
His face is inches from mine, and his gaze falls to my lips, where I notice him biting his bottom lip. He gets closer, his hand sliding over my body to my left.
"Click"
Colton fastens my seatbelt, but his hand stays put, still resting where the belt was secured. Instead, he stares at my face, especially my lips.
"Mh...so it's strawberry."
That's the only thing he says before starting the car.