The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as Chris and Taylor stepped inside, shaking off the last drops of rain. The warm aroma of coffee and baked goods enveloped them, making Taylor feel instantly calmer.
Chris led her to a small table by the window. "Sit. Relax. I've got this," he said, gesturing toward the counter where he ordered their drinks — a latte for him and a hot chocolate for her, just the way she liked it.
Taylor sank into the chair, clutching the warm cup in her hands. The heat seeped into her palms, giving her a comforting sense of security. "Thanks… for today," she murmured, glancing at him.
Chris shrugged, trying to seem casual, but his eyes softened. "It's nothing. I just… don't like seeing you upset."
Taylor hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Chris… there's something I need to tell you."
Chris leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "What is it?"
She bit her lip, gathering courage. "Yesterday… I overheard some girls talking. They said… they said you're pretending to be nice to me. That you're going to… destroy me."
Chris blinked, surprise flashing across his face. Then he leaned back slightly, shaking his head. "Destroy you? Seriously?"
Taylor looked down at her cup, cheeks flushed. "I know… it sounds crazy. But they were so sure, and I… I didn't know what to think. And then I started noticing things you did, and I couldn't help wondering…" Her voice trailed off, her fingers tightening around the cup.
Chris reached across the table, placing a hand gently over hers. "Taylor… I would never hurt you. I love you. And everything I've done, everything you've seen me do… it's because I care. Not because I want to 'destroy' you."
The words left his mouth before he even realized it, and Chris's eyes widened as panic hit him. I didn't mean to say that… not like that… oh no, he thought, his hand tightening slightly on hers.
Taylor blinked at him, stunned, then repeated slowly, almost in disbelief, "You… like… me?"
Chris looked down, embarrassed, then back at her, trying to steady his racing heart. "I… I mean… I didn't mean to just blurt it out, okay? But yes. I love you. I do. I just… I wasn't expecting to say it like that."
Taylor's cheeks warmed, a mix of surprise and something tender stirring in her chest. "You… love me?" she whispered again, needing to hear it.
Chris nodded, his usual confidence softened by vulnerability. "Yes. I do. I couldn't hide it anymore, and… I guess I just said it without thinking."
Taylor's lips curved into a small, genuine smile, her eyes meeting his. "I… I think I was starting to realize it already," she admitted softly.
Chris's eyes softened, relief and joy washing over him. "Good," he whispered. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
They sat together, sipping their drinks as the rain outside softened into a gentle drizzle, the tension of the past days melting away. And for the first time, Taylor let herself feel the warmth of his words, the sincerity in his gaze, and maybe, just maybe… love too.
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