Just as I almost finished getting dressed, Marco was waiting downstairs.I hurried to open the door and wrapped my arms around him tightly.He looked remarkable in his light jeans and electric blue hoodie, which complemented his dark, flowing hair perfectly.
“You really need to get a haircut!”I said as I walked back upstairs to finish dressing, and he followed closely behind.
“I told you when I was going to do that,” he replied.
“Yes, I remember.I just hoped you might reconsider.”
“Is your dad around?”he asked.
“Nope.”I turned to gauge his reaction, and he stepped closer, lifting me off the ground so I could wrap my legs around him.
“What are you doing?We're going to be late!”I teased as he gently laid me on the bed, positioning himself over me.
“I don't care,” he whispered in my ear, planting soft kisses along my neck and lips.His hands roamed my body with an intensity that made me gasp.Suddenly, he pulled away.“Now it's my turn to tease,” he said with a mischievous grin.
“Seriously?”I laughed, playfully throwing a pillow at him in surprise.
“Come on, let's go!We really will be late,” he said, clearly amused, as he stepped out of my room.I quickly fixed my hair and grabbed a coat.
Autumn had arrived, and the streets were blanketed in vibrant, colorful leaves.The mountains looked like they had been painted in shades of yellow, green, red, orange, and brown—an absolutely breathtaking sight.
We arrived ten minutes late and spotted Jessica standing by herself, her eyes scanning the area as if searching for us.As I exited the car and made my way toward her, I offered a wave and a smile.However, her expression was one of concern.
“Hey, sorry for the delay,” I said, feeling a pang of guilt since I was always punctual.
“Hi, it's no problem…” she replied, though her gaze continued to search around.
“Where's your mysterious date?”I inquired just as Marco approached, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
“He seems to be running late… Oh, wait, there he is!”Jessica exclaimed, her excitement palpable.When I turned to look, I felt my heart drop, and my mouth fell open in shock.
“Luna, Marco, this is Zane,” she introduced.Marco quickly extended his hand in greeting.
“Nice to meet you both,” Zane said, casting me a brief glance.Jessica caught the look on my face but chose not to comment.I wondered if I should tell her.Why hadn't Zane mentioned that he knew me?
“Actually, we know each other from school,” I said, meeting Zane’s eyes.His expression shifted to one of surprise, as if he hadn't expected me to say that.
“Oh, really?That's great!”Jessica chirped, completely unaware of the underlying tension.Marco shot me a quizzical look.
We opted to sit inside the café to escape the chilly wind.The waitress approached us almost immediately.
“Good afternoon!What can I get for you today?”she asked cheerfully.
“I'll have hot tea, any kind is fine,” Jessica said.
“Same for me,” Marco replied.The waitress then turned her attention to me, but I found myself at a loss for words.She then looked to Zane, who seemed uncertain.“Are you alright?”Marco leaned in to whisper in my ear.I nodded in response.
“I'll have hot chocolate,” I managed to say, forcing a smile.
“Me too,” Zane added, glancing my way.This was incredibly awkward.I wondered if I should pull Jessica aside for a private conversation.
“So, how did you two meet?”Marco asked, shifting his gaze between Zane and Jessica, who sat across from us.Jessica looked to Zane, perhaps waiting for him to share the story, but when he remained silent, she took the lead.
“Well, it was at a party Emily and I attended.You two were otherwise occupied,” she said with a smile.“I lost Emily, and this guy came to my rescue,” she continued, her eyes fixed on Zane.
Oh no, please don't tell me she did what I think she did.I realized I had to talk to her, but I couldn't do it here…
Chapter 7
