Chapter 247
After several years of companionship, Colin knew my ostrich–like tendencies all too well. He must have devised his own unique set of strategies to deal with them.
This direct action of pulling me out of my nest was one of the simplest yet most effective among them.
“Yes, I like them.” I took the flowers and buried my face in them. I took a deep inhale of the delicate natural fragrance as I felt my face flush.
I was being pursued. There was nothing to be ashamed of, so why was I acting like this?
It seemed that I was indeed that helpless.
When Colin was distant, I felt a profound sadness.
When he was near, I dared not face him.
I knew I was totally screwed.
Colin cheerfully suggested with his eyes twinkling like stars, “Let’s go to your favorite ravioli shop.”
Ignoring my struggles and oblivious to the onlookers, he firmly took my hand. He led me to the passenger seat of his car, and I got in.
I kept my head down all the while, too embarrassed to look at the onlookers or at him.
Yet, I was wondering inside if it was a little too early to hold hands since I hadn’t agreed to be with him yet.
Sometimes, it was strange how just one sentence could fundamentally change the nature of things.
From this incident, I learned that no matter the conflict, communication was key.
It was better to sit down and talk things out calmly than to rely on arrogant assumptions.
Misunderstanding Colin and feeling jealous was, to be honest, quite unfair to him.
Feeling guilty, I couldn’t face him properly. The more I thought about it, the harder it was to lift my head, especially with his intense gaze.
On the contrary, he enjoyed my awkwardness. He started the car, the smile on his lips seemingly more meaningful.
1/2
+35 BONUS
I placed the flowers on my lap. I was thinking about opening the window to cool my flushed face when Colin unexpectedly leaned over like a towering presence.
The scent of pine and cypress hit me without warning. I panicked, closing my eyes and pressing myself against the car door as my mind raced.
Was he going to kiss me? Weren’t we moving too fast?
I hadn’t agreed to be his girlfriend yet. A kiss would be ahead of our promise.
Should I push him away firmly, accept him half–heartedly, or bite him if he tried to kiss me forcefully?
These scenarios that were often found in romance novels left me wondering which one to choose.
As I pondered, I heard a click followed by a light chuckle.
I opened my eyes to find him teasingly looking at me with a mischievous smile.
He was just fastening my seatbelt. I had thought too much!
Embarrassed, I picked up the flowers to hit him. However, he skillfully dodged and quickly pinched my cheek before sitting back in his seat. He was laughing like a fiend.
“Don’t get so close to me,” I warned, eyeing his right hand and trying to keep as much distance as possible.
Colin smiled gently, like a patient hunter. He did not press further and skillfully drove onto the road. “Okay, we’ll save that for later.”
What did he mean by that? That was not what I meant!
He had always been like this, stern and cold to others but always smiling at me. He offered me all his care and warmth.
I believed in the saying that familiarity bred affection. Spending a lifetime with someone like him wouldn’t be so bad.
I think I nearly had my answer.
During breakfast, Colin rested his hand on the table. His long fingers looked elegant,
reminding me of his first Instagram post of those two hands clasped together and that heart -stirring phrase.