Chapter 4

Amelia paused for a sec and replied, "I don't know, he's still going to be my friend, why do you care so much?" she asked.

"I'm just worried about you that's all, you have known Levi for a while now and I know he really likes you" Leah responded.

"I'm just getting to know Ethan, it's not like we are dating or anything" Amelia replied.

"Okay, if you say so, just be careful, I don't want you to get hurt again" Leah asked hugging Amelia.

The conversation made Amelia feeling conflicted as she was trying to convince herself she hadn't fallen for Ethan; she questioned her feelings for Ethan, she didn't want to get hurt again choosing the wrong person, the thought plagued her mind all day. Meanwhile, Ethan was lost in thoughts thinking about Amelia, he sat at his desk blankly staring at his laptop screen, the images of Amelia flooded his mind, her smiles gave him shivers, and he couldn't concentrate on his work as he was overwhelmed by their encounter of the previous night. In frustration, he leaned back, his swivel chair dragged backwards, he scratched is head in frustration as images of her laughter and smile, her pink lips and the way she brushed her hair behind her ears were all stuck in his memories.

Ethan asked to meet with her after a week, and they went out on a date at night to a park. The breeze of the evening brushed against their skin as they walked through the beautifully lit pathways licking ice cream. They both were lost in their own laughter as each recounted humorous memories from their childhood. As they continued their stroll through the park, they stumbled on a bridge, they paused looking at the beautiful stream below with its water glittering and radiating the lights from the city. They both leaned against the railing, Amelia was lost in thought as she admired the stream, Ethan's eyes caught her, her smile was a breath of fresh air for him and he could not get his eyes of her.

"You are beautiful", Ethan said interrupting her deep thoughts. Amelia chuckled trying to hide how shy she was and replied, "thank you", she continued trying to lessen the awkward situation as she still caught him staring at her. "This place is beautiful and peaceful; I could stay here all day". Ethan laughed as he was amazed by her love for nature.

They both continued walking, both their hands was brushing against each other, both of them were in their head trying to hide the undeniable chemistry between them. After sometime they came across a seat below a shelter of trees, then they sat on it, unwrapping the food they had gotten earlier, then they began to eat. After some few minutes Ethan said to her, "being here with you feels nice….it's a wonderful feeling".

A smile formed on Amelia's face as she retorted, "I was a bit tensed at first but I'm glad I agreed to meet". As time passed their conversation deepened as their conversed, the conversation released them into a vulnerable state that created a connection that grew stronger with each passing minute. And in that moment the desire for yearning filled their soul as they leaned in to lock lips only for Amelia's phone to ring out interrupting them before their lips could meet. She checked her phone and saw that it was Levi, she ignored the call but it kept on ringing.

"It's okay, you can pick up the call, it seems important" Ethan said to her.

"No, no don't worry, it's not important" she responded turning off her phone.

Their conversation continued after the awkward silence from the unsuccessful kiss. As the night faded, Amelia leaned on Ethan's shoulder as they watched the twinkling stars in the sky, "thank you Ethan, I had a great time", Amelia said.

Ethan replied, "Thank you too, I look forward to more of this".

"Me too ", Amelia replied. Their date came to an end as the night completely fades into the dark.

The next day at work, Leah rushed off to Amelia. "Calm down", Amelia said as she saw the excitement on her face. Amelia recounted the memories of the date but left out the part were they almost kissed.

"Just that?", Leah asked, "you guys did not smooch", she continued bringing her fingers together to form two lips kissing. "No Leah, I told you we are just getting to know each other"', Amelia responded. Leah replied "it's not like you guys haven't kissed before, and gone all the way", she chuckled. Amelia immediately rushed off to attend to a customer coming towards the counter in order for her to avoid the conversation.

Later that day, Levi came to the coffee shop to see Amelia as she had been avoiding him for weeks now. After some minutes Amelia approached him.

"Have you been avoiding me?" Levi asked, holding her hands, it made her uncomfortable, she replied, "no, I've just been busy with work",

"Okay, I would like us to hang out tonight, I'll make dinner", Levi responded.

Amelia replied removing his hands from hers, "I'm not sure about that, maybe some other time".

Before Levi could say anything else Amelia rushed off to attend to incoming customers. Weeks passed and Ethan and Amelia frequently hung out as they both enjoyed each other's company, one day after the close of work, Ethan stopped by the coffee shop to see Amelia and offered to drop her off at home after she closed.

Ethan dropped her off, but Amelia insisted him comes in for dinner, Ethan agreed. While she was making dinner Levi called her repeatedly but she ignored. Levi drove over to her house as he was curious to know what the issue was. At the front of her house he saw a luxurious car parked outside which made him infuriated, only for him to barge in to see Ethan and Amelia kissing.