19 Take a risk with my heart

"I'm sorry! I tried knocking several times, but no one was answering the door." He apologized, but he did not look apologetic.

"Daniel. What's the meaning of this?" I leaned on the door, pointing to the bags, still amused at my unexpected visitor.

"I thought I would ask you for dinner. I took the chance that you have no plans today." He grinned widely, showing off his perfect teeth. "Possibly, help me cook. I brought the ingredients."

"You can cook?" I eyed him skeptically. "Anyway, how can I say no to free food? In one condition, you have to help me clean up." I gave him a stern look, opening the door wide enough for him to pass through.

"I'll just change. Make yourself comfortable." I gestured to the couch in the living room.

"Do you really need to? I like this look you have going on." He eyed me teasingly. "I will surely be more inspired to cook." Winking his eyes on me.

"Behave yourself." I reprimanded him before walking back to my room. He put up his hands in surrender, smirking to himself.

After ten minutes of working with him, I learned that he knew his way around the kitchen. At first, I thought that he was just trying hard to impress me, even to the extent of attempting to cook. Observing him moved with a knife, a spatula, and a skillet, I was convinced that he truly knew what he was doing.

After an enjoyable meal, we settled into watching a movie. Positioning my legs under me, I got comfortable on the couch. I was busy scrolling on the movie options when I felt the couch shifted. He handed me my wine glass as he settled himself beside me.

I opted to put on a new action movie. I did not mind since I enjoyed watching it too. Growing up with my brother and his friends, I was used to doing things that normal teenage boys did. I almost became a tomboy because of it.

He scooted closer, put his arm around my shoulder, and unconsciously, I leaned into him as we started the movie. This had become a routine for us, ever since he and James frequently visited Gemma and I. Dinner and movies. I supposed this was the first time that we did it just the two of us.

Maybe it was from the wine or exhaustion from these past few days, halfway to the movie, I felt my eyes shutting down. I could feel the warmth that his body was generating into mine. Felt the way his arms surrounded me as comfort. I sensed his protectiveness and care. Something that I longed for a very long time.

Moments later, I shifted my body, snuggling on the hard and warm body pressing against mine. My eyes flipped open, and I had to squeeze them twice to fully get awake, with the only source of light coming from the television.

It gradually dawned on me that I was not alone. Daniel stirred a little when I gazed up to his face. Taking in our position, I was lying on top of him with my cheeks buried in his wide firm chest. Our arms entangled in a form of an embrace.

Studying him while he slept would seem slightly creepy, but I just wanted to study him up close. I saw a light-dark shadow on his jaw, strong cheekbones, and a beautiful patriarchal nose. In the low light, he looked so peaceful and handsome.

After a while, I noticed too late that he was already awake when I unexpectedly locked my eyes with his brown ones. "What time is it?" he casually asked, rubbing his eyes. I avoided looking at him, mortified that he caught me staring.

I quickly stood up and fixed my clothes, while he too did the same. It was getting late, and it was time for him to leave. I decided to thank him for the food and for the wonderful company. Instead of walking towards the door, he shifted his position in front of me.

He took my face in his hands and held it steady while slowly leaning in closer. I locked eyes with him unable to move. He barely touched my lips, but I automatically closed my eyes. Should I kiss him back? Do I want to? I asked myself. If I do, this would change everything in our friendship.

He repeated the action. This time with a little pressure. I felt his soft lips against mine before it was gone again, but I still felt his nose touching mine. I could only guess that he was also trying to control his action. I should stop this.

Then he kissed me again but this time he never pulled back. He grazed my lips with more intensity, coercing me to respond. I was about to gasp for air, but he took that as a sign to deepen the kiss, and that was the time I finally decided to kiss him back.

I wanted to feel what his kiss would be like. I had to see if it would generate the same spark as Nathan's kiss did. When we finally stopped, I opened my eyes to find him staring at me.

"I...Daniel... I'm sorry, but you have to go. I have an early shift tomorrow." I said in a low voice since that was all I could manage. I knew I was dismissing whatever happened a moment ago. Making some lame excuse. He followed me to the door and gave me a light peck on the cheeks before walking out.

I imagined our kiss. I thought of what it meant to me. I liked him. I knew I do. He made me laugh. I did trust him. I was sure that he really liked me a lot. Would that be enough for me? Then, why did I have to compare Daniel to Nathan?

I believed it was time I started living again and gave myself a chance to find love. I would like to take the risk and grabbed control of my fate. I wanted to find the person I wanted to love. How would I know if it was love? What was love anyway? What would I feel when it finally hit me?

The real question was… Which one would I be willing to take a risk with my heart?

Daniel or Nathan.