NO 1 BUT U

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"So where are we heading," I ask Jared with a smile that feels a bit too forced.

"Well you said you're not into the whole movie and dinner thing..."

"Right," I mutter.

"So I figured; what girl doesn't like ice cream?" My eyes shoot open and a smile spreads across my face. "It's a bit childish but see, it got you to smile," he says. When Jared gets to the next stoplight he uses it as an opportunity to look at me. He has a stupid grin on his face.

"What?" Jared chuckles.

"Nothing."

"Tell me," I say.

"You're just so beautiful." I blush and laugh.

"I call bullshit. Why are you lying?"

"I'm not," he says he says with a grin.

"Really, why are you so smiley?"

"I'm just happy because I'm glad you're in the car with me. I'm glad I'm taking you out."

"Well, so am I," I tell him.

The rest of the ride is occupied with small talk between us. We asked each other typical questions and gave similar responses. I found out that I have more in common with Jared then I thought. When we arrive at the Ice Cream City Jared gets out of the car and opens my door for me like a perfect gentleman. Once inside the shop we browse all the different flavors of ice cream.

"Ever had," Jared asks as he points to a chocolate flavor with chips in it. I shake my head.

"I don't like chocolate very much," I tell him.

"Wow! A woman who doesn't like chocolate? Turn off," he jokes. I roll my eyes. "I've seriously never met someone who doesn't like chocolate."

"I like flavors that are more... sweet."

"Chocolate is sweet!" I shrug my shoulders.

"Not the sweetest though," I state.

"Okay then. How about... this," he says pointing to a swivel of colors. It looks like a swirly rainbow.

"Nope. I've never had it."

"Neither have I," he admits. "It's says it's called," he pauses and leans in to read the label, "Cotton Candy Blast."

"That sounds good!"

"That sounds sweet." I look up at Jared and smirk.

"Exactly."

"I'm willing to try it if you are." I nod my head.

Jared orders us both two scoops of the Cotton Candy Blast in a sprinkle-covered cone, which he insisted on getting since sprinkles add an extra flare of sugar.

"Are you trying to give me a sugar high," I tease. Jared laughs and shakes his head. I take a moment to look over his prominent features and realize how cute he looks in his blue sweater. He has a much cleaner look when compared to Stefan and his leather jackets. Jared is a button up shirt or polo type of guy whilst Stefan is a ripped jeans and tattered t-shirt type.

There I go, thinking about Stefan, when I'm out with someone else. But so far Jared's done a pretty good job at distracting me. I almost feel guilty for thinking about him, especially for comparing them. They are way too different from each other.