It All Started With a Diary

retaliation|part 2

"It's you," he realized as he saw past my new look.

"In the flesh," I mumbled, glancing down at my feet.

I raised my head as he shrugged his shoulders. "I can't say that I'm not happy I saw those pretty eyes again." I blushed once his words settled in.

I released a breathless chuckle. "Yeah, well the circumstances are very..." I struggled to find a word to finish.

"Not in your favor," he finished.

I laughed, nodding. "Yeah, that's it."

He offered a large hand to me. "Well, if you'll let me, I'd like to try and fix that."

I struggled for an answer, in the moment. On one hand, I would have to somehow make a quick conversation with him. But, on the other hand, I could stay away from Kade a little bit longer. When I looked at it like that, I jumped at the decision.

I placed my hand in his. "I have no idea where the bathroom is, honestly."

His feet shuffled forward in a couple of steps before we were at the bathroom door. I blushed in embarrassment at the realization of the bathroom's location.

"I'm an idiot," I mumbled to myself.

"Nah." His eyes fell over mine, his laughter music to my ears. "You're fine, pretty girl." His wink made my throat lodge with nerves.

I sat down on the toilet top before he handed me a damp paper towel. I dabbed at my chest repeatedly, only raising my head when he spoke, again.

"I'm Daniel," he introduced himself. "I guess I should have told you that already."

Chuckling, I offered, "Kimberly."

The conversation grew quiet after we introduced ourselves. I struggled to find a new conversation, though there were too many things to talk about.

"Let's hope I don't smell like alcohol all night," I joked.

His smile could outrun a risen sunrise. "Don't worry. It's a teenage party, and I'm sure everyone smells of either sex, sweat, or every type of alcohol or drug known to man."

I nodded, nibbling on my bottom lip. "Thanks for that."

"Did you just move here?" I cringed at how nosy I sounded. "If you don't mind me asking."

He nodded his head, handing me a dry towel. "Yep, from the big apple. I miss the city, though."

"That's pretty cool. Well, let's hope that you like it here, too."

"I think I'll like it," his words were too close to flirtatious. "I'm sure you'll make it easy to enjoy myself." Shit, this man was smooth.

I didn't want him to think that I wanted more than a friendship, if that at all. I could only hope that he realized I wasn't trying to lead him on, or flirt in response to his actions. He was nice so far, and very handsome, but that didn't keep me from pulling away. Angelo and Carter had been the same.

I feigned a smile. "Well, I guess I'll see you later," I said. Before I heard his response, I was out of the bathroom and back into the hallway.