Istared at the door, feeling like a bloody idiot.What the hell was I doing here?How could I have agreed to stay even for one day at a time?
This wasn’t me.I was supposed to be on the move, always a step ahead of my past.But there was something about Claire that made me weak, made me want to stay.It was infuriating.
I had grumbled and muttered under my breath, but I couldn’t deny the strange warmth that spread through me as we worked together.For a moment, it felt like I belonged somewhere.But then that familiar fear crept in, and I pulled away, retreating to the safety of my solitude.
Now, standing at the threshold in my room, I felt torn.Part of me wanted to turn and walk away, disappear like I always did.But another part, a part that scared me, wanted to follow her out of that door and kiss her again.
“What’s wrong with you?”I muttered to myself.“Get it together.”
But my feet stayed rooted to the spot.Claire had this uncanny ability to get under my skin without even trying.It was maddening.
I shook my head and took a step back.This was madness.I should leave this place, leave her, before things got any more complicated.
I couldn’t stay in the room any longer.The walls felt like they were closing in, my thoughts bouncing off them like a rubber ball.I needed to move, to clear my head.The cold air might do me some good.
I shrugged on my snow jacket and stepped outside.The crunch of snow under my boots was a welcome sound, grounding me in the present.I started down the main street, hands shoved deep into my pockets.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.I pulled it out and saw a message from Cavil.
You up for coffee?
I blew out a breath, watching it fog in the chilly air.Cavil always had impeccable timing.Maybe a chat with him was exactly what I needed to distract myself from this inner turmoil.
Sure, where?I texted back and continued my walk, waiting for his response.
The town was quiet, most people still in bed or cozy inside their homes.Christmas lights twinkled along the storefronts, adding a soft glow to the early morning.It was almost picturesque, if not for the storm brewing inside me.
My phone buzzed again.
Emma’s café near the square.Meet you there in ten?
I replied with a simpleon my wayand picked up my pace.The café wasn’t far, just past the old bookstore and around the corner from the town square.As I walked, I let the familiar rhythm of my steps calm me, each stride loosening the knot of tension in my chest.
The bell above the door jingled as I pushed it open, a burst of warm air hitting me as I stepped inside.
The café was like stepping into a Christmas card.Warm light bathed the room, casting a golden glow on the wooden tables and mismatched chairs.A large Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches adorned with delicate glass ornaments and twinkling fairy lights.The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of pine from the garlands draped across the windowsills.
I glanced around, spotting Cavil at a table near the back.He looked up and waved me over, a small smile tugging at his lips.I weaved through the tables, ignoring the stares a couple of the locals gave me.
"Christian," Cavil greeted as I slid into the chair opposite him."Good to see you."
I nodded back, my eyes wandering to the display case filled with pastries.Croissants, muffins, and scones were arranged in neat rows, their golden-brown tops glistening under the soft light.
"You want something?"Cavil asked, following my gaze.
"Yeah," I replied, my stomach rumbling in response."I'll grab us a couple of those croissants."
I stood up and approached the counter, where a cheerful barista with a Santa hat took my order.As she handed me the warm pastries wrapped in parchment paper, I couldn't help but smile back at her infectious holiday spirit.
Returning to our table, I placed one croissant in front of Cavil and unwrapped mine.The buttery aroma made my mouth water, and I took a bite, savoring the flaky layers that melted on my tongue.
"Thanks," Cavil said, taking his own bite."How you holding up?"
I shrugged, not meeting his eyes."Same as always."
Cavil leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment."You seem more on edge than usual."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair."Just...a lot on my mind."
