AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Um, she loves chocolate and…gummy bears," I manage to say, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of drowning in the ocean that is the woman's blue eyes.
"Great, follow me!" She leads me down an aisle filled with gourmet chocolates, her hips swaying like a dancer's as she walks. Her presence is intoxicating, filling me with desire and longing. I want to reach out and touch her, but I know I can't.
"Here are our best-selling chocolates," she says, gesturing to a display case filled with mouthwatering truffles and bonbons. "And over here," she continues, guiding me toward another section, "we have our gummies. These are all made in-house and come in a variety of fun shapes."
"Thanks," I murmur, my eyes darting between the rows of candies and the curve of her lips. I select a box of assorted chocolates and a bag of gummy bears shaped like stars, hoping they'll be enough to please Sophie.
With my choices in hand, I stand there for a moment, debating whether or not to strike up a conversation with Emily. My obsession with her has reached new heights, and the thought of knowing her better, perhaps even making her laugh, sends a shiver down my spine.
"Is there anything else you need?" Emily asks, her eyes searching mine as if trying to read my thoughts.
"Um, no, this is perfect," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Great! I'll meet you at the register."
As she walks away, I can't help but wish I had more courage – the courage to tell her how I feel, to ask her about her dreams and desires.
I approach the counter, and the girl's warm presence envelopes me like a hug. Everything about her is motherfucking bright and cheerful and perfect—totally opposite from me.
Her name tag reads 'Emily,' and I can't help but think it suits her perfectly.
"Great choices," Emily says, her fingers dancing across the register as she rings up my purchase. "Your sister is going to love these."
"Thanks," I reply, swallowing hard and trying to ignore the pounding in my chest. How can someone be so effortlessly captivating? I want to know everything about her, to be a part of her world.
"Here you go," she says, handing me the bag with a smile. "Have a great day!"
"You too," I manage before turning and practically sprinting out of the store. The moment I step outside, I inhale deeply, trying to steady myself. But even as I walk away, I can't shake the feeling that my life has just been irrevocably changed by a simple encounter in a candy shop.
Why couldn't I have been more confident? More charming? Maybe then, Emily would have looked at me differently – with interest, instead of polite friendliness.
I exit the candy shop and take in a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. The door shuts behind me with a soft jingle, like the final note of a song that lingers in the air.
"Wait," I whisper to myself, and before I can second-guess my decision, I turn around and steal one last glance at Emily through the window. She's laughing now, her eyes sparkling like sapphires as she chats with an elderly customer. The sight tugs at my heart, making it ache with longing.
"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, turning away and forcing myself to walk down the street. My body feels heavy as I trudge along, weighed down by regret and the knowledge that I let another opportunity slip through my fingers.
"Get a grip," I chide myself, tucking my hands into my pockets. My fingers brush against the wrapped package meant for Sophie, but it's no longer just a simple gift. It's a tangible reminder of Emily's warmth and kindness.
The street buzzes around me, people weaving in and out of the afternoon crowd, yet it all feels muted compared to the vibrant energy within the candy shop. An old couple walks by, their hands entwined like vines, and I wonder—could that ever be Emily and me? The thought sends shivers down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying.
"Next time," I vow, my voice barely audible above the din of the city.
With each step away from the candy shop, my heart aches with the distance, like a rubber band stretched taut between us. Emily has already woven her way into the very fabric of my being, an intoxicating blend of sugar and spice that I can't resist.
"Emily," I whisper to the wind, a secret promise carried on the breeze. And though I walk away from the shop today, I know deep down that our paths will cross again—and when they do, I won't let fear hold me back.
Becausethis—these feelings this girl has stirred up within me—are like nothing I've ever felt before.
CHAPTER4
Max
I'm sittingin my dimly lit apartment, my laptop casting a cold glow on my face as I type Emily Thompson's name into the search bar. The world outside has faded, leaving only me and my obsession.
Her.
"Emily," I whisper, as though I could summon her through the screen with my desire alone. My heart races, thudding against my chest like a caged animal begging for release.
