Feeling the blood rushing through my veins, I slowly open the door stepping out.

''Daphne.'' Isaac's warning tone lingers in my ears, but I'm not paying attention to it.

Eyes locked with my target I move forward taking careful steps.

What I really wanna do is run into his arms, so I can feel the warmness of his skin and his familiar scent, envelope me once more. But I restrain myself.

I need to show a strong face. I can't be weak in front of him. Not after everything I learnt.

Fuck. Why does he have to be so handsome?

He stares at the car with a blank look on his face. I can sense how annoyed he is by Isaac's presence.

His eyes turn dark the moment he sees me with him, but as soon as I approach him, he seems to relax, and a soft expression takes over his features.

''Hi'' I say, standing a few steps away from him.

''Hi'' He responds, a little smile showing up on the corners of his lips.

I need to lift my head to look into his eyes and I momentarily forget to breath.

Shit. How am I supposed to be indifferent when he looks at me like that?

''I missed you.''

And there goes my soul.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. I can hear my own heartbeat and I'm pretty sure he can too. The butterflies in my stomach flatter again and what makes it even more intense, is that I know he means it. I can see it.

Fml. You are going down girl.

He chuckles slightly, the sound music to my ears. ''Red is your color.''

I look at him confused until I catch his joke, my hands go automatically to my cheeks and I feel another wave of heat rushing to them.

I must look like a tomato now. And you say you missed me?

''Yes, I do.''

Shit! Did I just say that loud?

He laughs again and I can help but smile a little.

At least I'm entertaining him.

''What are you doing h-here?'' I ask hesitant.

''I told you I'll come.''

He did that's true. After the kiss we shared he gave me his necklace and promised he'll come back. Although I didn't believe him.

''You said that before.'' I whisper looking down.

I hear him taking a deep breath. ''I know. And I intend to keep that promise, along with any other promise I'll make to you in the future.''

I snap my head speechless to what I just heard. Did he implied we will have a future together or I'm just misreading the whole situation?

Opening my mouth to speak, I get cut off by Isaac's firm voice.

''Daphne!''

I jump on my feet surprised. I thought he left.

He signals me to go closer, half of his body hanging out of the car.

I turn around ready to move, but a hand grabs my arm keeping in my place.

I look at Jackson clenching his jaw. He stares above me, eyes penetrating Isaac as if they have a mental talk.

His grip is not too tough to hurt me, just enough to prevent me from moving while I stand there, confused about what is happening.

The next moment Isaac gets out of his car moving towards us with quick steps.

No, no...I can't have them fight in front of my house.

''Jackson.'' I whisper trying to catch his attention.

He doesn't respond. Eyes locked with Isaac, like a wolf watching his prey.

''Jackson!'' I say louder, gently touching his arm.

It seems to work because the moment he looks at me, he leaves my hand realizing how distressed I am and gives me a reassuring smile. One that disappears as soon as Isaac catches us.

No one says anything for a while, and I start to freak out. There is no greeting, no acknowledgement between them. Only cold stares and I wish, for the ground to open and swallow me.

''You forgot this.'' Isaac finally says giving me my phone.

It must have fell out of my pocket when I was inside the car.

''Thank you.''

A moment of silent passes, until I tend to break it with the most awkward way.

''Your jacket! I have your jacket, do you want me to bring it to you?''

I watch him look at Jackson for a second, before his gaze falls on me.

Cracking a cynical smile, the one that suits him so well he says, ''You can keep it.''

And then he is gone.

I see him driving away, a part of me scared to face Jackson. Remembering the last time he was mad, I don't know what he is to going to do.

Taking me by surprise he tugs my arm turning me around.

''Will you come with me?''

I stare at him dumfounded. ''Where?''

''You'll see.'' He says with a playful smile.

''I-I....my parents...'''

''They are not home.'' He cuts me off.

''How do you know?''

''I was waiting here for a couple of hours. They both left.''

My heart skips a beat the moment I hear him say that he was waiting for me and at the same time I feel guilty.

He did keep his promise.

I see him looking at me impatient, like a little kid and I can't help but smile.

''Okay.''

His eyebrows raise and a big smile appears on his face.

God. Just take me now.

''Jump on.'' He says, climbing on his motorcycle.

I follow his lead and soon I find myself hugging his back.

Savoring the moment, I let my cheek rest on his shoulder blades, only one thought in my mind.

This is it.

This is what I need.

Twenty minutes later we find ourselves outside a movie theater. Not any movie theater, the one we met the first time, a couple of months ago.

''What are we doing here?'' I ask looking around me.

''I thought it was the perfect time to have our first date. And what better way than the place everything started?''

Standing speechless, I stare at him swallowing hard. ''A d-date?''

He smiles hearing me stutter. ''Yes baby. A date.''

''But...''

I'm not dressed up for a date. I think glancing at my attire.

He of course looks like a freakin model.

''But what?'' He asks, half smiling at me.

Stop smiling, stop looking at me like that damn it!

''Nothing.'' I shake my head.

''Good, let's go.''

Putting his leather jacket on, he casually grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers.

I let him drag me inside, my mind too occupied by the feeling of his skin on mine.

Shit Daphne don't screw it. This is your chance.

I lightly squeeze his hand, looking away shyly.

''Cute'' I hear him mumble, my head quickly snapping at him.

''What a-are we going to see?''

''It's a surprise.'' He says mischievously.

''Ok.'' I whisper, while we stand in line to take some popcorn.

The people around, most of them girls giving us some side glances. And I can't blame them.

Here I am looking like beggar, beside the next Calvin Klein ambassador.

The girls sigh staring at his side profile, while he tugs his bottom lip between his teeth focusing on the menu.

Honestly, I can't feel any jealousy right now. Jackson is like a fine art deserved to be appreciated, so I let them silently admire him.

''Do you prefer popcorn or chips?'' He asks out of the blue make me startled.

''Um...I like nachos the most, but I prefer popcorn during a movie.''

He nods, taking a step closer to the cashier.

''Hello.'' The blonde girl behind the counter says, flattering her eyelashes.

''Hi, I would like two popcorn.''

''Small, medium, large?''

He turns to me before I answer ''Medium.''

''Two medium.''

''Would you like something to drink?'' She asks giving him her best smile.

''Drink baby?'' I choke on my own words shaking my head.

''A coke and some water.''

She takes the order glaring at me, while I fidget on my spot.

Looking at the line of people waiting for the tickets it suddenly hits me.

''Jackson, we didn't get our tickets. Do you want to wait here and I can...''

''We don't need them.'' He cuts me off.

''What do you mean?''

''Sir your order.'' The blondie takes his card brushing their hands on purpose, but Jackson doesn't spare her a glance.

Passing me the bottle of water and my popcorn, he throws a cold ''thank you'', before he takes my hand leading me on the other side.

''Wait, I don't think...''

''Sh...'' He says taking me inside an empty cinema hall.

''Are we on the right place?'' I ask confused.

''Yes, we are. Pick a seat.''

''What about the rest of the people?''

''There are no other people. It's a private screening.''

I stare at him dumfounded. ''Are you, for real?''

''Yes baby. Now take a seat.''

I do what he says, staffing my face with some popcorn.

This is amazing.

''What are we going to see?'' I ask my mouth full.

He chuckles at my childness, taking a strand out of my face.

''What do you think?''

''I don't know.'' I shrug.

The lights slowly fade, and darkness takes over the room.

The moment the first scene falls on the screen my eyes pop out of their place.

''Is that...How?'' I ask turning to him, a blissful smile across his face.

Right there, on the screen was playing, Pride and Prejudice.

''I know you like it. I saw you reading the book one day.''

''When...'' I start, but he cuts me off.

''Questions later. Enjoy it baby.'' He finishes, giving me a light peck on the side of my head.

''Thank you, thank you!'' I say for the 100th time.

He chuckles again throwing his head back. ''I heard the first time. You don't have to repeat it.''

''No seriously. This the nicest thing someone has done for me. Thank you.'' I respond sincerely looking at him, preparing the motorcycle.

He stops what he is doing, giving me a soft look. ''Really baby?''

I nod shyly staring at my feet.

''I'm glad you had fun.'' He says, hand resting on my cheek. ''Are you hungry?''

''No, not really...''

''Ok, there is one last place I want you to come. Would you do that for me?''

I look at my phone. It's already 20:00 pm. My parents will probably search for me. Although, I have no missed calls. Weird.

''Jack!'' We hear a male voice calling.

I turn around to find a tall brunette guy waving at him. He has a girl under his arm, keeping her closely to his body. She seems...uncomfortable.

Jackson's eyes narrow the moment he sees him and without a second look he moves forward, hiding me with his form.

What's going on?

''Stay here.'' He says in a cold tone, taking quick steps towards him.

He seems eager to put a distance between us and I can help but get intrigued by his actions.

Who is that guy?

I watch them talk for a second, my eyes drift to the girl beside him. She stares at the ground, before she averts her gaze finding my eyes.

I give her a small smile which she returns hesitant.

My phone vibrates making me lose the eye contact.

''Hello?''

''Daphne, where are you?''

''Hey dad.''

''Where is she.'' I hear my mother's voice, making me roll my eyes.

''I went for a walk.''

''Honey you were sick. It's not good for you to be outside. The weather is still chilly.''

''I know dad.'' I say, tugging at my shirt. ''I went to see Khloe. We wanted to talk things out. She will bring me home. Don't worry.''

I hate lying to him but there is now other way.

''Ok then. Call me if you need anything.''

''Ok dad. See you.''

Putting my phone on silent, I find Jackson walking towards me.

''Everything alright?'' He asks.

''Yes. You?''

''Yeah.''

I nod although I can see him a little distressed. Hoping I could change his mood I say happily. ''I'll come with you.''

His face lights up immediately giving me one of his rare smiles.

''Ok. Let's go.''

I move forward but he stops me before I have the chance to climb on.

''What?''

''Wear this.'' He says giving me his jacket. ''I don't want you to catch a cold again.''

Again?

''How...''

''No more questions.'' He shuts me up, putting a finger on my lips.

''You do as I say. Right baby?''

I nod again, too caught up by the feeling of his skin on my lips.

He smiles knowing that he has me wrapped around his finger.

''Good girl.''

Riding through the streets, soon we take a halt in the middle of a quite neighborhood.

I look around, my eyes landing on a small ice cream shop.

Oh, how much I would like one.

Ice cream is my favorite dessert, although I don't have a sweet tooth, I can't resist it.

Jackson turns the motorcycle off, walking towards the shop.

I stand in my place confused.

Realizing I didn't follow him, he stops giving me a sly grin.

''What are you waiting for?'' He says, offering his hand.

A huge smile comes across my face, before I skip towards him like a little kid, catching his hand.

Inside the shop, I put my hands behind the glass checking the flavors with big eyes.

''Yummy right?'' I ask not taking my eyes away from the colorful sweets.

''Right.'' I hear Jackson mumbling, but when I turn to look at him, I find him already staring at me.

The tension between us becomes thick and I thank the owner for breaking it.

''How can I help you?''

''I w-want...aconewithmintchocolate.'' I say quickly, a typical habit of me when I get too excited.

Jackson chuckles at the stunned expression of the owner and I pout.

''She wants a cone with mint-chocolate.''

The guy nods preparing my ice cream, while I follow his every move.

I feel Jackson coming closer to me whispering ''He is not going anywhere.'' But I brush off his comment.

This is ice cream we are talking about dude.

The guy offers me my treat and I eagerly take a bite.

''Good?'' Jackson asks.

I hum devouring my cone. ''What are you going to get?''

''Sir?''

''A cone with strawberry flavor.''

Strawberry? I smile at his cuteness. He is like a little kid trapped on a sexy God's body.

Walking out of the shop and into a modern building, I have to pull up with Jackson's constantly teasing because I took a spoon too.

''What's the point on taking a cone if you are going to use a spoon?'' He asks pressing the elevator's button.

''I like to eat slowly and savor the moment ok?''

He shakes his head biting at his ice cream. I watch him intensely. The truth is I never liked strawberry, but this ice cream definitely looks tempting.

Or maybe it's just him.

''You want some?'' I offer, hoping he will return the gesture and let me taste his.

''Nope'' He casually replies making me slightly disappointed.

''Do you?'' He asks, after a couple of seconds raising an eyebrow.

I eagerly nod, taking the plastic spoon in my hands, but he cuts me off.

''Sorry baby. I don't share.'' And just like that he looks forward, at the closed elevator doors.

I pout mumbling ''Not fair'', before I take a finally bite into my cone.

He looks at me with the corners of his eyes smiling devilishly.

''Ok, I'll let you have a bite. But what will I get in return?''

''In return?'' I ask.

''Yes baby. As I said. I don't like to share. So, you better give me a good reason.''

I swallow hard. ''What d-do you want?''

He smirks taking a few steps towards me, our chests, almost touching.

''Umm let me see...'' He pretends to think, although I'm well aware of, he already knows what he wants.

''What about...a kiss?''

We watch each other intensely, waiting for someone to back off. I know he thinks I will, so I decide to take him my surprise.

Gathering all my confidence, I say ''Deal.''

He looks taken aback by my answer and I can't help but smirk.

Grabbing his hand, I lean forward taking a bite from his ice cream, my eyes penetrating his, the whole time.

I see something in him quivers, beside the collective face he shows and I smile to myself knowing, I affect him even slightly the way he affects me.

His gaze becomes dark and I can almost sense something inside him breaking.

Taking a final step, he tugs at my shirt colliding our bodies.

''My turn.''

His voice comes off hoarse and at that moment, I can't see any of the sweet and caring Jackson, nor the cold and authoritative one.

It's a whole new him making my body shake in his arms. I watch at his lips waiting impatiently to taste them, see if they feel as sweet as I remember, if they taste as strawberry too.

My breath hitches when he gets closer, lips brushing with mine. I let his candy smell fill my lungs, making me lust for him.

With closed eyes I try to picture what is going to happen...The anticipation killing me. Until...

Ding!

The elevator's door open signaling our stop.

''Saved by the bell.'' He whispers on my mouth, before he detaches his self for me.

I watch him walk away and I have to remind myself to breath.

Fuck. He will be the death of me.

I step inside the loft, taking a good look around me. It's not an extremely big place as you would imagine.

Wooden floors cover the entire area, a modern kitchen with bar tools, comfortable living room with a flat screen and of course, a pool table.

''Welcome to my home.'' He says.

I nod awkwardly feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Why are we here?

''Don't worry baby. What I wanna show you is not in here.''

The way he can read me so easily always blows my mind.

''Come.'' He says walking towards a side door.

I follow him, climbing the stairs, until we find ourselves in an open terrace.

My mouth opens in an aw...

This is beautiful...

Here, in front of me, there is a perfect view of the city.

I can see the night lights, busy roads and even further from that. There is a feeling of freedom...I can't explain. As if you have the whole world in your palm.

''Nice huh?'' He asks, standing beside me.

''Nice? Are you kidding? This is absolutely amazing. It's yours?''

''Yes. I bought it with the loft. It was what caught my attention in the first place.''

''I can see why.''

Looking behind me, I see a small table with two poufs and a big swing. There are also a lot of plants.

''Do you like flowers?'' I ask with small smile.

''Yes, I do actually. My mom used to have a garden. It was one of her hobbies. She loved lilies the most.''