Chapter 43 Fighting The Urges

Chapter 43 Fighting The Urges
Corran

“One more round,” I whine. 

April laughs and shakes her head. “No, it won’t matter. I bet you the first three rounds. Do you really want to get your ass kicked again for a fourth time?” she asks with a raised brow and a knowing smirk. 

She didn’t just beat me; she destroyed me. I have never lost a game so badly in my life. It isn’t that I wasn’t trying. April is just so much better. 

“No, not really. I believe I've embarrassed myself enough for one night," I laugh. 

April pats my chest. “I didn’t think so. I was promised cocktails. I haven’t had one yet.” 

“Yes, you were. Let’s enjoy a cocktail first, then we’ll play some crazy golf.” 

“Sure, as long as you’re willing to get beaten again. I’m good at that too.” 

“I am not going to lose this time! I will win,” I reply confidently. 

April rolls her eyes. “Sure thing, handsome.” 

She walks away to sit down and change her shoes, laughing before I can say anything. I chuckle, shake my head, and follow her. I've had a lot of fun—it's been a while since I've experienced this kind of enjoyment. It's refreshing to get out of the house. Most of my time with April has been spent at our places, except on rare occasions. The change has been nice and just what she needed to forget the day's events. 

I return the shoes to the counter as April gathers herself. I wait for her to catch up, extending my hand to her. 

“I am paying for the cocktails since you paid for the bowling, snacks and soda.” 

“Fine, but I am paying for dinner," I respond. 

I would prefer to pay for the drinks, but April might get annoyed if I don’t let her cover the cocktails. I lead her to the bar, find us a table, and order two Pineapple Daiquiris. I enjoy a good cocktail and am not the type of guy who feels embarrassed sitting in a bar enjoying one. 

“Be honest, did you let me win?” April asks while taking a sip of her drink. 

“I promise I didn’t let you win. You bet me fair and square.” 

April studies me closely, trying to work out whether I am telling the truth. She nods, convinced. I am not lying. She won without me letting her win. 

“Good. These cocktails are delicious,” she gushes, taking another sip. 

I give it a try as well. “Yes, it’s sweet and fruity. There are other kinds. We can try something different next.” 

We won’t be drinking too much since we have work in the morning. 

“One more after this will be my limit.” 

I nod in agreement. “Same.” 

“I never took you as the cocktail type.” 

“I am a man of many surprises, beautiful,” I reply with a wink. 

April smiles brightly at me. “Yes, you are.” 

Although it’s been clear we're not on a date, it genuinely feels like one. I choose to keep this to myself to preserve a good night. I resist the urge to reach across the table and kiss her, fighting every impulse that pulls me towards her. I know I can’t do something reckless; I'd prefer to remain friends than lose everything. 


I smirk as we step outside. “Told you I’d beat you this time.” 

I won not only at crazy golf but also some of the arcade games. 

April rolls her eyes. “Smug much? Did you ever think maybe that I let you win?” 

“No, you didn’t. Did you?” 

April shrugs. “You will never know the truth.” 

I groan because I expect to be annoyed, but I realise April won’t give me the answer. She’s probably messing with me. We both played well; it’s not like she was playing badly. She’s trying to get into my head. 

“You're mean, but you're lucky you're cute. So, what would you like for dinner?”

“I'm not mean! Hmm, I want to eat some Italian food—maybe a big bowl of pasta with a side of bruschetta.”

I wasn't surprised she didn’t mention that I called her cute. “Italian, you shall get.” 

“Thank you. You really would be the perfect date for someone. Do you know that?” 

Someone? Why not her? No, I can’t let myself go down that path. It won’t end well. 

“Thank you. It has been a long time, so it is nice to know if I do start dating one day, I won’t be a terrible date.” 

Not like I plan on dating for real anytime soon, but it’s nice to hear. I always made the effort with Edin. Our date nights were always amazing, but dating someone new will be completely different. 

“No, you will be the perfect date and the perfect gentleman. Whoever you start to date, if you do date, will be a lucky woman.” She beams, linking her arm through mine. 

We walk to the restaurant. Fortunately, it’s neither as cold nor as wet as it has been. April looks around at the city as we go. I don’t think she's fully absorbed it yet, despite having been here for some time. 

“This city really is beautiful," she exclaims, glancing at me with enthusiasm. 

“Sometimes I forget how beautiful it is because I have been here so long. Do you regret moving here?”

April shakes her head. “No, not at all. It’s the perfect place for a fresh start. I wasn’t sure how long I would be here, but based on how things are going, I might stay longer, stay on a more permanent basis.” 

“You should.” 

Packing everything and moving here couldn’t have been easy for her. She probably won't have to do it again if she feels at home. She nods and leans her head on my shoulder, a habit she’s picked up lately. I try not to let it bother me, since it’s nothing more than comfort for her. I genuinely don’t mind being a source of comfort because it shows she feels relaxed enough around me to do so.