Ninety five

"Hey, need a ride?" he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Of all the people I could have bumped into, it had to be him. I stood there, my feet deep-rooted on the ground as I stared at him, momentarily taken aback. The last time I had seen him was last week when he suddenly appeared at my door to wish me luck and confess to me. I had managed to ignore all he said all through the week and thankfully, I didn't run into him at all since then.

But I wasn't prepared to suddenly run into him now. And why did he have to look so charming with that dazzling smile on his face?

The moment that thought came to mind, I shook my head and came to my senses. Okay, stop it, me! Don't get carried away with those silly thoughts. I had to be strong and act like I didn't care.

As I stared at him for a few seconds, my heart fluttered in my chest. I had never realized before that he was actually quite good-looking. But I couldn't let that distract me. I had already been hurt once, and I wouldn't let it happen again. So, I shook my head and snapped back to reality, reminding myself that he was just another guy, and I needed to move on.

With a deep breath, I pretended I hadn't seen him and nonchalantly turned to continue on my way. The faster I put some distance between us, the better. Maybe he wouldn't follow me this time. I picked up my pace and started running, trying to clear my mind and focus on the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement.

Surprisingly, he didn't drive up and follow me, which made me think he had given up or didn't care. I should have been relieved, right? Then why did my heart feel heavy? For some reason, I couldn't help but glance back at him from time to time as I ran.

I felt like I was stuck in some cliché story. The girl who had been rejected falls for the guy who hurt her all over again. Ugh, it was so embarrassing! I should have been stronger than this, not letting my emotions get the best of me.

Just then, I heard his car roar loudly behind me, and I couldn't help but jump from how loud it was. I turned to look, and he was right behind me again with his arm on the headrest and his hand around the steering wheel as he looked at me.

"Weren't you late for work? Let me drive you there," he offered again.

Part of me wanted to accept his offer, but my pride and hurt feelings from the past rejection resurfaced. I didn't want him to see me vulnerable, especially after the confrontation with Dakota.

"No, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, despite my bare feet and the sweat forming on my forehead. "I can manage on my own."

Damon's smile didn't waver, but I could sense a hint of concern in his eyes. "Come on, I insist. It's no trouble."

I hesitated for a moment, torn between stubbornness and practicality. Finally, I sighed, realizing that getting to work on time was more important than nursing my wounded pride. Moreover, the more I avoided him, the more it would seem like I cared - I just needed to be more confident.

"Fine, just to the bus station then," I muttered, feeling a mix of annoyance and gratitude.

He opened the door for me, and as I got into the car, I tried my best to act composed. I couldn't let him see how much his presence affected me. Damon drove smoothly, and for a few moments, an awkward silence hung between us.

"I saw what happened back there," he spoke up finally, breaking the silence. "You stood up to Dakota. That was impressive."

His words caught me off guard, and I turned to look at him, not expecting any sort of encouragement from someone who had rejected me.

"Thanks, I guess," I mumbled, unsure of how to respond.

The ride was silent after that, and no one spoke a word. I clenched my fists as I prayed I would get to work just in time before I was thirty minutes late.

"We're here," he suddenly said, and I looked at him in confusion.

He smiled and tilted his head in the direction ahead as he said, "We're at the bus station."

I quickly came to my senses as I realized we were already at the station. I didn't expect it to be that fast. I shifted in my seat and looked his way, balling my fists out of sudden nervousness.

But I had to thank him for the ride. "Thank you for driving me."

He merely smiled and nodded. It felt awkward just staring at him like that, so I quickly got out of the car and put my heels back on, feeling a mix of emotions. Damon's unexpected kindness had left me feeling conflicted, but I knew that I couldn't let myself get too carried away by it. After all, I had been hurt once before, and I couldn't afford to let my guard down so easily.

As I boarded the bus, I stole a quick glance back at Damon's car, and he met my gaze with a reassuring smile. For a moment, I felt a flutter of hope in my heart, but I quickly reminded myself not to let old wounds reopen.

The bus started moving, taking me away, and I couldn't help but stare back at him as he sat in the driver's seat, looking at me.