He was staring at my lips. But I had to open my mouth and say something.
"Dean?" I tried to get his attention but that came out as a whisper.
He looked into my eyes and I was melting from his smoldering gaze. "Dean? The cake?"
He was still not paying attention to my words. He needed to stop looking at me like that or I wouldn't be able to control my actions.
Did I say it out loud? He finally got out of his trance and realized our positions and backed away.
I was releived and disappointed at the same time. Did I ruin the moment? Did I have to open my mouth and talk about the frigging cake? What would have happened if I closed the distance?
"Yes, cake. We need to take it out of the oven". He was looking uncomfortable. He added, "I stopped because I needed to discuss something with you. Not because I didn't want to. You know".
He was avoiding my eyes. What was it? I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to kiss him and confess how much I liked him.
But I stopped myself from doing all that because I wanted him to be comfortable and do things at his own pace.
I walked to the kitchen and opened the oven. My mind was fully occupied with the almost-kiss moment that I forgot to put on my oven mitts. I touched the cake tray with my hands and swore loudly.
Dean was there in a moment looking bewildered. He immediately took my hands away and held them in his own.
I felt calm at that moment. It was almost like a mirage and when I saw my hands, they were good as new. It was like I never touched the scalding hot tray.
I was puzzled and couldn't believe my own eyes as I kept looking at my hands. Dean was shocked too. He was looking like he was ready to console me if I started freaking out.
But I was not freaking out. I couldn't understand what happened but I trusted Dean. So much that it was almost scary. I was searching his face for any clues. What would he say after this?
"Baby, you need to use the oven mitts. Here". He put on the mitts and took out the tray. I decorated the cake, no, I poured some chocolate and sprinkles and decided it was enough. Who cared anymore? I would buy coffee for people in the next office too if needed.
He decided to break the silence. "Alex, you ok? You look a little pale. I can explain what happened. But can you give me some time? I don't want to lose you".
He didn't want to lose me? Me neither. I nodded. Let him explain when he could. It was not like he tried to kill me. In fact, it was the opposite.
"So the cake is ready. I believe people will like it if they get past the decoration. That's like the test of mental strength and those who pass gets the cake". I tried to lighten the mood but who was I kidding? The tension was still there.
He just smiled and excused himself. Was he leaving? I wanted to have dinner with him.
He looked like he was debating whether or not to stay. I wanted him to stay. I got a vote on that, right? It was my house.
"Dean. Stay for dinner. You have helped me and I want to return the favor".
He looked like he expected to get kicked out. "Sure. I will make dinner, then. You can rest".
I was not tired. I wanted to spend some time with him.
"No, I am fine. I will make dinner".
He sighed and proposed a compromise. "We can go out to get some dinner, if you don't mind".
"Ok. Let me get my wallet".
We rode in silence, which was unlike us. Usually Dean filled up the silence with his questions or songs. Or I did with my witty remarks. Don't roll your eyes. I can be funny when my stars align.
I decided to speak up. "Are you going to be normal or make this more awkward?"
"Huh? Sorry, Alex. I was distracted".
"Yeah, you were. Come on, let's not make this a big deal. Ok?"
"Really? I am wondering why you haven't kicked me out yet. I am just waiting for your shock to wear off. I am ready to jump out of the car if you say so".
"Ugh. Don't be dramatic. It's supposed to be my job. I won't kick you out. I am not in shock. I understand that something happened and you don't want to talk about it yet. You don't want to kill me or something, right?"
"God, no. It's the opposite. I just want to protect you".
"Ooh, I'm scared. I can take care of myself, Dean. I am 25".
"It's not that simple, baby. Please give me some time. I need to take care of something before I talk to you".
I nodded and then we stopped at the restaurant. We ate our dinner in silence. I kept stealing glances at him. He looked disturbed.
I felt like I couldn't do or say anything to help him. He had to figure this out on his own. I have made my decision and it was his turn.
We drove back in silence too. It was the most chaotic day but it ended in silence which I couldn't bear.
A/N: Did you expect a little fantasy? I planned this story in a completely different way. Like a fantasy adventure thing. But I couldn't find better ideas so changed the story.
In future, I will write one in fantasy romance genre if I get better ideas.
Anyway, knowing that Dean has a secret, do you think Alex is insane for still wanting to be with him?
Here's something for YOU exclusively from Dean's playlist :)