You’re the Only One I See

RAINEY

After the run-in with the overconfident waitress, Ansel and I enjoyed our meal, laughing and talking as if we were the only two people in the world.

I couldn’t help but notice a few girls sending flirty glances his way, but his eyes never left mine, which helped to calm my nerves.

The thing about Ansel is that he’s not just incredibly handsome, he’s also kind and considerate.

Women often misinterpret his politeness as an invitation to flirt, even when I’m right there, and it’s a bit unsettling.

“I need to swing by Club Naked tonight. Emma wants us to perform.” He wipes his hands on his napkin.

“I’d like you to come. And maybe, just maybe, you could share one of your poems, since you didn’t get to last time.”

I give a small smile and shrug. “Maybe. If I’m feeling brave enough.”

He laughs. “If you’re feeling brave enough?” He starts to pull out his wallet, but I put a hand on his arm to stop him.

“It’s fine. My dad put money on my card this morning, so I can cover it.”

“No way. I’m paying, Rain.” He stands up quickly, and I let out a sigh of acceptance as he heads over to the cashier.

I tap my foot to the soft acoustic music playing in the restaurant as I watch him from my seat.

I notice the cashier blushing as she rings him up, her smile shy as she takes his payment.

~This is getting old.~

She hands him his receipt and says something to him. Ansel shakes his head and shows her the ring on his finger, and she nods, looking disappointed.

~Was she flirting with him?~

He comes back to the table, and I see a few heads turn as he walks. He smiles as he reaches for my hand, and I return the smile as I stand up.

“Let’s go find Alex and Riley.”

He intertwines our fingers, and I ignore the jealous looks from the women around us, half of whom are already with their own partners but still find the time to envy.

Ansel holds the door open for me, and I step outside, squinting against the bright sunlight as the door closes automatically behind us.

I’m quiet as we walk down the hallway, and he looks at me, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You okay, Rain?”

I nod, looking up at him. “Yeah… It’s just… What did the cashier say to you?”

A group of people start heading our way, and Ansel gently pulls me to the side, taking my place in their path to protect me.

“You mean the cashier?”

“Yeah.”

I know I’m being ridiculously jealous, but I can’t seem to help it. I’ve never been the petty type, especially over a guy, but Ansel seems to bring out a side of me I didn’t know existed.

“She asked me out. But I told her I have a girlfriend,” he says.

“Oh.” I look down at the ground.

I’m glad he made it clear that he’s taken, but it still bothers me that I can’t enjoy a date with my boyfriend without some woman trying to make a move.

Is this something all girls have to deal with?

A gentle tug on my arm makes me look up. Ansel leans against the wall of a department store, pulling me close and wrapping his arms around me, his face buried in the crook of my neck.

His hair smells fresh, and I recognize the faint scent of his body wash and deodorant as he snuggles against me.

“You get jealous so easily, Rain,” he murmurs, his lips moving against my neck. Ansel seems to have a thing for my neck, like he’s trying to tease me without being too obvious.

“But I like it. It’s cute.”

My heart starts to race as I realize how close we are, and that we’re in public.

I glance around at the curious faces watching us, one woman nearly tripping over her little girl to get a better look.

I let out a small laugh, and Ansel lifts his head, smiling.

“What?”

I shrug. “People are so nosy, that’s all.”

“You don’t need to worry about these girls, okay? You’re the only one I want. And when I set my sights on someone, they’re the only person I see.”

His words are enough to chase away all my insecurities and doubts.

“Okay. That explains why you couldn’t stop staring at me from the first day I came to Crosshill High. I think I get it now.” I tease him with a smile, and he laughs, rubbing his nose with his thumb.

“Um, if I remember correctly, I caught you checking me out in your locker mirror.” He crosses his arms, and I can feel my face turning red.

“I did not. My eyes just happened to land on you, and you just happened to turn around at the same time.”

He pretends to understand, nodding his head. “Ohhh, I see. But how do you explain when you were staring at me from the bleachers in gym class?

“Oh, wait. Before that you were checking me out in the side mirror of Alex’s car on the night of Tate’s party. I’ve noticed you do that a lot, by the way.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, okay. I surrender. You win.”

He chuckles, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. “Of course I won. As long as I have you, I have everything.”

I smile as he leans down to kiss me.

“Damn, you two are always so romantic!”

We break our kiss at the sound of Alex’s voice, and we turn to see him walking towards us with a smiling Riley on his arm.

“I don’t know how you two always find the most romantic spots, but you do. I mean, the back seat, the hallway at the mall—”

“Don’t let the memory of that moonlit kiss in your driveway slip your mind,” Riley reminds, and Alex gives a dramatic nod.

“Oh, right. That confession under the moonlight. I’d forgotten.”

“Hold on. How did you two even catch that?” Ansel’s confusion mirrors mine as he glances between Riley and his brother.

“That’s not for you to know. It’s our little secret.” Alex grins, pulling Riley into a side hug as she giggles.

I can’t help but smile, shaking my head. “We were just about to find you guys. Ansel’s got to be at Club Naked tonight.”

“Alright, we can head out now,” Alex shrugs.

“Riley, I picked up your school supplies, but we’ll need to grab your uniform tomorrow,” I tell her, just as Alex sidles past me to whisper something to his brother.

“An, can we chat later?”

Ansel nods. “Sure, anytime.”

I glance at them, curiosity piqued, but decide it’s best to mind my own business. Riley beams at me, linking her arm with mine. “You didn’t have to do all that for me, Rain. Thank you.”

I give her a playful frown. “Don’t thank me. It’s not nearly enough for all the times you’ve been there for me.”

She grins, snuggling into my arm like a contented kitten, and I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head.