Page 2 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

“Really?” I was surprised to hear that. If anyone were to tell me Clara felt the same way, I’d expect it from Daisy, but Tommy?

“Yeah. She’s been stealing glances at you,” he reported.

I wondered if he was the bridegroom or a photojournalist.

“I couldn’t help but notice the chemistry between you two. She’s most probably waiting for you to slide into her corner.”

At that moment, I looked at her. She was happily chatting with the other bridesmaids. Perhaps she felt my gaze because when our eyes locked, time stopped. There was a palpable connection beyond words. I couldn’t look away, and the moment seemed to last forever.

I was mesmerized by her flirtatious gaze, unable to move. She excused herself from the group, weaving through the crowd towards me.

“Now is the time, bro,” Tommy urged. Gathering my courage, I went after her.

“Clara,” I called, catching up to her near the garden. She turned, her eyes bright with curiosity and something more. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart pound.

“Clara, I need to ask you something important,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “Will you go out with me? On a real date?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened with a warmth that made my heart race even faster.

“I’d love to, Jacob,” she replied with a radiant smile. But just as I was about to savor the moment, a voice interrupted us.

“Jacob, you need to hear this,” an excited Daisy called out, rushing towards us. My heart raced. What could be so urgent now?

***

I inhaled the crisp, cool air as my feet played quietly with the sand. With my arm wrapped around Clara’s shoulder and her head resting on my chest, we were a perfect picture of peace. My other arm supported our weight, pinned to the ground beneath us.

Clara touched my chest, her fingers tracing soft patterns. “I’m fascinated by how steady your heartbeat is.”

I chuckled. “I’m at peace when you’re with me.”

“I feel the same,” she confessed.

I turned to kiss her hair, breathing in her familiar scent.

“You seem bothered by something,” I said, just as the waves lapped gently at our feet.

“I’m just thinking,” she replied.

“What’s on your mind, Clara?” Though she was beside me, her gaze was fixed on the distant horizon.

“I’m just thinking about us.”

“What about us, Clara?”

She sat up, facing me. “I don’t know; I have these weird thoughts of us separating.”

“What do you mean? Have I done something wrong?” I reached for her hands, gently massaging her palms.

“No, Jacob. It’s just that I’ve been hearing about breakups among some couples I know lately.”

“Still, you shouldn’t think we’re like the others.”

“I love you, Jacob. You know I do. I always look forward to our dates. When I’m with you, I’m happy. But...”

“That’s enough,” I interrupted, not wanting to dwell on negative thoughts. “That’s enough to keep us going.”

“Jacob.”

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