Chapter 45 Sophia's POV

                                    

                                          
The next morning I spent a little extra time getting ready with a little nicer clothes and a little more makeup. I was excited to see Mark and a little nervous. He had sent me a good morning text this morning which calmed a little of my nerves but not much. 


                          
When I got to the shop I was a nervous wreck. Savannah kept making fun of me jumping every time the door chimed. Finally he walked in. He was wearing jeans and a black shirt. I couldn't help but drool a little as he took off his sunglasses making eye contact with me. A grin spread across his face as mine did the same. We held eye contact for a second too long before Savannah's voice brought me back to reality. 


                          
"If you guys keep undressing each other for any long we might have to close the store for a health code violation." 


                          
I tried to give her my best scowl before I ended up bursting into laughter. 


                          
"Do I have something on my shirt or something?" A voice broke into our laughter. 


                          
We both looked up at Mark and burst out laughing more. When we finally composed ourselves, I introduced Mark to Savannah. 


                          
"Ah you're Soph's hot date yesterday?" 


                          
Mark grinned and looked over at me, "I'm a hot date?" He laughed 


                          
I could feel my face flush. "Not my words!" I groaned. 


                          
"I'm definitely not upset at my new identifier." He joked proudly, "Can I keep being your hot date?" He laughed


                          
"Yea Soph," Savannah started, "Can he?" And then she turned to Mark, "we thought she was trying to join the nunnery down the street with her lack of interest in men." 


                          
"You know why that was" I all but growled


                          
"Key word 'was'" she looked at Mark wiggling her eyebrows, "Looks like you might actually have a chance." 


                          
I couldn't help but lay my head on the countertop and groan, "you guys are the worst!"


                          
"Hey! What did I do? I'm an innocent bystander who wants to be kept around!" Mark protested


                          
"Fine you can stay, but this one here," jabbing a thumb in Savannah's direction, "she is on thin ice."


                          
She laughed and yelled "Sureeee" as she walked away. 


                          
Mark and I laughed before turning back to each other. He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear with a almost glittering look in his eye. "You look nice today." 


                          
"Thanks" I whispered we stood there staring at each other for a second before Mark shook the trance off. 


                          
"As much as I desperately want to blow off work today and convince you to do the same, I should work now, so we can hang out later. Can I snag a beer from the devastatingly beautiful shop owner. 


                          
I should just paint my face red since its constant state is flushed. 


                          
"Well when you put it like that of course you can." I laughed trying to play off the bright blush that is gracing my face. 


                          
"You're the best!" He said as he took the beer from me and kissed my hand, "I'll be over there if you want to come distract me every now and then."


                          
I laughed, "will do!" With a mock salute as he turned and went to sit down. 


                          
I watched out of the corner of my eye as he settled in, pulling out his computer and putting in his headphones. I slyly watched as he immediately launched himself into typing when Savannah sidled up next to me. 


                          
"He is delicious Soph. Please jump him like now. You need it."


                          
"Hey now! I'm not that hard up and I would like to take it slow. He had always felt like the end game and now that we actually have the potential to be something I am not going to rush into anything. I can't be hurt by him again." 


                          
The memories of those few months ran through my head. I knew that this time was different but I couldn't help going down a slightly shitty memory lane. The whole day was spent refilling his drink randomly and distracting him randomly. Even Vinny took to him and hunkered down under his feet. 


                          
And the end of the day, I plonked myself at his table and told him I had a surprise and that he needed to get ready. 


                          
He looked at me with eyebrows raise as he packed his things. "Where to beautiful tour guide?" 


                          
I laughed and grabbed his hand leading him out of the store where a beach bag waited for me. 


                          
"To the beach!" 


                          
The rest of the night felt exactly like it did when we were younger. I attempted to teach him how to surf. It was a hilarious disaster. Who knew he would be so awkward in the water. We were playful with each as well as handsy. It all felt right and scared me. At the end of the night, he didn't push again and left me at my door with a soft kiss and a promise for tomorrow. 


                          
This routine went on for a couple weeks. We spent almost all of our time together but neither of us pushed for more. He made comments about sticking around and how much we loved that we were an us again, but never pushed me farther than soft kisses and holding each other. 


                          
Savannah made fun of us not making any moves for more, but she didn't realize that he was hesitant because of relationship trauma too. I was starting to itch for more, but wasn't sure how I would go about it. I hated being away from him and constantly looked for new ways to be around him just to be close or hold his hand for a second. 


                          
I didn't know how I was going to approach us being more, but I was itching to have that conversation soon. I wanted him to stay. I wanted there to officially be an us. I wanted him in all the conceivable ways.