4. HAZEL

4

HAZEL

I've only seen Wes one other time since first meeting him, and he made it clear he didn't want to talk. I figured in this small town we may run into each other, but I don't leave campus often because everything I need is on site and the only time we leave is if we go to the bar. The last time I saw him there, I caught him glancing my way,but since he made no move to come talk to me, I left him alone. Which ended with me feeling disappointed over something that was never mine to begin with.

We're getting close to Christmas break, so I've been studying at the local coffee shop. I needed a change of scenery other than my dorm room or the library walls; which I have spent so much time in. Standing in line, I hear a voice behind me, and it instantly makes my heart flutter.

"Let me guess. Iced caramel salted low-fat milk latte." I recognize the voice before I even turn around, my goosebumps and racing heart confirming who it is.

I glance at him then turn back in line waiting for my coffee, as I shake my head. "I don't even think that's a thing. But nope. Cream only, no sugar."

He raises his brows. "You don't need a little sweetener?"

I roll my eyes. "I don't need a show. I need the caffeine to do its job and that's it."

He moves forward, standing next to me and his cologne envelops me. It's not strong, but it's manly and so hot. "I haven't seen you out lately."

"No, I've been busy studying. It's finals week for us eighteen year-olds," I reply snarkily, even though my heart is racing at the fact he's standing next to me and I'm talking to him again.

"Oh, we're making note of our age, huh?" he says, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.

"You know, we're not that different. Yes, we're in different stages of life, but me going to class is the same thing as you going to work. And from what I can see just from the few minutes we've spoken; you enjoy the simple things like I do. We are both here in a small town, enjoying the water and sun that is so readily available to us." I cock my head at him. "I like meeting new people and making friends. Everyone needs friends. Don't you need friends, Wes?"

"I have friends," he answers.

"That's great. They seem like good guys."

"Is that what you want to be Hazel?" he asks huskily. "You want to be my friend?"

I laugh, saying, "I have a lot of friends too, but it's always nice to gain someone new."

"The problem is Hazel, I don't think I could be just your friend."