The rain poured relentlessly against Elena's window, streaking the glass with rivulets that blurred the outside world.
She stood there for a moment, her fingertips grazing the cool pane as she watched the city drown under the heavy downpour.
Her mind was clouded with memories of the cabin—Drew's confession, the warmth of his touch, the gentleness of his lips against hers. It felt surreal, like a dream she was afraid to wake up from.
Her phone buzzed on the table, snapping her out of her thoughts. She picked it up, Drew's name lighting up her screen.
Can I see you today?
Her heart did that familiar flutter, the one she had grown accustomed to lately. She typed back quickly: I'd like that.
Moments later, his response came: Pick you up at 2?
She smiled, typing back a simple Yes.
The clock seemed to tick slower as she prepared, picking out a cream sweater and dark jeans.
By the time 2 p.m. rolled around, she was waiting by her window, her heart pounding with anticipation. His car pulled up to the curb, and she dashed outside, the rain misting her cheeks as she hurried into the passenger seat.
"You look beautiful," Drew said, his eyes sparkling with warmth as she settled in. She felt the blush creep into her cheeks, her hands nervously clasping her bag.
"Thank you."
They drove in comfortable silence, the rain drumming softly against the roof of the car. She watched the city blur past, buildings and streets fading into a wet haze.
When they finally pulled up to their destination, Elena's eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"The library?" she asked, glancing at him.
Drew chuckled. "I know it's not the most romantic spot, but I wanted to show you something."
Curiosity got the best of her as they stepped out into the rain, hurrying under the awning of the old library.
Drew held the door open for her, the warm scent of aged paper and polished wood welcoming them inside.
He led her through aisles of towering shelves until they reached a small, secluded corner in the back.
A single table stood there, tucked away from view. Drew ran his hand over the wooden surface, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"I used to come here all the time as a kid. This was my hiding place."
Elena's eyes softened as she took in the space. Dusty books lined the shelves, their spines cracked with age. She ran her fingers across them, feeling the textures under her fingertips.
Drew watched her for a moment, then reached over to pull out a worn copy of The Great Gatsby. He handed it to her, his fingers brushing hers in the exchange.
"I wanted to share this with you," he said quietly. "This place, these stories...it's a part of me."
Elena took the book from him, cradling it gently in her hands. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes meeting his.
Their gaze lingered, the silence between them speaking volumes. It was as if the world had paused, allowing them this stolen moment away from the chaos of reality.
Drew pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit, and then took the spot across from her. For hours, they talked—about their childhoods, their dreams, and the parts of themselves they kept hidden.
Drew's walls seemed to crumble with every word, and Elena found herself sharing pieces of her heart she had long buried.
The rain outside had softened to a drizzle by the time they left the library. Drew drove them to a small café just down the street, its windows fogged with the warmth of brewing coffee and the soft chatter of customers.
They found a corner booth, settling in with cups of hot chocolate that steamed in the chill of the afternoon.
"I don't think I've ever been this open with anyone," Drew admitted, his hands wrapped around his mug. His eyes were soft, vulnerable in a way she hadn't seen before.
Elena smiled, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "It's strange, isn't it? How easy it feels to just...talk."
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "I want this to last, Elena."
Her breath caught, and she looked down, suddenly shy. "Me too."
For a while, they just sat there, wrapped in a comfortable silence that needed no words. The rain continued its steady rhythm outside, washing the streets clean.
Drew reached across the table, his hand finding hers. She let him, their fingers intertwining with a natural ease that made her heart flutter. "What are you doing this weekend?" he asked.
She tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Why?"
"Because I want to show you something. A place that means a lot to me."
Elena's smile grew, the warmth of his hand in hers reassuring. "I'd like that."
They stayed there until the rain stopped, and the sky cleared just enough to let sunlight peek through. It felt like a promise—a fleeting glimpse of something bigger.
And as Drew walked her back to his car, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, everything was beginning to fall into place.