Chapter 17- The Fine Line Between Love and Obsession?

Nora paused before following Dave, her steps shaky with uncertainty. An invisible force pulled her forward, yet remorse dragged her down—had she made a mistake? She should have approached him directly rather than interfering with his and Francis's conversation. A tiny voice in her head chastised her: "Good etiquette dictates that you approach the one you seek without delay." However, her emotions had misled her, and she was now left wondering if she had crossed an unspoken line.

Dave strode forward, his posture inscrutable, without noticing her hesitancy. His deliberate lengthy strides gave the impression that he had previously foreseen this moment and made up his mind. He was reflected in the sleek black sports automobile that was waiting for them; it was powerful, gorgeous, and unreachable. He unlocked the passenger door and yanked it open with a soft click. Nora gasped for air. This was the first time he had ever let her in.

After taking a deep breath, she entered, the plush leather seats feeling cold to the touch. His cologne, which she had learned to identify with longing and the silent anguish of admiration from a distance, hung faintly throughout the interior. With a loud click, the door closed next to her, putting them in an overly private room. Dave moved with ease and control as he circled the automobile. He didn't even look at her as he got comfortable in the driver's seat. Rather, he turned on the engine, and the machine's deep purr broke the stillness.

As the car slid easily down the road and into the heart of the city, the sunset shone down on it. Unsure of what to say, or whether she should say anything at all, Nora stayed silent. She was unable to identify the substance that charged the thick air between them. She moved a little, then grabbed for the window and rolled it down a little to calm her restlessness. A cool, sunlit breeze surged in and brushed her skin. She allowed the storm inside of her to subside for a moment by closing her eyes.

Then Dave suddenly reached for the radio. Before landing on a well-known station—Music FM—a faint hum of static was heard. A song's subtle yet stunning chords floated in.

Dandelions by Ruth B.

Maybe it's the way you say my name

Maybe it's the way you play your game

Nora's eyes became a little wider. Her eyes strayed to Dave, who appeared surprised for the first time. His jaw tightened as his fingers clenched around the steering wheel. He hadn't anticipated the song. He reached forward and turned it off in a single motion. But Nora accelerated before he could pull his hand back. She switched it back on. As if nothing had happened, the song continued without interruption. A faint, self-aware smile brushed her lips. Her heart pounded as she turned away, seeming to concentrate on the passing landscape. Outside, the city dissolved into white and gold stripes, reflecting the feelings churning within her.

Though she had dreamed about such moments in the back of her mind, she never expected that they would feel so fragile and dreamlike. Dave remained silent and kept his eyes on the road. He didn't turn the song off again, though. He let it play instead. Allow the lyrics to express what he was unable to. If only she knew. She had initially appealed to him.

He had been observing her from a distance since they were six years old, keeping his emotions well concealed behind a wall of quiet. His pride had suffered when she was the first to admit. If he wanted her, it had to be on his terms, as his ego had demanded. He had, therefore, disregarded her. and made a space. Made her doubt. Waited till she gave up. Now, though, he could see that she was near. Too close to leaving. And that was not possible. Because he would lose his chance if she gave up. His pursuit would then start.

But it's so good, I've never known anybody like you

But it's so good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you

A bittersweet longing rose in Nora's chest as she allowed the tune to wash over her. If only there were a message in this song. If only she were the intended recipient of these words. But wasn't that simply her illusion? She shook her head at herself and let out a quiet sigh.

I'm in a field of dandelions

Wishing on everyone that you'd be mine, mine

A stupid dream. She couldn't help it, though, and a gentle smile formed on her lips. The vehicle turned gently off the main road and into a private property. Nora gasped with surprise. They were confronted with tall gates that, when they slid open, revealed an amazing panorama. On either side, lush gardens were spread out and softly lit by lanterns. A stately house tucked away under the stars was reached by a walk crisscrossed with exquisite flowers.

She was mesmerized.

She leaned towards the window and gazed at the beauty of the surroundings, forgetting herself for a time. The scene was taken from the thoughts she had long since jotted down in her mind, and it resembled something from a novel. She yearned to go outside, explore the garden, snap photos, and capture the moment forever. This location—this surreal landscape—felt like the setting for a tale just waiting to be told. But she remained silent. She didn't want to break the silence first. The driveway extended into the estate in front of them; it was wide and filled with unspoken promises.

Dave glanced in her direction. She was grinning. Her features were softly lighted by the streetlights, and he was briefly enthralled. She seems calm. Joyful. And something in his chest tightened at that sight for reasons he could not describe. His hands tightened around the steering wheel, but his heart—his reluctant, guarded heart—was silently rejoicing. She was brought here by him. She also enjoyed it. Nevertheless, his expression remained neutral, unaffected by the feelings that were bubbling underneath.

Well, he thought, one day. She would understand one day.