“God Kayden! What happened to not being friends? This is Damien Sawyer we’re talking about here! The very bane of your high school existence who just showed up out of nowhere and now you’re both just friends?!”

“I know okay? But you haven’t spoken to him since he got back. He’s really changed, Eve. Either that or he should win an Oscar.”

“It’s only been a few weeks Kady.” 

“Please just trust me on this. The worst that could happen is he turns into an asshole and we stop being friends.”

“I do trust you. I’m just worried Kayden. I really do hope he has changed.” Evelyn’s voice is soft and her eyebrows are furrowed with concern. I just got off work and Evelyn and I are at our favorite burger spot. I had spent the rest of the weekend and most of the time after my shifts at Damien’s place and he stopped by the library for a few hours every day. It really is nice having him around and not just for the company. He’s amazing to just look at. Aspen is even considering banning him for distracting his only employee.

“Soo, how’s it going with Emma?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from me.

“She’s been stressed about work lately. Apparently, many people have been throwing parties and weddings in this town.” Evelyn grumbled.

“Yeah? If I didn’t know any better I’d say you are jealous of flowers right now.” I teased.

“Knock it off Kayden.” Evelyn rolled her eyes smiling. “What’re your plans for the rest of the day?”

“Well…”

***

Damien opened the door after a couple of knocks. His face lit up when he saw me and I could feel the stupid grin that had made Its way onto my face as well. 

“Hi.” He smiled down at me.

“Hi.”

“The new couch and bed frame arrived.” Damien was basically bouncing from excitement. I could practically see an invisible tail wagging behind him which was adorable.

“Yeah? Do you need help setting it up, muscle man?” I shut the door behind me. Damien’s apartment now had plenty of dishes, pans, and appliances. The living area now had a white rug, a wooden coffee table and a TV mounted to the wall. We also managed to fit a white desk and bookshelf in the corner without making the room look cluttered. Damien loved books just as much as I, although he said he didn’t need a bookshelf and that he’d just keep his books in a box. 

“Are you insane? You’re joking right?” I remember saying.

“What’s the issue? I can put the box in that corner.” 

“Oh my god. You literally called me over to help you decorate and you want to put an eyesore in the middle of my masterpiece?”

He eventually went and bought a bookshelf after me complaining every single time I came over and looked at the box. We also got him a new set of bedsheets and blankets. All that was missing was the grey couch and wooden bed frame. And now they’re here. Damien’s apartment is finished and there’s no reason for me to come over every day. I know I should be excited for him and his finished home but I’m more worried than anything. Will he even want to hang out as much after this? Damien’s laughter knocks me out of my thoughts.

“You want to help me build furniture? Would you even know what tools to hand me if I ask for them?” He teased, ruffling my hair.  He walked over to one of the large boxes, grabbing a kitchen knife on the way. I watched as he started slicing the tape and plastic bands like they were butter. Damien was wearing a hunter-green low-cut tank top that really went well with his green eyes and brunette hair. More importantly, it showed off his biceps and chest nicely. He also had on a pair of black sweatpants. I forced myself to look at anything but him. I can already feel my cheeks heating up. He is way too- ugh! It truly isn’t fair.

“You’re being oddly quiet. Everything okay?” He stood up straight again. I know my face did something similar to a deer caught in headlights because he looked very confused for a moment before closing his eyes and then quickly looking away as if he just read my mind at that moment. 

“Sorry had a long day, I’m a little out of it.” I nervously chuckled.

Damien coughed. “Well wake up because I need someone to hand me the slotted screwdriver.”

“Um, the thing with the yellow or red handle?”

“The green one.” 

“Oh. Right. I was just testing you obviously.”

Damien laughed running his hand through his hair and holding his other hand for the screwdriver. Oh lord, help me. "Hand me that piece." He pointed to a long piece of dark grey wood that looked like it was one of the two sides of the bed frame. It also looked incredibly heavy. I pointed at myself, my mouth gaping in disbelief. "Just try, Kayden." Damien laughed, clearly amused. Sighing, I walked over to the piece and bent over to attempt to pick it up. I was right, it was very heavy. I hoisted it up, grunting, I cradled it in a death grip, my knuckles immediately turning white. Most of the weight was on my arms and chest, so I leaned slightly back. I awkwardly waddled over to Damien who was shaking, holding in a laugh.

"Here." I gasped. Damien grabbed the wooden piece with ease in one hand. His muscles didn't even flinch. He caught me staring at his arms in shock finally letting out a loud raspy laugh that made my heart stutter. I glared at him. "Asshole," I muttered, letting out a little laugh of my own.

I decided to let Damien handle the rest of the building while I admired his figure. About three hours later, Damien and I were watching TV, sitting on his newly built couch with his newly built bed behind us on the other side of the room. We had empty containers of Chinese takeout sitting on the coffee table. And it was getting late already.

“Are you skating back home?” Damien asked, glancing out the window. The sun was about to set soon.

“Yeah. I guess I should go before it gets dark.” I said, standing up. I really didn’t want to go and I was too scared to ask him if we could hang out tomorrow. Damien walked me to the door, grabbing my skateboard for me while I put my shoes on.

“Um. Want to… grab a coffee with me tomorrow?” Damien asked. My stomach fluttered and I looked over at Damien who was rubbing the back of his neck.

“Y-yea. Yes. Sure. Um. Same time?”

“Yea.”

“Cool.”

When I got home I could hardly sleep. My stomach was still doing flip-flops and I couldn’t get Damien out of my head. What is wrong with me?