Days when you might as well be an idiot

 Jade knew she was in too deep with Ari. The whole ordeal with pumpkin pies was just the tip of the iceberg. How could he be so cute? He made her laugh. He made her feel wanted. And it wasn't a lost cause. He was irresistible, as of late.

They survived the dinner at Nic's with Tristan. Sure Tristan was as distant and arrogant as he ever was. Maybe, it was something that made her like Ari even more. She wasn't sure. But Ari's affection was something she was looking for.

And then to be at his sister's (aka Mona's Mom) was truly nerve-racking but, it went better than expected. Oh, it felt as if she was spending days with him.

"Do you even work?" Jade asked by Monday. She'd spent her entire weekend with him. They were so close to sealing the deal, but she thought they should wait.

"Of course, I do." He looked at her as if she didn't trust him at all. 

It wasn't until she was in line to give blood that she saw him wearing the coat and emblem. Yes, he was with the RED CROSS after all. And even if he didn't want to, he was there to insert the needle.

"I was hoping it would be you," Jade said a little woozie. He practically laughed at her.

"Are you sure you really want to do this?" Ari had asked. She nodded. Although, she wasn't so sure, afterward. It wasn't that he'd had his way with her, but somehow, she liked him more. What if it was love? Could she let herself fall in love so easily? He touched her forehead as he looked at her leaning back, ready to give blood. She imagined he'd kissed her forehead.

She laughed ever so drunkenly by the loss of blood.

"You need some cookies and juice," he told her.

Her smile was open as she held on to the bandaid he'd provided on her arm. 

"I'd take you home if I could," he said but there was still a line of people.

She felt a little numb. Jade could only smile. She never wanted him to win her over, but it was happening.