SNOWED INN WITH YOU

Chapter two

But as I turned to head back to the counter, I caught a glimpse of something that made my heart skip a beat. A figure, tall and broad-shouldered, stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning the bakery as if searching for someone.

My heart sank as I realized who it was. Noah, my former best friend and secret crush, stood in the doorway, looking more handsome than ever. His dark hair was messy, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

I felt a rush of emotions as I gazed at Noah. It had been years since we'd last spoken, and I'd often wondered what had become of him. We'd been inseparable as kids, exploring the woods and sharing our deepest secrets. But as we grew older, Noah began to drift away, drawn into a different crowd.

I'd tried to hold on to our friendship, but it was no use. Noah had moved on, leaving me behind. I'd been heartbroken, but I'd eventually learned to move on, too.

Or so I thought.

As Noah's eyes met mine, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. It was as if no time had passed at all, and we were still those carefree kids, exploring the woods and laughing together.

Noah's face broke into a wide smile as he strode towards me. "Lily!" he exclaimed, his voice warm and familiar. "It's been ages!"

I felt a flutter in my chest as Noah approached me. I tried to play it cool, but my heart was racing with excitement.

"Noah," I replied, trying to sound casual. "What brings you here?"

Noah shrugged, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just grabbing a coffee and a pastry. I'm on my way to meet some friends."

I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. Of course, Noah would have other plans. He was popular, after all. He had a whole crowd of friends who adored him.

But as Noah waited in line to order, his eyes kept drifting back to me. I felt a flutter in my chest each time our gazes met, and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, Noah was feeling the same spark that I was.

As Noah waited for his order, he chatted with my mom, asking her about the bakery and the town. I watched, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It was just like old times, with Noah charming my mom and making her laugh.

But as he turned to leave, his eyes met mine once more. This time, there was something different in his gaze. Something that looked almost like... longing.

My heart skipped a beat as Noah smiled and nodded at me. "See you around, Lil," he said, his voice low and husky.

And with that, he was gone, leaving me feeling breathless and bewildered.

What had just happened? And why did I feel like my whole world had just been turned upside down?

I stood there for a moment, frozen in place, as I tried to process my emotions. My mom came over to me, a concerned look on her face.

"Lily, are you okay?" she asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "I'm fine, Mom," I said. "I just... I didn't expect to see Noah here."

My mom nodded understandingly. "I know it's been a while since you two have spoken," she said. "But maybe this is a chance for you to reconnect."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "I don't know, Mom," I said. "Noah and I... we didn't exactly part on good terms."

My mom put a hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes, people grow apart," she said. "But that doesn't mean they can't find their way back to each other."

I looked at my mom, feeling a sense of wonder at her wisdom. Maybe she was right. Maybe this was a chance for Noah and me to reconnect, to recapture the friendship and camaraderie we'd once shared.

As I thought about it, I felt a spark of hope ignite within me. Maybe, just maybe, this snowstorm would bring more than just snow and ice. Maybe it would bring a second chance, a chance for Noah and me to rekindle our friendship and see where it might lead.

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. Who knew what the rest of the day might bring?.