Chapter 1

—Taylor's POV—

I lurked through the aisles of Walmart, searching for the vegetable area. I needed to find carrots. I had a huge craving, as always. Carrots were my favorite thing to eat, and I was all out. Back at my apartment, the last bag was sitting in the recycling, completely empty. I needed more carrots today. I have never gone a day in my life without eating carrots. And this isn't going to be the first.

As I walk into the vegetable area, still searching for the carrots, I saw something in the corner of my eye that caught my attention. As I turned my head slightly, I saw who it was. A boy, only looking a few years older than me with brown hair and astonishing blue eyes, was standing a few yards away. I couldn't help but stare at him with wide eyes. I have to admit, he was good looking. Very good looking, in fact. He was wearing a blue and red striped shirt clamped to his bright red pants with blue suspenders. What a weird outfit, but on him it looked good.

And here I was, wearing simple jeans and a worn-out gray jacket that was way too big for me. I was wearing no makeup and my hair was put into a messy bun on the top of my head. I suddenly realized that I was embarrassed of my appearance. I felt a quick pang of disgust. I never, ever feel embarrassed about anything. I have always been proud of who I am and how I look. Although I'm no beauty queen or captain of the cheerleading squad, I think of myself as a decent person. And to me, the only thing that matters is what I think. Then why was I suddenly feeling embarrassed?

There was also something unusual at this moment. I was still staring at the boy. He had seriously caught my eye, and I don't think I'll be able to look away. I'm not one of those girls who obsess over guys and always look for a new boyfriend. Actually, I've never had a boyfriend to begin with. But staring at this boy, I wish I did. Is that wrong? I have never even spoken to him, yet he has me falling already. Let's just hope I can catch myself before something bad happens.

At that moment, the boy, who was standing completely still in the middle of the vegetable area, started to walk slowly towards the left most corner of the store, eyes completely focused on something in the distance. As I followed his gaze and aim, I quickly noticed what he was going for.

The last bag of carrots, sitting on top of a stand positioned against the wall. Oh no, this boy wants the carrots too. Guess someone's not getting carrots, and it's not going to be me, that's for sure. I quickly and stealthily walked over to the carrots. I was going to get them first, no matter what. I needed those carrots.

His eyes flickered over to me for a moment, suddenly filling with alarm. He fastened his pace but he was too late. By the time he reached the carrots, I had already snatched them up and held them close in my arms. I smiled victoriously and went on my way towards the cash registers.

"Hey! I saw those carrots first!" I heard him protest with a thick British accent. And I had to admit, his voice was as amazing as his looks. I felt slightly guilty for taking the carrots; I mean he's right, he did see them first. I thought about giving them back before I remembered how much I wanted the carrots. Well, I guess he'll have to go somewhere else for his carrots, 'cause he's not getting them here.

"Too bad!" I replied, not looking back. Just to show that these carrots were mine, I raised my arm above my head and waved the carrots in the air. All previous guilt was gone, now only pride. I got the carrots first, so they're mine. Why should I feel bad if they're mine?

Then I heard them, quick footsteps coming towards me. I turned around and stared behind me at where I had just left the boy. He wasn't there. He wasn't anywhere in sight, in fact. Weird…

I turned back around again and saw him, standing right in front of me. He was smiling slightly and staring at me with crystal blue eyes. I couldn't help but melt a little inside, until I looked down at his arms and saw what he was holding: my bag of carrots. I widened my eyes and quickly snatched them away from him.

"Excuse you!" I exclaimed, backing up slightly.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked after a laugh, a bit over dramatically.

"No, should I?" I replied, staring at him confused. He did look somewhat familiar, but I couldn't put a finger on it.

He grinned cheekily. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen. He carefully grabbed my hand and wrote his number on the back of it, still grinning. His hands were warm and gentle, and felt nice on mine. I just stared at my hand while he wrote.

He finished quickly and looked up at me, dropping my hand and snapping me out of the trance.

"You should call me sometime. And, keep the carrots," he said, smiling as he walked away towards the exit of the store.

I watched him go, just staring. Mysterious boy…

When the door closed after him I shook my head, snapping me back into reality. I stepped forward to the cashier and paid for my carrots, muttering a thank you before exiting the store. I went into my car and drove back home to my apartment I shared with my best friend, Katie. All the while I was thinking about the mysterious boy who had given me his number. And I honestly looked forward to calling him.