Ch2

The light spilling into his room from the window signaled James to wake up. He glanced at his nightstand alarm clock.

8:08, too early to call her

All night his mind as been running a thousand miles a minute at the thought of seeing Stephanie again and this time not messing up.

James got up and started with his morning routine.

By the time he got back from his 3 mile run, showered, and ate some breakfast it was 10.

Taking a seat on the couch he took out his phone and found Stephanie's number.

Holding the phone in his hands for a little while, trying to take deep breath to calm himself down.

What am I 10? I've called plenty of girls! Come on James man up!..why am I so nervous?

After a few moments, James decided that he should just do it

He dialed the number and listened to it ring a few times before a voiced answered on the other end.

" Hey Stephanie it's James, Matthews cousin, we met at the school yesterday, do you remember me?"

"Oh hey James of course I remember you, how are you?"

" I'm doing great, even better now"

"oh really, why is that?"

"Well right now I'm talking to you, listen I'm just going to come right out and say it I know that this is a bit forward but I would like to take you out to dinner tonight. I know we just met but yesterday left me wanting to get to you better. Honestly I've been thinking about you since I left"

Oh God did I just really just say all that, creeper much

"James I am flattered but"- Stephanie started to say

"But we just met and you don't want to go out with the creeper stranger" James butted in.

"No, that's not it at all", she laughed " I don't think your creepy, I think your really handsome, I just can't do dinner tonight because I'm taking my nieces to see a movie.

How about lunch?"

James faced turned bright red at the compliment and the fact that he was acting so stupid.

" Lunch sounds perfect" James admitted not hiding it in his voice that he was thrilled to see her so soon.

"Great, I'll see you at 12:30"

Hanging up the phone, James ran up the stairs two at a time excited for his lunch date with Stephanie.

Dialing his best friend number while pacing happily in his room. The Latino picks up on the third ring.

"Carlos!" James exclaimed

"so I'm guessing she said yes?" Carlos responded at his ecstatic friend.

"Yeah I'm meeting her for lunch instead of dinner she's going to the movies tonight with her nieces"

" That's cool I'm happy for you bro, I can tell that you really like this girl. Don't mess it up by moving so fast" Carlos warned.

After talking for a little while. James hung up with Carlos in order to get ready.

However Carlos words from early in the conversation still rang in his ears.

Carlos is right I never have long lasting relationships. I just get really bored after some time.

After staring in his closet for fifteen minutes James decided on a dark washed jeans with a button up that showed off his muscles underneath the shirt.

His lucky comb ran through his hair one more time before James grabbed his keys and set off to meet with Stephanie.

They decided to meet at local French restaurant. James parked the car and sat in it for a few on account that he was early.

Looking back in his review mirror a car parks directly behind him. Stephanie gets out still wearing her lab coat from work. He watches as she unbuttons the coat and slips it off her body. Underneath she is wearing navy blue dress that was appropriate for work but short enough for him to admire her legs. Stephanie folded the coat neatly and bend over to place it on the passenger chair.

James pulled on his bottom lip in tightly between his teeth, just the sight of body stirring up thoughts in his head.

The thoughts quickly dissipated once he saw her turn and walk towards the restaurant, her hair bouncing with every step she took.

James got out of the car and followed her inside.

He met up with her at the entrance.

Stephanie looked up at him and smiled

" Hello James"

"Hello Stephanie, ready?" James said with a smile as he offered up his arm.

Stephanie hooked her hand around his bicep giving it a gentle squeeze.

James led them to the hostess stand and follow the man to a table.

Once they were comfortable and their food was ordered they began to talk about everything under the sun.

From music to life aspirations to random stories.

Its so easy to be myself around her. God she's just so great. I really think that this could be something great.

Before either of them knew it was 2:45 .

Stephanie glanced at the watch and sighed.

"Ugh I have to go." she said disappointment in her voice.

" yeah I should get moving too, I have rehearsal."

After clearing the check James went over to Stephanie's side of the table and held out his hand. Accepting it, Stephanie and James interlocked fingers and walked out of the restaurant towards Stephanie's car.

At the silver Nissan Sentra James opened the car door for her, both of them lingered over it for awhile.

"So I will see you later?" James questioned

"that you will" she responded with her signature sweet smile.

"Don't mess this up by moving so fast" the words of his best friend still echoing in his mind. Carlos is right I don't want to mess this up.

James reached down and kissed her softly on the cheek before helping her into her car.

James watched as she drove away before heading over to his own car.

At rehearsal Gustavo introduced a new love song perfect for the new love interest in James's life.

"Take a break! James you sound a lot less disgusting today, good job" Gustavo said through the intercom of the sound booth. Kelly putting up an OK sign behind him.

Sitting around on the couches of the break room with cups of hot tea in their hands.

" you sound awesome today James" Kendall complimented his friends as he patted him on the back.

" He's cheating, he's got a muse" Carlos teased.

"Oh really, whats up James who is she?" Logan inquired

"Only the most amazing girl that I ever met! She gorgeous as the sweetest smile that completely melts me every time I see it. She's super smart and determined she wants to be pediatric pharmacist. She's in school, she works and loves her family. She's even going out tonight with her nieces. She's just simply amazing" James explained to his friends. " I really really like her"

" Sounds love at first time, finally someone to tame the player" Kendall laughed as he pulled his friend in for a one armed hug. " I'm happy for you"

Taming the player, could it be? Am I really falling in love ?