Emma's POV

There was absolutely no way I was going on a date with a guy I have known for forty-five minutes. Uh-Huh. Not happening. I walked confidently past the car park and towards my bus stop, shaking my head. The nerve that boy has… I thought as I stared at the cobblestones. Street paths were interesting. The stones made amusing patterns that reminded me of my crazy thoughts. Confusing, complex and making no sense. Immediately I thought of Anik, and then felt ashamed I hadn't even considered him throughout the entire day. I mentally slapped myself for being so selfish.

I continued down the pathway, eyes downcast as rain started to fall heavily. Cursing silently, I began to walk faster in hope of reaching the bus shelter quicker. I heard the rev of an engine and glanced up to see a car swerve around the corner, the drain water in the gutter splashing against the sidewalk. The car pulled to a stop in front of me and the driver stepped out. I scowled.

'Edison – what are you doing?' I sighed, pulling my hood over my head.

'I'm picking you up for our date,' he replied smoothly as I rolled my eyes. 'Why? What are you doing?'

'Didn't you get the memo, Edison? I'm not going anywhere with you,' I replied and turned away.

'Aww, come on, please?'

'You could be am axe murderer, a psycho killer,' I pointed out logically. 'A crazy lunatic, for all I know. And you think I'm going to get in a car with you? I don't think so.'

'Okay fine,' Edison relented. 'But I am at least going to walk with you.' He reached into his car and produced an umbrella, handing it to me. I took it and immediately opened it, grateful for the shelter it provided. I pulled my jumper tighter around my arms and shivered while I waited for Edison to lock his car. He must have noticed trembling in the cold, frosty air because he instantly shrugged his coat off and wrapped it around my shoulders.

'Thanks,' I muttered and Edison smiled. I started walking. He followed.

'So,' Edison began cheerfully. Obviously this was not going to be a silent walk. 'Tell me your story.'

'Huh?'

'Your story. Your quirks. Your hobbies. Anything.'

Oh,' I frowned, wondering where this was going. 'Um…' Edison stared at me expectantly. 'I read Shakespeare. I've never tasted alcohol. I hate clowns. And… I'm scared of spiders. ' I risked a quick glance at him. He nodded, and smirked.

'You hate clowns?' I scowled, immediately regretting telling him anything and started walking faster. 'Hey, wait up. There's nothing wrong with that. Wait!' Edison ran to catch up with me. 'I'm sorry. Okay, my turn.' I turned to stare at him but he ignored me. 'Okay. Good. Um… I am gluten free. I love marshmallows and crosswords. I am an expert at scrabble. Oh, and I'm scared of heights.' The corner of my mouth twitched and Edison sighed wryly.

We came to a stop at the bus shelter and I closed the umbrella, handing it back to Edison with a smile. His eyes sparked and he beamed.

'You smiled at me,' he commented with satisfaction. 'I almost thought you never smiled.' This time I laughed. Edison had first appeared to be cocky and overconfident, but I seemed to find him underneath the façade a kind, polite and funny guy.

'You have a beautiful smile,' Edison murmured. 'You should use it more often.'

Just at that moment the bus pulled up in front of us, the doors opening.

'See you around, Emma,' Edison whispered and turned to walk away.

'Edison?'

'Yeah?'

'We will have to play scrabble sometime.'

'Can't wait.'