16 Hours

The Rule Breaker

I've been on dating apps for about a year now. After my first year of being single—and, let's face it, depressed—I figured, why not give them a try? What's the worst that could happen? I quickly realized, though, that I'm not going to find what I'm looking for there. Dating apps just don't seem to work for me. Still, here I am, scrolling away. I guess I have my fun moments.

After a year on these apps and plenty of dates, I can confidently say I've become a bit of an expert. I know exactly what I want and, more importantly, what I don't. I've become quite good at spotting lies—or men who are just after one thing—a mile away. But that afternoon... That afternoon, I fell.

I fell into a beautiful trap, and honestly? I don't regret it. Let me explain.

There I was, minding my own business at the beach. Soaking up the sun, reading my little book, snacking on cherries. The sun was hot, the sky a perfect shade of blue, and there was this gentle breeze keeping things just the right temperature. A perfect afternoon.

Then, ding. What's that? Oh, a notification. I glanced down at my phone. Hmm, who's this? Luke.

We'd matched the night before but hadn't exchanged a single word. I thought to myself, Let's see what he wants.

I live in a small, touristy town where everyone knows everyone. So, I immediately realized that Luke wasn't from around here. I'd already made up my mind long ago that I wasn't going to go out with tourists or anyone just passing through. It doesn't fit with what I'm looking for. Of course, I've also made some pretty ridiculous rules for myself over time. And I follow them strictly, like I'm the commander of my own dating life. But the truth is, I've gone out with plenty of locals from my town, and, well... they've been disappointments too.

But Luke? Luke was about to throw all my rules out the window.

He was handsome. And ginger—never dated a ginger before. But wait, he's a nomad... That doesn't fit the "rules"! Oh God, the struggle.

Stop overthinking it, I told myself. Something feels different today. The air feels charged with possibility. I gave myself a mental shake and thought, Just do it.

His message popped up: What's up, gorgeous?

I threw my rules out the window, opened the chat, and typed my response.

I couldn't help but grin. What's up, handsome? How are we? I shot back, trying to keep it casual.

Smooth, right? But I wasn't prepared for what came next.

He replied, Today's chill, I'm just kicking around for a bit. Might head off to the glacier this evening. I'm a bit of a nomad currently. What about you? What's happening?

His message made me pause. He was handsome. Not just handsome—jawline carved by the gods, red-haired Adonis kind of handsome.

The rules. The damn rules.

I could practically hear the imaginary judge's gavel in my mind: Case dismissed, he doesn't live here, move on. But that day... something was different. There was this strange energy in the air, and for once, I thought, Forget the rules. Don't think—just do. Say whatever comes to mind first.

"Sounds great. I've got no plans at all today, just chilling. Was looking to go on an adventure, but... you're a bit far away." I typed it out.

There. I said it. Not the most groundbreaking reply, but it felt honest, like a test. Was I throwing caution to the wind? Maybe.

His response? An adventure sounds like fun. Where are you based at the moment?

Uh-oh. He was asking where I was. The rules were shaking their fists at me from some distant corner of my brain, but I was already ignoring them.

"I'm in Stonetown," I wrote.

And then... came his reply. "Ah, come to Lakeridge. It's a ripper here."

A ripper? Who even says that? Apparently, he does. And it only made him more intriguing. I could feel my brain scream, No, don't go, you'll regret it! But my heart—or maybe it was sheer curiosity—was already packing its metaphorical bags.

Lakeridge? I kept thinking. Hmm, that's just the next town. It's not that far—only a 40-minute drive. I could do it.

But... should I? I hesitated. Nah. Put down the phone, go back to your reading. He's just wasting your time.

Yet, something was tugging at me. What if I was wrong? What if this could be different?

Pirum... again... Oh well, no reading today.

A notification popped up: Is Stonetown worth the trip over? I've not been before, but if you reckon there's something worth doing...

I paused. How has he never been? Stonetown was the tourist spot. Unbelievable. This town should be on everyone's list.

I didn't hesitate. "Absolutely! How come you haven't been yet? Stonetown is the heart of the country—everyone who visits ends up falling for it. You've got the old cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, and those tiny, hidden cafes where locals hang out. It's full of character, not to mention all the beautiful spots around. You'll definitely love it. There's so much to explore on your way here, too... It's impossible not to fall in love with it."

His reply came quickly: "I've just never made it this far south before. Stonetown sounds like it's got a lot to offer though... Maybe I'll take a drive down and spend the night. Could be an adventure."

Wait. What? Is he seriously coming here? From everything I'd learned about dating apps, nothing ever led to an actual date. Especially not after just exchanging a few words. Haha. It's usually just texting until one person doesn't reply anymore, or texting for weeks until you finally decide to meet up. Anyways... is he really coming?

I almost didn't know what to say. "Well, you should definitely come! (What am I saying?) It's less than an hour's drive."

The next message sent my heart racing: "Okay, well, looks like it's an adventure to Stonetown for me today then. Where am I picking you up?"

Oh gosh, he really is coming... Play it cool. Keep it together.

I typed out a laugh, but inside, I was freaking out. Hahaha. (What was that? Oh, God, he surely noticed I'm nervous. Why did I laugh like that? Keep it together, keep it together...)

Then his message hit: "That's not an answer."

Okay. Just be honest. He's got you now. I tried to steady my breathing. "Yeah, sorry, I've got a big mouth. I don't usually do this, so... I'm just thinking."

What was I even doing? Ugh, why am I overthinking this? Just say it. I took a deep breath and typed: "Okay, I'm keen to meet up if you're around."

His response came quicker than I expected: "I could come meet you for a drink at a pub or something along those lines."

Wait, he's actually suggesting it? What now? I didn't want to seem desperate, but I also didn't want to play it too cool. Should I act casual or sound eager?

I settled on something in between: "Yeah, I'm happy to show you the town and go for a beach walk or something."

So, bar or a walk first?"

"A walk, please," I said, trying to sound confident. "I'm a lady."

The words came out effortlessly, but inside I was second-guessing myself. Was that too formal? Too playful? Relax, it's fine. Be yourself.

I suggested we could chill out by the lake and walk around. To my relief, he said, "Sounds like a plan. I'll wander over."

Oh God, it's happening. He's actually coming.

"I'm loving the spontaneity," I replied, trying to match his easygoing vibe. But was I really loving it? Everything was happening so fast, and I barely had time to process it. Haha... but yeah, kind of exciting, I thought, feeling the flutter of nerves in my chest. He was so handsome—like the kind of handsome you only see in movies. And charming. His pictures showed him camping, hiking, living this rugged, outdoorsy life that instantly clicked with me. I couldn't help but admire that.

Okay, let's do this.

I sent him my location at the lake. I'd been so caught up in enjoying my day that I'd completely forgotten about the book I'd brought with me. Then came the notification: "See you in a bit."

My stomach did a little flip. He's really on his way.

Surprisingly, I felt calmer than I expected. It was almost unsettling how relaxed I was, considering how fast this was all happening. Why was I even nervous in the first place? It's just a date... yeah, well, I'm not exactly wearing date clothes OR any makeup. Just me. The real me, soaking in a day at the waterfront.

It felt oddly freeing. There was no mask, no act, no extra effort to look perfect. It was just... me.

After sending my location, I set my phone down and took a deep breath. I knew he was about an hour away, so I went back to what I was doing. No reading, though—there's no way I can focus on that now. My thoughts were spinning, but the day around me was stunning. A light breeze started to pick up, rippling the lake and tousling my hair. The wind didn't bother me—I knew all the best spots to sit when that happened.

There I was, listening to my favorite songs. The melodies felt grounding, like a soundtrack to the moment. I closed my eyes for a second, letting myself sink into it. Meditating a little, watching the clouds roll by, observing the ducks gliding across the water. I reached for some cherries—it was cherry season, and they tasted perfect, sweet with just the right amount of tartness.

This is nice, I thought. Really nice. It was one of those rare moments when everything felt vivid, as if life had turned up the saturation just for me. I felt connected—to nature, to myself, to the simplicity of the moment.

And then...

A voice broke through my thoughts.

"Oh, hello there."

It was him.

In an instant, a million thoughts raced through my mind. How did he find me so easily? He recognized me right away. He's here, standing right behind me.

I turned, and there he was.

He's really here.

__________________________________________________

A Moment Between Us.

I turned around casually, letting my thoughts settle. "Oh, hey, how did you find me?" I asked, my voice light.

He smiled, a little sheepish. "I recognized your tattoo."

Right, of course. The tattoos always gave me away. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Come sit here, I'm just enjoying some cherries. Do you want some?"

I offered him the container, and when I saw him up close, I was surprised. Oh god, he was even better looking in person. His eyes—blue like the lake on a clear day—were impossible to miss, and that smile... it was relaxed, but there was something disarming about it.

"Sure," he said, sitting down next to me. Once he did, the space between us felt more natural, less distant than I'd expected. His voice was deep, grounding, almost like it had the power to quiet the noise in my head. Being near him made me feel inexplicably calm, like everything was just... right.

"So, what do you do?" he asked, his tone steady and warm.

It felt like a typical question, but for some reason, it didn't sound boring when he asked. "I'm a writer," I replied, keeping it casual.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "That's not something you hear every day. What do you write?"

"Freelance articles and short stories," I said with a shrug. "What about you?"

"I'm a gardener," he said simply. "Designing, maintaining—mostly private homes."

"That sounds peaceful," I said, meaning it.

"It has its moments," he replied, his tone relaxed, matching the easy vibe between us.

I was surprised by how easily the conversation flowed. It wasn't awkward, not like it could've been with anyone else. And I realized, for the first time in a long while, that I wasn't scrambling for words or wondering what to say next.

We kept chatting for about two hours, and I didn't even realize how much time had passed. It felt like we were in our own little bubble. Everything was cool, normal—just a conversation between two people who somehow clicked. The sun was bright overhead, a few clouds drifting lazily across the sky. In the distance, kids were playing, their laughter carried by the wind. Birds chirped softly, and a few ducks floated peacefully on the lake. Even the gentle breeze added to the moment, though it kept messing up my hair.

It was already 5 p.m. when I thought, Why not? The idea came to me suddenly, and I figured it was a good one. "How about we go for a walk around the lake?" I said, standing up and stretching. "I can show you more of the town, let you see some of the sights."

He nodded, looking up at me with that perfect smile. "Sounds good," he said.

We started walking, the air warm but not heavy. It felt natural, like we had known each other longer than just a few hours. Our conversation kept flowing, but I couldn't even tell you what we were talking about. It didn't matter. The words just came, like we were two friends catching up on everything and nothing at the same time.

But as we walked, something inside me shifted. I couldn't ignore it anymore—I liked him. No, no, this isn't good, I told myself. He was leaving tomorrow. What was the point of this? What could come of it? But no matter how much I tried to reason with myself, the pull was undeniable. The connection between us was so strong, so easy, that I kept forgetting all the logical reasons to hold back. I felt drawn to him, almost helplessly, and despite my doubts, I found myself leaning into the moment, just going with the flow.

By the time we circled back to the parking lot, my car just ahead, the air between us felt different—charged. There was something unspoken hanging there, heavy yet exhilarating.

"So... do you want to go for dinner or some drinks?" His voice was casual, but I could tell he was asking something more than just about food or drinks.

And that's when it hit me again—I liked him. Not just in a fleeting way, but in a way that made my chest tighten. Or maybe it wasn't even him, I realized. Maybe it was the idea of him, the perfection of this moment. Everything about today had been so smooth, so right, that it felt almost too good to be real. Still, I couldn't deny how good I felt next to him—relaxed, at ease in a way I hadn't felt with anyone else in a long time.

I didn't say anything immediately. Instead, I looked at him, taking him in—his messy red hair, the way his clear blue eyes seemed to hold secrets, his confident but laid-back posture. He leaned slightly toward me, a teasing smile playing on his lips, his gaze locking onto mine in that sexy, charming way.

He knew. Of course, he knew. I wasn't unsure—I was too sure of what was happening. I was just playing dumb, waiting for him to take the first step. And when he did, it was marvelous.

He stepped closer, and suddenly we were standing so close I could feel the warmth radiating off him. His voice dropped slightly as he murmured, "What?" because I was smiling, and he must have wondered why.

I didn't answer with words.

When he leaned in, the world seemed to pause. A rush of sensation shot through me—sparks, electricity, happiness. It was everything. The kiss was passionate, yes, but also grounding and sweet, like it was pulling me into the present moment in a way I hadn't felt in years.

When he pulled back, his forehead lightly brushed mine. His lips curved into a soft, knowing smile, one that felt like it was meant just for me.

"Come on," he said softly, his voice steady, as if nothing had changed. But everything had.

And as we walked away together, I realized this was only the beginning. Because what came next? I never saw it coming.

____________________________________________________

A Night to Remember.

Oh my god, what was that kiss?

Incredible. We pulled apart, and I was still standing there, smiling a silly, dreamy smile. I could feel my cheeks flush, my heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. "That was nice," I said softly, almost afraid to speak louder, afraid to break whatever magical spell had been cast.

He held my hands firmly, a confident smirk on his face, like he already knew the effect he had on me.

"Okay, back down to earth," I told myself. "Dinner it is."

But honestly? My mind was elsewhere—floating in some other dimension. I'd forgotten all my earthly senses—well, maybe not all of them.

"You following me?" I asked, starting to walk toward my car.

He smiled, his stride sure and steady, and nodded. We both went to our cars.

The drive home was a blur. My hands were on the wheel, sure, but my mind was far from the road. I couldn't stop replaying everything that had just happened—trying to process how a quiet, ordinary day by the lake had shifted so dramatically.

How can everything change so quickly?

I felt like I was buzzing, completely alive in a way I hadn't felt in years. A song played faintly on the radio—"Isn't it strange how people can change from strangers to friends, friends into lovers?" It felt oddly appropriate, almost as if it was chosen it for this exact moment.

"I'm in love with life right now," I murmured to myself, smiling a little at my own absurdity.

But then, as the car hummed along, a wave of second-guessing hit. What was I doing? Everything was happening so fast, and I didn't have time to pause. Was it okay to enjoy just one day like this? Or was I rushing something I shouldn't?

We met back outside my place. The air felt different—relaxed and happy, as though the universe itself had conspired to give us this perfect evening. I hopped into his car, and we headed downtown.

"So, what's the plan?" he asked, his tone light but confident.

"You'll see," I said, grinning. "I'm taking you somewhere cool."

As we drove, I pointed out highlights along the way—the silhouette of the mountains against the evening sky, a glimpse of the lake shimmering in the fading light.

When we arrived, the rooftop bar I'd picked was already lively. Strings of warm lights crisscrossed above the seating area, and the faint sound of indie music hummed in the background. There were cozy lounge chairs and low tables, perfect for casual conversations. The vibe was laid-back but stylish, the kind of place where people came to unwind without a care in the world.

"I like it," he said as we walked in. "Good choice."

We grabbed a table near the edge, overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking—buildings glowing softly below us, the mountains in the distance, and the lake shimmering under the bright evening sky.

The conversation flowed effortlessly. We laughed at silly anecdotes, shared stories about food and travel, and swapped random facts about ourselves.

At one point, I caught myself staring at him mid-laugh.

How does he feel so familiar?

After dinner, I suggested a walk.

"There's more I want to show you," I said, already leading the way.

We wandered into a garden tucked away from the main street. It was quieter here, almost serene, with winding pathways lined by lanterns. Flower beds bloomed in bursts of colour, their sweet scent carried on the breeze. At the centre, a small, curved bridge arched over a clear pond, where koi fish lazily swam beneath the water's surface. The sunlight danced across the ripples, giving the whole place a golden, dreamlike glow. It felt like a hidden oasis, far from the buzz of the crowded town.

"This place is beautiful," he said, his voice softer now.

"It really is," I replied, glancing around. "It feels... timeless."

We walked deeper into the garden as the shadows lengthened, the tall trees casting a coolness over the air. I spotted a sunny patch of grass and stepped into it, letting the warmth hit my skin.

"Let's just stay here for a while," I said, closing my eyes and smiling.

He stepped closer, smiled, and took my hands. Then, without a word, he kissed me again.

My heart swelled.

Oh God, I don't want this to end. Ever.

We stayed like that for what felt like hours, wrapped in each other, the world fading away around us.

The sun began to set, and we wandered back to the waterfront. A pianist was playing nearby, her music weaving through the air like magic. We stopped to listen, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink behind the mountains.

I rested my head on his shoulder again.

"Perfect spot," I thought, smiling to myself.

The moment felt timeless—like we were caught in a dream.

But eventually, reality called.

"It's getting late," I said softly, reluctantly breaking the silence.

He nodded but didn't say anything. The walk back to his car was quiet, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was peaceful. Comfortable.

Still, I couldn't ignore the weight of the moment—the unspoken question hanging between us. I didn't want him to leave, and something in the way he lingered told me he felt the same. But was I reading too much into it?

Before I could overthink it any longer, the words slipped out.

"So... do you want to come to my place?"

The second they left my mouth, my stomach flipped. I wanted to take it back, but there it was, hanging in the air between us.

He turned to look at me, his expression unreadable. My mind went into overdrive, trying to decode what he was thinking. Did I just mess everything up? Or... was he considering it?

For a moment, I couldn't tell.

____________________________________________________

The Beauty of Letting Go.

He smiled. "Yeah, sure," he said. The tension I'd been holding onto melted away in an instant.

We didn't talk much on the drive back to my place, the quiet of the night wrapping around us. It was already dark, around 10 pm, and I still couldn't believe we had spent the whole day together without feeling uncomfortable. I usually wasn't into long dates—after a couple of hours, I started getting restless. But with him, everything felt different. This time, it didn't bother me.

We arrived at my place, and a wave of nerves hit me. But it wasn't the kind of nervousness that made me second-guess everything. No, this was excitement—happiness, even. Something about what was happening felt right, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Once inside, we didn't waste time talking much. We were both exhausted, and I could see the same tiredness in his eyes. We made our way to my room, exchanged a few quiet words, and then just laid down. The comfort of the bed wrapped around us, and everything seemed to settle into peaceful silence. What happened next wasn't just physical—it was something beautiful, something tender and deep, like a perfect moment frozen in time. I had never felt so in tune with someone before. His touch was gentle, his kisses thoughtful, and for a while, everything felt like it was meant to be. When everything calmed down, we were both exhausted, but there was a sense of contentment that filled the air.

It was time for sleep. I felt peaceful, relaxed, knowing that whatever this was, I wanted to enjoy it fully.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, and I couldn't help but feel that everything was coming to an end. I had braced myself for the goodbye, the moment when he would leave and that would be it. But I still had one last thing to share with him. There was one more part of the city I wanted him to see, and despite the time running out, I didn't want to rush. Neither of us were in a hurry.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if he'd be up for it. "Want to see the river?" I asked, a bit unsure. "We could grab breakfast on the way."

To my surprise, he said yes.

While waiting for our coffees, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Time had flown by, and I hadn't even realized how long we'd been together. "I can't believe this is the longest date of my life," I said. He chuckled and agreed, "Yeah, mine too, probably." We hugged, both of us feeling the bittersweetness of the moment.

As we walked toward the lake, I could sense the end was near. But I knew it was okay. This had been an experience I couldn't forget, and while part of me was ready to return to my life, another part of me didn't want to let go.

The lake was just a lake, beautiful, but not as important as what had happened between us. Still, it marked a spot on his mental map.

The drive back felt quieter. We didn't need to say much. At the doorstep of my house, standing next to his car, we both knew what had to happen. Everything had been perfect, and this moment felt like a beautiful ending. We hugged and kissed one last time.

"You know," he said softly "this has been one of those days I'll never forget."

I didn't know what to say. The simplicity of the moment felt heavier than any words I could find.

When he left, there was no dramatic farewell. Just a quiet goodbye, like we both understood that some moments don't need to be weighed down by anything more. He smiled, that same warm smile, his eyes locking with mine one last time before he slid into his car.

I watched him drive away, my heart light, not heavy. The streets grew quieter, and so did my thoughts. No promises, no expectations—just an open space for whatever was to come next.

For the first time in a while, I realized something. I wasn't broken. I hadn't closed off my heart completely, even though there were moments I thought I had. He hadn't fixed anything, but he had given me a glimpse of what could be—a reminder that there was still so much life to be lived. So much left to explore.

I didn't know what would come next or where this path might lead, but I didn't need to. There was a freedom in that uncertainty, a peace that washed over me.

For the first time in ages, I felt alive again. And it wasn't about the romance or the rush—it was about rediscovering a part of myself I thought I'd lost. The simple truth that sometimes, a single day can turn into something unforgettable, and life—life just keeps offering more.