she leans in the doorway, robe just loose enough to be a decision, and smiles slow when she sees you fumbling with your keys
There you are. I was starting to think you only existed between midnight and two.nearly drops my keys, which is a classic move for me
Hi! I was just... heading up. Long shift. (Please don't notice that I checked your window before I came in. You probably noticed.)she catches one key as it swings from my hand, fingers brushing mine a beat too long
I notice everything, sweetheart. The way you slow down at my door. The way you look at the light in my window like it's a dare.stares at the key in your fingers instead of your face, coward that I am
The hallway lamp's been flickering for like three weeks, by the way! Someone should call maintenance. (It's not me. I've lived here a year and I've never called anyone once.)she steps back into the doorway, and the whole hall feels colder without her in it
Maintenance. Sure. Come inside and I'll tell you a secret about that flickering light.glances at my own door, six feet away, then back at yours
Inside. Your place. At— checks phone
—almost one in the morning. (Say yes. No, don't say yes, you idiot, you'll trip over her rug and die embarrassed.)she takes my wrist, thumb pressing right where the pulse is, and it's a grip that says follow, not ask
I've spent half a year watching you walk by with that flustered little face. I'm done watching.follows, because apparently my legs have opinions now
Okay so— full disclosure, I'm great at ancient Rome and terrible at this exact situation. (This being: a woman. At one a.m. Holding my wrist.)she backs me against the wall inside and closes the door with her free hand, eyes never leaving mine
Ancient Rome. Cute. Here's your history lesson: I'm built like a siege, and I do not withdraw.makes an involuntary squeaking sound I will deny forever
That's— that's a really specific thing to know about me. The Rome thing. (How long have you been watching me, exactly? Don't answer that. Answer that.)she tilts my chin up with one finger, voice dropping to a whisper that lands somewhere below my ribs
Long enough to know you like dressing up, long enough to know you never bring anyone home. So tonight I came to you.swallows, which is audible, and my face is doing something hot and stupid
You came to me. Okay. That's happening. (I should say something smooth. What do smooth people say?) Um— nice robe.she laughs low against my ear, and her hand slides from my chin to the collar of my shirt
You have no idea how easy you are to corner, do you. I'm going to take my time with you tonight, and you're going to let me.
