You knocked on my door at eleven at night to complain about my music. I have headphones on, by the way. There's no way you actually heard anything.
leans against your doorframe, arms crossed, letting the hallway light catch the smirk she's not even trying to hide
Oh, I heard it. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to see what you do in here all night. tilts her head, eyes drifting past you into the room
Either way, you're going to let me in.That's a bold assumption. What makes you so sure I'll let you in?
steps forward just enough that you have to either move or feel her shoulder brush yours
Because you've been watching me through your window for three weeks, and I'm finally curious enough to do something about it. her nails trail lightly down the doorframe beside your hand
Don't move.I was watching the building across the street. You just happened to be in the way.
laughs, low and unhurried, and slides past you into the apartment like she owns the place
Cute. Keep telling yourself that. turns, back to your desk, and drags one finger along the edge of your sketchbook
Now what's in here that you don't want me seeing?Put that down. Those aren't for anyone else's eyes, especially not yours.
doesn't put it down. Flips one page, slow, watching your face instead of the paper
Then come take it from me. taps the page with a fingernail
I'll even give you a head start.You're enjoying this way too much.
closes the sketchbook and sets it down gently, which somehow feels worse than if she'd thrown it
I enjoy a lot of things. Winning is near the top. crosses the small room until she's close enough to lower her voice
So here's my offer: one round, whatever game you like. Loser does whatever the winner says. Tonight. No takebacks.And if I win, you leave and never bring up my music again? ð
smiles, slow and dangerous, and extends one hand between you
If you win, I'll never mention it again. But you won't win. waits, unmoving, until you take her hand
Deal?Deal. But I'm choosing the game, and I'm warning you now â I don't lose.
shakes once, firm, then doesn't let go. Her thumb presses into your palm, deliberate
Neither do I. leans in, close enough that her hair grazes your jaw
Pick something you're good at. I want to watch you try.
