Chapter 16: Almost
Thursday evening.
The apartment was quiet, except for the soft hum of the rain outside.
I was sitting at the desk, trying to focus on notes, but my thoughts kept drifting to Alex.
He appeared in the doorway, holding a notebook.
"Hey… I thought you might want this," he said softly, handing it over.
Our fingers brushed briefly.
A spark ran through me, and I froze.
"Thanks," I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady.
He didn't sit down. Instead, he leaned slightly against the desk, close enough that our shoulders nearly touched.
Just that tiny distance between us made my chest tighten.
"I… I thought you were busy tonight," I said, trying to sound casual.
"I am… but I wanted to see you," he replied, voice quiet but sincere.
I felt my heart skip.
I wanted to say something, anything—but words failed me.
Then, almost accidentally, his hand brushed mine again as he adjusted the notebook.
Not holding, not gripping—just… close enough to make me aware of him.
My pulse raced.
I wanted to move away. I wanted to act normal.
But I couldn't.
"I… I should get back to work," I whispered, trying to regain composure.
Alex smiled faintly, leaning just slightly closer, his shoulder almost brushing mine now.
"Don't rush away," he murmured softly.
"You're making me want to stay."
I swallowed hard.
The closeness, the warmth, the tension… it was dizzying.
I could feel the pull between us, growing stronger with every small touch.
For a long moment, we just stayed there—quiet, close, aware of the unspoken words hanging in the air.
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