Page 29 of Escape

“Then maybe,” she replies, her smirk teasing, but there’s a spark of something genuine behind it.

I chuckle, the warmth between us settling into something comfortable, something steady. Whatever this is, whatever it becomes, it feels worth it.

Work is usually my escape, the place where I can throw myself into spreadsheets and strategy meetings and forget about the rest of the world for a while. But today, I’ve barely gotten through a single task. My mind keeps circling back to Mel. It’s been two weeks since she opened up to me and we have taken it slow. Glacially slow. There were a few kisses and cuddles but otherwise we go to our separate rooms at the end of the night and it is killing me.

I promised we’d take it slow. That she’d set the pace. I meant every word, but that doesn’t make the waiting any easier. It’s a slow burn, but if she needs time, I’ll give her all the time in the world. Still, it doesn’t stop her from being the first thing on my mind every damn day.

Mel

Hey. What are you doing?

Me

Working, obviously. Unlike some people who text me in the middle of the day.

Working? Sure, let’s call staring blankly at a spreadsheet “working.” The moment her name popped up on my phone, my focus went straight out the window.

Mel

Excuse me, this is important business.

Me

Oh, really? What kind of important business?

Mel

The kind where I tell you I’m bored and want to distract you.

Me

Bored? I can recommend a few good books.

Distracting me? Like I’m not already completely distracted by thinking about her all day long.

Mel

Books can wait… said nobody ever. But this is really urgent.

Me

I’m intrigued. What’s so urgent?

Mel

I was thinking about you. Specifically about that thing you did with your hands...

Me

...Go on.

Mel

You know, the thing where you brush my hair back just before you kiss me? Yeah, that.

Me

Good to know. Anything else you were thinking about?

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