Her hand stops me completely.
"Wouldn't you like to stay with me tonight?" she says.
Time slows down, literally.
I blink once. Like I need to process it.
"Really?" I ask.
Not because I doubt it... but because I didn't expect to hear it.
Not like this, not now. She nods.
Her gaze does not leave mine.
"Yes," she says quietly. "I wish you would stay tonight."
I feel something in my chest, something expanding.
That rises, that hits hard. My gaze returns to our hands.
To how her fingers hold mine. And then... I approach slowly, without letting go.
Until I am very close to her mouth, I feel her breathing.
Mine is no longer stable.
"Do you want me to stay with you...?" I whisper.
My voice is low, raspy Loaded with all that that means.
My lips barely touch hers as I say it, without
