Later, after I got out of the shower, I wrapped myself in the soft towel Izzy had given me and hesitated for a moment before stepping back into her room. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of lingering embarrassment and something more intense, something that made my skin tingle.
Izzy was already back, sitting on the edge of her bed. Her wet, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, glistening in the soft, warm light of her room. She looked up as I entered, and the way her eyes traveled over me made my breath catch in my throat. The scent of her fresh shampoo wafted towards me, a blend of something floral and clean that made my head spin.
I tried to act casual. "Where did you go?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.
"I showered in my mom's bathroom," she explained, her voice low and soothing. Her gaze was intense, locked onto mine with an energy that made my heart race faster. "I didn't want to make you more uncomfortable any more than I already did."
She stood up, moving closer to me, the space between us shrinking until it felt like there was no room for air. "I'm really sorry for walking in on you, Eve," she said, her voice earnest, filled with an emotion that made my knees weak. "I didn't mean to invade your privacy. It was just... I heard you scream, and I panicked."
"It's okay, Izzy," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked into her deep brown eyes. "You don't have to apologize. Really."
She reached out, her fingers gently brushing my arm. The contact was electric, sending shivers down my spine. "I just... I never want to make you uncomfortable," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin.
"You don't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You make me feel safe. And... something more."
Her eyes widened slightly, a spark of something I couldn't quite name flashing across her face. She moved even closer, her hand trailing down my arm to my hand, where she intertwined her fingers with mine. The tension between us was almost unbearable, the air thick with unspoken words and unacknowledged feelings.
"Wait, really?" she asked, her voice trembling just a bit, her fingers tightening around mine.
"Really," I confirmed, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure she could hear it. I felt a pull, an undeniable attraction that made it impossible to look away from her.
Izzy stepped even closer, our bodies almost touching. She raised her free hand to gently tilt my chin up, her touch feather-light but burning with intensity. Her eyes were searching mine, as if looking for confirmation, for permission.
In that moment, the world outside her room ceased to exist. It was just us, standing so close, the tension so thick it was almost tangible. I leaned in, my breath mingling with hers, my lips just a whisper away from her skin.
The room seemed to hum with energy, the soft glow of the LED lights casting us in a warm, intimate light. Her fingers tightened around mine, her other hand still gently holding my chin, and for a moment, we just stood there, the air between us charged with anticipation.
Neither of us moved, both caught in the intensity of the moment, the space between us filled with everything we were too afraid to say. The tension was unbearable, yet I never wanted it to end.
"You should probably get dressed." Izzy said.
"Yeah you're right." I said as I laughed.
"Ok I'll let you change tell me when you're ready." As Izzy left her bedroom.
