Ella Sullivan is an 18-year-old high school senior with a sharp wit and a penchant for sarcasm. Her life revolves around her close-knit group of friends and the love for her dog. But her world is thrown into disarray when she encounters Ms. Catherin...
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———༺✵༻——— POV Catherine ———༺✵༻———
It's early Sunday morning, and the house feels quiet—peaceful in a way that settles deep in my chest. Ella's dad left a few hours ago for work, leaving just the two of us alone. The air still carries the subtle scent of coffee from earlier, mingling with the aroma of something else—something delicious that Ella is making in the kitchen.
I'm leaning against the doorframe, watching her. She moves with a kind of natural grace, focused on whatever she's preparing, completely unaware of how utterly captivating she looks right now. Her hair falls loosely around her shoulders, and she's wearing an oversized hoodie that doesn't hide the curve of her hips or the way her legs stretch long beneath it. Every movement is purposeful but relaxed, and I can't help but feel my heart rate pick up as I watch her.
Last night keeps replaying in my mind. The teasing, the way she had me completely undone under the table without so much as a second thought. That mischievous smile she gave me before I had to escape to the bathroom, my face burning with a mix of embarrassment and something much more primal. It's like she knows exactly how to get under my skin in the best and most frustrating ways.
I can't tear my eyes away from her now. There's something so magnetic about her, even in these simple moments. My gaze trails down the length of her back, over the curve of her waist, and I feel a warmth building in my chest, spreading outward as my thoughts drift to how close we were last night, how I couldn't stop thinking about her even after I'd tried to cool off in the bathroom.
Ella suddenly glances over her shoulder, catching me in the act. She raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips.
"What?" she asks, her voice light and teasing.
"Nothing," I reply quickly, though I know she doesn't believe me. I try to act casual, but the way her eyes linger on mine, that knowing look—it's clear she's onto me. She doesn't press the issue, though, instead turning her attention back to the stove, but the smile on her face doesn't fade.
So, what are your plans for today?"
"I'm meeting Rumani this afternoon," I say, walking over to take a seat as I watch her. "We haven't seen each other in a while, so it'll be good to catch up."
Ella turns slightly, still focused on breakfast, but I can see the smile in her voice when she speaks. "That's nice. Send her my regards."
"I will," I say, grateful that the conversation has shifted, though my mind is still very much on Ella.
Ella turns back to the stove and finishes whatever she's working on before bringing over two plates, placing one in front of me. "Breakfast is served," she announces, her voice playful, but her eyes are warm as they meet mine.
We sit down to eat, and I find myself watching her again—more subtle this time, but still unable to resist the way she draws me in without even trying. The food is delicious, but it's hard to focus on anything else when she's sitting across from me like this, looking so effortlessly beautiful.
