Love in the Fields

10

It was nearly dark when Lauren knocked on Camila's door, a lightness in her step and a grin on her face as Camila opened up, greeting her with a soft smile that made something warm settle in Lauren's chest. The air between them felt different lately—charged with an electricity they both sensed but neither had addressed. Tonight, though, Lauren had a feeling that maybe, just maybe, something would finally break through the unspoken.

Camila grinned, stepping back to let her in. "You ready for a night of cookies, terrible movies, and maybe a little trash-talking?"

Lauren chuckled, brushing a bit of hair behind her ear as she slipped off her shoes. "I don't know about the trash-talking, but I'm all in for the rest."

Camila pulled out flour, sugar, and a mess of ingredients in the kitchen while Lauren found a mixing bowl and stood beside her at the counter. Their hands brushed as they both reached for the same spoon, and a shiver ran down Camila's spine, her cheeks heating up when she saw Lauren's amused smile.

"You know," Lauren teased, leaning a little closer, "if you keep staring at me like that, we'll never get these cookies made."

Camila felt her blush deepen but smirked, turning her attention to the bowl as she added flour. "Maybe I just think you're distracting, farm girl."

"Oh, I'm distracting, huh?" Lauren leaned in a little closer, her tone low and teasing, her eyes catching the glint of Camila's own mischievous smile. "I thought you were the one trying to keep me on task."

They both laughed, and as they stirred and measured ingredients, it became a game of gentle touches and lingering glances. Lauren would brush flour from Camila's cheek with her thumb, and Camila would nudge her with her shoulder just a bit longer than necessary. Each little touch, each flirtatious quip felt like a dare, both girls testing boundaries and waiting for the other to take the next step.

Finally, the dough was ready, and Camila spooned it out onto the baking sheet, pressing little chocolate chips into each cookie. Lauren watched her, smiling, her eyes drifting over the curve of Camila's cheek as she worked, so focused, her lip caught between her teeth. She could feel the urge to reach out, to brush her fingers against Camila's hand, but she held herself back, savouring the anticipation.

When they finished, Camila set the timer on the oven and turned to Lauren with a grin. "And now... we wait."

"Or we could grab a blanket and watch a movie while we wait," Lauren suggested, glancing toward the living room where Camila's aunt and uncle were already settled on the couch, the TV glowing with some classic film.

"Good idea," Camila agreed, her heart fluttering with the thrill of Lauren spending the night, just the two of them sharing soft moments while the rest of the world faded away.

Camila led Lauren to the living room, where her aunt Pam and Uncle Rob welcomed them with warm smiles. Pam patted the spot next to her on the couch, and Camila plopped down, leaving just enough space between herself and Pam for Lauren. When Lauren settled in, Camila pulled a thick, woven blanket off the back of the couch and spread it over them, feeling a tingle as Lauren scooted closer, their legs brushing together beneath the fabric.

Camila's aunt looked over, a soft smile on her face. "Feels like we've got the best company tonight. You two keeping us young?"

Camila laughed. "Trying our best," she said, nudging Lauren, who just grinned.

Underneath the blanket, Camila felt Lauren's hand brush against hers again, her heart skipping a beat. She let her hand rest beside Lauren's, her fingers ever-so-slightly touching Lauren's palm, wondering if Lauren would notice, if she would reach out. The movie started, a romantic comedy, the kind Pam loved, and Camila nestled into Lauren's side, leaning her head on Lauren's shoulder.