Unspoken

Chapter 7

Mia's phone buzzed on her desk as she wrapped up a lecture slide. She glanced at it, smiling at Jake's name on the screen.

Jake: Busy day?

Mia: Class until now. Heading home for a bit before the museum. Still not telling me what you're planning?

Jake: Nope. Just... trust me.

Mia rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a smile. Jake's cryptic messages were equal parts endearing and infuriating.

Back at her apartment, Mia tossed her bag on her bed and checked the time. An hour and a half before she had to leave for her internship. She pulled out her usual work outfit—simple slacks and a blouse—when Jenna strolled into the room, leaning against the door frame with a smirk.

"Wearing that?" Jenna signed; her eyebrows raised.

Mia frowned, holding up the blouse. "What's wrong with it?"

Jenna walked over, eyeing her closet. "It's fine, but why not wear something a little... cuter? Maybe that olive-green sweater and those nice jeans you have."

Mia squinted at her, suspicious. "Why do you care what I wear to the museum? You're being weird."

Jenna shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "No reason. Just saying, that sweater makes your eyes pop."

Mia crossed her arms but eventually sighed. "Fine, I'll wear the sweater. Happy?"

"Very," Jenna signed with a grin before flopping onto Mia's bed, clearly proud of herself.

The museum was quiet that evening, and Mia was reviewing some notes for an upcoming exhibit when she felt someone's gaze on her. She looked up and froze.

Jake was standing across the room, leaning casually against the wall, his eyes fixed on her. Mia couldn't help but feel her breath catch as she looked him over. He looked good—really good. There was something effortlessly magnetic about him, the kind of energy that made the air feel thicker when he was around. The fitted navy-blue shirt clung just right, showing off the muscles in his arms as he casually rolled up his sleeves. His dark jeans were simple, but they fit him perfectly, and the sleek leather shoes added just the right touch of sophistication without seeming like he was trying too hard.

It wasn't just the clothes, though. It was the way he carried himself, the easy confidence in his movements. Mia felt a flutter in her stomach, like her pulse quickened at the sight of him, as if her body already knew what her mind was catching up to: he was handsome, in that way that took her breath away. There was something magnetic about him, a quiet intensity that made her heartbeat faster without even trying.

Mia blinked, startled and almost forgetting that she should say something. She tilted her head, signing from her seat. "What are you doing here?"

Jake grinned, signing back. "Admiring the art."

Mia rolled her eyes, though her lips quirked into a smile. "Seriously?"

He walked closer, his movements deliberate, his grin growing. "What? It's true. You just happen to be my favorite piece in this gallery."

Mia laughed, shaking her head. "Cheesy." She glanced at the clock. "You know we're about to close, right?"

Jake stopped right in front of her desk and leaned on it. "Exactly why I'm here. Your shift's about to end, and I couldn't wait any longer."

Mia raised a skeptical eyebrow. "For what?" she asked forgetting about his surprise.

Jake leaned in slightly, a playful gleam in his eyes. "To take you out to dinner."

The next 45 minutes were painfully slow. Mia tried to focus on her work, but every time she glanced up, Jake was looking at her from across the room. When Mia told him she couldn't leave quite yet all he said was "Perfect, I'll walk around a bit. Take your time." He'd stop every now and then to admire an exhibit, but his gaze kept drifting back to her, a look of quiet admiration on his face.

Mia couldn't help but feel distracted. She didn't get much work done at all, her mind constantly returning to Jake, to the way he smiled, the way he looked at her. She wondered what he was thinking, if he was enjoying himself, or if he was just passing time while waiting for her.

By the time her shift ended, Mia was more than ready to get out of there. She grabbed her things, signing a quick goodbye to her coworker, and walked over to Jake.

"Ready?" Jake signed, already looking like he was eager to head out.

"Yeah," Mia signed back, following him out the door.