Unspoken

Chapter 11

Jake parked the car in front of Mia's apartment, the engine turning off leaving the car still, the world outside wrapped in the calm of the night. Neither of them moved, both absorbed in the quiet, lingering in the space between them.

Jake finally turned to her, his expression softening. His hands moved with slow precision as he signed, "I'm really glad I got to be part of that tonight. It felt... different. In a good way."

Mia looked at him, her eyes warm as she signed back, "I'm glad you're here. My family, they already love you. I can tell."

Jake smiled, a small laugh escaping him. He leaned in slightly, his eyes searching hers, his hands resting lightly in his lap before lifting them to sign. "I feel like I'm finally getting a glimpse of what your life is really like... the people who matter to you."

Mia's heart fluttered at his words, her gaze softening as she watched him, noticing the sincerity in his eyes. "You matter too," she signed, her hands steady but filled with meaning. She looked at him for a moment, the warmth of the night and the comfort of their shared space settling between them.

There was a pause, the air thick with unspoken words, as they lingered in the quiet. Jake's hand found hers, gently, as if asking for permission. She gave a slight nod, her eyes never leaving his.

Slowly, tentatively, Jake leaned toward her, the space between them shrinking until their lips met, soft and slow, a kiss that held the weight of everything unsaid. Mia's hand found his neck, her fingers brushing against his skin as they deepened the kiss, the moment stretching as they both gave into the quiet, shared connection.

When they finally pulled away, they sat for a few beats, breathless, eyes locked in a moment that felt both timeless and perfectly in the present.

Jake smiled, his fingers gently touching her cheek. "I think I like this... more than I expected," he signed one handed, his face still close to hers, his smile softer now.

Mia's lips curled into a smile as she signed back, "Me too."

She opened the car door, stepping out and glancing back at him one last time before heading toward the apartment, stopping at the door to see him still waiting. Waiting for her to get in safely before he left.