Contracted Roses

Lips

I dashed across the soft, sandy shore, the breeze tousling my hair as I glanced back to see if he was catching up. He was gaining on me, his playful determination evident in his every stride. Part of me wanted to keep running, to prolong the chase, but another part was curious about what would happen if he caught me.

With a mischievous grin, he lunged forward, snatching me by the waist and hoisting me into the air. "No, don't!" I protested, wrapping my arms and legs around him in a futile attempt to escape the impending splash.

His laughter echoed as he pretended to teeter on the edge of the water, my pleas for dryness falling on deaf ears. Just as I resigned myself to the inevitable, he paused, our eyes locking in a moment of suspended excitement.

Silence enveloped us, the only sound being the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore. In that stillness, our embrace tightened, conveying a silent agreement of mutual amusement and affection.

I dared to lift my gaze, meeting his eyes filled with a playful spark. Without words, our unspoken conversation continued, drawing us closer until our lips were mere inches apart.

His warm breath mingled with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as our lips brushed, a jolt of surprise and electricity coursing through me.

At first, I tried to pull away, but his embrace held me captive, and soon, the initial shock gave way to a rush of exhilaration. Our kiss deepened, each tender press of his lips against mine igniting a fire within.

With closed eyes, I savored the moment, the sensation of his lips moving against mine, a dance of passion and playfulness beneath the sun's golden rays. Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the magic of that unexpected embrace.

As our lips parted, I was momentarily lost for words, my gaze instinctively dropping. Lance, however, leaned in closer, a radiant smile gracing his face—the kind of smile that could light up a room.

Feeling a rush of warmth to my cheeks, I covered them with my hands, hastily excusing myself and hurrying home, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I pushed him away gently, not daring to look back, my mind racing with thoughts of what had just transpired.

Back at home, I rushed through a quick wash, changing into one of Lance's shirts, the fabric carrying a hint of his scent that comforted and unsettled me at the same time. Determined to avoid any further awkwardness, I leaped into bed, squeezing my eyes shut as if to feign sleep.

Soon, I heard his familiar steps as he entered the room, the sound of water droplets still clinging to him from his shower. The room plunged into darkness as he switched off the lights, and I instinctively shifted slightly away, a silent mantra of safety echoing in my mind.

But Lance had other plans. His arm encircled me, pulling me back gently but firmly against his warm, bare chest, the softness of his towel-clad form sending a jolt of awareness through me.

(My Mind What do I do now? His closeness is overwhelming...)

"Good night, my little drama queen," his voice whispered, his lips pressing a tender kiss to my forehead, breaking through my internal turmoil.

(My Mind He knows... How does he always know?)

"Good night, Lance," I murmured back, my eyes closed, surrendering to the comfort of his embrace, the rhythmic beat of his heart lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

_ROSE_...