Breathe In

BREATHE IN

"You know," I begin, my gaze locked into his. "there's something intriguing about the way you always seem determined to uncover my secrets."

His lips curl into a half-smile as he holds my gaze. "Perhaps it's because you have a way of keeping me on my toes," He answers, his voice low and filled with playful allure.

Our fingers brush briefly as we reach for our glasses, the touch sending a subtle jolt of electricity through us and we glance at each other. I take a sip of my wine, my lips parting slowly, leaving him captivated.

"Or maybe," I continue, my tone teasing, "it's because I enjoy watching you unravel the mysteries I hide."

He laughs warmly, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Well, in that case," He says, leaning in closer. "I have to admit I'm thoroughly enjoying the chase."

He looks at me for a moment before his eyes roam around my perfume laboratory, and I smile, feeling proud. I love how he admires it and takes in the scents.

"I've been working on something special," I say with a smile, and he turns to look at me.

"Special?" He arches an eyebrow.

I stand by a workbench, my fingers expertly navigating the vials of essential oils, and I can feel Neil when he stands behind me. Then he steps next to me. When I find the vial I was searching for, I hold it up to him.

"This," I whisper as I look up at him. "Smells like you."

"Like me?" He asks, locking his eyes with mine as he reaches out to take it.

***

I know that Neil is determined to unravel the mysteries I conceal, to Breathe In the fragrances of my past, and it both thrills and terrifies me.

There is a part of me that longs to share my fragrant stories with him, to let him Breathe In the essence of my life and become a part of it. I find myself torn between the desire to open up and the instinct to protect myself.

I can't help but wonder if I would ever find the courage to let Neil Breathe In the fragrant world I have created, along with all the secrets it held.