Nothing inappropriate.
At least, that’s what I told myself.
Then she lifted her head.
We were too close.
I knew it.
She knew it.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth.
My heartbeat changed.
“Alex…”
I stood up immediately.
The movement startled her.
“I should make coffee.”
Her expression closed.
“Right.”
I walked to the counter even though neither of us needed coffee.
My hands shook as I reached for the machine.
Behind me, Karen said, “I’m sorry.”
I turned.
“For what?”
“That was unfair.”
“You didn’t do anything.”
“I almost did.”
The honesty between us felt dangerous.
I leaned against the counter.
“You’re hurting.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“No.”
I met her eyes.
“But it might mean you won’t know why you did it tomorrow.”
The silence stretched.
Then she nodded.
“You’re right.”
I hated how disappointed she looked.
