For a second, Ava didn't answer.
She simply looked at him, like really looked at him. Her eyes held a weight, like a thousand unspoken thoughts were swimming just beneath the surface. Then, without a word, she leaned in.
Her lips met his in a kiss, and it felt warm and soft, like secrets and long-held feelings finally coming to the surface. It was familiar and comforting.
Alex cupped her cheek gently with one hand, the roughness of his palm against her smooth skin anchoring him to the moment. Their lips moved together in sync. Slow at first, exploring and cautious, until they parted, just enough to look into each other's eyes.
A shared breath passed between them.
Then they kissed again, this time deeper, more assured. A little hungry. Ava's fingers curled in the fabric of his shirt, and Alex leaned in until time blurred at the edges.
The soft clatter of something hitting the hardwood floor startled them apart.
Alex looked down and found his keys splayed awkwardly by his boot.
