Chapter 45: The Slip
384 Words
Daniel’s voice was low but intense, his eyes locked on Maria like he was trying to read every hidden thought in her mind.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” he said quietly.
Maria’s heart gave a sharp thud. She hated how he could always sense her mood, even when she tried to hide it.
“I’m not pretending,” she replied, folding her arms. “And you don’t have to act like you know everything about me.”
He leaned forward, closing the space between them just enough to make her catch her breath. “Maybe I don’t know everything… but I know enough to tell when you’re lying.”
Maria looked away, pretending to be interested in the pile of books on the desk. Her fingers itched to push him back, but instead, she found herself frozen — trapped between wanting to walk away and wanting him closer.
“You’re impossible,” she muttered.
“And you’re stubborn,” he countered, a small smile tugging at his lips. “That’s why we clash.”
Before she could reply, Emeka’s voice came from the doorway.
“Eh-eh! Are you two rehearsing for a romantic drama without inviting me? I feel betrayed.”
Maria instantly stepped back, her cheeks heating up. “We’re not—”
“Oh, please,” Emeka said, waving his hands dramatically. “I can smell the tension from outside. It’s thicker than Mr. Tunde’s literature lectures.”
Daniel chuckled, but his gaze never left Maria. “Don’t you have somewhere to be, Emeka?”
“I do,” Emeka replied, grinning. “But this is much more entertaining.”
Maria grabbed her bag. “You two can stay here and joke all day. I’m leaving.”
She brushed past Daniel, but as she did, his hand brushed against hers — just for a second. It was enough to make her pulse race. She didn’t turn back, but she knew he was watching her go.
Outside, the air felt cooler, but her mind was far from calm. Why do I let him get to me like this? she thought, biting her lip.
Daniel stood at the window, watching her disappear into the crowd, a faint smile on his face.
“She’ll be back,” he murmured to himself.
- Writer
