Hands and Heartbeats
932 Words
Morning sunlight spilled lazily across Amara’s small kitchen, brushing over the counter where she stood preparing breakfast. Steam curled from the mug in her hands, warm against her palms, but it did nothing to soothe the nervous flutter in her chest.
It was the weekend.
And Ethan had declared it a fun day.
Ethan leaned against the counter, arms folded, that familiar confident smile playing on his lips. The kind of smile that always made Amara forget how to breathe properly.
“You know,” he said after a long pause, “if anyone saw you making coffee like that, they’d probably assume you were casting a spell.”
She glanced at him. “Oh really? And what does your so-called coffee expertise suggest, Mr. Professor?”
He straightened immediately, clearing his throat.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced in a deep, theatrical voice, “beware! The apprentice brewer is at work!”
Amara laughed, clutching the counter. “You sound like my worst nightmare in college.”
“My terrifying presence cannot overshadow your undeniable talent, Miss Amara,” he continued dramatically. “Truly, you are a sorceress of caffeine arts.”
She rolled her eyes, but a smile betrayed her. “You are ridiculous.”
“You secretly love it,” he said, pointing at her.
Her heart skipped.
“I………what?” she stammered.
He laughed. “Never mind. Carry on with your sorcery.”
Even when joking, Ethan always seemed to see right through her.
And she hated and loved that about him.
After breakfast, they decided to walk to the market.
The streets were quiet, the air carrying the sweet scent of fresh pastries from nearby bakeries. It felt like one of those rare mornings where time slowed down just for them.
“You’re unusually quiet,” Ethan said, letting his hand drift close to hers. “Thinking about something?”
“Nothing important,” she replied quickly. “Just boring adult life.”
“Hmm.” He tilted his head. “Boring adult life… or maybe you’re thinking about me?”
She scoffed lightly. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Ethan suddenly caught her hand.
Her breath hitched.
His thumb traced slow, lazy circles across her palm.
“Flattery aside,” he murmured, “I know you wouldn’t admit it even if I was the only thing on your mind.”
Amara wanted to pull away.
She didn’t.
The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
They walked like that for several steps.
Neither speaking.
Neither acknowledging it.
They passed a small street café.
“Don’t tell me we’re skipping coffee,” Ethan said, already opening the door.
“I already had coffee!”
Too late.
Inside, Ethan ordered the most complicated drink on the menu.
“One triple-shot caramel macchiato with extra foam, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles.”
“You’re going to explode,” Amara said.
“Maybe I want to,” he replied casually. “So, I can bounce off the walls… with you.”
Her face burned.
“You’re impossible.”
He winked.
On their way back, Ethan suddenly stopped.
“Let’s play a dare game.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Fine. I dare you to sing the worst love song you know. Right now.”
His grin widened. “Deal.”
He stepped into the middle of the street and began singing terribly off-key, overly dramatic, and completely shameless.
People stared.
Amara laughed so hard she nearly cried.
When he finished, he bowed.
“Thank you. You’ve been a wonderful audience.”
“You’re insane,” she gasped.
“And you love me.”
She didn’t deny it.
The Elevator Moment
Later that day at work, Amara found herself sharing an elevator with Ethan.
Alone.
The doors slid shut.
Silence.
Ethan leaned slightly closer.
“Sometimes I wonder,” he said quietly, “who would be lucky enough to have you as a friend if I didn’t.”
Her heart stuttered.
“You’d be jealous?” she laughed nervously.
“Very.”
He glanced at her. “Some people out there must be jealous I have such a beautiful angel by my side.”
Her breath caught.
Before she could respond, the doors opened.
Maya stepped in.
“There you are, lovebirds! Why do you always look like you’re hiding something?”
Ethan chuckled. “She drags me into suspicious situations.”
“People think you’re dating,” Maya teased.
“There’s nothing going on,” Amara said quickly.
Her heart disagreed.
Jared appeared moments later, greeting Ethan loudly.
Amara watched them joking, unaware of how important Jared would later become.
Back at their desks, Jared placed a rubber snake on Ethan’s chair.
Amara saw it first.
She screamed.
And launched herself straight into Ethan’s arms.
He caught her instinctively, arms wrapping tightly around her.
“Amara, it’s okay. It’s fake,” Ethan whispered.
Her face was pressed against his chest.
His heartbeat thundered beneath her ear.
When she realized how close they were, she froze.
Maya and Lydia laughed.
Ethan didn’t move.
He secretly wished she wouldn’t either.
Goodnight, But Not Goodbye
That evening, Ethan walked Amara home.
They talked about childhood memories.
Ridiculous dreams.
“What if I had married my high school girlfriend?” Ethan joked.
Amara forced a smile.
“What if he marries someone else someday?” her heart whispered.
At her door, they hugged.
Longer than usual.
Tighter than usual.
“Goodnight,” Ethan said softly.
“Goodnight.”
She watched him walk away.
Clutching the feeling she was too afraid to name.
- Writer
