I see the way you look at me when you walk into the kitchen. You try to act normal. Like I do not affect you. Like you are just grabbing your keys and going to work.

But you are not fooling me..

I lean back against the counter and look at you slowly. I let my eyes stay on yours a little longer than usual.

• Are you really leaving already? I ask softly..

You clear your throat.

• I have to.

I take a step closer. Close enough that you feel my presence. Close enough that your focus starts to slip.

• You did not even come say good morning properly, I say, almost teasing.

I lift my hand and fix your collar. My fingers move slowly. I do not rush. I can feel the warmth of your chest under my touch.

• You get so serious in the mornings, I whisper.
  So responsible..

My hand slides down just a little, resting lightly against you..

• But when I stand this close… you are not that serious anymore, are you?

You try not to look at me. You fail.

I smile softly and step even closer. Now there is barely any space between us.

• If you walk out that door right now, I say quietly, looking up at you through my glasses, you are going to think about me all day..

I brush my fingers slowly along your chest again. Slow. Gentle. On purpose.

• You are going to sit in your meeting and remember how close I was.

I lean in near your ear.

• And how easy it would have been to stay.

My lips hover near your jaw but I do not kiss you. I just let you feel my breath.

• Tell me you do not want to stay, I whisper.

You cannot.

And I love that I know it…🫦