“I need to get to sleep soon,” he said. As much as she was reluctant, this was her cue to go and she did. Zipping up boots and gathering belongings he watched her. Just like he had been all night, though less surreptitious than he probably thought. She could see him out of the corner of her eye while watching tv that he kept turning his gaze back to her, searching her face for something. Perhaps a glance back, but she withheld. This girl, posted up on his bed, within reach.

He had layed down next to her for a brief moment. Their bodies gently pressed against one another as if unsure of the delicacy of it all. His hand would fall across his body and rest lightly upon her arm, he would move it elsewhere and then back again. Neither wanting to be the first to move closer or farther. Her head would rest on his shoulder ever so slighty as the calming sound of his erratic breathing pacified her thoughts.

They made their way back outside to the driveway and paused near the car. Hug, one arm, then both. Long as if to hold on to the moment forever. She pulled back and they locked eyes, it was at this point where they momentarily leaned in slightly as if awaiting a goodnight kiss that never came. As she smiled and reluctantly pulled away with the first step his hand made it’s way down her arm and trailed off her hand and fingertips and he watched her go.

She took three steps and then turned around. “Hey wait!” She said. “Yeah?” he responded, turning around. She froze, just staring back at him, wanting to run up in a romantic display of affection and warm her lips with his in the cold night.

“Oh… nevermind.” She said, turned back around and drove away…