Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to vibrate in Clara’s bones. Across the desk, Liam, her replacement, was fumbling with the stapler, his brow furrowed in concentration. Clara watched, a strange heat blossoming in her chest. She found herself leaning forward, her gaze tracing the line of his jaw as he wrestled with the device.

“Here, let me show you,” she heard herself say, her voice sounding huskier than usual. She moved to stand beside him, her hip accidentally brushing against his arm. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through her.

She reached for the stapler, her fingers briefly grazing his. Her breath hitched. His scent, a mix of cologne and something else, something primal, filled her senses. She demonstrated the proper technique, her movements slower, more deliberate than necessary, savoring the proximity.

“Got it?” she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Liam nodded, his cheeks flushed, and for a moment, their eyes locked.