Gemotions

He felt the sudden weight in the room the moment he saw her. The music, which had been a cheerful background noise, now seemed too loud, too insistent. His hand, which had been reaching for a canapé, froze mid-air. He lowered it slowly, as though it were carrying something breakable.

Sarah looked stunning, he had to admit. Her auburn hair was cascading in soft waves, and the emerald green dress she wore highlighted the green of her eyes. He felt a rush of heat creep up his neck. He quickly turned his attention to his drink, downing half of it in one go.

His gaze flickered back in her direction, drawn by an irresistible force. He saw her laughing, genuine, and the sharp pang of regret struck him like a physical blow. He forced a smile and busied himself with a conversation, trying to quell the anxious fluttering in his chest.