Maya found herself in the cafeteria, trying to unwind with a cup of coffee. She sat alone at a table, staring out the window and replaying the events of the day in her mind.
"Hey, mind if I join you?" a familiar voice asked.
Maya looked up to see Ken standing there, a hopeful smile on his face. She gestured to the empty seat across from her. "Sure, please."
Ken sat down, placing his tray on the table. "I'm sorry about the other day. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. And please call me Ken"
Maya shook her head, offering him a reassuring smile. "Alright Ken. Call me Maya as well. And it's really okay. I was just surprised, that's all."
"I understand," he said, looking a bit relieved. "I just... I wanted to be honest with you about how I feel."
"I appreciate that," Maya replied, taking a sip of her coffee. "It means a lot that you were brave enough to tell me."
Ken eyes brightened, and he leaned forward slightly. "So, have you had a chance to think about it?"
Maya hesitated, feeling the weight of his expectation. "I have, and I think you already know the answer. I have someone in my mind. I hope you understand."
Ken nodded, his expression understanding. "I get it, Maya. That's totally okay. But if you cannot get him, please think of me, I am here." He said teasingly.
Maya chuckled, "Thank you, Ken."
. . .
At home,
Maya was bustling around the kitchen, a delightful aroma of baking cake filling the air. She hummed softly to herself, focused on getting everything just right. Steven sat at the table across the kitchen, his eyes occasionally drifting from his laptop to watch her work. His gaze lingered on her longer each time, his thoughts straying from his work.
"You're quite the baker," Steven remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Maya glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Thanks. It's a hobby. I find it relaxing."
As the first timer went off, Maya put on her oven mitts and opened the microwave oven to take out the cake to check. In her haste, she misjudged the angle, and her finger brushed against the hot pan. She yelped and pulled her hand back quickly, the mitt dropping to the floor.
Steven's head snapped up at the sound. "Maya! Are you okay?" He was out of his chair and by her side in an instant, his face etched with concern.
"I'm fine, really," Maya insisted, cradling her hand. "It's just a small burn."
Steven wasn't convinced. He gently took her arm, guiding her towards the sink. "Let's get some cold water on that," he said, his voice firm yet caring. Without waiting for her to protest, he lifted her and set her down on the kitchen counter. Maya was dumbfounded, her heart racing from the unexpected closeness. She couldn't help but notice how his broad shoulders filled the space, his presence overwhelming her senses.
"Steven, I'm okay, really," she tried to assure him, but her voice was shaky.
"Just let me help," he said, his eyes meeting hers with a determination that left her speechless. He turned on the tap and ran her finger under the cold water, his touch gentle and careful. Their faces were inches apart, and Maya's eyes involuntarily flicked to his lips, wondering what it would be like to close the gap between them.
Maya watched him, her mind swirling with thoughts. She felt the cool water soothe the burn, but it was the warmth of Steven's presence that truly calmed her. The way he looked at her, the worry in his eyes—it was something she hadn't seen before. Her eyes roamed over his features, taking in the strong lines of his jaw, the slight stubble that gave him a rugged look. She stared at his masculine body that was towering her right now. Her eyes slowly moved into his biceps, rock-hard, then his nose, its' sharp structure was even sexier. She had to remind herself to breathe.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the running water.
Steven looked up, his expression softening. "You're welcome. I just—" he stopped for a second, fixing his eyes into hers, "I just cannot stand it, Maya. Just be careful please. Tell me when you need something. I can help you with that. Don't be in such rush always."
The tension between them was palpable, an unspoken connection hanging in the air. Maya's heart fluttered, and she struggled to find the right words. "I... I am sorry."
Steven smiled, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. His eyes bore into hers, and she felt a heat rising in her cheeks. She wondered, if Steven was aware what he was doing to her. His breath was sharp, sending the warmth into her spines. Her body was hyper-aware of how close he was, the scent of his cologne intoxicating her senses. The sincerity in his words left her breathless. She kept reminding herself to breath normal. But it was impossible. She was drowning with her desired thoughts that she had been locking in herself for years. She felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the burn on her finger. Her eyes dropped to his lips again, wondering if he felt the same pull she did.
"I—" Maya started, but words failed her. She looked down at her hand, still held gently by Steven. The realization hit her that she didn't want this moment to end. She wanted to close the distance, to feel his lips on hers.
Steven seemed to sense her thoughts. He turned off the tap and gently dried her hand with a towel. "There, all better," he said softly, but neither of them moved. His hand lingered on hers, his thumb brushing her skin. The contact sent a shiver down her spine.
Maya's heart was pounding, her mind racing. She looked up into Steven's eyes, searching for any sign that he felt the same. What she saw there took her breath away—a depth of emotion she hadn't expected. His blue eyes were dark with something more than tension.
"Steven..." she began, her voice trembling.
He leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving hers. "Maya, I—"
Before he could finish, the oven timer went off again, breaking the spell. They both jumped, the moment shattered. Steven stepped back, clearing his throat. "I think the cake is ready," he said, trying to sound casual, but his voice was hoarse with emotion.
Maya nodded, sliding off the counter. "Right. The cake."
As she carefully took the cake out of the microwave oven, her mind was still reeling from the intensity of their interaction. She set the cake on the counter, her hands shaking slightly. She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the warmth of his body close to hers.
"Smells delicious," Steven said, his voice a bit strained. He moved back to the table, but his eyes kept drifting towards her.
"Thanks," Maya replied, trying to steady her breathing. She busied herself with slicing the cake, but her mind was elsewhere. The air between them was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. They ate in relative silence, the tension between them still thick in the air. Maya couldn't stop thinking about the way Steven had looked at her, the way he had held her hand. She glanced at him occasionally, catching him watching her with an intensity that made her heart race.
Finally, Steven broke the silence. "Maya, about earlier..."
She looked up, her breath catching in her throat. "Yes?"
He hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "I just wanted to say... I'm here for you. Whenever you need me." His eyes held hers, and she felt the weight of his words, the promise behind them. Maya felt a warmth spread through her at his words. "Thank you, Steven. That means a lot." She smiled, hoping he could see the gratitude in her eyes. He smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made her heart flutter. "Good. Because I mean it."
As they finished their cake, the unspoken tension between them seemed to shift into something more comforting, more hopeful. She wanted to know what it would be like to have him closer, to feel his arms around her. The evening ended on a sweet note, the taste of the cake lingering in her mouth and the warmth of Steven's touch still tingling on her skin. As she cleaned up the kitchen, she couldn't help but smile, her thoughts filled with possibilities.
"Goodnight, Maya," Steven said softly as he headed towards the door.
"Goodnight, Steven," she replied, her heart full. She watched him leave, her body longing for his presence to return.
As the door closed behind him, Maya leaned against the counter, her mind replaying the events of the evening. She knew that something had changed between them, something significant. And for the first time in a long while, she felt a flutter of excitement about what might come next.