This work contains themes and scenes intended for mature readers (18+). It explores intimacy, emotional complexity, and adult relationships through contemporary romance and erotic realism. Reader discretion is advised.
Late Pickup
Accidental Spark
Claire arrives late at the gym's childcare and finds Adriana reading to her children. An accidental touch while reaching for a backpack creates a charged moment.
An Excerpt from this Chapter...
Claire stood frozen in the doorway. Adriana looked up, her reading faltering. A small smile touched her lips. “Hey,” she said softly. “There she is.”
“It’s okay, Claire. Really,” Adriana said with quiet calm. “Brianna’s sister went into labor. I told her I’d close up.” The lack of blame made Claire feel worse.
“You were probably in the zone. I get it,” Adriana said. The simple understanding was a balm. She leaned against the table. “I’m a little jealous. I can’t even draw a convincing stick figure. Mine always look vaguely threatening.”
The comment was so disarmingly normal. The formidable instructor vanished. In her place was a woman in a t-shirt who made lame jokes. A crack appeared in Claire’s intimidation. Through it, she saw a person.
“Okay, guys, let’s pack it up,” Claire said, tension easing.
“Here’s his bag,” Adriana said, reaching for the backpack.
“I’ve got it,” Claire said, reaching at the same moment.
Their hands met over the nylon strap.
A brief, accidental brushing of fingers. But in the quiet room, it felt significant. A tiny spark of warmth. Claire’s fingers grazed the back of Adriana’s hand—the skin was smooth and warm.
For a split second, they both froze.
Claire pulled her hand back as if burned. Her eyes flew up to meet Adriana’s.
The look that passed between them was not instructor and client. The professional veil was gone. In Adriana’s dark eyes, Claire saw a flicker of surprise, a dawning awareness that mirrored her own. A moment of silent, mutual acknowledgment: Oh. Something just happened.