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.
The Saturday Market
Realization Dawns
At the farmer's market, Claire sees Adriana in casual clothes. A guiding hand on her back and Adriana's kindness to her children leads Claire to realize she really likes her.
An Excerpt from this Chapter...
Adriana was across the crowded aisle at a tomato stall. This wasn’t Adriana the instructor. This Adriana wore faded jeans and a dark green t-shirt. Her hair was loose, catching sunlight. She was laughing, head tilted back. She looked relaxed, unguarded, breathtakingly beautiful.
A magnetic pull seized Claire. Go talk to her. Followed by fear: Don’t you dare.
Then Leo’s voice sliced through the air. “Hey! It’s the gym lady!”
Adriana’s head turned. Her smile softened into something quieter, focused just for them. The world narrowed.
Adriana met them halfway. “I’ve been called worse. Hi, guys.”
As they spoke, a bottleneck formed. Adriana, without seeming to think, placed a hand on the small of Claire’s back, guiding her through the crowd. The touch was brief, practical. But through thin cotton, it felt like a brand. A jolt of heat spread through her.
When clear, Adriana’s hand fell away, but phantom warmth remained.
Adriana’s eyes caught the flower stall. “Hold on.” She returned with a perfect white daisy, handing it to Mia. “Every beautiful girl needs a flower.”
Claire’s heart did a strange lurch. Such a small gesture, filled with genuine warmth.
“What about me?” Leo demanded.
Adriana laughed. “For you, we have a very serious decision.” She engaged Leo in solemn debate about apples, listening with focused gravity.
Claire watched. She was seeing a whole new cartography of this woman. Not just strength, but effortless warmth, humor. The way she saw her children as whole people.
A jolt went through her, terrifying crystalline clarity. The confusing physical pull, simmering curiosity, deep-seated intimidation—all coalesced into a single thought.
Oh. I really, really like her.
The acknowledgment settled in her gut, heavy, warm, terrifying. This wasn’t fleeting attraction. This was something real.