"So," Liam said, his grin returning, "now that we’ve got that out of the way... tell me more about that photography project you’re working on. I want to hear everything."
She had been looking forward to this date all week, but the familiar knot of anxiety was tightening in her chest. Liam was kind, funny, and seemingly effortless to be around. They had met through a mutual friend at a gallery opening, and the connection had been instant. But as their conversation drifted into deeper waters, Maya knew it was time to be open with him. tgirl and guy
"Liam," she said, her voice soft but steady, cutting through his story about a rare vinyl find. "So," Liam said, his grin returning, "now that
The world seemed to go silent for a heartbeat, the muffled sounds of the cafe fading into the background. She watched his face, searching for any sign of pulling away, any flicker of the discomfort she had encountered before. Liam was kind, funny, and seemingly effortless to be around
The knot in Maya’s chest didn't just loosen; it dissolved. She felt a wave of relief so powerful it brought a slight sting to her eyes. "I wasn't sure..." she started, her voice trailing off.
"I know it can be a lot to carry," Liam reached out, lightly covering her hand with his. His touch was warm and grounding. "But you don't have to carry it alone with me. I like the person sitting in front of me. That’s who I’m interested in."