The Space Between Us.

on sat at one end, reviewing the latest draft of their community engagement proposal. The town hall was quickly approaching, an

l. As though he were trying to keep a certain part of himself guarded, even th

her thoughts, smooth but with an edge

sion-something more vulnerable than usual-that made her stomach ti

replied, keepin

ening before he spoke. Then, lowering his voice, he added, "I don't th

t, but hearing him say it out loud made

aster now. "You're too good at keeping things locked up, Leighton. But I'm not like that. And this-" H

old you from the beginning-this is just business. Yo

nk we can keep pretending there's nothing between us? Every time I see you, it's like there's this tension

of her. She was searching for something to focus on, something that would take her mind off the

quieter now, her gaze averted. "We're just col

wly, his jaw clenched.

nt me to say? That I feel the same way? That I'm... attracted to you?

on't want you to say anything you're not ready to. But I need you to understand,

sn't just a conversation about work anymore. It w

d slowly, a sigh escaping her lips. "I don't know what this is

that. But I don't want to keep pretendin

ouldn't let herself get swept up in this. She had worked too hard to build

ing to sound firm. "I'm here for the pro

his expression unreadable, before he n

sadness that made her feel a pang of regret. Still, she cou

-

g the details. Ezra was more distant than usual, and though they shared the occasional brief glance, the charged atmosphere be

nal meeting of the day when she stepped into the elevator. She pressed the button for the ground f

expecting to see Ezra standing there, leanin

d inside. The air between them

keeping her tone light, though she cou

searching. "I was just thinkin

we don't need to kee

do. You say we're just colleagues, just partners on a pro

him, her heart poun

convince himself as much as her. "I'm not asking you to change your mind or to suddenly open up. But I don't w

y both stepped out, but Leighton didn't move toward the exit immedi

voice barely a whisper. "But I can't let it get

dable. "I get it. I'll keep my di

so composed, like he wasn't affected. But in that moment, Leighton realized that whatever she was trying to avoid, whatever distance s

-

ing's lobby was bustling with people- employees heading out for the evening, some laughing, others in deep conversa

ace. She need

press down on her again. She was in control. She had to be. The project, the town hall,

r of the tension that had been there from the beginning. She couldn't deny it any

way to her car, her pace brisk and purposeful. She couldn't

ard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching

n his jacket pockets, his jaw tight. He wasn't lookin

she said, her voice a little more bri

le, though his eyes still carried that same intensi

what to make of his sudden persi

he space between them shrinking as he reached into his pocket and pulled

ef moment. She glanced down at the note in her hand, the edg

this," Ezra said quietly,

paper carefully. There, in Ezra's handwriting,

she expected. More than she was ready for. Her throat fe

e defensive, but her voice wavered slightly. She

eep saying that. But I think you do,

ance between them. "This isn't about me needing your help," she said, her voice ha

r. "Leighton, you can't keep pretending that this is jus

g in frustration. "You don't get to tel

"I don't get to tell you how to feel. But I do know that you're no

ut him out, to lock everything up like she always did. But there was something in

to regain control. "I can't, Ezra. I can't

not asking you to make it more than what it is. I'm j

the whole world stopped moving. The distance between them

ed, his face set in a resigned expression. "Alright. I'll stop pushing. But just know, Leighton,

ing. She could hear the click of his boots against the pavement, each step echo

feel the warmth of his touch, the lingering softness of his words. I

colors, but none of it reached her. Her mind was consumed by Ezra's wor

her sanctuary. But tonight, it felt different. It felt distant. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts, not w

t her skin, and made her way inside, hoping that the silence of

gaze wouldn't leave her. It lingered, like the promis