That First Touch

I look at you, and you look at me; neither of us is breaking eye contact. I imagine I can see your pupils dilating as you smile. This new flirtation comes with an electric tension, a potential space between wanting to touch you and not being able to. Breaching that barrier, and that first touch, the warmth that comes, the excitement, the adrenaline. I get closer to you, I take your hand, and we interlace our fingers. We begin walking together, and it’s so intimate, and thrilling, because I don’t really know you.

You draw closer and closer to me. I put my arm around your shoulder, and I breathe in the smell of your hair. I run my fingers through your scalp. We continue down the street together, my arm around your shoulder, and the side of your torso fitting my hip perfectly.