You were focused on mixing the batter, the kitchen warm and filled with the sweet scent of (expired) vanilla. You didn’t hear Ellie come in until you felt her arms slip around your waist from behind, her chin coming to rest gently on your shoulder, a bad habit of hers. The touch was so familiar, yet there was an unspoken something that made your heart skip.

“Smells good, sweet girl,” she murmured, her voice soft and warm, and you could feel her smile against your neck driving you crazy. You couldn’t ignore the way her arms felt around you.

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of you moved. There was something about the way she held on just a second longer than usual, something in the way your hands brushed as you worked, that hinted at more. But you were friends, right?