HER MOTHER’S HUSBAND

UNSPOKEN FEELINGS

Vanessa couldn’t shake off the confusing feelings Steve had stirred in her. The way his voice softened when he spoke to her, the way his eyes lingered a moment too long.. These were the things she couldn't get out of her mind.

As she took the first step up the staircase, she felt a sudden tug on her arm. It all happened so fast. She gasped as she was pulled back, losing her balance and stumbling right into Steve’s broad chest.

“Whoa, easy there,” Steve said, his hands instinctively wrapping around her waist to steady her.

For a moment, Nessa was too stunned to react. She was so close she could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell the faint scent of his cologne. The scent that was uniquely him.

Her hands were pressed against his chest, and she could feel his steady heartbeat under her palms, her breath hitched.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Steve murmured, his voice a soft rumble that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. He didn’t let go immediately, and she found herself trapped in his gaze.

His amber eyes were intense, almost searching her face for something unspoken.

“It's… it's fine,” Vanessa stuttered, her voice barely above whisper. She tried to step back, but his grip on her waist tightened, just enough to keep her there for a second longer.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice dropping to a lower, huskier tone.”You seem…. Distracted”.

Vanessa’s heart was racing now. Was it her imagination, or had he leaned in just a fraction closer? She could feel her boobs touching him and for the fact she was putting on a brassiere made her n*****s hard enough that he might notice.

She tried to break free from the moment, forcing a laugh to hide the nervous flutter in her chest.

“I…I just have a lot on my mind lately. You know… girly stuff. You shouldn't worry about me”.

“Still, I still want to know. Period cramps?”....

“No, not close. Please you shouldn’t worry about me.”....

But Steve didn’t release her. Instead, his thumb brushed lightly against her side, a touch so subtle it sent a jolt through her.

“Vanessa…” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “You know you can always tell me if something’s bothering you.” Pulling her closer to his chest.

Her breath caught again. The way he said her name, the way he was looking at her. It was too intimate, too close for her comfort. And yet, a part of her didn’t want to move away. She was caught in the heat of his gaze, her body betraying her by leaning just a little closer.

“I don’t….I don’t think…” her voice faltered. She could feel the space between them shrinking. His eyes flickered down to her lips for the briefest second, and she knew just what was about to happen.

“Maybe we should…” She tried talking but her words were cut off as Steve’s lips brushed against hers in a tentative kiss, as if he were testing the waters. It was soft, romantic, his breath was fresh, and smelled like minty sweets. It sent a wave of heat rushing through her body.

Vanessa froze, her mind screaming at her to pull away, but her body refused to listen. Instead, she found herself leaning into him, letting him deepen the kiss. His hands moved from her waist to cradle her face gently, his touch sending tingles down her spine.

It lasted only for a moment, but it felt like an eternity. When he finally pulled back, his breath was warm against her cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he said, but his voice didn’t sound apologetic. He has been looking forward to this moment. And if anything, he sounded almost… hungry. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Vanessa was at a loss for words. Her lips still tingled from the kiss, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She took a shaky step back, her mind a whirlwind of confusion.

“I.. I have to go,” she muttered, turning quickly to flee upstairs.

But Steve’s hand caught hers again, pulling her back.”Vanessa, wait,” he pleaded softly.

“I know this is confusing. I didn’t mean to…but I can’t pretend I don’t feel something.”

“What are you talking about?” she hissed, panic rising in her chest. “You’re married to my mom, Steve! This…whatever this drama is.. Has to stop!”

“I know,” he admitted, his eyes darkening. “I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help it. There’s something between us, a spark Vanessa. You feel it too, don’t you? Please don’t lie to me”

She shook her head furiously, but the truth was, she did feel it. And that terrified her. “This is insane,” she replied. “Maybe you are just.. Confused. I am confused. We’re confused, Steve. This… it can’t happen”.

Steve took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “Maybe I am confused,” he said softly. “But I am sure I’ve never felt this way before. Not with anyone. Not even with your mother.”

The words struck Vanessa like a slap.

“You can’t say things like that,” she whispered, tears pricking at her eyes.

“You are supposed to be with her. You married her.”

“I know,”... he said, his voice thick with emotion. “BUt sometimes, you meet someone who changes everything. Someone who makes you question what you thought you wanted.”

Vanessa’s heart was breaking, but she couldn’t stop the way it leapt at his words.

“This isn’t fair,” she said, her voice breaking. “To me, to my mom… we can’t do this, Steve”.

“I know,” he whispered, finally letting go of her hand. “But it doesn’t change how I feel or how you feel. You think I haven’t been seeing the signs? You think I’d never notice? Don’t shy away from us”.

Vanessa turned away, unable to look at him anymore. “I can’t.. I just can’t,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. Without another word, she fled up the stairs, her heart in turmoil.

As she reached her room, she slammed the door behind her and leaned against it, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.

“What did I just do? What the hell just happened? How did L let things go this far? How was he able to notice? Was it too obvious? OMG”.. she pressed her fingers to her lips, still feeling the ghost of his deep kiss.

As she slid down to the floor, her mind raced. She knew she was doing the wrong thing. And not just with anyone but her mother’s husband. How could she destroy her mother’s happiness over a moment of weakness?

Vanessa buried her face in her hands, her heart aching with confusion. Guilt gnawing at her.

She didn’t know what to do. But it was certain that things were about to get more complicated.