The fact that Juniper didn’t say anything back was an acknowledgement in itself. All happening within a fraction of a second, like the sound of the ice cracking on a lake deafened Juniper’s ears. Her heart raced, the blood pounding in her veins but she didn’t need to decipher the meaning behind his look.

It was only a few seconds, but eventually, Daniel broke with a quick nod and smile on his dimpled cheek, leaning back into his chair and relaxing his posture. The softness and quiet concern in his eyes easing the tension in the room.

Maybe Daniel had his reasons for his reserved nature, but this time, Juniper didn’t need to think anything of it. Something felt different now. The way his gaze lingered on her, the way his body seemed to gravitate towards her… it all formed a language she may have been pretending not to understand.

She looked down, heavy of breath, concealing her smile, her eyes batting as if she would take off and fly away. Her skin tingled with anticipation, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up as she felt the weight of him as if he was leaning against her.