Fermented Desires

A little more than friends?

The next day, sunlight poured through Isabella's window, pulling her from sleep. She blinked against the brightness, a fleeting pang of nostalgia reminding her how far she was from the greenhouse of her childhood home. Shaking off the thought, she got out of bed and headed to the shower. Steam curled around her as she let the hot water wash away the tension clinging to her. Once dressed, she hesitated at her bedroom door, not ready to face her roommates after last night's abrupt movie exit.

Isabella crept downstairs, her steps cautious. She could hear the faint hum of activity in the kitchen, and as she reached the bottom step, a familiar voice called out, startling her.

"Good morning, Sunshine. Perfect timing! Pancakes are up. You ready to eat?" Ashton's grin was as warm as the plate he set on the counter, adorned with fruit and syrup that glistened in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Realizing her stealth had failed, she stepped into the kitchen. Ashton stood there in low-slung gray shorts, his toned frame drawing her gaze before she forced her eyes upward. The sight of his easy confidence left her flustered. He caught her staring and smirked knowingly, his playful energy filling the room.

"You'll find out soon I'm always hungry," she quipped, laughing nervously as she sat at the island. Her heart raced from more than just the morning's abruptness.

Moments later, Cameron and Hudson joined them. Isabella felt a wave of heat remembering how their hands had lingered on her the night before. The memory left her breathless, and she bit her lip, trying to push the sensation aside. She needed to focus, but their proximity was intoxicating.

"How come Isabella's plate looks like a work of art, and ours look slapped together?" Cameron teased, eyeing his food with mock disdain.

"Y'all aren't the cute girl I'm trying to impress," Ashton replied with a laugh, busying himself with his plate.

The group laughed, the sound warm and easy. When Isabella finished her breakfast, she washed her plate and turned back to the guys, her nerves steadying.

"I'm heading out to look for a job. Any suggestions?" she asked. Hudson spoke up after a pause, his deep voice commanding attention.

"There's a flower shop nearby," he said, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "I'll take you there since I've got errands to run."

He disappeared upstairs and returned minutes later, sharply dressed in a tailored suit. The fabric hugged his broad shoulders and lean frame perfectly. Isabella barely concealed her admiration as she followed him out the door. His vintage blue BMW awaited, its sleek exterior matching his polished demeanor. Inside, she couldn't help but steal glances at him, her curiosity battling her restraint.

"Take a picture, Isabella. It lasts longer than staring," Hudson said without looking away from the road. His tone was teasing, but the warmth in his voice made her blush.

Her cheeks burned as she averted her gaze, but his large, warm hand captured hers, his thumb brushing over her skin in a gesture both casual and intimate. The small, deliberate motion sent sparks coursing through her, making her pulse race.

They arrived at the flower shop. As she moved to open her door, Hudson's hand stopped her. He leaned over, his steady eyes locking with hers.

"Good luck, beautiful," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her lips before he released her. Isabella's heart raced as she stepped out. "Cameron will come and get you when you are finished" Hudson added. Isabella nodded and turned to the shop as he drove away.

Inside, the shop was alive with the scent of fresh blooms, a fragrant reminder of her greenhouse back home. She called out, and a brunette woman emerged from behind a plant. Her Billie Eilish-inspired look sent Isabella's thoughts spinning, her heart quickening at the woman's striking presence.