The moment Charlotte walked into the room, Engfa forgot what she had been saying.
It was not subtle. It was not something she could hide even if she had wanted to.
One second she had been standing between Heidi and Tina, half listening to whatever ridiculous story Tina was telling, and the next she was simply staring at the entrance as though the entire room had suddenly gone quiet around her.
Charlotte had always had that effect on her.
But tonight was different.
Charlotte had chosen a black dress that looked almost deceptively simple from the front, elegant and fitted in all the right places, but the back was almost completely bare. The fabric curved around her shoulders and waist before disappearing, leaving a long stretch of pale, impossibly soft-looking skin exposed beneath her dark hair.
Her hair was long and black, falling down her back in loose waves, and every time she moved, it shifted against her skin. Her hazel eyes caught the warm lights of the room, framed by long lashes, and her lips were naturally pink, full enough that Engfa immediately had to remind herself that there were other people in the room.
Charlotte looked elegant without looking like she had tried to be elegant.
Confident without needing anyone to notice.
And Engfa was completely, hopelessly mesmerized.
Heidi noticed first.
"Close your mouth."
Engfa did not even look at her.
"I wasn't-"
"You absolutely were."
Tina laughed beside them. "She's been staring for ten seconds."
"I know."
"You're not even pretending anymore."
Engfa finally blinked.
"I can't help it." She said blushing.
Heidi looked toward the entrance.
Charlotte had already spotted them.
And then she smiled.
That small, knowing smile that always made Engfa feel like Charlotte knew exactly what she was doing to her.
"She's looking at you," Tina whispered.
"I know." Engfa answered fast.
"You're going to embarrass yourself."
"I know. I always do."
"You're not even listening."
"Not even a little."
Tina stared at her.
"At least you're honest."
Charlotte started walking toward them.
Engfa barely waited for her to get close before reaching for her waist.
"There you are." Engfa said squeezing her between her fingers.
Charlotte laughed softly. "You say that like I've been missing for three years."
"It felt like it." Engfa rolled her eyes.
"You saw me yesterday." Charlotte said laughing.
"That was yesterday."
Charlotte shook her head, amused, and Engfa's hand slowly moved from her waist to the exposed skin of her back.
