NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 8
Marshall glanced down at her hand on his arm, her touch sending an electric current through his body. Though he had expected some form of physical contact sooner or later, her initiation of it was earlier than he had anticipated. But he hid his surprise well, looking back up at her with feigned resignation.
__Marshall:"I just hate feeling like this...Like I'm being watched, judged... like I don't fit in." he said, his voice softer now.
__Emily: "But that's just your mind playing tricks on you I promise, most people don't really care about who's around them. They're all too caught up in their own lives."
She assured softly, her grip on his arm loosening slightly but still there, a gentle touch.
Even as she spoke the words, she found herself wondering why she was being so gentle, so caring with this stranger, almost like she knew him well.
Marshall allowed her to hold onto his arm, enjoying the gentle touch more than he should. Her words were like a balm to his 'anxiety', even though they were just part of his carefully planned act.
__Marshall: "I know," he nodded, looking into her eyes. "It's just not easy to shake off the feeling, you know? Especially when everyone else seems so... normal."
Emily frowned, the mention of 'normal' making her heart ache a little. Was he really so down on himself, that he thought he was abnormal? She tried to push the thought away, her grip on his arm tightening slightly.
__Emily: "You know, not everyone has it as easy as they appear."
She said softly, her eyes fixed on his, her thumb making gentle circles on his arm subconsciously, trying to soothe his 'fears'.
__Emily: "They only seem normal because they hide their insecurities better than you do. We all have our struggles. Some just hide them better." she murmured, her words almost comforting.
As she spoke, her touch continued to send small tremors through his body. He found her comfort, her soothing words and soft touches, more addictive than he had expected. He had to remind himself this was all an act, that he was the one in control here.
__Marshall: "I guess you're right. It's just hard, when everybody else seems like they've got it all figured out, and I'm just... a mess." he admitted, his voice still soft.
Emily shook her head lightly, her grip on his arm tightening slightly. She didn't get why she was feeling this strange need to reassure him, why his words and his vulnerability were pulling at her heartstrings so strongly.
__Emily: "You're not a mess," she said firmly, her voice steady but gentle. "We all have our own struggles that nobody else sees. You're just being honest about yours. That's not a bad thing."
His heart skipped a beat at her firm words, her protective tone making him feel more wanted, more... cared for than he had in a long time. He had expected her to be sympathetic, but this was different. Her eyes, her touch, her soothing words - they were awakening a part of him he had long suppressed.
__Marshall: "Thanks. It's rare to find someone who can see past the surface..." he said quietly, sincerity mixing with his act.
Emily's eyes softened at his words, a hint of sadness in her expression. Why did he sound like someone who was used to being misunderstood, someone who was familiar with the feeling of being invisible?
She gave his arm a gentle squeeze before finally letting go, her hand falling back to her side. The absence of her touch suddenly felt like a cold wind against his skin, making him crave more of her attention, more of her concern.
Marshall fought to suppress a shiver at the loss of her touch, his skin suddenly cold without her warmth against it. He found himself wanting to reach out to her, to pull her back to him, but he forced himself to reign in his emotions. This wasn't part of the plan, he reminded himself. He was supposed to be the one manipulating her, not the other way around.
__Marshall: "I... I should let you get back to work. I've taken enough of your time already..." he said, his voice strangely regretful.
Emily felt a strange pang at his words, as if she didn't want him to leave, as if she wanted him to stay right there with her. She mentally chided herself for the thought. This was a customer, a complete stranger, and she had no reason to want him to stay. But something about the way he spoke, the way his eyes held hers...
__Emily: "You can... stay a bit longer, if you want..."
Marshall felt an instant of triumph at her words. His plan was working, perhaps even better than he had anticipated. But at the same time, a hint of genuine gratitude stirred in him, and he nodded, a tiny smile playing on his lips.
__Marshall: "Yeah... I'd like that," he said quietly. He took a step closer, closing the distance between them again, his heart beating just a little bit faster at her proximity.
He stayed true to his act, subtly hinting at his "anxiety" and feeling like an outsider while maintaining an air of vulnerability that drew Emily in. She felt herself sympathizing with him more and more, her protective nature coming out in full force.
They continued talking, the conversation flowing naturally from one topic to another. As time passed, Emily found herself growing more comfortable with him, forgetting the initial professional distance she should have kept. The air between them seemed to crackle with unexpected tension, as if an invisible force was pulling them closer together.