A Risk Worth Taking

by Jessica Joyce

The curved line of his thigh is indecent, the square cap of his knee damn near spiritual.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in this short time with Connor, it’s that there’s no guile to him. He’s playful, thoughtful, and sweetly intense in equal measure; none of it is held back or artificial. It’s probably the least careful thing about him, that he hands over his emotions like this. It makes me feel safe with him. I can be careful or not and it doesn’t matter. He’s right there, showing me his entire hand.

It was so good between us, so easy, steeped in that specific blend of care and recklessness Connor seemed to awaken me to.

I sometimes get caught up in the risk and reward of the big decisions I make, like moving here. But the small ones matter, too. When you collect them in your hand over time, they grow just as massive. Connor and I are a testament to that.

His expression melts into something that could easily slip into love, now that we have the time to get there.