Driven To You

Friday nights had a rhythm of their own. Layla didn't even bother pretending she wasn't expecting him as the clock ticked past ten. She paced her living room, her phone resting untouched on the coffee table. She'd already cleaned the place and fixed her hair more times than she'd admit. It wasn't nerves—it was just routine.

The low rumble of an engine outside broke the silence. Layla peeked through the window, rolling her eyes as she saw Aaron's sleek black car pull up. Typical. He always managed to make even parking look smug.

A moment later, the doorbell rang. Layla pulled it open without hesitation, finding Aaron leaning casually against the doorframe. He held his car keys in one hand, twirling them lazily.

"Miss me?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

"Not even a little," Layla shot back, stepping aside to let him in.

Aaron chuckled, stepping past her and tossing his keys onto the counter. He shrugged off his jacket, revealing the slightly rumpled shirt beneath.

"You're late," Layla remarked, crossing her arms.

"Traffic," he said with an easy grin, taking a step closer. His eyes drifted over her, lingering just a second too long. "Nice outfit, by the way. For me?"

Layla scoffed, looking down at her tank top and shorts. "Please. This is just what I wear at home."

"Sure it is," Aaron replied, his voice dripping with amusement.

Before she could retort, he closed the gap between them, his hands finding her waist. His lips claimed hers in a kiss that was as familiar as it was electric. Layla melted into him for a moment before regaining her composure and tugging him closer by the collar of his shirt.

Their kisses turned hungry, filled with the kind of pent-up tension that had been simmering all week. Aaron's hands explored her sides with an unhurried confidence, his thumbs brushing just under the hem of her shirt. Layla's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss.

"Still mad I'm late?" he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with amusement.

"Shut up," Layla muttered, yanking him toward the couch.

They stumbled together, their laughter dissolving into a haze of heat and urgency as they tumbled onto the cushions. Aaron pinned her beneath him, his lips trailing down the line of her jaw and settling at her neck. Layla arched into his touch, her breath hitching as his hands found her bare skin.

Aaron smirked against her collarbone. "You always this bossy?"

"You always this chatty?" Layla shot back, her nails grazing down his back in a way that made him groan.

He silenced her with another kiss, his weight grounding her as their movements turned more frantic. The room seemed to shrink around them, the air thick with the scent of skin and the sound of muffled gasps.

Layla's hands roamed, exploring the lean muscles of his back, his shoulders, his chest. She loved how he felt beneath her fingers—strong but not overbearing, just enough to make her lose herself for a while.

Aaron leaned back just enough to pull off his shirt, the dim light casting shadows across his toned frame. Layla couldn't resist the smirk that tugged at her lips. "Not bad, Soccer Boy."

"Flattered," Aaron replied, his voice teasing as he helped her out of her own top.

They fell into each other again, skin against skin, their breaths mingling as the tension between them built higher and higher. The couch creaked beneath them as they moved together, their rhythm seamless and intoxicating.

Aaron's name escaped her lips in a breathless whisper, his own voice murmuring hers in return. It was a dance they'd perfected over the months, a balance of passion and restraint that always left them breathless and spent.

When they finally collapsed beside each other, the silence was filled with the hum of their breathing. Aaron propped himself up on one elbow, a familiar smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at her. "Not bad for a Friday night, huh?"

Layla rolled her eyes, her chest still rising and falling with each deep breath. "Don't get cocky."

"Too late," he quipped, leaning down to press a soft, almost teasing kiss to her forehead.

She pushed him off the couch playfully, earning a laugh as he landed on the carpet with a thud.

"Alright, alright," Aaron said, sitting up and reaching for his shirt. "I'll give you a break. For now."

As he slipped his shoes back on, Layla leaned back against the cushions, her expression shifting slightly. "So...this is still just casual, right?"

Aaron paused, glancing at her. His smirk softened into something more thoughtful. "Of course. No strings, no expectations. That's the deal."

"Good," Layla replied, though her voice lacked its usual edge.

He leaned back against the counter, his tone changing slightly. "But hey, if you ever wanna study together again...I wouldn't mind. You're not bad company."

Layla raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "Wow, way to ruin the vibe. You really are a nerd."

Aaron grinned, grabbing his jacket and keys. "Guilty as charged."

He paused by the door, looking back at her with a lopsided smile. "See you next week?"

"Maybe," Layla replied, her tone teasing.

Aaron chuckled as he stepped outside. Layla heard the familiar hum of his car engine as he pulled away, leaving her alone in the quiet of her apartment.

For a moment, she sat there, staring at the empty space he'd left behind. This was just their thing—casual, simple, and free of complications.

At least, that's what she told herself.