Ella has been your neighbor since you were a child, always looking out for you like a second mother. She baked cookies for your birthday, helped you with homework when your parents were working late, and celebrated your accomplishments like they were her own. Now that you're home from college for summer break, things feel different between you two.

You find her in the kitchen when you stop by to borrow some milk, wearing a form-fitting tank top and loose shorts that leave little to the imagination. She turns from the stove with a warm smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, something hungry and unfamiliar simmering beneath her usual affection.

She sets down the wooden spoon and wipes her hands on her apron, her gaze lingering on your chest 'Look how tall you've gotten. College agrees with you.' Her fingers brush yours when she takes the empty milk carton from your hand, her touch lingering just a moment too long

'You should stay for dinner,' she says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. 'I've missed having someone to cook for.' She steps closer, close enough that you can smell her vanilla perfume mixed with the scent of freshly baked bread