Dialing down the spice (slightly :P) Another request from mricj: Cheiloproclitic, which means being attracted to someone's lips.
Something was wrong with her. Nothing had changed between them, so it was clearly all on her.
Or maybe it was the weather; the heat could be affecting her. What a cliche that was, though. Still, just in case, she took a long drink from her smoothie.
It was delicious, but somehow it only made her think of Neil drinking greedily from his lemonade, the straw making annoying noises. And that image made everything worse.
Whenever he smiled, hell, whenever he talked lately, she had to actively think about not staring at his lips. She failed every time, stared for just long enough to get that mortified jolt about shit he'll notice and then not being able to even glance in his direction. He hadn't noticed, thank god, but surely her luck would run out eventually.
Because she couldn't stop thinking about his lips touching her. On her mouth, on the back of her neck, her hand, her–
"Ohmygod no," she groaned aloud, head clunking against the chaise lounge. She was not going to think X-rated thoughts about her colleague. Above the belt stuff was manageable enough, despite even that making her head spin.
But… they were only thoughts. And as much as Neil made claims to the contrary, he couldn't read her mind. If she just let herself think them and didn't tie herself in knots over it, well, they'd lose their luster eventually, right? She was a professional (and had a decent poker face to boot); she wasn't going to let her crazy imaginings get in the way of her work. Or their relationship. It helped that he didn't have any feelings for her.
It was summer. She could indulge. She'd be fine.
"Heeeeyyy!"
She shielded her eyes and took in Neil jogging toward her, ice cream cones in hand.
"One mint chip, as commanded," he said, handing it to her. "Get to it while it's hot– er, cold."
"What'd you get?" She was a bit sun blind.
"Felt like vanilla this time." He took a big bite, sighed rapturously, then licked the ice cream ring from his mouth. "Simple pleasures, y'know?"
She'd be fine. She just might have to dunk him in the ocean first.