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carlyhiebner.bsky.social
@carlyhiebner.bsky.social
450 followers 770 following 420 posts
Aspiring Author. Querying: The Annora Project. Mom of 3. Doctor of Physical Therapy. Occasional Wedding Singer.
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carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Another #WIPSnips from an incomplete book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ #writesky #writingcommujity #writingprompts

Cael might be the jokester of the group, but he’s also one heck of an engineer.

Fynn’s POV—
I don’t blame the woman, Nora’s clothes hang so loosely on her petite frame, it’s like she borrowed them from a giant. She’s going to need the extra fuel to build up her strength—not that I plan on letting her fight. When this is all over, it might kill me, but I’ll help her go back. If that’s what she wants. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping she’d choose to stay here with me. “Ah. Nevermind. Your girl’s here I see.” Cael gives me a look, practically shoveling the rice into his mouth. “Sorry, what did you say? It’s hard to decipher between the sounds you make when you eat and actual conversation.” “Oh pardon me.” He snorts, dabbing his napkin ceremonially at the corners of his mouth like he has some semblance of manners. “I said, how did our girl do at training today? I figured you were watching her like a hawk, so…” “Our girl?” “Yeah, I have a feeling Annora and I are going to be besties. She actually laughs at my jokes, unlike some people I know.” Exhaling loudly, I sigh, running a hand through my hair. Cael was my first friend, after Zane and I… And I know he’d never try to take Nora from me, but jealousy threatens to bubble over when she sits down next to him, directly in front of me. The ridiculous grin on his face tells me he knows I’m pissed, and he’s here for it. “There she is! First training session, and lookie here” —He gently grips her chin, turning her face both to the right and the left as he inspects it— “she’s fully intact. Not even a scratch!” Glaring, I grip the table, white-knuckled, until he finally stops touching her. He smirks when she laughs, shaking her head as a pink blush tints her cheeks. He may be my best friend, but this idiot is looking to face me first on the training mat tomorrow. Maybe a few punches will wipe that smug look off his face.
November 13, 2025 at 1:18 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky

Nora’s first day of training. She’s still pissed at Fynn for lying to her, but he’s just over the moon that she’s there, with him.

Fynn’s POV—
It’s all I can do to stay rooted in place when she goes to the ground, even though I know Jackie won’t seriously hurt her. I take one step in her direction, but the firm shake of her head is enough to freeze me mid-step. She’s stronger than I give her credit for, but the need to protect her might be stronger. My side aches like a son of a gun, the bruise already forming from Liam’s strike. She’s a distraction. When she’s in the room, I can’t focus, my eyes constantly searching for her. I’m sure Cael will give me crap for it later. It’s been awhile since someone got a decent hit on me. I don’t intervene, but stay close, keeping an eye on her as Jackie shows her how to stand, how to use her core for more power. Jealousy and want burns through me. It should be my hands on her. And it’s my own damn fault that it’s not. Sweat drips from the wisps of hair that escape her braid—her shirt soaked through. It’s tempting to tease her since I know how much she hates cardio. I’m not sure what Jackie says to her as she wipes the moisture from her brow, but she smiles one of those rare Nora smiles, and it hits me like a punch to the chest. Suddenly her eyes meet mine, the smile softening a bit. Her cheeks are red from exertion, almost the color of her fiery hair. She stares at the ground when I make my way toward her—unable to stay away any longer. “My turn.”
November 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Convincing you to read my novel with the first sentence—

A Recipe for Romance 💘 #amquerying #writingcommunity #writesky
November 11, 2025 at 3:41 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from A Recipe for Romance 💘 #writingcommunity #writesky “burger”

There are a lot of burgers in this WIP thanks to Will’s favorite small-town bar.

Maggie’s jealous when a substitute teacher hits on Will in front of her. He finds it adorable. (They’d both deny it)
Picking at an imaginary fuzz on her blouse, she shrugged. “Well, I should probably get going soon since you have a lunch date.” “I might…haven’t asked her yet.” He avoided her gaze, reorganizing a few papers that were perfectly fine as they were. “Well, you should probably get on that. It’s almost lunch. What if she needs time to change?” Maggie slowly grabbed her purse, which was slung over a spare chair. “You’re probably right.” Will paused for dramatic effect, fingers drumming against his thigh. He shifted his weight, caught off guard by the sudden flutter of nerves. She would probably laugh in his face, but he found himself actually enjoying her company and not wanting it to end. “Well, Boss, wanna go get some lunch? Or do you need to change?” Maggie paused mid-step, eyes wide. Gesturing toward herself, she mouthed, “Me?” “Do you see another bossy woman in here?” He smirked at the glare he was getting accustomed to—maybe enjoying. “Although I’m a bit afraid to take you anywhere. You do eat regular food too, right? Your palate is probably too fancy for anything around here.” “Just because my taste buds are more sophisticated than yours, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a good burger.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Is that a yes then?” He stood, mimicking her posture, knowing she wouldn’t be able to resist a challenge. Her shrug said it all—challenge accepted.
November 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from ✨The Annora Project ✨ #writesky #writingcommunity “local”

Fynn’s mission: to infiltrate Driscoll Engineering and stop the system peacefully

Zane’s mission: to stop Driscoll by any means necessary

The complication: Annora Driscoll
I slam down a copy of the local newspaper, front cover adorned by Driscoll and his big tech announcement. I know it’s a familiar image to Fynn. I don’t even think he takes the time to look at it under those sunglasses. “I mean come on, man, don’t you think it’s a little convenient that every time a big development happens in the lab, he sends you to Annora in his place, effectively getting you out of the building. That he never gives you anything valuable to work on. You’ve had your shot, man, and you blew it. And for what? Did you think you could be with her? That you could bring her with you? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying hanging out with her, but I’m more practical than that. We’ve tried it your way, and now we’re going to do this my way.”
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Aaaaaannnnndddd I will never draw again!!!!! 🤣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣

Will and Maggie
#Novmemeber
November 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “picture”

Nora suspects. Fynn deflects. Her father’s plan is in motion.
“What is it with these videos?” I mutter under my breath, noticing Fynn shaking his head. “Have you noticed it too?” He nods, sighing. “Like they’re obsessed.” Uncrossing my legs, I stretch, my gaze narrowing on the group zoned in on the video like nothing else exists. “I am curious though…maybe I will check it out.” “Don’t—” Fynn grips my elbow. It’s a gentle grip, but there’s a flash of something desperate on his face before he disguises it with a grin. “Why not?” “No reason. They’re just catching on fast. I’m sure it’s fine—probably the algorithm. The engineers are probably fixing it as we speak. And they’re mostly just idiotic.” There’s a part of me that’s still pissed at my dad and wants to ignore every piece of advice he’s ever given me. Must be the same part of me that’s still pissed at Fynn. Yanking my arm from his grasp, I whisper, “Funny. That sounds almost exactly like something my dad said. He asked if you had told me anything about them.” The look on his face tells me everything I need to know. He’s keeping things from me. “And what did you say?” he stutters. “I told him the truth. And he seemed relieved. Why, Fynn? Are they dangerous? Is it something illegal? Why is everyone being so weird? And since when do you keep secrets from me? My dad I can understand. But you?” He shakes his head, eyes pleading. “Please, Nor. I’m just a coding intern. I’m not privy to big picture information. But I’m sure it’s fine. You’re far too smart for those videos anyway. Just trust me on this.” Not understanding why he’s being so secretive and weird, I finally shrug. “Fine.” “Good.” He nudges me with his shoulder again, trying to lighten the mood.
November 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from A Recipe for Romance 💘 #writingcommunity #writesky “little”

Maggie’s a little jealous…not that she’d admit it.
With a dry snort, she shoved a steaming stack of pancakes his way before claiming a modest share for herself. She lingered, eyes narrowed in amused disbelief as he slathered his plate in syrup and crowned it with a small mountain of butter. “What are you, twelve? You’re ruining them!” “Nope. Waaay better this way. It’s called flavor.” He chuckled at her glare and stuffed a large bite in his mouth, chewing obnoxiously. “It’s called diabetes.” Will hummed at the taste. “Worth it.” Maggie’s eyes caught on that dimpled grin, and she bit back a sigh. She wondered if he realized how attractive he was. All the single ladies in town obviously had. The thought had her chewing a little more aggressively.
November 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “movement”

Zane asking Annora to homecoming—telling himself it’s because he needs to extract information from her, but really he just likes her. (And he likes getting under Fynn’s skin)
“I was wondering, Red, if you already had a date.” Her eyes snap to mine. I watch her fiddle with her nails, a pretty pink tint dusting her cheeks. Her gaze slides down to her sneakers, but I don’t miss the fact that it stops, briefly, on Fynn. He’ll never ask her. Coward. She must realize the same thing, because she finally exhales, shaking her head. “Would you like to be mine? My date, that is.” She’s staring at me again, eyes narrowed, searching my face like she’s trying to figure out if I’m being genuine or just messing with her. I allow myself to give her a real smile, one that most people never see, and she blinks rapidly, not expecting it. “Is that a yes?” “I…why?” The words are barely a whisper. Why indeed. Because you know what they say, keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. Because I can’t help myself. Because there’s something about her that draws me in. Of course, I can't say any of those things, so I go with— “Why not? I think we’d have a great time together!” She’s so easy to read. And right now, she’s not sure about me. Smart girl. I force myself to keep smiling, my facial muscles groaning at the unnatural movement. “Okay?” Her answer comes out more like a question, a look of mild confusion on her face. “Okay! It’s a date!” I blurt, maybe a bit too loudly, not wanting her to change her mind. She flinches but gives me a shy smile.
November 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
WHEN IN ROME X IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER

#questpit #A #Q #R
November 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
She’s all big-city glamour and crème brûlée. He’s more meatloaf and Midwestern stubborn. When a culinary queen clashes with a grumpy college professor, sparks—and spatulas—fly.
#questpit #Q #A #R
November 5, 2025 at 1:12 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Love finding this little guy hanging around. And yes, our work plants are named Fred and Ethel.
November 4, 2025 at 3:41 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Another #WIPSnips from book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ and Zane’s mission to destroy a signal tower with a less-than-capable team. Trying to work on my action scenes 🤦🏼‍♀️ #writingcommunity #writesky
“RUN!” I shout, stumbling off the bridge onto firm ground. The tower’s base rises up before us—concrete and steel, humming with energy. A single hatch lies open at the base. “Cover me!” I order, readying myself to sprint towards it. Anna thrusts the bag of explosives into my hands. “You’re the only one fast enough,” she says, face pale but steady. Raising his walking stick like a weapon, Ben plants himself behind me. “Go, boy!” As I turn, James’ pistol fires wildly at the crowd, shots sparking off the ground when he misses everything. Terrible shot. I don’t see Mara, but I can’t waste anymore time. Dashing toward the tower, I lurch inside the hatch—a mess of wires and spinning machinery surrounding the source—a black console wrapped in thick cables. Setting the charges quickly, my mind wanders to the Grinch Waffle Makers as I time the fuse, arm the trigger, and double check the connections. There’s a pop. Shouts. Another series of pops. It’s the scream outside that makes me pause. “Fall back!” Ben bellows. Sprinting from the hatch, I watch them disappear into the ditch as the first group of infected reach them.
November 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
#Novmemeber

Chef Maggie and Professor Will 🥰
November 4, 2025 at 12:55 AM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from the very rough draft of book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “nice”

A little love triangle tension. Zane gets injured during a mission and ends up in Fynn’s compound. They decide to detain him as leverage.
“Why were you in our territory, Adler?” There’s a shift of energy in the air. Something darker. “I’m sure you knew about the signal tower, Abernathy. Thought we’d be nice and take care of it for you, so you wouldn’t have to get your hands dirty.” “Right. Of course. Always the hero.” “Fynn—” “No. I get it. He saved you. Big damn deal. And now he’s back like it’s some kind of fairytale reunion. You have no idea what she’s been through.” There’s a pained look on Zane’s face as he scans me from head to toe, probably looking for any visible injuries. “You’re right. I don’t. But I’m here now.” Fynn shakes his head. “Not for long. She belongs here, Zane.” “Why don’t you let her decide.” I close my eyes for a beat, and when I open them, both of them are staring at me…waiting. This isn’t about the past. Not tonight. Placing a hand on Fynn’s shoulder, he finally relaxes a fraction, jaw still tight. “Please, Fynn. Can you just…give us a minute? You can stand right outside. Please.” Fynn hesitates. Those dark, blue eyes search mine for something—some sign that I’m choosing him. Then, with a clipped nod, he pulls back. “One minute. This is still an investigation, not a family reunion.” He walks out, but the tension remains. When I glance back at Zane, he’s watching me carefully. Making my way to the cot, I sit on the edge, avoiding the stains and bandages. The cot shifts as Zane drops down beside me, close, but not touching. “He loves you, you know.”
November 3, 2025 at 1:12 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
“Web” today from the very rough draft of ✨The Annora Project✨ book 2. #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky
The sight of Zane standing outside my door has me so shocked, I forget about morning breath, the tangled web of curls on my head—the fact that I’m only wearing one sock—and jump into his arms. He laughs, spinning me in a circle before stepping into the room and kicking the door shut behind us. My face heats when he doesn’t immediately let me go—holding me suspended in the air, pressed against his firm chest. There are dark smudges under his eyes like he barely slept, but his bandages are free from drainage, and he’s smiling at me like he doesn’t have a care in the world. I don’t miss when his eyes dart to the bed, then around the room, before returning to my face. “Expecting someone else?” “Nope.” A pause. “Should I be?” “Zane…” He chuckles as he puts me carefully back on my feet. “Just checking, Red. Glad I have you all to myself this morning.” “So, they just let you…wander around?” Grabbing a tunic and pants from the small dresser, I wait, but he stares at me like he’s trying to memorize every inch in case I suddenly disappear. “Are you gonna turn around or…” My favorite smile covers his face—both dimples making an appearance. I almost forgot how handsome he is…almost. He turns, but glances back, giving me a wink before facing the opposite wall.
November 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
✨The Annora Project✨ #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky “spell”

Annora’s POV
A future dystopian world—
I’m suddenly hit by another dizzy spell, holding my head in my hands, trying to force down the urge to lose my lunch. My tongue feels like sandpaper. I would kill for a drink of water right now. The dehydration and delirium will only get worse. I know I’m supposed to make my way toward the bluffs, but I can’t fight the urge to glance back toward what appears to be civilization. I attempt to stand, hissing at the sharp sting in my ankle, shifting my weight a bit to test its limits. The joint has swollen exponentially since my fall, even though I have no idea how long ago that was.
October 30, 2025 at 12:33 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Had to use “stick” vibes today.
✨The Annora Project✨ *rough draft* of book 2 #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky “costume”

Zane’s father sending him on a mission to blow a signal tower surrounded by “infected” with a team of civilians. (He’s kind of the worst)
With the tower finally in sight, I crouch at the treeline, eyes fixed on the red-lit signal tower pulsing against the night sky. I will bring it down. I have to. Behind me, the “team” is assembled in a jagged line, outlined by the faint glow of the moon, each a bundle of nerves in the darkness. James clutches a pistol in both hands like it might explode any second. His grin is too wide, his breath too fast. I know this type—too eager, too loud. Dangerous. Then there’s Mara, carrying nothing but a pocket knife she didn’t even seem to know how to open, trembling as she tries to look anywhere but the tower. Beside her, Anna stands stiff and quiet, holding the bag of explosives like a basket of bread rolls, arms steady from years of carrying heavy pots, not weapons. The old man leans on a stick he picked up on the path, a grim line carved into his face. I know better than to underestimate him, despite his limp, he’s fought in wars before anyone in this village was probably born. Between us and the target, a small horde of infected shuffles aimlessly. Their eyes are glazed over and faces slack under the signal’s influence, minds hollow as they wait for instruction—a living shield for the tower.
October 29, 2025 at 12:22 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Any musical theater kids out there? I was an extra in Oklahoma when I was a freshman and then played the lead in Guys and Dolls.

✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #WIPSnips #writesky
Fynn’s POV: He wants to surprise Nora by stealing the key to the school’s surplus room, but Zane tags along.
“Woah, check these out…” I completely forgot Zane was even here—so caught up in watching Nora’s face light up with each new gem she finds—that I didn’t notice him lurking about. He’s pulling a plaid suit from a rack of costumes in the corner. “Is this how you guys really dress around here?” “Those are from Oklahoma.” He just stares at me, confusion written all over his face. “The state?” “The musical they put on last year. You should definitely hang onto that.” Slipping the plaid jacket from the hanger, he pulls it on, striding toward us and then back again like he’s a model on the runway, all of us laughing at the sleeves that only come just past his elbows and the fact that his arms can’t come all the way down because it’s a bit too tight through the shoulders. “Maybe the chaps would be a better fit?” Even Zane snorts at that, grabbing the chaps by the hanger, before holding them up in front of him in demonstration. He looks ridiculous. Sometimes I forget this side of Zane—the human side. It’s been so long that I can’t even remember the last time we joked around like this—like brothers.
October 28, 2025 at 12:13 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Vibes today from book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ “scary” for “blood-curdling. #WIPSnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Fynn’s POV: Cael, his best friend, volunteers to tell Annora a little about The Facility and their escape.
“Wellll, the abbreviated, not to be confused with sugar-coated, version is that The Facility is where everyone congregated when the world went to crap. They had technology, supplies, jobs and a school. A self-sustaining ecosystem. It seemed…perfect. Until it wasn’t. We spent the day in front of screens, slowly being infected by the source. The entire place is powered by the element—what we use for time travel. She nods because she’s seen it. “As more people arrived, they expanded, building compounds to contain us. Fynn’s dad—the man, the myth, the legend—was the head engineer at the time. He didn’t appreciate the fact that they were frying our brains, so he started messing with the system—gathering people for a revolution against The Facility. Nora’s gaze slips to meet mine, and she gives me a sad smile. Fighting the urge to reach for her, I nod in agreement. Satisfied, she turns her attention back to Cael. “He somehow created a power storm that allowed us to sneak out, undetected. Fires broke out, which distracted them for a time. But someone snitched, because before we got past the walls, the dogs were on us. And not your run-of-the-mill cute, snuggly golden retrievers. Think giant, vicious robo dogs that were scary as hell. Then the alarms went off and the guards were chasing us. It was mass chaos. Not everyone got out.” They both look at me this time. Clearing my throat, I inhale deeply through my nose, trying to pull it together. I still have nightmares. The sounds of their screams haunt me.
October 27, 2025 at 12:12 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “total”

Zane ditches Annora at homecoming to meet Fynn and blow up Driscoll Engineering. He was never supposed to develop feelings for her…
Darting between shrubbery and equipment in the alley, I allow my mind to wander to thoughts of Annora. That skirt she was wearing tonight was something else. She’s my own personal heart attack just waiting to happen. A total knockout. And when I held her in my arms… God, I could have kissed her—was tempted to, right there in front of everyone. I’ve never wanted to kiss anyone more than I wanted to kiss her at that moment. And that terrifies me. Getting attached to something—or someone—is dangerous. And Annora is easy to get attached to. Fynn’s a complete idiot. He’s had the chance to be with her for the past four years and just let her slip through his fingers.
October 24, 2025 at 12:25 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
Had to go with “hill” today. A #WIPSnips from A Recipe for Romance 💘 #writingcommunity #writesky

I love Will’s mother—my favorite not-so-subtle meddler.
“I see you haven’t proposed yet. I heard from Susan, who heard from Martha, who heard from Eliza, who heard at The Tea House, that you two are officially a couple.” Will groaned. “Mother. That was literally last night. Was I supposed to propose immediately after asking to date her? Any woman would have been running for the hills!” His mother only laughed. “Come dear. You two have been unofficially together for months. And when you know, you just know.” Spoken like a true romantic. “I’m giving her time. There’s no rush. I don’t want to scare her.” “Giving her time to what? Move back to LA?”
October 23, 2025 at 12:22 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from book 2 of✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “second”

In a future dystopian world—Fynn’s best friend is a flirt and delights in pestering him about Annora.
“Man, I just don’t get you. You can infiltrate a criminal mastermind’s company, hack into secure mainframes, travel to the past on a top secret mission, but you can’t tell one girl how you feel about her?” My fingers falter on the keyboard for half a second, just enough for Cael to notice. “Aha!” He points dramatically. “That right there? That was guilt. The great Fynn Abernathy, genius coder, time-traveling mystery man, protector of the future, brought down by a girl.” “Would you lower your voice? Someone might hear you,” I grumble, not at all pleased that this is probably what the next four hours are going to be like. He leans in, smirking. “Oh, you mean somehow Annora might hear me? Wouldn’t want her to find out her friend’s been secretly pining for her since—what? The moment you crash-landed in her timeline?” Gritting my teeth, I force my eyes on my computer screen, ignoring his pestering. “It’s for the best. I had to keep secrets from her, and now she wants nothing to do with me.” “Is that so?” “Yeah.” “Hmm. Well I happen to be very observant my friend, and the way she looks at you when she knows you’re not paying attention? Dude, even the dumb, non-AI programming we did yesterday could detect the chemistry between you.” I sigh, rubbing my temples. He’s not going to let this go. “It’s complicated,” I mutter, hoping he’ll just shut up and let me work. I love the guy, but it’s hard to get anything done when he’s on a roll.
October 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from A Recipe for Romance 💘 #writesky #writingcommunity “trial”
And I definitely want you, Mags. I don’t want you to ever doubt that. So, how about a trial period for the next couple of days. Like being together-together—in public—just to be clear. I want to make sure that you want this.” She grinned. He grinned—those dimples she loved so dearly finally resurfacing. Hesitating for only a moment, she nodded. “I’m gonna need an actual answer, Boss.” “Yes. Yes, to all of that.” “Greedy,” he murmured, his fingers flexing on her hips, pulling her against him. “Fair warning…I’m going to kiss you now.” “Yes,” she breathed, grabbing a fistful of his shirt, a bit desperately. He pulled her close, and she went willingly, pressing into him like she’d been waiting her whole life for this. Wrapped in his arms, out in the open, she felt the quiet thrill of finally being his, and being seen.
October 19, 2025 at 5:55 PM
carlyhiebner.bsky.social
A #WIPSnips from book 2 of ✨The Annora Project✨ #writingcommunity #writesky “dodge”

Training for the heist I’m not sure I will ever write. 🫣🤦🏼‍♀️ Zane trying to fight the tension between them—
When we finally get into a fighting stance, there’s a sheen of sweat on her face—the tips of her hair and the collar of her tunic damp from exertion. She’s a goddess. I’m holding on by a thread. “We’re gonna start with footwork. I know Jess showed you a few things, but power comes from your base. If your feet are all over the place, your punches are gonna feel like” —I flick her forehead— “this.” “Ow. Rude.” Shifting into stance, she mimics me, but it’s a little stiff. “Loosen up. You look like a mannequin.” “Do you want me to punch you?” “If you can. I probably deserve it.” She swings, but I easily dodge it, throwing punches again and again until we’re both laughing and breathless, and she finally lands one light jab to my side. “Boom! Victory!” She fist bumps the ceiling, hopping around like she just won a pro wrestling title. “Unbelievable.” I pretend to flinch and gingerly touch the spot. “I train you for half an hour, and you’re already turning against me.” She steps close again, my hand finding her wrist and lightly guiding it into better form. “Like this. Keep your elbow tucked and drive from the hip.” She nods, but she’s not looking at her wrist, she’s looking at me, and I’ve never been more tempted to say to heck with it all and kiss her. I let go quickly, forcing myself to take two large steps back.
October 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM