Since I try to make things emotionally complex, some very very (you'll miss it if you're not looking for it) hints of romance are there from the very first chapter. But the first obvious sign of the romantic interest between my lead shows up in the fourth chapter and the first romantic-y scene doesn't show up until chapter 12, though it's really just a bit of a tease.
How do you do pacing? Do you bring the romance in hard from the beginning or do you stretch it out slowly stringing your readers along? (or possibly driving them up a wall lol)
This is my first "romance-y" scene (if you like it, please do check out the story, there's more romance like it, and even more coming!)
“Can we try those chocolates now?” He asks abruptly, pushing his hair back, “I haven’t had anything but cafeteria food in ages and I’m dying for something that doesn’t taste like boxed pudding and gelatine.”
I hurry to get the box out of my bag and undo the ribbon. Something, maybe a slight movement, maybe a change in his breathing makes me hesitate for a second. I don’t look up, but I become aware that he’s watching me, feel his dark eyes tracing my motions as I remove the velveteen lid with some effort.
At the edge of my peripheral, I can see his expression - too, intent - I try to pretend I don’t, making a show of selecting a bonbon with two fingers, unreasonably embarrassed. My face flashes red and white like a siren.
I’ve taken one bite when Kattar scares me half to death - saying suddenly - “Wait! Is that the goober nougat?! I want that one!”
“I already took a bite out of it,” I stammer, somewhere between annoyed and disconcerted.
“Don’t care.”
I surrender the half-eaten bonbon but feel the need to add, as a last, exasperated complaint “It’s just a glorified peanut butter cup.”
Kattar smiles impishly, self-satisfied, a brilliant flush blooming in his cheeks as he pops the bonbon into his mouth, watching my face the whole time.
I shake my head and select another, rolling it over at my fingertips. I lock eyes with him. That same expression. I try to meet his gaze - ask nonchalantly, jokingly:
“Am I allowed to eat this one?
He smiles his roguish grin, and any attempt at maintaining my heart rate evaporates.
His eyes flash, taunting me,
“We’ll see.”