Tracy's POV
Dinner with Nathan was… easy. Comfortable. We talked about work, life goals, books. He made terrible puns that somehow made me laugh.
But sometimes, I found myself comparing him to someone else.
The quiet warmth of his eyes vs. The intense storm in Ethan's.
I pushed the thought away.
Halfway through dessert, Nathan leaned back in his chair. "You are different tonight."
"How?"
"Less guarded." He smiled gently. "I like it."
Heat crept up my neck. "I am just…trying not to think too much."
"And is it working?"
Mostly.
Except when I remembered Ethan's expression when he overheard.
There had been something there— sharp and wounded.
I should not read into it.
Nathan walked me to the bus stop. When the bus arrived, he touched my elbow lightly.
"Can we do this again?"
"I'd like that." I answered honestly. "The flowers.. thanks for the flowers."
He grinned warmly and stepped back. "Goodnight, Tracy."
