The next morning, sunlight spilled across my room in gentle golden streaks.
I should have been happy.
I wasn't.
Ethan was here.
Not just in my thoughts anymore, but physically present.
I heard him moving around downstairs.
I tried to act normal, but normal felt impossible.
My chest tightened as I thought about the café yesterday.
The way he leaned in, whispered, and smiled like he was breaking all the rules, but only with me.
I shook my head.
"You're overthinking," I whispered to myself.
But overthinking didn't stop my heart from racing every time I imagined him touching me again.
Every time I imagined his lips brushing mine.
Every time I imagined the soft warmth of his hand on my arm…
"Lara!"
Maya's voice jolted me out of my thoughts.
"Breakfast!"
I sighed, trying to push the thoughts aside, but it wasn't easy.
Downstairs, Ethan was leaning casually against the kitchen counter.
Watching me.
I froze.
"Good morning," he said softly.
"Morning," I replied, my voice shaky.
He didn't say anything else.
He just watched, eyes soft but intent, like he was memorizing every small detail of me.
My heart betrayed me again.
Maya, sensing the tension, glanced between us with that familiar suspicious look.
"Okay," she said finally, trying to break the silence. "Today, we're going to the park. It's beautiful outside."
I nodded quickly, grateful for the distraction.
Later, outside, the park was crowded with families, joggers, and people walking their dogs.
Ethan walked beside me.
Just beside me.
Not holding hands. Not touching. Just… close enough to feel every step he took.
And that closeness was torturous.
"You're quiet today," he said softly.
"I'm thinking," I murmured.
He tilted his head. "About what?"
I swallowed. "About… yesterday."
His lips curved slightly. "That was… intense."
I felt heat rush to my cheeks.
"Ethan!" I whispered.
He didn't stop.
He just smiled that infuriating smile, the one that made my knees weak.
Later, we sat on a bench near the fountain.
Maya had wandered off to talk to some friends, giving us a rare moment alone.
I shifted slightly, trying to act casual, but every movement made me hyper-aware of him.
"You know," he said quietly, leaning just a little closer, "I can't stop thinking about last night."
I froze.
"Ethan"
He cut me off gently.
"Don't say anything yet. Just… listen."
My heart raced, anticipation and fear battling inside me.
"I've wanted this for a long time," he murmured, voice low. "I've wanted you. Not just for a moment… not just when it was convenient… but always. And I can't pretend anymore."
My breath hitched.
"Ethan…" I whispered, unsure what to say.
"I know it's complicated," he continued. "With Maya, with everything… but I can't ignore this anymore. I don't want to."
I swallowed hard.
"I don't know what to say," I admitted.
"Say you feel it too," he whispered.
My heart thumped violently.
Because I did.
I felt it every time he looked at me. Every time we brushed hands, every shared glance, every almost-touch that lingered too long.
"I do," I admitted finally, my voice trembling.
He smiled softly, relief and longing mixed in his gaze.
"Then stop pretending," he said gently, leaning closer.
I wanted to.
God, I wanted to.
But just as our lips nearly touched
Maya's voice rang out.
"Lara! Ethan! Come here!"
We jumped apart, both flushed, both breathless.
I laughed nervously. "Yeah, we're coming."
Ethan gave me a fleeting, mischievous glance.
And I knew this wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.