Chapter 12
Walking in the Snow
The first snowstorm of December coated Crestwood in thick white, turning streets and rooftops into a winter wonderland. Sophie hurried out of the music room after practice, violin case slung over her shoulder, and was surprised to see Ethan waiting outside.
“You okay walking in this?” he asked, his voice gentle. “It’s a mess out here.”
Sophie smiled. “I can manage. You?”
He shrugged, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets. “I’m good. But I thought I’d walk you home… company makes the cold better.”
Sophie felt her chest flutter. “Thanks.”
They walked side by side, snow crunching beneath their boots, and for a while, neither spoke. The silence was comfortable, filled only with the rhythm of their steps and the soft whisper of falling snow.
At one point, a gust of wind blew Sophie’s scarf loose, and Ethan instinctively reached out to fix it, his fingers brushing her neck. Sophie’s heart raced, and she caught her breath, unsure how to respond.
“Better?” he asked, a small, teasing smile on his lips.
Sophie nodded, trying to hide her blush. “Much better.”
They continued walking, closer now, shoulders occasionally brushing. Sophie felt a warmth spread through her, different from the cold air outside. Something unspoken was growing between them, delicate but undeniable.
As they reached the corner near her apartment, Ethan paused. “Sophie… I… I really like spending time with you,” he admitted quietly, his eyes searching hers.
Sophie’s heart skipped a beat. “I like spending time with you too,” she whispered, unable to look away.
Ethan smiled, the snowflakes caught in his hair, and for a brief moment, the world felt perfectly still. Then, almost imperceptibly, their hands brushed as they said goodnight. Neither pulled away.
Sophie walked inside her apartment building, cheeks warm and heart racing, knowing that something had shifted. The winter showcase was still ahead, but something else — something much more personal — was already beginning to blossom between her and Ethan Clarke.