Chapter 12
A Surprise Visit
Samantha was busy reorganizing her apartment when Ethan’s text buzzed: “Drop by. I have a surprise.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Ethan’s idea of a surprise could either be amazing… or disaster.” But curiosity got the better of her.
When she arrived at his apartment, she was greeted by the smell of fresh-baked cookies. Ethan stood in the doorway, holding a tray of warm chocolate chip cookies, grinning from ear to ear.
“Surprise!” he said. “Thought you might like a quiet evening. No chaos, just cookies, cocoa, and maybe a movie.”
Samantha laughed softly. “You’re serious? No chaos?”
“Mostly serious,” he admitted, setting the tray down. “I might spill cocoa. But that’s about it.”
They settled on the couch, cookies in hand, laughing at silly movie scenes and stealing bites from each other. For the first time in a while, Samantha felt completely relaxed. No chaos, no mishaps—just them.
“You know,” Ethan said, leaning back, “I love our adventures. But nights like this… quiet, simple… they mean a lot too.”
Samantha looked at him, warmth spreading in her chest. “Yeah. It’s nice to just… be. With you.”
Ethan reached for her hand, intertwining fingers. “I think… I think I like this version of us too. Messy, sure, but also calm and… normal, for a change.”
Samantha smiled, squeezing his hand. “I like it too. And maybe I like you even more.”
Ethan leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I like you too. More than I can say.”
As they sat there, cookies half-eaten and laughter lingering, Samantha realized something: love wasn’t always about chaos or adventure. Sometimes, it was quiet, sweet, and simple—and it could be just as thrilling.