Chapter 49
Blake
It’s been a week since that night with David and Ethan at the Tavern, and the bar hums with the low chatter of patrons and the clinking of glasses. I’m leaning against the bar, watching as Ethan finishes telling a story to Carlos and Lucy. They all laugh, Ethan’s loud and deep, carrying easily over the other noises. It pulls me in the way it always does.
His dark hair falls slightly over his forehead, and when he turns to look at me, his eyes catch the light, making my heart beat a little faster.
“And Blake here,” he says, leaning an elbow on the bar, “she still owes me for making me look like a fool in that hip-hop dance class.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the smile pulling at my lips. “Oh, please. You were happy to be there. I just didn’t know you’d look like a malfunctioning robot.”
Ethan laughs again, the sound rumbling through him. He’s so tall, so solid, and he leans closer. “Not everyone can be as perfect as you, princess. Besides, I was improvising.”
“You mean struggling,” I tease, nudging him with my elbow. “I think the instructor actually winced at one point.”
He grins wider, unbothered. “Nah, she was just jealous of my signature move. You know, the one where I accidentally step on everyone’s toes.”
I shake my head. “Yeah, that was smooth, Carter. Very smooth.”
We hold each other’s gaze for a few seconds and everything feels so easy, natural. There’s an unspoken understanding between us now, one where he’s giving me space but letting me know, in those subtle ways, that he’s still here. Still waiting.
His broad shoulders shift slightly as he leans back, taking a swig from his beer, and the old, familiar chemistry between us hums beneath the surface, making me hyper-aware of every little movement, every glance.
He turns those stormy gray eyes on me, and something hotter replaces the teasing glint in his eyes. “You know, I wouldn’t have survived that class without you. You always make things better, even when I’m crashing and burning.”
His words are light, but the way he’s looking at me—like he wants me so badly he could take me right there on the bar in front of everyone, makes my heart pound.
I clear my throat, pushing past the moment, aware of Carlos watching us both with a smirk. “Well, someone had to save you from yourself.”
Ethan leans back on his stool. “Always my hero, huh?” He’s staring at me. “Hey, have you eaten since breakfast?”
“I’ll take a break soon. Stop being such a worrywart.” But I grin at him before turning to serve a customer.
A couple of the Valiant Hearts boys walk in, and I glance at them out of the corner of my eye, taking in the way Ethan’s muscles shift under his T-shirt as he leans against the bar, chatting to them between taking sips of his drink. For now, this feels good. Just being here with him. Not having to make any big decisions or take any leaps. Just enjoying his company. Enjoying the view .
My stomach rumbles, reminding me that Ethan was right, that it’s been hours since I’ve had more than a cup of coffee. Lucy is busy chatting with customers at the bar, so I give her a quick wave. “I’m taking a break—grabbing a bite to eat. I’ll be back in a bit.”
She flashes me a smile. “Take your time. I’ve got this.”
I duck into the kitchen, picking up a sandwich and a small salad, and without thinking much about it, grab a second plate for Ethan. A few moments later, I find him leaning against the bar, chatting with Liam and Jake. When he sees me, his expression brightens.
“Hey,” I say, holding up a plate of food, “I’m taking a break. Want to join me on the roof terrace?”
“Sure,” he says, grabbing his drink from the bar. “I’d never turn down an offer like that.” He glances at the boys. “Be back soon.”
We make our way up to the roof terrace, the cool night air greeting us as we step out into the open. The lights from the marina twinkle, reflecting off the calm water like little stars scattered on the surface.
An icy breeze ruffles my hair as we find a table tucked away in the corner, away from the other customers scattered around the terrace, and I hug my arms around myself. Before I can object, Ethan’s pulling off his denim jacket and wrapping it around my shoulders. It’s warm and smells like him.
He sits down across from me, his broad shoulders taking up more space than I remember. The noise from the Tavern below fades, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us. I take a bite of my sandwich, glancing at him as he sips his drink.
“So, how’s David doing?” he asks.
I finish my mouthful before answering. “He’s actually doing better. He spoke to the sheriff, made his statement about Sylvia. It wasn’t easy for him, but I think he’s finding some peace in it.” I pause, meeting Ethan’s eyes. “Thank you again for helping that night. I don’t think I could’ve gotten through to him alone.”
“You don’t need to mention it again, honestly. You did all the heavy lifting. I was just there as backup.”
His humility makes me smile. I take another bite, letting the comfortable silence stretch between us for a moment.
Ethan sets down his drink, his expression growing more serious. “Hey, I’ve been thinking…”
I raise an eyebrow. “That sounds dangerous.”
“No, really. I’ve been thinking about something important. Remember when we did that fundraiser for the oil spill cleanup? We rallied the town, raised a good amount of money and got people back in the Tavern.”
I’m curious about where he’s going with this. “Yeah, you did an amazing job. I’ll never forget that.”
He takes a breath, his eyes searching mine. “I want us to do it again, for something that means a lot to you. I think the Tavern should host a fundraiser to build the emergency accommodation for foster kids you’ve been pushing to get across the line.”
The words hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just the idea itself, though that’s meaningful enough. It’s the fact that he knows. He knows what matters to me, what’s close to my heart. “Ethan…” I say softly, not sure how to respond.
He presses on. “I don’t want to do it alone. This isn’t my project. I want you to take the lead, and I’ll help however you need. We’ll get the Valiant Hearts boys on board, local businesses, our friends... It'll be a collective effort. But it’s your vision. Your dream.”
His words stir something deep inside me. The idea of helping foster kids, of giving them a safe place to stay while waiting for a foster home, has long been a goal of mine. But the mayor hasn’t been able to secure the funds, especially after the oil spill, and it’s always felt just out of reach.
“You’d really do that? Help me organize something like this?”
His eyes soften with sincerity. “Of course I would. This matters to you. And it’s something that’ll make a difference. I believe in you. I always have.”
For a moment, I’m so overwhelmed I can’t speak. “It’s a beautiful idea, Ethan. But I don’t even know where we’d start.”
“We’ll start together,” he says. “We’ve got all the contacts from the last fundraiser and we’ll figure it out. And this time, you’re in charge, Blake. I’m just here to help.”
I take a deep breath. “Okay,” I say. “Let’s do it. Let’s make this fundraiser happen.”
Ethan’s smile widens. “Deal.”
And we sit there under the stars, planning something that’s bigger than both of us. Together.