Chapter 27
The numbersabove my head blur as the elevator ascends, and with each floor, the knot tightens in my stomach. Ethan’s gaze is fixed on me, his thumb caressing the inside of my wrist in a delicate rhythm that sends jolts of pleasure racing along my skin. The confined space amplifies his cedar and sandalwood scent, surrounding me, intoxicating.
His eyes darken with an intensity that steals my breath. “You’re nervous.” It’s not a question.
I swallow hard, my tongue feeling thick and useless. What am I supposed to say? That I’m terrified? “Not really,” I murmur, my voice barely audible over the mechanical hum.
“Right, I don’t believe you one bit.” He eyes me suspiciously. “What’s going on?”
I force a laugh, my fingers drumming against my thigh, a nervous tic I can’t seem to shake. “Pfft, nothing,” I say, my voice high enough to suggest I might be auditioning for the role of a squeaky toy.
“Come on, Lil,” Ethan says, his voice a warm nudge, his hand sliding up my arm. “This is nothing. I’m pretty sure you’re fine. Let’s remember that you’ve been conquering fears this whole trip. Remember the karaoke bar? You belted out ‘Living on a Prayer’ like you were Bon Jovi’s long-lost twin.”
I can’t help but smile at the memory. “Only because you promised you’d join in. And then you left me hanging,” I accuse, playfully bumping his arm with my shoulder.
The corner of his mouth quirks up in that lopsided grin that liquefies my insides. “I had to take a call, but this is different. What’s going on?”
I wave a hand, trying to appear nonchalant, but my heart is pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it. “Maybe it’s the altitude?”
“Fortunately, I know the perfect remedy.” His fingers glide up my arm, leaving a trail of blazing desire. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear, his voice a low, seductive rumble. “Just focus on me, Lil. I’ve got you.”
My pulse hammers as he steps closer, his woodsy scent enveloping me. I inhale sharply as he presses his body against mine, trapping me between his solid chest and the metallic wall behind me. The heat of his skin seeps through my thin blouse, igniting a fire deep within. I can feel the rhythmic thud of his heart, perfectly in sync with the frantic racing of my own.
Ethan leans in, his stubble grazing my cheek, stirring my arousal. His lips brush the shell of my ear as he whispers, “I could kiss every inch of you until you forget how to be afraid.” His warm breath tickles my skin, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake.
Heat lances through me at his words, at the undisguised want in his tone. My body trembles, torn between the overwhelming need to surrender to his touch and the paralyzing fear that grips my heart. I want to lose myself in the safety of his embrace, to let him chase away the shadows that haunt me. But the icy tendrils of doubt and insecurity wrap around my soul, holding me back.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Ethan, I . . .” My voice wavers, barely above a whisper. I lift my gaze to meet his, my eyes wide and uncertain.
His piercing green eyes bore into mine, filled with a fierce intensity that steals my breath away. I see the raw, unadulterated desire swirling in their depths, but there’s something else there too—a flicker of tenderness, a silent promise of protection.
He silences me with a finger against my lips, his touch sending electric sparks dancing across my skin. “Shh, no more words.” His voice is low and husky, filled with promise.
The elevator jerks to a stop, and the doors slide open with a metallic swish. Ethan takes my hand, and leads me out into the hallway. He pauses, his eyes scorching into mine with an intensity that makes my knees weak. “Tonight, after this is over, I’ll take care of you.” The promise in his eyes sends a tremor of anticipation through me, my heart skipping a beat.
I take a shaky breath, my free hand fidgeting with the hem of my blouse. “He’s different than the rest,” I finally confess, my voice barely above a whisper. I bite my lower lip.
Ethan watches me, his gaze steady and reassuring. He reaches out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek. “Lily Harper, you are the bravest person I know. You’re creative, quirky, and you’ve got this endearing habit of tripping over absolutely nothing.” A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkling with affection. “Seeing him will be just like the rest. You’ll realize that not being with him is the best thing you could’ve done.”
“Thanks, Ethan. For everything.” I mean it more than he knows. With a deep breath, we continue walking until we arrive at the reception.
“Welcome to the future,” I say, a little breathless as we step out into the offices. Every corner showcases another piece of cutting-edge tech, the sleek lines and gleaming surfaces a testament to Derek’s success. One wall is entirely digital, shifting through landscapes so vivid it feels like you could step right into them, the colors vibrant and alive.
Ethan’s jaw clenches, his lips pressing into a thin line. “He’s just showing off,” he remarks, his voice tinged with something I can’t quite place. Is it jealousy? Resentment? I shake off the thought. There’s no reason for that, I’m just imagining it.
I scanthe room until my gaze settles across the sea of activity, my heart pounding in my ears. The receptionist, a pretty brunette with a dazzling smile, catches my eye. “How can I help you?” she asks, her voice warm and welcoming.
“We’re here to see Derek,” I manage, my voice sounding steadier than I feel.
She nods, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “Down the hall, last door on the right. You can’t miss it.”
I nod my thanks, my palms growing clammy as we navigate the bustling office. There it is—the office marked with Derek’s name in bold, sleek letters on frosted glass. My stomach twists, a mixture of nerves and anticipation. This is it. No turning back now.
The memories cascade like a montage from a movie we starred in once—our first date, the way he’d rest his chin on my head because he was annoyingly taller, those late dinners filled with laughter and dreams. I feel a bittersweet mix of anticipation and sadness, my heart clenching at the thought of what could have been.
We made plans. He was everything to me. My world revolved around him, and I thought I knew exactly where our story was heading.
“Hey.” Ethan’s voice cuts through my memories, his hand resting on my shoulder, grounding me in the present. “Remember, you’re not that starry-eyed kid anymore. You’re Lily Harper—strong, independent, and ready to face anything.”
I let out a shaky laugh, my fingers nervously twisting the ring on my thumb. “Yeah, and I’m also the girl who gets palpitations at the mere thought of seeing her ex again.” My stomach churns, a kaleidoscope of butterflies and nerves.
Ethan’s eyes soften, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Normal human reaction. Just don’t forget you’re here because you choose to be. On your terms.”
“Right. My terms.” I take a step forward, then another, drawn to Derek’s office. The thud of my own heartbeat echoes in my ears, a deafening soundtrack to this exact scary moment.