Between Then and Now (Hallow’s End #1)

17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

T HE NEXT WEEK PASSED by in a blur of activity and excitement as I dove headfirst into getting the gallery ready. After signing the lease and picking up the keys from Harold, who had been beaming with excitement, I knew there was no turning back. The space was mine, and with it came all the responsibilities of turning my dream into a reality.

Mornings began early, often with a quick coffee before I headed over to the gallery. The first task on my list was sorting out the layout—a job that took up more time than I’d anticipated. I spent hours walking through the empty space, trying to envision where each piece of furniture would go, how the lighting would hit the walls just right, and where I could create little nooks for people to sit and enjoy the art. I even sketched out a rough floor plan, marking where the main exhibits would be, and where I could set up a small corner for workshops or private viewings .

By midweek, the supplies I’d ordered arrived, and boxes of paint, brushes, and rollers stacked up in the corner, waiting for the transformation to begin. Amelia, being the thrifting queen she was, had somehow managed to find the most incredible pieces of furniture—vintage chairs, quirky tables, and even a few statement light fixtures that were just begging to be hung. She seemed to know all the right people and places, making phone calls and pulling favors to get everything at a fraction of the cost.

Amelia and Ivy were a constant presence, offering their help wherever they could. Ivy, with her endless energy and can-do attitude, was always up for a task, whether it was helping to sort out the insurance paperwork, or brainstorming ideas for the grand opening. Most evenings, after a long day of planning and organizing, the three of us would collapse onto the floor of the gallery, surrounded by takeout boxes, chatting and laughing about everything from the day’s mishaps, to Ivy’s latest tarot card pulls.

As we lounged on the floor one night, I finally told them about my almost-kiss with Ethan, and Ivy nearly choked on her drink as Amelia’s eyes widened with excitement, both of them eager for all the details.

“So let me get this straight,” Ivy said, grinning from ear to ear. “You two were about to kiss, and then the universe literally rained on your parade?”

“Yep, thunder and all,” I replied, laughing despite myself.

Amelia shook her head. “That’s classic Hallow’s End timing. Weird things always seem to happen when emotions run high.”

Ivy nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hallow’s End has a way of making things more . . . interesting. It’s like the town has its own agenda, and sometimes, it just likes to have a little fun at our expense. But don’t worry, you’ll get that kiss. And when you do, it’s going to be epic.”

“I hope so,” I said. “But seriously, it’s just my luck. First proper date in ages, and the weather decides to throw in some dramatic flair. ”

“Next time, just kiss him before the rain starts,” Ivy suggested with a wink. “Problem solved.”

Amelia smirked, leaning back. “Or maybe it was Hallow’s End’s way of building the suspense. There’s always a little magic in the air, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”

The town did have a certain charm to it, a sense that anything could happen, especially when you least expected it. “Well, if that’s the case, I’m definitely sticking around to see what happens next.”

“You’d better,” Ivy said, raising her glass in a mock toast. “Hallow’s End isn’t done with you yet, Vinnie. Not by a long shot.”

Despite the challenges of the week, everything was starting to come together. I even sorted out the permits and insurance, which had been looming over my head like a dark cloud. It wasn’t the most exciting part of opening a gallery, but it was necessary, and I felt a sense of accomplishment when it was done. The budget was tight—tighter than I’d hoped—but I reminded myself that this was all part of the process. Start-ups were never easy, but I was confident that every penny spent would be worth it once the gallery doors opened.

On Friday, as we were packing up for the day, Ivy turned to me with a thoughtful expression. “You know, Vinnie, if you need a place to stay once your lease is up, you’re more than welcome to stay with me. I’ve got the spare bedroom, and it would save you the hassle of trying to find something else right away.”

I hesitated, not wanting to impose. “I appreciate that, Ivy, but I can’t just stay with you for free. I’ll pay rent, or at least contribute to the bills.”

Ivy waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t even worry about it. You can thank me by helping around the house. Besides, I know what it’s like to start a business from the ground up. I just want to see you succeed.”

Her offer warmed my heart, and I realized how lucky I was to have found such supportive friends so quickly in Hallow’s End.

As the working week drew to a close, I was exhausted, but the thought of seeing Ethan excited me. Throughout the week, his texts became the highlight of my day, each one more charming than the last. He had an effortless way of making me smile, keeping our texts light and fun, but always with that undercurrent of chemistry that had sparked between us on our first date.

One morning, just as I was heading out to the gallery, my phone buzzed with a message from him.

I laughed out loud, picturing Ethan trying to keep a straight face while dealing with a room full of hormonal teenagers who probably found the whole thing hilarious.

Another day, while I was knee-deep in paperwork and permits, I got a text that had me grinning from ear to ear.

Later, as I settled in for the evening, another text from him popped up.

I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face, my mind wandering to all the possibilities that offer could entail. The thought of Ethan being my personal handyman led to more than a few daydreams—some more steamy than others.

The chemistry between us was undeniable, even over text. His messages were a perfect blend of sweet and teasing, each one pulling me in a little more, making me look forward to the weekend. Every time my phone buzzed, a little thrill shot through me, wondering what he’d say next, and how he’d make me laugh or blush this time.

Saturday rolled around again, and the cool morning air nipped at my cheeks as I sat in the back garden, cradling a steaming cup of coffee between my hands. October had arrived with a crispness that breathed new life into everything around me. Wrapped snugly in a fluffy blanket, I inhaled the earthy scent of fallen leaves, a deep sense of contentment as warm as the blanket.

Today I was meeting Lily, and the mere thought of it brought a smile to my lips as I took another sip of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through me. Excitement bubbled up inside me, mingling with a healthy dose of nerves. It was clear how much Lily meant to Ethan, and the desire to make a good impression was almost overwhelming.

It was hard to believe I’d only known Ethan for three weeks. In Cresden, three weeks might have been nothing more than a casual acquaintance or a handful of text messages exchanged. But here in Hallow’s End, time seemed to move differently—slower in some ways, yet more meaningful in others. Somehow, everything felt more personal, more intimate, as if the town itself was weaving connections faster and deeper than I ever thought possible. Each moment carried more weight, and every interaction seemed to carve out a space in your life. Maybe it was the charm of Hallow’s End, or maybe it was just the way Ethan and I clicked from the very first conversation. Whatever it was, it made these last few weeks feel like months. Hallow’s End had a way of making things move at its own pace, and I was beginning to realize that sometimes, it was okay to let it sweep you along.

Finishing my coffee, I stood up and stretched, letting the blanket slide off my shoulders. The crispness of the morning air followed me inside as I started getting ready for the evening ahead. I glanced at the small tote bag I’d packed earlier in the week, filled with snacks I’d picked out just for tonight: Lily’s favorite candies, some popcorn, and a couple of fun face masks I thought we could do together.

Deciding that a walk might help calm my nerves, I slipped on my jacket and headed out the door. The afternoon sun peeked through a few scattered clouds, and the town was bathed in a special kind of light, like it belonged in a painting, with each detail being brought to life with a touch of magic.

I smiled as I walked, thinking about how much this town had inspired me since I’d arrived. Now, in every spare moment, I’d found myself painting, the strokes on my canvas becoming softer and gentler with each passing day. There was something about this town that had transformed the way I saw the world. Its beauty was elusive, yet tangible; a blend of light and shadow that I was determined to capture. Each brushstroke felt like a step closer to that goal, like I was slowly uncovering the town’s secrets and immortalizing them in my art.

But no matter how close I felt, there was always more to discover. This town had a way of revealing itself in layers, and I had a feeling I was on the brink of something special. That I could almost capture its true essence.

As I rounded the gentle curve at the end of Sycamore Lane, Ethan’s house came into view, and the rustic charm of the place immediately wrapped around me, drawing me in with its warm, weathered exterior. The wood and stone blended seamlessly, as if the house had grown naturally from the earth itself, and ivy crept up one side, its green tendrils adding a touch of wildness that made the home feel alive, like it was part of the landscape rather than just sitting on it.

I slowed my pace, taking in the scene. The front porch, with its pair of well-worn rocking chairs, seemed to beckon me closer. I could almost hear the soft creak of the chairs swaying in a gentle breeze, see the flicker of candlelight as evening fell, and feel the warmth of a shared blanket on a cool night. Potted plants dotted the porch, their leaves dancing in the afternoon light, adding bursts of color and life to the space.

The front windows were open, and I could hear the soft strains of music drifting out—a gentle melody that matched the serenity of the afternoon. The house wasn’t grand or ostentatious, but it had a warmth and authenticity that suited Ethan—unpretentious, grounded, and full of charm.

I reached the door and knocked lightly, the sound echoing through the stillness of the day. A moment later, the door swung open, and there stood Ethan—grinning, and dressed in a bright green dinosaur onesie. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

“Hi,” he said, his tone as casual as if he were wearing jeans and a T-shirt instead of a tail .

The sight of him standing there looking so good, even in a ridiculous dinosaur costume, made me laugh, the last of my nerves melting away. The onesie, soft and snug, clung to his lean frame, and the green fabric brought out the rich hazel of his eyes. His brown hair was delightfully messy, as if he’d just rolled out of bed, adding to the playful charm that radiated from him.

“Clearly, I didn’t get the memo about dressing up,” I teased, my mind already imagining what he looked like under that soft fabric.

Ethan’s grin widened as he stepped aside to let me in and, as he did, our arms brushed ever so slightly, sending a small jolt of electricity through me. There was an unspoken tension in that brief touch, a spark that lingered even as he moved away. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a matching one for you. Lily and I always coordinate—though hers is a unicorn, so you’re welcome to switch teams if you want.”

I laughed again, unable to resist the warmth of his playful banter. “Unicorns? Now that sounds way cooler. I’m definitely down to match with Lily,” I said grinning, trying to ignore the way my pulse had quickened from that tiny spark.

His smile widened even further. “I knew you’d say that. Lily’s going to be thrilled.”

As I stepped inside, Ethan pulled me into a quick, casual hug. His arm wrapped around my waist, and his hand rested low on my back, sending a surge of warmth pooling in my stomach. Even through the soft fabric of the onesie, I could feel the solid strength of his body, and the gentle flex of his muscles as he held me close for just a heartbeat longer than necessary. His scent enveloped me—clean cotton mixed with a hint of lemon, and a deeper, earthy note of musk. It was intoxicating, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace .

I followed Ethan further in the house, the entryway opening into a modest living room that felt instantly welcoming. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books that had spines of various colors and genres. Each book was worn and well-loved. A large, overstuffed couch sat in the middle of the room, draped with a soft, plaid throw blanket. There was a coffee table in front of the couch, cluttered with a few scattered papers, a half-empty mug, and a stack of books—one of them open, a page marked with a folded corner.

“Make yourself at home,” Ethan said, gesturing toward the couch. “Sorry for the mess.”

I smiled. The house was clean but comfortably so, with just enough clutter to feel inviting rather than sterile. The wooden floors creaked softly underfoot, adding to the sense of history and character that seemed to seep from every corner. A large bay window let in streams of golden afternoon light, illuminating a reading nook complete with a worn armchair and a small side table, both perfectly positioned to catch the light.

“You call this a mess?” I teased, looking around. “This place is amazing. It feels like . . . you.”

Ethan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, it’s not much, but it’s home. And hey, if you ever want to borrow a book, you’re welcome to anything on those shelves. They’re my pride and joy.”

I glanced at the shelves, my fingers itching to explore the titles more closely. “I might take you up on that. But first, I’m going to need a tour. Show me where you keep all the other onesies.”

Ethan’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he turned and led the way further into the house. “Follow me, but fair warning—I’ve got an entire wardrobe full of them. You might want to brace yourself.”

While moving through the house, I admired the simple, thoughtful details that made the space feel so uniquely his. A few framed photos dotted the walls—pictures of Ethan with friends, some of him hiking in the woods, and one of him and Lily, both grinning widely, with their faces covered in what looked like cake frosting. The kitchen was small but functional, with a well-worn wooden table in the center, surrounded by mismatched chairs that only added to the charm.

As we reached the end of the tour, Ethan stopped in front of a door at the back of the house. “And this,” he said, opening the door, “is where the magic happens.”

Inside was a small but comfortable office, with yet another wall of bookshelves, a large desk cluttered with papers, and a corkboard covered in notes and photos. A single window looked out onto the forest behind the house, the trees standing tall and silent, their leaves rustling in the breeze.

“Let me guess,” I said, smiling, “this is where you plan all your lessons and grade all those essays?”

Ethan nodded, his expression softening as he looked around the room. “Yeah, it’s my little sanctuary. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s where I can focus. Plus, it’s got the best view in the house.”

“It’s beautiful,” I said softly, turning to meet his gaze. “Everything about this place is.”

Ethan’s smile was warm as he looked at me. “I’m glad you think so.”

He hadn’t included his bedroom in the tour, and the thought made me smile inwardly. He hadn’t wanted to make me uncomfortable, or give the wrong impression. But a small, curious part of me itched to know what his bedroom looked like, to see what secrets it might hold.

He cleared his throat, a playful glint in his eyes. “Lily should be here in about an hour. Want to help me build a fort in the living room? It’s always a bit of a project, but it’s totally worth it when she sees it. Her face lights up every time. ”

A smile tugged at my lips, but I hesitated for a moment. “I’ve never built a fort before. My parents were pretty strict, and they thought stuff like that was too childish, so it wasn’t something we ever did.”

His eyes widened in surprise, and then his expression shifted to one of determination. “Well, that just makes this even better. We’re going to make this the most epic fort ever—one you’ll never forget. It’s long overdue.”

I laughed, a rush of warmth filling me at the idea. “You’re really committed to this, huh?”

“Absolutely,” he said with a grin. “Everyone deserves at least one awesome fort-building experience in their life. And don’t worry, I’m a seasoned pro. By the time we’re done, you’ll be a fort-building master. Who knows, you might even start a new hobby.”

“Fort-building as a hobby?” I teased. “Sounds like a pretty serious commitment.”

“Trust me,” Ethan said with a wink, “it’s worth it. Now, let’s get to work. We’ve got a lot of fun to make up for.”

With that, he led the way to the living room, his enthusiasm infectious as he began gathering blankets, cushions, and chairs. We started by rearranging the furniture, dragging chairs and couches into the perfect positions to support our masterpiece. The air between us buzzed with a playful energy, our movements synchronized as if we’d done this a hundred times before. When our gazes would meet, the corners of my lips twitched with the urge to smile.

“So,” I teased, draping a blanket over a chair, “how does one become a master fort-builder? Any special tricks I should know about?”

Ethan chuckled. “Well, it’s all about structural integrity, obviously. You want to make sure your roof isn’t going to cave in at the first sign of trouble.”

“Ah, right,” I replied with mock seriousness, nodding as I spread another blanket across the chairs. “And I assume there’s a secret fort-building society that you’ve been inducted into? With handshakes and everything?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Not quite. But maybe after tonight, I’ll nominate you for membership. You’ve got some serious potential.”

We joked back and forth as we worked, the conversation flowing easily, punctuated by bursts of laughter that echoed through the living room. The playful energy between us made every moment light and effortless, as if we were two kids rediscovering the joy of something as simple as building a fort.

At one point, I was crawling under a makeshift canopy of chairs to secure a particularly stubborn blanket when the entire structure wobbled dangerously. I let out a small gasp, bracing myself as it threatened to collapse. But, before I could react, Ethan was there, his hands quickly steadying the chairs and holding it all together.

“You okay under there?” he asked, his voice laced with concern, but his eyes were dancing with amusement.

I looked up at him, a breathless laugh escaping my lips. “Yeah, thanks to you. That was close.”

He grinned, his gaze locking onto mine as he crouched down beside me, still holding the chairs steady. The space between us suddenly felt incredibly small, the air thick with a tension that was anything but innocent, and my heart raced.

For a moment, neither of us moved. Ethan’s fingers brushed against mine as he handed me the blanket to secure, the touch sending a spark straight through me. The heat of his body was just inches away, and the magnetic pull between us became almost impossible to ignore. His eyes held mine, a flicker of something in them that made my pulse quicken and my breath hitch .

“Thanks,” I whispered, my voice betraying the flutter of nerves in my chest.

“Anytime,” he replied, his voice low and full of something unspoken. The corners of his mouth lifted into a smile, but there was a new depth to it, something that hinted at more than just playful banter.

As I secured the blanket, my fingers trembling slightly, Ethan didn’t move away. Instead, he stayed close, his presence grounding me even as it set my senses on high alert. When I finally emerged from under the fort, he was still there, his gaze lingering on me.

I took his hand, savoring the strength in his grip as he pulled me up, but neither of us let go. There was a brief pause, and a shared glance that held more weight than words, before we both released the tension with a light laugh and got back to work. But the sparks that had flickered between us remained, adding a new layer of excitement to every touch and every shared glance.

“Alright, how does this look?” I asked, stepping back to admire our handiwork. The fort was a charmingly haphazard collection of blankets draped over furniture, cushions scattered around for comfort, and a few twinkling string lights that Ethan had pulled out of a closet. It was cozy and inviting.

“It’s perfect,” Ethan said, nodding in approval as he surveyed the scene. His voice was warm with satisfaction, but there was a softness in his gaze that made my heart skip a beat. “Lily’s going to love it. You’ve got a real talent for this.”

I laughed, a sense of accomplishment swelling within me. “I think it’s a team effort. Plus, I had a great teacher,” I added, shooting him a playful look .

Ethan’s grin widened, a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” he teased, his voice dipping low as he stepped closer, the space between us shrinking by the second.

“We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”

“We do,” I agreed, but my voice was quieter now, distracted by the way he suddenly was inching toward me, his playful grin still firmly in place. His gaze locked onto mine.

“You know,” he said, stepping closer again. “I think we could start a business. Custom forts for all occasions. Birthdays, holidays, you name it.”

I tried to laugh, but it came out more like a breathless sigh as he continued to close the distance between us. “I can see the ads now: Vinnie and Ethan’s Fort Emporium—Where Imagination Meets Structural Integrity.”

He chuckled, the sound low and intimate, as he took another deliberate step toward me. “I think we’d have a lot of customers.”

Before I knew it, I found myself backed against the wall, my breath hitching as I realized just how close he was. The playful banter between us was quickly becoming an afterthought, replaced by the undeniable pull that drew us closer, inch by inch.

His eyes darkened with intent as they stayed locked onto mine, the teasing light still there, but now layered with something deeper. My heart pounded in my chest as he stepped in even closer, his body nearly pressing against mine, his hands lifting to rest against the wall on either side of my head, caging me in.

The air between us crackled with tension, every nerve in my body screaming with anticipation. Ethan’s gaze flicked down to my lips, and I could feel the intensity of his stare as if it were a physical touch. My breath caught in my throat, the space between us charged with an almost unbearable heat.

Ethan leaned in, his face just inches from mine, his breath warm against my skin as his eyes searched mine, silently asking the question that hung heavily in the air.

Was this what I wanted?

The answer felt so obvious, and I hoped it was written all over my face.

Ethan’s lips hovered just above mine and my heart raced, my skin burning with the need to close that final, excruciating distance. I wanted him to kiss me more than I’d wanted anything in a long time.

Just as our lips were about to meet, a sudden knock on the door shattered the moment and we both froze, the sound jolting us back to reality like a splash of cold water. Ethan let out a frustrated groan, his forehead dropping to rest against mine for just a second, his breath mingling with mine in a moment of shared regret.

“What timing,” he muttered, his voice full of frustration and resignation, the moment between us slipping away as reality intruded.

“Seems like we’re not catching a break,” I whispered.

Ethan finally pulled back, his hand dragging through his hair with a rueful smile. “Yeah, seems like it.”

I felt a blush creeping up my neck as I straightened, trying to shake off the lingering heat between us. Another knock sounded, more insistent this time, and Ethan shot me a look—one that promised we’d pick up right where we left off. As he turned to answer the door, I watched him go, my heart still racing.