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

20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

E THAN’S OLD PICKUP TRUCK, with once-bright paint that was now a charmingly rustic patina, stood proudly parked outside my cottage. The softly dented bumper, and the faint scent of pine and motor oil that lingered in the cab, only added to its character. It was a vehicle that had clearly seen many miles, and every little scratch and dent seemed to have its own story to tell.

With a gentlemanly ease, Ethan opened the passenger door and offered his hand, helping me up into the high seat. The touch of his hand sent a small thrill through me, the warmth of his fingers lingering even after I settled into the worn but comfortable seat. Anticipation bubbled within me as he closed the door gently, his smile unwavering as he walked around to the driver’s side.

He slid in beside me, turning the key, and the truck rumbled to life with a comforting, familiar growl. Suddenly, country music blared from the speakers, filling the cab with twangy guitars and heartfelt lyrics. I jumped at the volume, and Ethan’s cheeks reddened as he fumbled to lower it.

“Sorry about that,” he said with an embarrassed smile, his fingers still on the volume knob. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

I laughed, the sound mingling with the fading music. “No worries. What kind of music do you usually listen to?”

He shrugged, still a little sheepish, but with a boyish charm that made my heart skip a beat. “I guess you could say I’m a country guy at heart,” he admitted. “But I listen to a bit of everything, really. What about you?”

“I’m into country music, too,” I replied, smiling. “And folk, depending on my mood. But if I’m being honest . . . I’m a Swiftie.”

Ethan’s eyes lit up with amusement, and he reached into the console between us, pulling out the AUX cord and handing it to me. “In that case, I’m handing over the reins,” he said with a grin. “Play whatever you want.”

I took the cord, a playful smile tugging at my lips as I plugged in my phone. “You might regret saying that,” I teased, scrolling through my playlists.

He leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving mine, the corners of his mouth twitching up in that familiar, irresistible way. “I’m up for the challenge,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.

“You know, at this rate, I’ll be an old man by the time you pick a song,” he teased, his lips curving into a grin.

I laughed as I scrolled, pretending to be overly dramatic about my selection. “Hey, you can’t rush perfection,” I shot back, giving him a mock-serious look. “I’m crafting the perfect playlist for this drive. You’ll thank me later.”

He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement as he shifted the truck into gear and pulled away from the curb. “Well, I’m counting on it. ”

Just as we settled into the rhythm of the road, the familiar chords of Taylor Swift’s Our Song filled the truck and, to my surprise, Ethan started singing along without a hint of hesitation. His voice, unexpectedly warm and steady, carried the tune effortlessly as he tapped the steering wheel in time with the beat, glancing over at me with a playful grin as he exaggerated the lyrics.

I laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. The way Ethan belted out the song, completely unbothered and full of confidence, was infectious. It wasn’t long before I joined in, our voices harmonizing through the chorus as I matched his energy, laughing.

He glanced at me, eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. It was silly and fun, and yet it felt like one of those little moments you know will stay with you for a long time—something simple, but so full of life.

As the song faded into the next, I turned the volume down and looked at him, eyebrows raised in playful disbelief. “You know the lyrics?”

He chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, Lily’s a big fan. She listens to Taylor Swift all the time, so I’ve picked up a few songs.”

“That’s adorable,” I said, feeling a flutter in my chest. “I can’t believe I didn’t know she was a Swiftie. I like her even more now!”

Ethan’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he glanced over at me. “Stick around, Vinnie. There’s plenty more for you to find out.”

“We should totally have a Taylor-Swift-themed night with Lily. We could dress up, sing all her songs, maybe even make some friendship bracelets. How fun would that be?” My words tumbled out in a rambling stream of enthusiasm, the idea taking shape in my mind even as I spoke.

Ethan laughed, the sound rich and full of warmth. “Lily would absolutely love that. You might just make her year with that idea.”

I beamed at the thought, already imagining the three of us belting out lyrics together. “We could even bake cookies shaped like hearts or stars, and do a whole karaoke thing. Go all out.” He glanced over at me again, his expression softening as he took in my excitement.

“You’re something else, Vinnie,” he said, his voice gentle. “I can see why Lily likes you so much.” A blush crept up my neck, but I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.

As we drove on, the country roads stretched out before us, framed by the bright autumn hues of the season. Golden leaves drifted lazily from the trees, carried by the gentle breeze, and the crisp air filled the truck with the earthy scent of fall. The music provided a comfortable backdrop, a slow country song playing softly in the background.

Ethan’s hand rested casually on the steering wheel, his fingers tapping in time with the rhythm. The gentle sway of the truck as it navigated the winding roads, combined with the mellow music, created an atmosphere of peaceful contentment.

The scenery passed by in a blur of color and light, but I barely noticed, too absorbed in the comfortable silence that had settled between us. It wasn’t the kind of silence that felt awkward or empty. It was the kind that was filled with the quiet understanding that comes from simply being in the moment together.

I glanced at Ethan, taking in the way the light played off his features, casting soft shadows across his face. There was something so steady about him, so grounded, that it made me feel safe in a way I hadn’t expected.

Ethan looked over at me, a question in his eyes, before resting his hand lightly on my leg. The simple touch sent a spark of electricity shooting through me; my heart skipping a beat. I offered him a small, reassuring smile, though inside, my nerves were buzzing with a heady mix of excitement and desire.

As his hand stayed on my leg, warmth spread through me, intensifying with each passing second. Seeing this side of him—relaxed, playful, and so naturally at ease—was incredibly endearing. This was the happiness I’d been searching for and, with Ethan, it came so effortlessly.

Noticing my gaze lingering on him, he turned to me with a gentle smile. “You okay?” he asked, his voice soft.

I nodded, my smile widening as I met his eyes. “Yeah, I’m good. Just . . . happy.”

His smile deepened, and he gave my thigh a gentle squeeze, sending a wave of heat straight to my core. As we continued down the winding country roads, the scenery outside became even more picturesque, but I found it hard to focus on anything other than the way his fingers began to slowly graze higher, rubbing gentle circles into my thigh.

The warmth of his touch radiated through me, making my breath quicken and my skin flush with a longing that was hard to ignore. Each subtle movement of his fingers sent a thrill through my body, heightening the anticipation with every slow, deliberate stroke. I couldn’t help but curse the jeans I’d thrown on earlier—what I wouldn’t give to be wearing a dress or a skirt, something that would let me feel his touch directly on my skin instead of through this maddening barrier.

I bit my lip, trying to suppress the shiver that ran through me as his fingers inched just a little higher. The tension between us was thick, and charged with an unspoken desire that simmered just below the surface. My mind raced with thoughts of what might happen if he moved his hand just a little further, if he pressed just a little harder—he’d know exactly how much I wanted him.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the truck rounded a bend, and the shimmering surface of a lake came into view. The sudden change in scenery jolted us both out of the moment, and Ethan’s hand stilled on my thigh.

He glanced at me with a knowing smile, as if he could sense the shift in the air; the electric current that still buzzed between us. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the pounding of my heart as I turned my gaze out the window, the serene beauty of the lake offering a brief respite from the intensity. Yet, even as the cool autumn air drifted in through the open windows, the heat between us remained, waiting for the right moment to ignite once again.

Ethan’s hand lingered on my thigh, his fingers brushing against me one last time before he reluctantly pulled away. He turned off the engine and looked at me, his eyes filled with desire.

“We’re here,” he said softly, his voice carrying a note of regret, as if he hated letting go just as much as I did.

Ethan quickly rounded the truck, opening my door and extending his hand to help me down with a steady, comforting touch. We both took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, clean air and the peaceful surroundings, allowing the tension to settle into something more comfortable, more grounding.

The lake before us was breathtakingly beautiful, the calm waters reflecting the bright colors of the surrounding trees, each one aflame with the brilliant hues of autumn. A small wooden dock jutted into the lake—the perfect vantage point for taking in the tranquil scene. A few ducks floated lazily on the surface, their gentle movements adding to the serenity. The place seemed like it had been lifted straight out of a painting, and I felt a surge of inspiration.

Ethan’s hand found mine again, his fingers intertwining with mine in a way that felt so natural. So right. “I thought you might like this place,” he said gently. “It’s one of my favorite spots to come and think.”

“Why this place? What makes it special?” I looked at him, curious.

He turned his gaze out over the lake, a soft smile playing on his lips as he considered his answer. “It’s quiet and secluded. Whenever life gets too chaotic, I come here to clear my head. There’s something about the stillness of the water, the way the light dances on the surface . . . it reminds me to slow down. To appreciate the little things.”

I squeezed his hand. “It’s perfect,” I said, my voice filled with sincerity.

Ethan’s smile deepened, his eyes soft as they met mine. “I’ve never taken anyone here before,” he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. “It’s kind of my secret spot. A local gem that not many people know about. I wanted to share it with you because I thought you’d appreciate it.”

His words touched something deep within me. “Thank you, Ethan,” I replied, my voice full of emotion. “It really is beautiful.”

As Ethan pointed to an old wooden bench on the dock, a wave of nostalgia seemed to wash over him. “Those benches have been here for as long as I can remember. My dad and I used to come here when I was a kid. We’d sit and talk for hours. Sometimes fishing, sometimes just enjoying the silence.”

His words hung in the air, rich with the warmth of cherished memories, and a pang of envy tugged at my heart—an unexpected ache that reminded me of how different my childhood had been.

“That sounds wonderful,” I said, my voice soft, though a flicker of sadness touched my words. I could see why this place meant so much to him, why it was woven into the fabric of his life.

But, as I listened to him speak about the closeness he’d shared with his father, I couldn’t help but compare it to my own experiences. There were no places like this with my father. No secret spots where we’d spent time together. No warm memories of long talks or shared silences. My father had been distant and cold, always driven by business and work. He rarely took time off and, when he did, it wasn’t to spend it with me or my mother. He was a man of schedules and goals, someone who saw time as a commodity, not something to be shared or savored .

The realization stirred a mix of emotions within me. Regret, sadness, and perhaps a touch of resentment. I quickly pushed those feelings aside, not wanting them to taint the moment with Ethan. This place was special to him, and I wanted to honor that, even if it reminded me of what I’d never had.

“I can see why this place means so much to you,” I said.

Ethan looked at me, his eyes searching mine as if he could sense the undercurrent of emotions I was trying to hide. “It’s where I come to sort through things. I guess I wanted to bring you here because . . . well, you’re becoming important to me, Vinnie. And I wanted to share something meaningful.”

His words made my heart race and, as I looked into his eyes, the vulnerability of the moment washed over me. The intensity in his gaze made my cheeks flush and my stomach flutter. “Ethan, you have no idea how much this means to me. Sharing this place, your special place . . .”

In that moment, I realized something important—Ethan didn’t need to know every detail of my past to understand me. He just needed to be here, with me, in this moment. And that was more than enough. That thought warmed me as we reached the dock, and he helped me onto the bench. As we sat down, the silence enveloped us and, for a moment, we simply absorbed the beauty around us.

Ethan’s hand tightened around mine, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin, sending a cascade of shivers down my spine. The simple touch ignited a spark between us, and I felt heat rising, the air around us thickening with unspoken emotions. His gaze locked onto mine, so intense it made it hard to breathe.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” he whispered, leaning in closer. The space between us diminished, his breath warm against my face, and the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us suspended in a moment charged with an undeniable pull.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “Me too, Ethan. I’m really glad I’m here.” His eyes flicked to my lips, and I saw the longing in his gaze, a reflection of the desire swirling within me.

My heart raced, each beat echoing the yearning that seemed to swell and expand, filling the space between us. I could see the same mixture of hesitation and desire in his eyes, as if he was weighing the moment, deciding whether to give in, or to hold back. His warm hand in mine, his thumb tracing gentle patterns on my skin, made my whole body tingle with anticipation.

Slowly, I leaned in. The cool breeze brushed against my flushed cheeks, but all I could focus on was Ethan—his steady breath, the subtle rise and fall of his chest, and the way his eyes softened as he looked at me. The air was thick with promise; a delicate thread ready to weave into something profound and beautiful.

Ethan hesitated, his gaze returning to mine, full of emotion. “Vinnie, I . . .”

Before he could finish, a sudden rustling in the nearby bushes startled us both, shattering the moment. We turned in unison to see a family of ducks waddling out from the underbrush, heading toward the water. The sight was so unexpected that we both burst into laughter, the tension easing as the ducks made their way to the lake.

“Guess we’re not the only ones who enjoy this place,” Ethan said, his smile warm and full of amusement.

I chuckled, disappointment washing over me. “Looks like it.”

Ethan squeezed my hand, a silent promise that our moment wasn’t over. “You know,” he said with a teasing glint in his eye, “at this point, it seems like imperfect timing is our thing. Maybe we should just expect it. ”

“Maybe it’s just the universe’s way of keeping us on our toes,” I laughed, trying to brush off the lingering tension, though part of me couldn’t help but wish we hadn’t been interrupted.

Ethan smiled at that, his eyes filled with affection. “Well, I’m not giving up that easily. Come on, let’s walk around a bit more.”

We strolled along the shore, the gravel crunching softly beneath our feet, and I came to the sudden realization that I was falling for Ethan a little more with each step. The way he effortlessly blended humor with sincerity, the warmth in his touch, and the way he made me feel seen and valued—it was all becoming more than I’d expected, more than I’d dared to hope for.

And though the moment had been interrupted, I wondered what he’d been about to say before the ducks startled us. The way his voice had softened, the intensity in his eyes—it was as though he was on the verge of something important, something that could change everything. The thought lingered in my mind, making me both curious and anxious, as I tried to piece it together.

We approached a small wooden rowboat tied to the dock and Ethan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “How about a quick boat ride? It’s pretty peaceful out there.”

I hesitated, eyeing the boat sceptically. Though charming, it looked old and worn, with weathered wood and chipped paint. The thought of venturing out onto the water in such a rickety vessel made me uneasy. “Are you sure it’s safe? That boat looks like it’s about to fall apart.”

Ethan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I promise, it’s sturdier than it looks. This was my dad’s boat, and he and I used to take it out all the time. I’ll keep you safe, I swear.” His reassuring smile melted away my apprehension, and I nodded, despite my initial reluctance.

“Alright, if you say so,” I agreed.

“Trust me,” he winked .

Ethan untied the rowboat from the dock, the old rope creaking as it loosened, and he stepped in first, holding out his hand to help me aboard. The boat rocked gently beneath our weight as I carefully stepped in, trying not to think about the small gaps between the wooden planks. Once we were both settled, Ethan took the oars in hand and began rowing us out onto the calm waters. The lake’s surface was like glass, reflecting the beautiful colors of the sun. I leaned back, soaking in the beauty of the moment, and the warmth of Ethan’s presence.

“I think this might be my new favorite place,” I said softly, trailing my fingers in the cool water, the sensation both grounding and calming.

“I’m glad you like it,” Ethan replied, his voice full of happiness.

A sudden urge to capture the beauty of the moment struck me, and I stood up to get a better view. “Let me see if I can get a good shot from here,” I said, reaching for my phone.

“Careful,” Ethan warned, his voice laced with caution. But it was too late.

In my eagerness, I misjudged the boat’s balance. As I stood to take the photo, the boat tipped precariously, and I flailed my arms, trying to steady myself. “Whoa!” Ethan shouted, reaching out to catch me but, before either of us could react, the boat wobbled violently, and we both plunged into the lake with a loud splash.

The cold water shocked my system, sending a jolt through me as I surfaced with a gasp, spluttering and laughing. I glanced around, thankful that we hadn’t drifted too far from the shore, and even more grateful that modern phones were waterproof.

Ethan emerged next to me, his hair plastered to his forehead, and an expression of disbelief mixed with amusement on his face. “Well, that’s one way to enjoy the lake,” he chuckled, wiping water from his eyes .

I couldn’t stop laughing, my sides aching from both the plunge and the sheer absurdity of the situation. “You were supposed to keep me safe!” I teased, splashing water at him.

Ethan laughed, his grin infectious. “I tried! You’re the one who tipped us over!” He swam closer, his warm hand finding mine in the cool water. “Come on, let’s get you out of the water before you freeze.”

As we splashed around, Ethan, ever the quick thinker, grabbed the boat’s edge and guided it back to the dock, securing it with one hand.

With the boat now safely anchored, Ethan turned his attention to me, his touch steady and comforting as he helped me out of the water, his hands firm around my waist as he lifted me onto the dock. Despite the chill in the air, and the water dripping from our clothes, his presence made everything warmer.

Once we were both safely out of the water, Ethan gave the boat one last tug to make sure it was securely tied, leaving it ready for another day. Then, with a smile, he turned back to me.

“Thanks,” I said, still laughing as I sat on the dock, water dripping from my clothes. “This definitely wasn’t what I expected.”

Ethan climbed out after me, settling beside me on the dock, water dripping from his clothes. He flashed me a playful smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You know, Vinnie, I’m starting to think you might be a bit accident-prone,” he teased, his voice light but laced with affection.

I laughed, the sound blending with the soft lapping of the water against the dock. “Maybe I am,” I admitted, unable to stop the grin spreading across my face. “But I like to think it keeps things interesting.”

He chuckled, his gaze softening as he reached out to brush a wet strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. “Well, I can’t argue with that,” he murmured, his voice dipping into something more tender. “And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I glanced over at Ethan, an idea sparking in my mind. “Race you to the truck!” I called, a mischievous grin spreading across my face as I took off, my feet slipping on the uneven ground.

Ethan laughed, the sound full of surprise and delight. “You’re on!” he shouted, sprinting after me. We stumbled and laughed our way back to the truck, our soaked clothes clinging to us as the cold air seeped into our bones.

By the time we reached the truck, we were both breathless and still giggling, and utterly drenched from head to toe. Ethan unlocked the door and pulled it open, and I climbed inside, grateful for the shelter from the biting wind. As he joined me, he rummaged around in the back seat and pulled out a small duffel bag, tossing it onto the seat.

“I keep some spare clothes in here,” he explained, pulling out a dry T-shirt, a flannel shirt, and a pair of shorts. “I like to go hiking and camping, so I’m always prepared for getting a little wet or dirty.”

He handed the clothes to me. “Here, these might be a bit big, but at least they’re dry.”

I took them, noting that they smelled like him—clean, with that familiar hint of his cologne that I found both comforting and intoxicating. I suddenly felt self-conscious, the reality of our situation hitting me. As much as I wanted Ethan, I realized I didn’t want our first time seeing each other naked to be under these circumstances—rushed and out of necessity. I wanted it to be on our own terms, something we both chose and savored.

“Could you turn around for a moment?” I asked, my voice softer now.

Ethan smiled, his eyes twinkling with understanding. “Of course,” he said, turning his back to give me some privacy .

As I quickly changed, I made the decision to shed my wet bra and panties, not wanting to soak the dry clothes. The oversized fabric of his T-shirt fell to just above my knees, and his scent wrapped around me, like he was holding me when we weren’t even touching.

“Okay, all set,” I said, putting on the flannel shirt like a jacket.

Ethan turned back, his smile widening when he saw me in his clothes. “You look adorable,” he said softly. The heater whirred to life, filling the cab with toasty air that chased away the chill.

A blush crept up my cheeks, and a flutter in my stomach made me feel shy and giddy all at once. “Thanks,” I replied, managing a small smile. “I might have to steal this shirt from you.”

Ethan’s smile turned into a playful grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You can have all my shirts if it means seeing you in them,” he teased. “But just a warning, I might need to steal them back every now and then.”

“I think we can work something out,” I replied, my voice matching his playful tone, though there was an undeniable heat simmering beneath the surface.

As I settled into the seat, I watched Ethan pull out another dry shirt for himself. He hesitated for a moment, and I could feel the tension between us thickening. Without a word, he reached for the hem of his wet shirt and, in one fluid motion, pulled it over his head. The sight that greeted me made my breath catch in my throat.

His tanned chest and broad shoulders glistened with droplets of water that clung to his skin. I had only glimpsed hints of his physique before, through the way his clothes fit, or the way he moved. But seeing him like this, stripped down and unguarded, was something entirely different. He was more muscular than I’d imagined, his torso defined and strong, and every line of his body was a testament to the quiet strength he carried. The real thing was far better than I’d ever imagined, and I found myself unable to look away.

Ethan must have noticed the way my eyes lingered on him, because a slow, teasing smile spread across his face. “You’re staring, Vinnie,” he said, his voice low and full of amusement.

I blushed. Part of me wanted to look away, to preserve some semblance of composure, but the other part—the part that was captivated by the sight of him—couldn’t quite manage it. “Sorry,” I murmured, finally managing to tear my gaze from his chest. “I just . . .”

Ethan chuckled as he prepared to pull on his dry shirt. “You’ve got a little drool on your face, there.”

I blinked, my hand instinctively flying to my mouth. “I do not!”

He grinned, as I let my gaze linger on him for just a moment longer. It was impossible not to notice how comfortable and confident he had become around me, especially over the past week. Ever since that kiss in the living room, something had shifted between us. Ethan seemed to be embracing the change, growing more at ease, while I found myself feeling the opposite—more shy, more vulnerable, like I was slowly unravelling in his presence.

As if sensing my thoughts, he paused. Looking at me with a soft, affectionate smile that made my heart skip a beat. He didn’t say anything, but the warmth in his gaze was enough to calm the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

With a quick, teasing wink, he finally pulled on his dry shirt, the fabric sliding over his still-damp skin. “There, all covered up. Happy?” he joked, his tone light, though there was a hint of something deeper in his eyes.

“Maybe, and just so you know,” I said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the smile on my face, “I wasn’t drooling.”

“Sure you weren’t,” he teased, his voice low and playful as he settled into the driver’s seat. “But if you were, I’d take it as a compliment.”

Ethan gathered up our wet clothes and tossed them onto the back seat, the fabric landing with a soft thud on the leather. The interior of the truck was warm now, the heater doing its job, but the heat I felt had more to do with the way Ethan’s eyes lingered on me as he settled back into the driver’s seat.

A soft patter of rain began to fall, growing steadily until it drummed against the roof with a soothing rhythm, the world outside quickly disappearing behind the fogging windows. The rain created an intimate cocoon, and the rhythmic sound of the droplets matched the quickening pace of my heart, each beat echoing the longing I felt growing inside me.

Ethan’s gaze dropped to my lips, the tension between us thickening. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of damp hair away from my face, his fingers lingering on my cheek, and the simple touch sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a fire in me.

“Vinnie,” he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Before I could respond, Ethan leaned in, closing the distance between us. His lips met mine in a kiss that was soft at first, and tentative, as though he was testing the waters. But it didn’t stay that way for long. He deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to the back of my neck to pull me closer, while his other hand traced a slow, deliberate path down my side, resting just above my hip.

A surge of heat rushed through me, settling low in my belly. The thin fabric of his shirt and shorts clung to my skin, and I was acutely aware of how exposed I was, of how little there was between us. The sensation of his body pressed against mine, and the warmth of his hand on my hip, sent a jolt of desire through me, making me even more aware of how much I wanted him .

Ethan’s confidence surprised me; the way he seemed to savor every moment, as if he were testing how far we could go this time. His lips moved with a purpose, and when he nipped at my lower lip, a small gasp escaped me, which only seemed to encourage him. His mouth trailed down to my neck, and he nipped at the sensitive skin there, drawing a shiver from deep within me.

The intensity of his touch, the way his hands roamed my back and waist, set my skin on fire. I could feel the heat of his arousal pressing against me, and it only fuelled the desire that was building inside me. I wanted more—more of his touch, more of his kiss, more of him .

I shifted until I was straddling his lap, feeling the full length of him against me. Ethan’s hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer but, as his fingers slid under my shirt to rest on the bare skin of my back, he suddenly paused. His touch hesitated for just a fraction of a second, as if he’d only just realized there was nothing but skin beneath the thin fabric.

He pulled back, his eyes searching mine. “Vinnie,” he breathed, his voice rough around the edges.

My cheeks flushed. The heat between us was undeniable, and his eyes darkened as his hands, now more deliberate, traced the contours of my back. “Are you naked under this?” he asked, his voice dropping low, the surprise in his tone edged with something deeper—something hungry.

I bit my lip, nodding slightly. “It was all wet,” I whispered.

His hands moved over my back with renewed purpose, his touch more confident, more aware of the vulnerable state I was in.

The sensation was almost overwhelming, the way his hands explored my back, the way his lips found mine again, this time with a hunger that matched my own. I pressed against him, feeling the heat of his body through the thin layers that still separated us, and the raw intensity made my breath come in quick, heated gasps .

Ethan’s fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me even closer as the kiss intensified. He was confident, in control, but there was a gentleness to his touch that made me feel safe and cherished, even as the kiss became more demanding. The way he held me, and the way his hands moved over my body, made me feel like I was the only thing that mattered to him.

Just as the tension between us reached its peak, my back bumped against the steering wheel, and the horn let out a loud, jarring honk. The sound shattered the intensity of the moment, pulling us back to reality, and we broke apart, both of us laughing breathlessly. My cheeks were flushed, and my body still hummed with the aftermath of our kiss. Ethan’s eyes were locked on mine, the warmth and desire evident in them.

“Guess that’s our cue to slow down,” he said, his voice low and teasing, though there was no mistaking the heat still simmering between us.

“Maybe,” I replied, my voice soft and a little shaky from the adrenaline coursing through me.

He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine but, when he pulled back, there was regret in his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice rougher than usual. “I didn’t mean to push things too far. We said we wouldn’t rush.”

I let out a breathless laugh, shaking my head. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad you did.” I smirked. “Honestly, I just wish that stupid horn hadn’t interrupted us.”

He chuckled, the sound low and warm, but his gaze remained heated. “You have no idea how much I want you, Vinnie,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky tone that sent shivers down my spine. “But our first time isn’t going to be in this truck.” My breath caught at the intensity in his voice. There was no mistaking the sincerity behind his words .

His eyes locked on mine. “The things I want to do to you . . . I want to take my time. To explore every part of you. You deserve more than a quick moment.”

“You’re right,” I admitted softly, my voice almost a whisper. “But, for the record, I want more, too.”

“Then we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait,” he said, his thumb brushing against my cheek.

The tension between us didn’t fade. It only deepened, becoming something more meaningful, more powerful. As we drove in comfortable silence, the rain continued to patter against the windows, and the world outside became a blur of lights and shadows.

When we pulled up to my house, Ethan turned to me. “I had a great time today, Vinnie,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. “Even with the unexpected swim.”

“Me, too,” I replied. “Thank you for sharing that place with me.”

He leaned in again, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips that felt both sweet and full of promise. “I’ll text you later,” he murmured.

“Okay,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips as I watched him drive away into the pouring rain.

That night, as I settled into bed, and the events of the day replayed in my mind, my phone buzzed, and my heart did a little flip when I saw Ethan’s name light up the screen.

I bit my lip, remembering the intensity of that moment—the feel of his hands on me, the way our bodies pressed together. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, a thrill of excitement rushing through me.

His words sent a bolt of heat straight through me, my whole body reacting to the intensity of his promise. My breath hitched, and I felt a deep, insistent ache settle low in my belly. The thought of Ethan’s hands on me, his body pressed against mine, the way he had been so hard and eager—it all came rushing back, making my skin tingle with anticipation.

His reply was like a match to gasoline, igniting a fire inside me that left me breathless, the hunger for him overwhelming. Every word he typed seemed to stoke that fire, making me crave him in a way that was almost unbearable. The anticipation was driving me wild, and I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like when we finally gave in to the desire that had been building between us.

I could almost hear the low, husky tone of his voice in his words. It was a promise, a tease, and a challenge, all wrapped into one, and it made me burn for him even more.

His last message came through with a simple winking emoji, and I laughed as I settled back into my pillows. Sleep didn’t come easily that night, not with the thought of what was to come lingering in my mind.