Chapter 10

The sun hung high in the sky as the team gathered near the sleek black SUV parked outside the office. Today was the long-awaited site visit—a chance to see the architectural project Ethan had been obsessively working on.

Violet had somehow been roped into coming along, thanks to Jade's smooth persuasion.

"You'll love it," he had said with a grin. "Besides, it's a great excuse to get out of the office for a bit."

And that was how she found herself squeezed into the backseat, sitting between Kathy and Liam, while Ethan sat up front, his presence impossible to ignore.

The drive was filled with chatter and music. Kathy and Liam kept cracking jokes, making Violet laugh until her stomach hurt.

"If this project fails, I say we all move to a farm and become goat herders," Liam suggested dramatically.

"I second that," Kathy added. "Goats are easier to deal with than clients."

"Jade, you in?" Violet giggled. 

"Only if I get to name the goats," Jade smirked. 

As the car erupted in laughter, Ethan's gaze flickered to the rearview mirror. He wasn't joining in, but there was the tiniest hint of amusement in his eyes as he watched Violet, her laughter so uninhibited and free. The wind from the slightly open window played with the scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, her red hair dancing in the breeze.

Something about the sight made his chest tighten.

After an hour's drive, they arrived at the site, a vast open landscape where the foundations of the new building were being laid. The sun was beating down, and the air smelled of dust and fresh cement.

"Alright, everyone," Ethan announced as he stepped out. "Stay close. It's an active site."

"Yes, boss," Violet rolled her eyes. 

"You're enjoying this too much," Jade chuckled beside her. 

"A little," she smirked. 

As they walked through the area, Ethan fell into work mode, discussing technicalities with the engineers. Violet, meanwhile, wandered, sketching little details in her notebook—shapes, angles, the way the light played on unfinished structures.

"You see things differently," Ethan's voice came from beside her.

She jumped, not realizing he had been watching her. "I—I just like capturing moments."

"You have a good eye," he nodded, his gaze lingering on her sketches. 

"Thanks," the compliment, simple yet unexpected, sent warmth through her. 

Meanwhile, Kathy and Liam were busy pretending to be architects, discussing the site as if they had designed the entire thing.

"I say we add a giant water slide from the top floor," Liam suggested.

"Perfect," Kathy agreed. "And a room just for napping. Right, Violet?"

"Oh, absolutely. I think Ethan would approve," Violet grinned. 

"You're all fired," Ethan, who had been listening, sighed. 

Jade burst into laughter, and Violet made a face at Ethan, making him shake his head, though the corners of his lips twitched.

They gathered near the shade, sipping on cold water. As they talked, a sudden gust of wind caught Violet's scarf, pulling it away. Without thinking, Ethan reached out, catching it before it could fly off completely.

Their fingers brushed. A jolt of electricity shot through her.

For a moment, neither moved. Ethan's hand tightened around the soft fabric before slowly offering it back. Their eyes met, his gaze was intense, searching. Violet swallowed hard, unsure what to say.

"Be careful," he finally murmured before stepping away.

The rest of the trip continued, but something had shifted. The air between them crackled with an unspoken pull, one that neither could deny nor understand fully.

As the sun dipped lower, Ethan suggested a final walkthrough of the site. Violet, ever curious, followed closely, taking in every little detail. She climbed up a partially constructed staircase, eager to see the view from above.

"You might want to be careful up there," Ethan called out, his tone edged with concern.

"I'm fine!" she shot back, stepping onto the platform.

And then, in true Violet fashion, she slipped.

Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her. The world spun for a second before she found herself pressed against Ethan's chest, his grip firm around her waist.

Her breath hitched. Their faces were too close, his eyes burning into hers with something unreadable, something dangerous.

"I told you to be careful," he murmured, his voice low.

"And you told me life has a habit of tripping me up," Violet swallowed. 

His lips twitched, but he didn't let go immediately. Instead, his fingers lingered on her waist, as if memorizing the feel of her. And then, just as quickly as it happened, he pulled away, clearing his throat.

Jade, Kathy, and Liam had seen everything.

"Well, that was dramatic," Liam whispered to Kathy.

"I ship it," Kathy replied, smirking.

Violet, meanwhile, was too flustered to respond. Her ankle ached slightly from the fall, but before she could downplay it, Ethan noticed her wince.

"You're hurt," he said, voice sharper than usual.

"It's nothing—"

"Sit."

She blinked at his authoritative tone but obeyed as he knelt in front of her, checking her ankle. His fingers were gentle, despite his serious expression.

"You're reckless," he muttered.

"And you're overreacting," she countered.

Ethan ignored her and carefully wrapped his handkerchief around her ankle for support before standing up. "You're not walking back."

Before she could protest, he simply scooped her up in his arms.

"Oh my God," Kathy whispered excitedly.

"This is better than any romance movie," Jade grinned. 

"Put me down!" Violet shrieked, her face burning.

"No." Ethan's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Ethan held Violet in his arms and carefully seated her in the car, making her sit in the front. As he slowly moved closer to her, her heart raced once again upon seeing him this close. Their eyes locked for a moment, but then she realized he was merely reaching for the seatbelt as he gently fastened it around her.

The ride back was different. The air was thick with unspoken words. Violet stared out the window, trying to steady her racing heart. Every now and then, she could feel Ethan's gaze on her, but he said nothing.

As they arrived back in the city, Violet realized something—something terrifying.

She was falling for him.

And she had no idea how to stop it.