TANGLED IN YOU

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I stirred, my body still tangled with Ethan's, my skin tingling from the memories of the night before.

His arm was draped possessively over my waist, his breathing slow and steady against the back of my neck. For the first time in a long while, I felt utterly at peace yet, beneath the warmth of his touch, an unfamiliar uncertainty began creeping in.

Was this just another fleeting moment for him? Was I reading too much into what we had shared?

I shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, but his grip tightened, pulling me closer. A lazy chuckle rumbled from his chest as his lips pressed a lingering kiss against my shoulder.

"You're not sneaking away, Hazel," he murmured sleepily. "Not after last night."

My heart clenched at the tenderness in his voice. "I wasn't sneaking away."

"Mmm," he hummed against my skin. "Good, because I'm not done with you yet."

A flush spread through me as his fingers traced slow circles along my hip, his touch reigniting the embers of last night's fire. I turned to face him, my eyes meeting his deep, smoldering gaze.

He looked different in the daylight softer, more vulnerable. I reached out, my fingertips brushing against the stubble on his jaw.

"Ethan... what is this?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

His expression darkened, and for a brief moment, I thought he would deflect. But instead, he let out a slow exhale, his fingers threading through my hair. "This is something I can't walk away from. Even if I tried."

A part of me wanted to believe him, to drown in the intensity of his words. But doubts still lingered. I knew his type,

the kind of man who burned too bright, who left behind ashes when he was done.

Before I could press further, my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. Ethan groaned, rolling onto his back as I reached for it. My stomach twisted when I saw Olivia's name flashing across the screen.

Olivia: Where the hell are you? Call me. NOW.😠

Guilt clawed at me. I had completely forgotten about her, about anything outside of this bed, this man.

"Trouble?" Ethan drawled, his eyes watching me closely.

"It's Olivia. She's probably wondering why I disappeared last night."

His lips curled into a smirk. "Tell her you were with me."

I rolled my eyes, sitting up and running a hand through my messy hair. "Oh yes, because that'll go over well."

He reached for me, his hands warm against my bare skin as he pulled me back down. "Or... you could just stay here a little longer. Ignore the outside world for a bit."

Tempting. So damn tempting. But Olivia was my best friend, and if I ignored her any longer, she would probably break down Ethan's door.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, grabbing the sheets to wrap around myself as I stood. "I should go."

Ethan sat up, his gaze darkening. "Hazel..."

I met his eyes, my heart pounding at the intensity there. "What?"

He studied me for a long moment before shaking his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Nothing. Go before I change my mind and keep you here."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "I'll see you later?"

"Count on it."

As I got dressed and made my way to Olivia's apartment, my mind was a chaotic mess.

Last night had been everything I hadn't known I was missing-but was I ready for what it meant?

And more importantly... was Ethan?

When I stepped into Olivia's place, she was already waiting, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "So, are you going to tell me, or should I guess?"

I sighed. "Liv-"

"You were with him, weren't you?" Her voice was sharp, filled with something close to resentment. "God, Hazel, you're playing with fire."

I hesitated, not knowing how to explain what had happened, what was still happening. "It's not like that-"

"Don't lie to me." Olivia scoffed, pacing. "I saw the way he looked at you that night at the bar. And the way you look at him. It's written all over your face."

I bit my lip, my pulse racing. "Then what's the problem?"

Olivia stopped, her expression hard. "The problem is that men like Ethan don't change. He's gorgeous, rich, and charming he doesn't need to commit to anyone. And I don't want to see you get hurt."

Her words stung, but a part of me wondered if she was right. Was I fooling myself into thinking Ethan was different?

I didn't have an answer. But deep down, I knew one thing for sure.

I didn't want to walk away from him.

No matter the risk.