Chapter 21: Holding On

The warmth of Ethan's lips lingered on Sarah's skin long after their kiss ended. He held her close, his arms wrapped securely around her as if he feared she might slip away. But she didn't. She had no plans of going anywhere.

The events of the night still played in her mind—Mark's unexpected return, his plea, the weight of her past crashing into her present. But none of it mattered now. Because she had made her choice.

Ethan pressed his forehead against hers, his breath slow and steady. "You okay?"

Sarah nodded, her fingers tracing small circles on his chest. "Yeah. I just… I didn't expect him to show up like that."

Ethan tensed slightly. "Do you think he'll come back?"

She sighed. "I don't know. But even if he does, my answer won't change." She looked up at him, her gaze unwavering. "I want this, Ethan. I want us."

His eyes darkened with something intense, something unreadable. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that."

She smiled softly. "Then I'll say it as many times as you need."

Ethan's arms tightened around her, and for a long while, they just stood there, wrapped up in each other. The weight of the night, of the emotions still raw between them, made the air thick with something unspoken.

Finally, he exhaled and pulled back just enough to look at her. "Come on, you should get some rest."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "And you?"

He hesitated for a second before running a hand through his hair. "I think I'll take the couch tonight."

Her heart skipped a beat. "You don't have to."

Ethan's gaze flickered to her lips, then back to her eyes. "Sarah…"

"I don't mean—" She swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous. "I just mean you don't have to be so far away."

His jaw clenched, as if he were fighting an internal battle. "If I stay, I won't be able to keep my hands off you."

Sarah's breath hitched.

She knew Ethan wasn't just talking about physical closeness. This was about everything—the walls she had started tearing down, the emotions she was finally allowing herself to feel.

And she realized something.

She didn't want to hold back anymore.

"Then don't," she whispered.

Ethan's eyes darkened, his hand moving to cup the side of her face. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Yes."

The hesitation in his expression vanished, replaced by something fierce, something undeniable. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that sent fire through her veins.

This time, there was no stopping.

No fear.

No turning back.

The Morning After

Sarah woke to the soft glow of morning light streaming through the curtains. Warmth surrounded her, and as she shifted, she felt the steady rise and fall of Ethan's chest beneath her cheek.

She blinked, reality sinking in as she realized they had spent the night tangled together, their bodies molded in a way that felt natural—like they had belonged this way all along.

Ethan stirred beneath her, his arm tightening around her waist as he let out a low, sleepy groan. "Morning, beautiful."

Sarah felt heat creep up her neck. "Morning."

He opened one eye, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're blushing."

She rolled her eyes, playfully swatting at his chest. "No, I'm not."

Ethan chuckled, his fingers brushing over her exposed shoulder. "You are. And it's adorable."

Sarah groaned, burying her face against his chest. "You're insufferable."

"And you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," he murmured.

Her breath caught, and she lifted her head to look at him. "Ethan…"

"I mean it," he said seriously. "You scare the hell out of me, Sarah. But in the best way."

She swallowed the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by the honesty in his words. "You scare me too."

He frowned slightly. "Why?"

"Because I never thought I could feel this way about someone again. And now, I don't want to lose it."

Ethan's expression softened, and he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then don't. I'm not going anywhere."

Sarah searched his gaze, and for the first time in a long time, she believed him.

But before she could say anything else, a loud knock sounded from the front door.

Sarah groaned. "What is it with people showing up uninvited lately?"

Ethan sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Stay here. I'll check."

Sarah grabbed his wrist. "Ethan—"

He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Relax. I got this."

She watched as he threw on a T-shirt and disappeared down the hall.

A few seconds later, she heard the door open, followed by a voice she hadn't expected.

"Ethan? What the hell are you doing here?"

Sarah's blood ran cold.

She knew that voice.

Vanessa.

Ethan's ex.