Chapter Thirty-Eight: Morning After Mayhem

The morning after a storm always felt too bright.

And when Aria Lane cracked open one eye to the sunlight pouring into Ethan's penthouse, she was instantly assaulted by a sharp memory:

His lips on hers.

His hands tangled in her hair.

The way she'd practically climbed into his lap on the couch like she was auditioning for a rom-com.

"Kill me now," she groaned, burying her face in a throw pillow.

"Coffee?"

Her head shot up.

There he was — Ethan Cole, looking annoyingly perfect in joggers and a fresh t-shirt, holding out a steaming mug.

She sat up, tugging his enormous hoodie tighter around her. "Thanks."

He handed it over and sat beside her, both of them sipping in awkward silence.

After a long beat, Ethan cleared his throat.

"So… about last night."

Aria groaned. "Can we pretend I didn't aggressively make out with my boss?"

Ethan's lips twitched. "Technically, I kissed you first."

"Oh good. That makes it so much better."

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "For what it's worth… I don't regret it."

That made her blink. "You don't?"

"I've wanted to do that since the night you yelled at me in front of half the boardroom."

She gaped. "You're kidding."

He shrugged. "I have a type, apparently. Sharp-tongued and infuriating."

A smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "And you're… what? Emotionally constipated and work-obsessed?"

"Obviously."

She laughed. And just like that, the awkward air lifted.

---

Their moment was shattered by a knock on the door.

Ethan cursed under his breath and opened it — revealing Chloe, holding a box of pastries.

Her eyes flicked from Ethan's rumpled state to Aria curled up on the couch in his clothes.

A slow, evil grin spread across her face.

"Oh my God."

"Chloe—"

"You two finally did it, didn't you?!" she squealed.

Aria groaned, sinking lower under the blanket. "Nothing happened."

"Nothing? That hoodie says otherwise."

Ethan ran a hand down his face. "Chloe. Not now."

"Too late, big man. Spill."

---

Twenty minutes later, Chloe had planted herself in the kitchen with a croissant, grilling them mercilessly.

"So… was it like hot, angry makeout? Or soft, I-hate-you-but-I-love-you makeout?"

Ethan glared. "I'm leaving the room."

"Fine. Aria, blink twice if he was a good kisser."

Aria, laughing despite herself, threw a napkin at her.

"Take your pastry and go."

Chloe grinned. "Best morning ever."

---

By the time Chloe left, promising not to tell a soul (which meant at least ten people would know by noon), Aria was halfway out the door too.

Ethan walked her to the elevator.

"About last night," he said, voice quieter.

Aria's stomach flipped. "Yeah?"

"I meant it. I don't regret it."

She smiled. "Neither do I."

He stepped closer. "So… what now?"

"I guess we figure it out."

A long pause. Then she stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to his jaw.

"Text me later, Cole."

The elevator dinged open, and she slipped inside.

Ethan stood there, watching her go — and for the first time in years, the ruthless CEO felt his heart stumble.....