Page 23

TWENTY-TWO

ANDRE

I longed for Ethan on the short drive to his place. After the emotional intensity of the evening’s performance, even the brief separation pulled on my heart.

He was nearby, though, as his car was just ahead of mine. When we pulled into the long driveway, the motion sensor lights clicked on, illuminating the road and the front of the house in a warm glow.

I climbed out of my car as Ethan got out of his. “Thanks for letting me invite myself over.”

“I’m glad you did.” His smile was soft, intimate, as he walked over to me. “I wasn’t ready to say good night.”

“Me either.”

The house was quiet as we entered, such a contrast to the energy from earlier in the day. Ethan led the way to the kitchen, flipping on lights as we went. The silence was perfect for processing the emotional evening we’d experienced.

“I’m still thinking about that last piece.” I leaned against the counter. “The way Oscar and Nate told that story.”

Ethan’s voice softened. “Kind of like us. Far apart for a long time, and then coming together.”

The vulnerability in his expression tugged on my emotions.

“Two people finding each other at the right time.”

“Exactly.” He reached for my hand and raised it up. I followed his lead and twirled around once. “Though hopefully with fewer complicated dance moves.”

“Oh yes, much fewer.” I brought myself in close to him. “I like to dance, but I have nothing like that in my repertoire. That spin was about as complex as I can get.”

“At least you have a repertoire. I’m glad you knew what I was doing. That would’ve fallen flat otherwise.” He kissed my hand and then went to the fridge. “What can I get you?”

“Let me guess.” I moved behind him to peer over his shoulder as he opened the door. “My choices are water, hibiscus tea, and beer?”

He chuckled. “I really need to work on my hosting skills.”

I placed my hands on his shoulders and he allowed me to move him, gently pulling him away from the fridge before turning him around. “There’s something else I’d like first.”

“Oh?” His voice was a mix of playful and hopeful.

I brought my lips to his. The kiss started softly but deepened as Ethan wrapped his arms around me. All the emotions from Oscar and Nate’s dance poured into our connection. When we broke apart, we were both breathing heavily.

“Wow,” Ethan whispered, his forehead resting against mine. “Have I mentioned that you’re an amazing kisser?”

“You’re also quite talented in that area.” I brushed another kiss against his lips before stepping back. “Now, about those drinks?”

He laughed, the sound warm and rich. “Beer?”

“Perfect.”

We headed out to the deck and settled onto a cushioned couch. I angled myself toward Ethan, one leg tucked under me, and he mirrored my position.

The night was clear and star-filled. A gentle breeze rustled the trees as crickets chirped. I sank deeper into the cushions, enjoying the peaceful setting and the company.

This was a place I could imagine spending countless evenings. Even though it was way too soon, the thought of actually living here someday flickered through my mind.

“Can I ask you something?” I sipped my beer, gathering courage. “It’s kind of a weird question.”

“Go for it.”

“How is it we’re connecting so well? Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would happen.” My mouth became a desert, and I took a quick drink so I could keep going. “I mean, you’re a pro hockey player, and I’m just a small-town librarian who was a jerk to you in high school.”

“First, you’re not just anything,” he said emphatically. “You’re passionate, dedicated, and making real change in people’s lives.” He paused. “And yeah, we had our issues, but we grew up.” His expression turned playful. “Plus you’re hot as hell.”

I nearly choked on my beer. “Smooth talker.”

“I try.” He reached over and took my hand. “But seriously, watching you these past few days—how much you care. It’s amazing. And when you smile…” He squeezed my fingers. “You are so adorable. In his books, Shawn would call it swooning.”

Warmth spread through my chest as I idly traced along his fingers. “I should probably tell you about why my last relationship ended.”

Ethan cocked his head and nodded.

I didn’t talk about this often, but it needed to be said. “I was engaged once. To a guy named Denzel. We met in college, stayed together through grad school. He was getting his MBA while I got my library science degree.”

The memories weren’t as painful now but they still stung.

“We were a week away from our wedding when he ended it. He told me I’d driven him away because I was too intense, too controlling about how things should be done. Wedding planning became the last straw.”

“Oh my God,” Ethan said softly. “That must have been devastating.”

His hand in mine anchored me.

“It was.”

Emotions spilled out, and a tear slid down my face. Ethan was quick, brushing it away before I could.

“We don’t have to talk about this if you’re not ready.” He cupped the side of my face as he continued to hold my hand.

“But we do. You're important to me, and I want you to know this.”

He nodded and wrapped my hand in both of his.

“So, I get why he felt like he did. I was so focused on everything being perfect right down to how we loaded the dishwasher and organized DVDs.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“There was a lot of time in therapy after we ended it. I learned… still learning really, how to recognize when I’m getting too caught up in my vision of how things should be. ”

“I’ve seen that a time or two these past few days,” Ethan admitted gently.

“I know.” I wiped at my eyes again. Tears were near the surface and while I didn’t mind being emotional, I didn’t want to lose my focus on the conversation. “And I hate that. Not just that I did it to you, but that I did it all. It happens less, but it still can.”

His kind expression didn’t waver.

“It’s not like I don’t have things I work on too. You do the work, that’s what matters. I saw how you listened and adjusted and apologized.”

“That’s the work paying off.” I focused on his thoughtful blue eyes. “I’m better at recognizing when perfect isn’t as necessary as being present. And I want to apologize again for how I was in school. I know…”

“Please stop.” Ethan shook his head. “You’ve already apologized for that. It’s in the past, and we both understand each other so much better now.” He was quiet for a moment. “My turn. I should tell you about Marcus.”

“Oooh. Is that the guy from the lake?”

He had a confused look before he grinned and chuckled.

“Um, no. You’re not getting that out of me.

” He playfully slapped at my hand. “Marcus is my longest relationship. We met when I was playing in Nashville. He moved with me to Boston and later got an amazing job offer in Texas. We tried long distance, but…”

He sighed, and a look of regret crossed his face. It was my turn to take his hand in mine.

“It’s hard when you’re both building careers in different places. The time zones, the travel schedules. Just shy of our fourth anniversary, and a year of living in different cities, we broke it off.”

“That can’t have been easy.”

“It wasn’t.” He looked out at the woods for a moment. “And that decision is looming for us.”

I hesitated before asking, “Do you think long distance is even possible?”

“It is,” Ethan replied thoughtfully. “I’ve seen it work.

Caleb and Aaron. Dixon and Oscar are only a few months into their relationship, but they’re going for it.

Miles and Cole too.” His eyes met mine. “Though they all had the advantage of strong friendships. But I believe it’s possible for the right people. ”

I considered that for a moment before changing direction. “Have you dated much since Marcus?”

“I’ve gone on dates here and there, but I haven’t found the right person,” he admitted. “What about you?”

“It’s only been in the past few months that I’ve felt ready to try,” I said. “It sounds like we’ve had the same kind of luck.” I met his eyes with a small smile.

Ethan brought my hand up and planted kisses on my knuckles.

A moan escaped as his lips sent tingles up my arm. “I suppose we don’t need to figure it all out right now.”

“Nah. Plenty of time.” He smiled. “Let’s talk about something less intense but just as important. What would be your perfect date night here in Maplewood?”

I laughed, relaxing back into the cushions. “Really? That’s your important question?”

“Hey, this is crucial information,” he said with a grin. “I need to know what works for you.”

“Okay, let me think.” I took a long drink and looked up into the gorgeous night sky.

“Dinner at Giuseppe’s because their homemade pasta is incredible.

Dessert and coffee somewhere with maple pie.

Your choice for which diner we’d show up at.

Catch some music at The Striped Maple.” I turned to face him.

“What about you? What’s your ideal date look like? ”

“Mine would start at the farmer’s market on Saturday morning.

” I raised my eyebrows. “Hear me out. We’d pick up some fresh snacks, head somewhere for a picnic.

I’d have to decide where that would be. Maybe go for a hike in the afternoon.

Back to town, we finish up with an evening at the theater.

” He smiled softly. “Simple but perfect.”

“I like it.” My mind filled with images of us doing exactly that, our hands linked as we explored together.

He leaned in, and this kiss was different—slower, deeper. My free hand found its way to his neck, pulling him closer as his tongue traced my bottom lip.

When we broke apart, Ethan pressed his forehead to mine, the gesture becoming wonderfully familiar. His fingers traced patterns on my cheek. His heart raced against my palm where it rested on his chest.

After a moment, he tilted his head and captured my lips again, this time with featherlight kisses that made me sigh. I melted into him, savoring the sweetness of the moment.

We stayed like that for a while, trading kisses and being close. The night air had cooled considerably, but next to Ethan, I barely noticed.

Eventually, I couldn’t hold back a yawn.

Ethan did the same. “Oh man, I tried so hard to keep that in.”

We laughed, which triggered more yawns.

“It’s been a long day.” I untangled myself from his embrace. “I should head home.”

“Or…” He looked suddenly shy. “You could stay?”

My breath hitched. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Just to sleep,” he added quickly. “It’s late, and we both have another long day tomorrow.”

The thought of falling asleep next to him sent a wave of longing through me. “I’d like that.”

He stood, offering his hand. “Fair warning—I haven’t shared a bed with anyone in a long while. I might be rusty.”

“Same here.” I let him pull me up. “But I’m willing to risk it.”

His smile was worth any potential awkwardness. “Me too.”