Page 96 of When We Ignite

Being unreasonable wasn’t my usual style—she wasn’t wrong about that. I knew I was being stubborn about Ethan. The only way this could end was with a bang.

One that could cost me everything.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ASH

The plane landed just after seven, and by eight, I was stepping into my building. The city outside was alive with evening lights, the hum of traffic faint but steady.

As I reached for the elevator button, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Charlotte’s name flashed across the screen, her timing, as always, impeccably inconvenient.

“Hey,” I answered, stepping inside.

“Ash, perfect. I’m calling to invite you to dinner at our place next weekend. Just family,” she said cheerfully.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal my apartment, its soft lighting already casting a welcoming glow. I paused, scanning the room. For a moment, I thought Henry had beaten me home, but then I caught sight of Ethan on the terrace. His silhouette stood out against the glittering skyline, and a smile tugged at my lips.

“Next weekend?” I echoed into the phone, my gaze fixed on Ethan as he turned and spotted me.

I dropped my bag by the door and watched him walk inside, his smile tentative but warm. I pressed a finger to my lips to keep him from speaking and pointed to my earbuds. He nodded, that shy smile of his lingering as I resumed the conversation.

“Next Saturday, six o’clock,” Charlotte confirmed.

Ethan walked closer, his strides confident. He looked fantastic—effortlessly stylish in a way that felt new for him. Each time I saw him, it seemed like he was trying just a little harder. It was endearing. And dangerously effective.

“A week from tomorrow?” I asked Charlotte, though my attention was squarely on Ethan.

“That’s right. You’re heading out again this week, right?”

I turned my phone so Ethan could see her name on the screen. His face scrunched into a mock grimace, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Unfortunately, yes. I have to fly out on Monday,” I told her.

Ethan rolled his eyes dramatically, and I reached for his hand, pulling him closer. My palm settled on the nape of his neck.

“Are you tired from your trip?” she asked.

“I just have some things in the city I wish I had more time for,” I replied, winking at Ethan.

He looked down and tried to step away. I tightened my grip gently, making him face me again.

“Oli has his fitting on Friday. Can you make it?” Charlotte continued.

I patted the counter, gesturing for Ethan to sit. He scrunched his nose before hopping up, his hesitation disappearing into a shy grin.

“I’m sure Ari planned it so I could,” I said, stepping into the space between his legs. I placed my phone on the counter beside his thigh, switched it to speaker, and muted it.

“Hey,” Ethan said softly, a smile tugging at his lips.

I returned it before leaning in and kissing him. His hands found their way into my hair, holding me close as he parted his lips.

“It’s in the afternoon. I’ll forward the address and time just in case. Ethan and Henry are getting fitted too,” Charlotte said, her voice barely registering.

“I can help with that,” I murmured against his lips. His quiet laugh vibrated through me.

“You’ve got yours already, right?” Charlotte asked.

I unmuted the call briefly. “Yes, dear. It’ll be ready in a couple of weeks,” I assured her, then muted it again.