Page 98 of When We Ignite

“I’m very glad you are,” I assured him, my voice soft as his shoulders relaxed.

“Aria told me you’d get in at eight. I got here a little early, but your doorman let me in. I figured she told him to. I texted you,” Ethan explained.

“I was on another call on the way over,” I replied, shrugging off my coat.

“I know you’re probably tired. I have plans, but I just wanted to stop by and say hello,” he added quickly.

“I’m having food sent over. Why don’t you stay and eat? Keep me company, and then you can head out—or come back after, if you’d like. Spend the night,” I offered casually, watching his reaction.

He blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Really?”

Leaning closer, I kissed his cheek, letting my lips linger just enough to feel his warmth. “Yes, really. I’m exhausted, but I’d like to have you in my bed when I get my energy back,” I murmured into his ear.

“Did you get enough food?”

I nodded, pressing a line of kisses down his neck. “There’s more than enough.” He smelled clean, fresh, like he’d just stepped out of the shower. “Do you wear cologne?”

“Not really. Sometimes when I go out, but not today.”

I pulled back and kissed his lips softly before heading to the bar. “Do you want a drink?”

Ethan’s shoes clicked lightly against the floor as he hopped off the counter and joined me. “What are you having?”

“Macallan neat,” I said, pouring myself a glass and then offering it to him.

He took a sip and handed it back. “That’s good.”

I smiled to myself. “Keep it,” I told him, pouring another. “So, what are the big plans tonight?”

“Going to a friend’s apartment,” he replied, his voice tinged with nonchalance.

I glanced at him, letting my eyes travel from his shoes up to his neck. He wore gray tailored pants rolled just above his ankles, sleek dark-gray tennis shoes, and a graphic shirt half-tucked to show a black belt that perfectly framed his slim hips.

“Is this what college kids wear these days?” I teased.

He pressed his lips together, a bashful smile playing at the corners. “I didn’t dress up for the party,” he said quietly, taking another sip before starting to turn away.

I hooked a finger into his belt, pulling him back. “Are you wearing my gift?”

His lips curved into a small, secretive smile as he nodded.

“Are you going to grant me a peek before you go?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Biting his lip, he shot me a mischievous glance. “I thought you were exhausted,” he quipped before walking off.

I closed my eyes, raising my glass to my lips. Those fleeting moments of Ethan flirting—fully aware of the effect he had—could undo me in an instant. The thought of watching him grow into that confidence, free and unrestrained, made my chest tighten.

This brief time with him was definitely not enough.

Ethan settled onto the couch, and I followed, taking the seat beside him and leaning my head back. His fingers slid through my hair, soft and unhurried.

I let out a contented hum.

“Do you mind that?” he asked.

“Not at all. I love it when you get your hands in there,” I said, turning to face him with a wink.

Ethan’s smile faltered—just a little, but I caught it. A subtle shift, weighted with something unsaid.