Disappointment flooded me, along with a flicker of self-doubt. Maybe I was rushing things, trying too hard to put myself out there after the breakup. The last thing I wanted was to scare him off. But, before I could dwell too much on that thought, Ethan seemed to notice the slight shift in my mood, and he smiled at me, his expression reassuring.
“Maybe next time?” he said, his voice kind and sincere. The warmth in his tone made it clear that he wasn’t rejecting me, just postponing. It was enough to ease my worries.
“Sure,” I nodded, offering a small smile.
Ethan stepped closer and opened his arms. I smiled, grateful for the gesture, and moved in for a hug.
It was awkward at first—both of us unsure how much space to leave or how tightly to hold each other. But then, as I felt his arms wrap around me more securely, I let myself relax into his embrace. The warmth of hisbody seeped into mine, his chest firm against me, and there was something comforting about the way he held me, steady and gentle.
For a fleeting moment, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to be pressed against him in a different, more intimate way. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a blush creep up my neck. When Ethan let go, I already missed the warmth of his embrace.
He gave me a gentle smile. “I’ll text you,” he said, his voice soft and reassuring.
“Okay,” I replied, smiling back, still feeling flustered. “Bye, Ethan.”
“Bye, Vinnie,” he said, giving me one last look before turning and walking away, leaving me stood there, watching him go.
Chapter 10
THE EVENING ENVELOPED Hallow’s End as I snuggled into my bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and wrapped in my favorite blanket. The room’s warmth was a welcome contrast to the crisp autumn air outside, as I held my phone to my ear, chatting with Ivy about my time with Ethan today.
“Did you guys hit it off?” her voice crackled with curiosity through the speaker.
I smiled, thinking back to our conversation and the lingering tension. “It was . . . different,” I admitted. “Ethan is so genuine. There’s no guessing with him. He’s just open and honest, which is refreshing. I’m so used to having to read between the lines, and not knowing where I stand with someone, or feeling like anafterthought.”
I paused, trying to find the right words. “But with Ethan, it’s like I can just be myself, without second-guessing everything. It’s kind of scary how easy it feels to be around him, but in a good way, you know?”
Ivy’s voice was filled with encouragement. “Different can be good, you know. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need.”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Yeah, it’s just . . . I’ve developed this attraction to him so quickly. It’s kind of crazy, but I can’t help it,” I giggled, feeling giddy. “And, oh my gosh, Ivy, he’s so good-looking! Those eyes, that smile! It’s just unfair!” I gushed. “And don’t even get mestartedon his muscles! When he hugged me, I could feel how solid he is—like, he’s not just a pretty face, if you get what I’m saying!”
My cheeks warmed as I continued, unable to stop the flood of words. “There was definitely tension between us. You know, that electric, can’t-look-away feeling? I really wanted to kiss him, but he had to go pick up Lily. It was so frustrating! I was left all . . . wound up,” I admitted with a laugh, the memory still making my heart race. “But hey, there’s always next time, right? I just can’t get over how perfect he seems.”
“Honestly, Vinnie, if it feels right, then go for it. Don’t let some arbitrary timeline hold you back. Society always has these ideas about when women should do and feel things, but that’s just nonsense. If you want to kiss him, or even take things further, that’s perfectly okay. You shouldn’t feel ashamed for wanting to explore something real and exciting, even if it seems quick.”
She paused, then added with a hint of mischief, “Besides, from what you’re telling me, it sounds like he’s worth it. So, why not enjoy it? If the chemistry is there, and you both feel good about it, then just go with the flow.”
I nodded, appreciating Ivy’s encouragement. “You’re right. I shouldn’t overthink it if it feels right.” I paused, then let out a small sigh. “But thenthere’s Emily. She was all over Ethan today, like she was trying to stake her claim or something. It was so obvious, and honestly, it kind of threw me off. She seemed really interested in him, and I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.”
Ivy sighed on the other end of the line. “Yeah, I’ve known Emily for years, and she’s always been like that—very intense and straightforward. If she wants something, she’ll go after it without hesitation.”
She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. “Ethan’s been on her radar for a while. I remember this Adopt a Pet event we had last summer. Emily and Ethan were both volunteering, and he was just being his usual friendly self. He helped her set up, and was super sweet the whole time, especially with the animals. There were these adorable puppies, and Ethan was in the middle of it all, smiling and holding them. Emily totally misread the situation, thinking he was interested in her, but too shy to make a move.”
The thought of him with those adorable puppies was almost too much.
Ivy continued. “So, she’s had her sights set on him ever since. But honestly, if he hasn’t made a move by now, I don’t think he’s that interested. So, don’t let her intimidate you.”
“I can totally see how she would’ve gotten the wrong idea,” I admitted, still half-distracted by the image of Ethan with adorable dogs. “But honestly, he made me feel comfortable when Emily tried to interfere. He handled it so smoothly, and even included me in the conversation when she was trying to sideline me. It was like he was letting me know that he wasn't interested in her that way.”
I paused, feeling a bit more confident. “I guess I shouldn’t worry too much about her. If Ethan’s interested in me, then Emily’s not an issue. And if he’s not, then I’ll know soon enough.”
Ivy paused thoughtfully before responding. “You know, now that I think about it, I haven’t really seen Ethan date anyone seriously. There were a few rumors about him dating someone during college, but they were never confirmed. He just likes to keep to himself. It seems like no girl in Hallow’s End has captured his attention.”
“What’s the catch?” I mused aloud. “He seems so great.”
Ivy chuckled softly. “Honestly, there might not be a catch. Maybe he’s just waiting for the right person. Ethan doesn’t seem like the type to play games or string someone along. He’s genuine, and if he’s not interested, he won’t waste anyone’s time. It’s kind of refreshing, actually. He’s just a great guy who knows what he wants, or at least knows what he doesn’t want.”
My phone buzzed with a text message, and I glanced at the screen as Ethan’s name lit up.
