The unexpected touch sent a jolt through me, leaving me breathless, and I froze, my skin tingling where he had touched me, the gesture far more intimate than I had anticipated.
Ethan seemed to realize it, too, because he pulled back quickly, his face flushing. “Sorry about that,” he said, looking sheepish. “It’s just a habit. Lily always ends up with chocolate on her face, and I guess I didn’t think.”
I tried to laugh it off, though my voice came out shakier than I intended. “No problem. Thanks.” The air between us felt charged with tension lingering from the brief touch and, for a moment, neither of us said anything.
Ethan cleared his throat, shifting the mood back to something lighter. “So . . . quiz night?”
“Yeah, let’s do it,” I replied, trying to match his tone and ignore the fluttering in my chest. “Just don’t blame me if we lose.”
Ethan laughed, easing some of the tension between us. “Don’t worry, I’m on a losing streak, anyway. Maybe you’ll be my good luck charm and turn things around.”
I couldn’t help but smile at that. “No pressure, right?”
“None at all,” he grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Chapter 16
ETHAN OPENED THE DOOR to The Sunflower Bistro, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back as I stepped inside. As we entered, the lively hum of the bistro hit me, the room buzzing with energy. The soft lighting bathed the space in a warm glow, casting long shadows over the rustic tables and mismatched chairs, the lights twinkling overhead.
The scent of freshly baked bread and savory dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Colorful banners and streamers adorned the ceiling, and a large chalkboard near the entrance proudly proclaimed: QUIZ NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA!in bold, playful letters. Each table sported a handwritten sign with quirky team names like SMARTY PINTS and QUIZZY MCQUIZFACE. The space was vibrant and alive, with question-mark-shaped balloons bobbing overhead.
We made our way through the crowd, and a few people waved at Ethan, their faces lighting up as he greeted them with a nod and an easy smile, effortlessly charming everyone around him. I admired the way he fit into his world so seamlessly.
Near the bar, a familiar voice called out, pulling us from our thoughts. “Ethan, my boy!” It was Mayor Margaret Hale, her grin wide and welcoming as she spotted us. “Still hoping to break that losing streak tonight?”
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head in mock defeat. “Oh, you just wait. I’ve got a secret weapon this time,” he teased, giving me a playful nudge that sent a jolt of warmth through me.
Mayor Hale’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she looked at me. “Ah, Vinnie! Soyou’rethe ace up his sleeve, huh? Good luck, you’ll need it!” She winked, her good-natured ribbing drawing laughter from the nearby tables.
I laughed along, the energy of the bistro wrapping around me like a welcoming embrace. “I’ll do my best,” I promised.
The bistro was packed, the warm air buzzing with energy, and Ethan tugged off his sweater as we made our way through the crowd. My breath caught as the hem of his shirt rode up slightly, revealing a glimpse of toned, tanned skin just above his belt. It was a fleeting sight, but it sent a thrill through me, making my cheeks flush. As he adjusted his shirt, his fingers brushed against the exposed skin; a simple gesture that felt intimate amidst the lively crowd.
Ethan’s hand returned to the small of my back, steady and reassuring. The touch was simple, but I found myself leaning into it, savoring the connection that was building between us. He guided me toward a table near the front, where the bistro had set up a small stage for the quizmaster, and my eyes were drawn to the way his shirt stretched across his broad back, highlighting the lean muscles beneath.
There was something undeniably sexy about the way he moved with such effortless confidence, his long strides hinting at a strength that made my pulse quicken. The room was alive with chatter and laughter, but my focus kept drifting back to him. I noticed the way his jawline, strong and defined, tightened slightly as he scanned the room, always aware of his surroundings. The combination of that sharp jaw and his slightly tousled hair sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn’t think of anything other than how incredibly irresistible he looked tonight.
After we settled into our seats, Ethan turned to me, his eyes warm. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.
I nodded, still a little breathless from the buzz of the evening. “A glass of wine would be nice.”
Ethan caught the eye of a passing waitress, signalling her over with an easy smile. “Two glasses of your house red, please.”
Just as the waitress brought our drinks, a flash of blonde hair made its way through the crowd, weaving purposefully between tables, and my heart sank as Emily approached, her eyes locked on Ethan with a determined glint. She dressed to impress, wearing a tight, low-cut top that accentuated her curves, and a short skirt that showed off her long legs. Her blonde hair cascaded down in perfect waves, catching the light with every step.
Emily squeezed through the last cluster of people, her gaze never wavering from Ethan, and my stomach twisted with unease. The last time we’d interacted, Emily had made it abundantly clear she didn’t think much of me, and the memory still stung. Now, seeing her zero in on Ethan, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation. We were having a great time, and the last thing I wanted was for her to intrude on our night.
“Hey, Ethan!” Emily greeted, her voice overly cheerful, almost saccharine. She flashed a bright smile, but there was a calculated edge to it, andher eyes darted briefly to me before she turned her full attention back to him. “Great to see you here,” she added, leaning in a bit too close, batting her eyelashes in a way that made my skin crawl.
She didn’t wait for an invitation, instead continuing with a faux-casual tone that masked her intent. “Mind if I join you two for a bit? My friends ditched me, and I don’t have a team for the quiz.” The way she said it made it clear she wasn’t actually asking.
How convenient.
I tried to catch Ethan’s eye, silently pleading with him to turn her down, but my heart sank when he glanced at me, a flicker of apology in his eyes.
“Sure, Em,” he said, though there was a slight hesitation in his voice. “You can join us.”
I forced a smile, doing my best to hide my frustration. “The more, the merrier,” I said, though the words felt tight and unnatural on my tongue.
