“What timing,” he muttered, his voice full of frustration and resignation, the moment between us slipping away as reality intruded.
“Seems like we’re not catching a break,” I whispered.
Ethan finally pulled back, his hand dragging through his hair with a rueful smile. “Yeah, seems like it.”
I felt a blush creeping up my neck as I straightened, trying to shake off the lingering heat between us. Another knock sounded, more insistent this time, and Ethan shot me a look—one that promised we’d pick up right where we left off. As he turned to answer the door, I watched him go, my heart still racing.
Chapter 18
ALOUD BANG ECHOED through the house as the front door flew open and, before Ethan could react, Lily came barrelling in, her honey-blonde hair flying behind her like a wild mane. She was a blur of energy and excitement; a small, unicorn onesie-clad tornado racing through the hallway. Ethan barely sidestepped as she dashed past him, leaving a trail of discarded items—her backpack, a jacket, a pair of shoes—scattered on the floor.
“Lily! Slow down!” Ethan called after her, laughing.
But Lily was already halfway to the living room, her brown eyes wide with anticipation. The sound of a woman’s voice drifted in from the open door, light and amused. “Lily, don’t forget your manners! And have fun, sweetheart!” she called out, used to her daughter’suncontainable enthusiasm.
Lily skidded to a halt just outside the living room, her breath catching as she took in the sight before her. She stood frozen for a moment, eyes growing even wider as she absorbed every detail of the fort Ethan and I had built.
“Whoa . . .” she breathed, her voice filled with awe. “This isamazing!”
Then, her gaze shifted and, for the first time, she noticed me standing there, just a few feet away. The excitement in her eyes dimmed slightly, replaced by a curious, almost cautious look. My heart skipped a beat, a wave of nerves washing over me as I wondered what she might think.
Before I could even begin to worry, Lily tilted her head and, with all the directness of a six-year-old, asked, “Who are you?” Her voice was full of curiosity and challenge, as if she was sizing me up.
I opened my mouth to respond, but her gaze had already dropped to the jeans and T-shirt I was wearing, and her brow furrowed in confusion. “And why aren’t you dressed up? This is a fort. You have to dress up,” she declared, crossing her arms as if I’d just broken the most important rule of all.
I couldn’t help but laugh at Lily’s candidness. “You’re right, I didn’t get a chance to change yet,” I admitted with a grin, glancing at Ethan. “But I do have a onesie—your brother made sure I wouldn’t miss out.”
“Oh! So you’re Vinnie!” she exclaimed, her tone playful. “Ethan’s been talking about you a lot! He said you’re really pretty and that you make him laugh all the time.”
My cheeks heated as I shot a quick look at Ethan, who suddenly looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor. “Lily!” he groaned, rubbing the back of his neck with an awkward smile.
“What?” Lily said, feigning innocence, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her. “It’s true! He talks about you all the time.”
I bit my lip, trying to suppress a smile as I turned to Ethan. “Really? All the time, huh?”
His embarrassment quickly shifted into something softer as he met my gaze. “Well, I might have mentioned you once or twice.”
Lily giggled, clearly pleased with the impact of her revelation. “See? I knew it!”
Ethan, still recovering from his sister’s bold honesty, stepped closer and rested a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Lily, this is Vinnie. She helped me build the fort today. What do you think?”
Her eyes widened with admiration as she looked up at me. “You helped? That’s so cool! This is, like, thebestfort ever!” she declared, her face glowing with excitement.
“Thanks,” I said, bashful under her enthusiastic praise. “But I couldn’t have done it without your big brother.”
“You guys did great!” she exclaimed, before diving headfirst into the fort, her excitement bubbling over as she explored every corner.
Ethan and I watched as her little hands eagerly inspected the pillows and blankets we’d so carefully arranged. She grabbed her bag and started unpacking her treasures: coloring books, a stuffed unicorn, and a small flashlight that she flicked on and off with glee. The fort was quickly transforming into her personal playground, and her happiness was infectious. I glanced over at Ethan, catching the soft, shy smile that had settled on his face as he watched his sister.
“So . . . you talk about me a lot, huh?” I asked.
Ethan groaned, giving me a look that was part embarrassed, part amused. “I guess she couldn’t wait to spill that, could she?” he sighed, his eyes meeting mine. “Yeah, I might have mentioned you a few times to my mom, and Lily must have overheard.”
“A few? Or a lot?” I interjected with a grin.
“A lot,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck again. “What can I say? You’ve been on my mind.”
I smiled at his vulnerability. “Well, I’m flattered,” I said.
