“This piece is about conflict and passion. The bold, clashing colors represent the intense emotions I was feeling at the time. The red symbolizes anger and love, the blue represents sadness and longing, and the yellow is for moments of hope and happiness. It’s an abstract depiction of the push and pull of my relationship with my ex, Sebastian. Everything was so vibrant and chaotic, but there were moments of beauty within the turmoil.”
Ethan listened intently, his eyes never leaving mine. “I can see that now. It’s incredible how you’ve captured so much emotionin a single piece.”
A quiet pause hung between us, and then he asked. “Was he the reason you left Cresden? Your ex, I mean?”
“Yeah, he was part of it,” I replied, my voice calm as I met Ethan’s gaze. “Sebastian and I were together for a while, but it got to a point where we were both holding each other back. Things ended, and I knew I needed a fresh start. That’s what brought me to Hallow’s End.”
Ethan nodded, his expression filled with understanding and patience. “It sounds like you made the right choice,” he said softly. “You deserve to be somewhere that inspires you, with people who make you happy.”
I felt a wave of gratitude for his gentle reassurance, his willingness to listen without judgment. “Thank you, Ethan,” I said, my voice just as soft. “It means a lot that you’re here, and that you get it.”
He reached out, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here, Vinnie, and I’m glad you trusted me with that.”
Ethan’s eyes softened, and without a word, he stepped closer, his hand gently cupping my cheek. The warmth in his gaze made my heart flutter as he leaned in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to my lips. It was the kind of kiss that spoke volumes, without needing words. A connection that felt as natural as breathing.
When we pulled back, he smiled, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheek. “Shall we go?” he asked.
I laughed softly, the lingering warmth of the kiss making it impossible not to smile. “You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going, are you?”
Ethan’s grin widened, and he shook his head, his eyes twinkling with playful mischief. “Not a chance,” he teased.
I sighed dramatically, but the excitement bubbling inside me was impossible to hide. “Fine,” I said, giving him a mock pout. “But you better not keep me in suspense for too long.”
He chuckled, taking my hand in his as he led me toward the door. “I promise, it’ll be worth the wait.”
Chapter 20
ETHAN’S OLD PICKUP TRUCK, with once-bright paint that was now a charmingly rustic patina, stood proudly parked outside my cottage. The softly dented bumper, and the faint scent of pine and motor oil that lingered in the cab, only added to its character. It was a vehicle that had clearly seen many miles, and every little scratch and dent seemed to have its own story to tell.
With a gentlemanly ease, Ethan opened the passenger door and offered his hand, helping me up into the high seat. The touch of his hand sent a small thrill through me, the warmth of his fingers lingering even after I settled into the worn but comfortable seat. Anticipation bubbled within me as he closed the door gently, his smile unwavering as he walked around to the driver’s side.
He slid in beside me, turning the key, and the truck rumbled to life with a comforting, familiar growl. Suddenly, country music blared from thespeakers, filling the cab with twangy guitars and heartfelt lyrics. I jumped at the volume, and Ethan’s cheeks reddened as he fumbled to lower it.
“Sorry about that,” he said with an embarrassed smile, his fingers still on the volume knob. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”
I laughed, the sound mingling with the fading music. “No worries. What kind of music do you usually listen to?”
He shrugged, still a little sheepish, but with a boyish charm that made my heart skip a beat. “I guess you could say I’m a country guy at heart,” he admitted. “But I listen to a bit of everything, really. What about you?”
“I’m into country music, too,” I replied, smiling. “And folk, depending on my mood. But if I’m being honest . . . I’m a Swiftie.”
Ethan’s eyes lit up with amusement, and he reached into the console between us, pulling out the AUX cord and handing it to me. “In that case, I’m handing over the reins,” he said with a grin. “Play whatever you want.”
I took the cord, a playful smile tugging at my lips as I plugged in my phone. “You might regret saying that,” I teased, scrolling through my playlists.
He leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving mine, the corners of his mouth twitching up in that familiar, irresistible way. “I’m up for the challenge,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.
“You know, at this rate, I’ll be an old man by the time you pick a song,” he teased, his lips curving into a grin.
I laughed as I scrolled, pretending to be overly dramatic about my selection. “Hey, you can’t rush perfection,” I shot back, giving him a mock-serious look. “I’m crafting the perfect playlist for this drive. You’ll thank me later.”
He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement as he shifted the truck into gear and pulled away from the curb. “Well, I’m counting on it.”
Just as we settled into the rhythm of the road, the familiar chords of Taylor Swift’sOur Songfilled the truck and, to my surprise, Ethan started singing along without a hint of hesitation. His voice, unexpectedly warm and steady, carried the tune effortlessly as he tapped the steering wheel in time with the beat, glancing over at me with a playful grin as he exaggerated the lyrics.
I laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. The way Ethan belted out the song, completely unbothered and full of confidence, was infectious. It wasn’t long before I joined in, our voices harmonizing through the chorus as I matched his energy, laughing.
He glanced at me, eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. It was silly and fun, and yet it felt like one of those little moments you know will stay with you for a long time—something simple, but so full of life.
