His jaw tics in that quiet way, like he hates being appreciated but can’t bring himself to reject it. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m your neighbor.”
“Is that why?” I ask, watching him carefully.
His gaze flicks to mine. Holds. Doesn’t let go.
“No,” he admits. Voice low. Honest. “Not just that.”
Something warm and reckless coils in my stomach.
Before either of us can say another word, the sliding door opens, and Lily steps out—arms full of blankets, eyes bright.
“Can we sit? The sun’s perfect right now.”
Ethan steps back slightly, creating space for her.
I feel the loss stupidly, instantly.
“Yeah,” I say, taking one of the blankets. “Let’s sit.”
Lily’s already spreading hers over the chair, chattering about marshmallows and lightning facts she Googled earlier, so Ethan lingers at the edge of the patio—half in, half out, like he’s making sure I’m okay before he gives us space.
He clears his throat. “Hey—about tomorrow night.”
His hand slips into his pocket, that nervous gesture he probably thinks looks casual. “You don’t have to come to dinner in town with my parents if you don’t want to. They can be… a lot.”
I huff out a laugh. “Nice try. You’re not getting off that easy.”
His brows lift. “No?”
“No.” I shake my head firmly. “I’ll be there with bells and…”
I gesture vaguely, searching for something dramatic.
“…social competence.”
He snorts—actually snorts—and the sound warms every nerve ending in me.
“That’s debatable,” he murmurs.
“You dragged me into British family chaos. I’m invested now.”
Something loosens in his face. A tiny, grateful smile.
“Alright,” he says softly. “Tomorrow, then.”
He starts to turn, then hesitates—just a beat—eyes flicking to Lily beside me, then back to my face.
“You’re good with her,” he says. Quiet. Honest.
Like he didn’t mean to say it out loud.
My heart does a stupid little flip. “She’s easy to be good with.”
His throat moves in a small swallow.
For a second, something pulls tight between us again—soft, warm, terrifying.
Then he clears his throat and steps back. “I’ll… let you two hang out.”
