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For those brief moments, everything around us fell away. The curse, the gondola, Layne, Preston—all of it. Gone.

We were floating high above the city, wrapped in a kiss that I never wanted to end. The stars shone bright, as did the lights of the boats on the black water below.

It was just the two of us. Floating together high above the world in an ocean of lights.

We opened our eyes together, but instead of being met with the beautiful emerald I’d grown to love, Ethan stared back in terror, the familiar golden haze of the curse reflected back at me.

I looked back, my body paralyzed.

Oh god.

He’s dead.

I killed him.

Ethan’s heart hammered in his chest as he fell into the icy pools of Evie’s gaze. The Ferris wheel’s lights filtered in through the gondola’s glass, illuminating her pale skin. She looked like she was practically glowing.

They reached the peak of the wheel's rotation, and Ethan looked out in awe as all of Seattle stretched out before him. As beautiful as it was, all he wanted to do was look at Evie. His stomach did flips, and it wasn't from the height, but from how certain he was that he needed her.

Just do it, Ethan. You can do this.

What was the worst that could happen? He could think of a hundred reasons, but the actual worst would be ruining everything and her not wanting to see him again.

As he leaned in, he felt everything he'd been holding back threatening to spill over. The way she looked at him was different this time. Deeper than before, like she’d let a bit of her guard down with him.

Evie made him feel seen. Remembered. Like he wasn't completely invisible for once in his life. Ethan couldn't remember the last time he really put himself out there like this. He’d spent his whole life playing it safe and keeping his head down.

But with Evie—Ethan wanted to live for once.

To be brave.

Say it, he told himself.

Slowly, he leaned in, the salty and sweet scent of her flooding his senses.

“Evie…”

“Yes?”

This is it. Don't be a coward. Not now.

“I really like you.” The words came out soft. His breath ghosted her lips.

“I like you too, Ethan.”

His heart leaped. For a moment, he couldn't even process what she said. This brilliant, beautiful, mysterious woman—who could have anyone she wanted—felt the same way for him.

Don't mess this up.

Ethan reached up and cupped her face, thumb slowly caressing her cheek. Her skin was soft and cool.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Their lips were so close he could practically taste her words. Relief flooded through him as Ethan's lips crashed into hers, sending shockwaves through him.

Her lips were unbelievably soft, and she tasted sweeter than he could have imagined. Passion roused within him as she pulled his head deeper into her kiss.