The best man

Chapter 7

As the night progressed, I couldn't help but notice something about Ethan. Throughout the entire evening, even before taking me out, and during the past few weeks, he hadn't touched me in any way. He didn't hold my hand, didn't brush his fingers against mine, nor kissed my forehead like Conor used to do so often. A part of me started to wonder—did Ethan invite me out just for fun? Or was this meant to be something more? The uncertainty left me confused, but I didn't want to ruin the night by bringing it up.

Ethan must have sensed my shift in mood because he suddenly looked at me, his brows slightly furrowed with concern. "You okay?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine care.

I forced a smile and nodded, brushing it off. "Yeah, I'm fine."

But Ethan wasn't so easily convinced. He tilted his head, his gaze steady and understanding. "You know," he said gently, "it's okay if something's on your mind. You can talk to me."

There was no pressure in his words, just patience, and I could feel the sincerity in his offer, making it harder to keep my thoughts locked away.

Taking a deep breath, I looked down at my hands, fidgeting slightly as I began, "It's just... I've been thinking. Throughout the night, and even before tonight, you haven't... touched me. Not even to hold my hand or anything like that." I hesitated, but I knew I had to be honest. "Conor, the guy I was... involved with before, he used to do that a lot. Hold my hand, kiss my forehead, make me feel special. And when he did, it felt like love. But then he would distance himself and say we are just friends and still do those things, and I never knew where I stood with him."

Ethan remained quiet, listening intently, his eyes never leaving mine. I could feel the warmth of his attention, but I was scared to ask him what I truly wanted to know. "With you, it's different. You don't do that, and I can't help but wonder... is there a twist? Are you just... waiting for something? I guess I'm just confused."

My heart raced, unsure of how he would respond. I didn't want to ruin the night, but I needed to understand.

Ethan leaned forward, his eyes steady and his voice soft but resolute. "First of all, Lily, I'm not Conor," he began, his thumb gently brushing over the back of my hand. "Second of all, I am interested in you, and I like you very much. I need you to understand that. I would never do anything without your consent, and I would never make you feel unsure about where we stand. If my intentions weren't genuine, if I wanted to use you, I would've done it a long time ago. But that's not who I am. That's not the kind of man I want to be for you."

He paused, searching my eyes for a moment before continuing. "You know, I've been hurt too. I've told you before—I was cheated on by someone I loved, and it was devastating. I had to go through that alone, and I know what it feels like to lose trust in people you care about. But this... this isn't about me. It's about us. I care about you, Lily, more than I can say. I respect your space and everything you're going through. I want us to move at *your* pace. Whatever you're comfortable with, that's what matters to me."

He squeezed my hand a little tighter, his gaze never wavering. "I'll do everything I can to earn your trust, to show you that I'm here for the long haul. You don't have to question that. I'm not going to pressure you or rush you into anything. I'm just... here. For you. And I'm not going anywhere."

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, soothing the doubts that had been swirling in my mind. For the first time, I felt like I could truly believe him. He wasn't just saying what I wanted to hear—he meant it. He was patient, kind, and willing to build something real, something safe. The knot in my chest began to loosen as I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could let myself believe in this. Believe in him.
"I guess I'm just not used to this," I admitted softly. "With Conor, things were... unpredictable. He'd pull me close, make me feel like I mattered, and then push me away. I don't know how to process someone who doesn't do that."

Ethan's eyes softened even more. "I get it, Lily. I know you've been hurt, but I'm here for more than just a moment. I don't want to make you feel like you're being pulled around. I want this to be real, but only if you're ready."

I felt a lump form in my throat, but this time it wasn't from confusion or pain—it was from the overwhelming sense of being truly seen, heard, and respected.

"I... appreciate that," I said quietly, feeling a mix of emotions.

Ethan smiled gently. "You don't need to rush into anything. We can take our time and figure this out together, okay?"

I nodded, feeling something in me ease for the first time in a long while. "Okay," I whispered, grateful for his patience and understanding.