The best man

Chapter 10

After dinner, Ethan and I stroll through the park, the cool evening air wrapping around us. The sound of our laughter echoes between the trees, blending with the rustling leaves. "You know," Ethan starts, grinning, "if you didn't laugh at all my jokes, I'd think I was funnier than I actually am."

I chuckle. "Oh, I'm just being nice, don't get used to it."

He raises his eyebrows in mock offense. "Hey, I'll have you know I'm a professional comedian in my spare time."

"Oh really?" I play along, nudging him with my shoulder. "What's your stage name? The Pun-isher?"

Ethan laughs, shaking his head. "Wow, okay, that was actually impressive. You're rubbing off on me."

We continue walking, teasing each other with playful banter until Ethan suddenly stops, turning to face me. His gaze softens, and before I know it, his lips are on mine. The kiss is slow, tender, and full of warmth. When he pulls back, he trails kisses along my neck, making my breath catch, but I can feel him holding back. He's careful, though his desire is clear.

His lips find mine again, lingering, as he whispers between kisses, "You're so beautiful, Lily. I could kiss you for hours." His words send a wave of warmth through me, making my heart race. He kisses me again, softer this time, brushing his lips over mine like he's savoring the moment. "I can't get enough of you," he murmurs against my skin. "Everything about you, the way you laugh, the way you look at me—it just drives me crazy."

His voice is low, full of affection, and though his kisses become more insistent, he's careful not to push too far. After a few moments, he pulls away, resting his forehead against mine. "I'm sorry, I got carried away." he says softly, his voice full of honesty. "Do you want to go back home ? It's getting cold."

We head back to my apartment, where we settle on the couch with tea and coffee. The atmosphere is calmer now, but the air between us is still charged. I stir my tea, gathering my thoughts, before finally speaking. "Ethan, I've been thinking about us... and about sex. I know we've been taking things slow, and I really appreciate how patient you've been with me."

He nods, his expression serious as he sets down his coffee. "I want you to feel safe and comfortable, Lily. I'm not in any rush. You know that, right?"

I smile softly, grateful for his understanding. "I do. But I also know that... well, we both have urges and needs, and I don't want to pretend they don't exist. I just—"

"You don't have to explain," he interrupts gently, reaching for my hand. "I have needs too, believe me. But you're worth waiting for. You're not just someone I'm attracted to physically. I love everything about you. And when we do take that step, I want it to be when you're completely ready."

I squeeze his hand, feeling a deep sense of relief and affection. "Thank you, Ethan. It's not that I don't want to... I do. I just need time to feel like it's the right moment."

He leans in, kissing my forehead. "We'll know when it's right. There's no pressure, no expectations. Just us, okay?"

I nod, feeling lighter, knowing that we're on the same page. "Okay," I whisper, feeling a wave of gratitude. "You're amazing, you know that?"

He grins, pulling me into a hug. "I'll take that compliment, but only because it's coming from you."

We sit there for a while, wrapped up in each other, talking about everything and nothing, knowing that we're building something real—something worth waiting for.