Hidden Flames..

Chapter 26

Ethan lay back on the bed, his breath gradually slowing as he turned his head to look at Lily beside him. Her hair was tousled, a soft flush coloring her cheeks, and a contented smile played on her lips as she stared up at the ceiling, still catching her breath.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the quiet intimacy filling the room with a warmth that was more than physical. He wanted to say something, to break the silence, but words felt unnecessary—almost intrusive. Instead, he reached over, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her skin.

Lily turned to face him, her eyes meeting his, and there was a soft vulnerability there he hadn't seen before. They lay in comfortable silence, their fingers lightly intertwining, as if they were both savoring the unexpected closeness of the moment. He could feel her heartbeat, steady and calm, matching his own in a rhythm that felt almost too natural.

"Ethan?" she whispered finally, breaking the quiet.

"Yeah?"

"I want this to be a Forever thing."

His heart skipped, and he nodded, pulling her closer. "Me too, Love."

They both fell silent again, holding each other, knowing that whatever had just begun between them was only the start.

The next morning, sunlight slipped through the curtains of Ethan's bedroom, casting a soft glow over the room. Lily blinked awake, stretching under the covers, only to find Ethan still beside her, watching her with a faint smile.

"Good morning," he murmured, brushing a gentle hand over her hair.Lily's cheeks flushed as she gave him a sleepy smile back. "Good morning." She glanced at the clock on the bedside table, realizing just how late it was. "I told Jake and my parents I'd be at Rachel's last night," she said, her tone a little playful. "So I'd better get going before they wonder where I've disappeared to."

Ethan chuckled, sitting up and stretching. "Wouldn't want to get you into trouble with your cover story," he teased. "But I'd be lying if I said I was ready for you to leave."

She looked at him, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "I don't think I'm quite ready to leave either," she admitted, leaning in for one last lingering kiss.

Eventually, with a sigh, Lily got up and gathered her things, slipping back into her clothes from the night before. As she was fixing her hair in the mirror, Ethan came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

Lily smiled, turning to face him giving him a quick kiss. "Bye will call you later."

With one last look over her shoulder, she made her way out of his apartment, her heart racing as she thought about the night they'd shared—and what might come next.