Hidden Flames..

Chapter 29

The moment lingered, the crisp night air cooling their flushed skin as they stood close, surrounded by the breathtaking view. Lily's laughter faded into a soft, contented sigh, and Ethan couldn't resist brushing a stray strand of her hair away from her face.

"I could get used to this," he said, his voice low and full of meaning.

"Used to what?" she teased, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of his jacket.

"Us," he replied simply, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse race.

Lily opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by the distant chime of her phone buzzing in her pocket. She hesitated, the moment feeling too perfect to break. Ethan raised an eyebrow, smirking.

"Don't tell me Jake's checking in," he said, half-joking.

Lily quickly fished her phone out, checking the screen. Her heart skipped a beat. It wasn't Jake, but a text from her mom: *"Don't stay up too late, sweetheart. Love you."*

Relieved, she put her phone away and glanced at Ethan with a playful grin. "False alarm. No brotherly interrogation... yet."Ethan chuckled, a mix of amusement and relief. "Good. I'd hate to have to explain why I'm out here corrupting his sister."

Lily rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed at his words. "You're impossible.""Yeah, but you like it," he replied, that signature smirk making her stomach flutter.Deciding to change the subject, Lily stepped away and gestured toward the view. "So, is this your secret spot? Or do you bring all your dates here?"

Ethan followed her, shoving his hands into his pockets as he stood beside her. "Only the special ones," he said, his tone teasing, but there was something genuine in his gaze that made her heart skip.

They stood in comfortable silence for a while, taking in the shimmering cityscape. The lights stretched out endlessly, like a universe of possibilities, and the moon hung low, casting its soft glow over them.

"Do you ever think about leaving again?" Lily asked suddenly, her voice quiet but curious.Ethan turned to her, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged, avoiding his eyes. "You left once for the big city, for your career. Do you ever feel like... this place is too small for you?"

He studied her for a moment, the way the moonlight softened her features, and shook his head. "I used to think that," he admitted. "But coming back... it feels different now. Like maybe I was chasing the wrong things."

Lily glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "And now?""Now," he said, stepping closer, "I feel like the best things are right here."His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and Lily felt her chest tighten. Before she could respond, Ethan reached for her hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

"I mean it, Lily," he said softly. "Being around you, it's... it's different. It's real."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she met his gaze. "Ethan, we said we'd be careful. That we'd keep this a secret."

"We will," he assured her, his thumb tracing slow circles on her hand. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to pretend this doesn't mean something to me. You mean something to me."

Lily's resolve wavered as she looked into his eyes, the sincerity there undoing her. "You're dangerous, Ethan."

He grinned, leaning in close, his voice a husky whisper. "Only for you."

She couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are," he replied, his lips brushing against hers in a feather-light kiss.The ride back was quieter, the air between them charged with unspoken words and lingering touches. When they reached her house, Ethan cut the engine, turning to face her.

"I'll wait until you're inside," he said, his voice low but firm.

Lily nodded, hesitating for a moment before leaning in to kiss him once more—a quick, fleeting kiss that left them both wanting more. She pulled back, smiling shyly. "Goodnight, Ethan."

"Goodnight, Lily," he replied, watching her until she slipped inside the house. As the door closed behind her, he exhaled deeply, already counting the hours until he could see her again.