Hidden Flames..

Chapter 31

Ethan gently cleaned Lily up, making sure she was comfortable before lifting her into his arms. Her body relaxed against his as he carefully carried her to his bedroom, where he laid her down on the soft bed. The weight of the moment hung in the air between them, but neither of them spoke. Ethan quietly went to his closet and grabbed one of his white shirts. As he handed it to her, his gaze softened.

"Here," he said softly, his voice unsteady, "I thought you might want to wear something."

Lily gave him a small, grateful smile as she slipped into the shirt, the soft fabric skimming her skin.

Lily looked stunning even in something so simple, the oversized shirt falling just right, making her both cute and incredibly alluring at the same time.

She sat up, her hair still damp from the shower, and Ethan moved to her side, grabbing a hair dryer from the nightstand.

"Let me help," he offered, sitting behind her. Gently, he began to dry her hair, each stroke slow and deliberate, his focus entirely on her. The soft hum of the dryer filled the quiet room, but Ethan's thoughts were anything but peaceful.

After a few moments, he spoke again, his voice serious but laced with something vulnerable. "You want to come clean in front of Jake? I can talk to him, but don't even think about leaving me, Lily. I don't know when or how, but I've fallen for you-hard. I don't know what you did to me, but I can't imagine my life without you in it. I can deal with all the problems, with you by my side."

His words hung heavy in the air, and for a long moment, Lily didn't speak. But then she turned around in his chair, facing him, and gently cupped his face in her hands. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her lips lingering for a second longer than usual, before pulling back and speaking, her voice tender.

"I love you too, Ethan," she whispered, her heart beating faster. "But I don't know how to face Jake. And besides, I think it's time we tell him about us. I can't keep hiding this anymore. We've shared everything since childhood, and he's my brother. I hope you understand."

Ethan's heart clenched at her words, but he nodded slowly, his hands cradling her face with gentle assurance. "Of course I do, love. I'll talk to him tomorrow. I promise."

Lily shook her head, her fingers brushing over his cheek as she looked at him with conviction. "No. We'll both talk to him together. Let's plan a dinner tomorrow. We'll do this as a team."

Ethan looked into her eyes, seeing the determination there, and something inside him softened, an overwhelming sense of relief washing over him. He leaned in, brushing a kiss to her forehead.

"Together, then," he said, his voice filled with quiet affection. "We'll do it together."