Reignite | Currently Revising

Chapter Thirteen

~Melanie~

Hadn't this bed and breakfast ever heard of AC? It was so hot and sticky. I couldn't fall back to sleep. I looked over at Bianca sleeping soundly in her twin bed across the room, then looked out the large white sheer-covered window.

It was a full moon tonight, illuminating most of the room in its lunar glow. Trees swayed in the wind. I remembered seeing a giant cushioned swing out on the back porch when we first arrived that would be the perfect spot for me to cool off in this wind.

I slowly crept down the squeaky wooden staircase and then quietly opened the screen door to the side of the house. Cool air greeted me, and I welcomed it.

I cautiously walked around the corner of the wrap-around porch in the dark as the outside lights were off. I looked over at the swing in the moonlight and sucked in a shriek.

A figure was sitting on the swing, looking up at the sky. I then realized it was Ethan. I slowly walked backward, deciding this wasn't a good idea before I walked right into a rocking chair and cursed out loud as pain shot up my heel.

Ethan jumped, then looked straight at me.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. I'll just be leaving now," I sheepishly said.

"It's a free country," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

I looked him over, then sat in one of the wicker rocking chairs. It didn't have a cushion, so I was a bit uncomfortable. I ended up scooting to the edge of the chair and leaning my elbows on my knees.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

He shook his head no.

"Me either," I said, looking out onto the small, lush garden. "It's much cooler out here than inside."

"You don't look so comfortable. Here, sit next to me."

I eyed the empty spot on the cushioned swing next to him. It was better than sitting here... Or I could just go back inside.

A cool breeze rushed through my loose dark brown hair, and I decided outside was the better option.

I sat down next to him. Suddenly, the symphony of crickets became the only noise I could hear, other than the pounding of my heartbeat in my ears. It was almost deafening.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ethan practically whispered.

"What?"

"The stars," he said, pointing up.

I looked up at the stars and gasped. While we were in a small city, not many lights were on, making it possible to see almost all the stars sparkle in the dark canvas sky. I leaned my head back against the swing and realized Ethan's arm draped over it.

"Do you mind?" I warily asked.

"I-It's fine," he said, rearranging the position of his legs, so one ankle was now resting on the knee of the other.

We had spent the majority of that night staring at the stars together, sometimes talking, sometimes just enjoying the silence and company of one another. He had made me feel so comfortable, like we were always supposed to be that way – cuddling and watching the stars shine together.

I continue to look at Ethan on the other side of the garage. He's so tall now. He smiles as he sinks a bag into the cornhole. He's always had such a beautiful smile. I smile as my eyes trail down to his muscular arms showing through his tight blue t-shirt.

I'll admit it to myself and no one else... He's sexy. He's so damn sexy. I've always thought he was sexy. I can't believe I find my best friend's younger brother sexy. Not to mention, I shouldn't even be having these thoughts since I'm with James, and we're planning our whole future together.

I hold my breath as Ethan's piercing blue eyes meet my brown ones. I quickly look away and back to Bianca as she finishes setting up the triangle. Is this just a physical attraction, though? I'm not so sure anymore...

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