delicate | ethma

4

Ethan

"Ethan's on the phone with his girlfriend over there."

I looked up at Brennan, who was staring at me from the kitchen. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Yeah, B. Not yet," Ted said.

"Shut up, guys," I said, looking down at the text Emma had just sent me. I couldn't help but smile at my phone.

There was something about her, and I think she knew I felt that way.

"I think I might ask her to fly out here and stay with me,"

"Not my girlfriend my ass," Enzo said, sitting across from me on the couch.

I got up from my seat, glancing down at my texts. "I'll be in my room for a bit,"

"Oooh. He's gonna call his girlfriend."

I flipped them off behind my back as I walked away, but secretly smiled to myself. I haven't felt this way in such a long time.

The thought of Emma thrilled me. I couldn't wait to see her again.

Later that day I got the flight for her and Olivia booked, and I sent the information to her. I couldn't sleep that night because I was so excited to see Emma.

She would be there the next morning. We ended up FaceTiming that night until I fell asleep.

I woke up, took a shower and ate breakfast before rehearsal, and then I went to pick Emma and Olivia up from the airport.

Well, I took a cab, but that's beside the point.

Emma greeted me with a hug, and Olivia greeted me with a smile and a wave. I have to admit that I had butterflies in my stomach when we got into the cab, but I felt weirdly calm at the same time. I don't know how to describe it.

It was so easy for me to just wrap my arm around her shoulder, and she didn't even hesitate to lean against me.

There in the backseat, Emma glanced at me before putting her hand on the middle of my thigh. It felt so new, yet like it was the thousandth time. It felt normal for us.

When we got to the hotel suite, I took Emma's suitcase to my room, and she unpacked while I sat on the bed.

"I'm so happy I'm here," Emma said, sitting next to me. "I just feel like my life is finally starting to pick up again. I don't know, but for some reason I just feel more optimistic about everything."

"I get that. I've had a rough few months, but I feel pretty good right now."

"How was rehearsal this morning?"

"Good. We're working on a new cover," I said, giving Emma a small smile when she looked at me.

"Ooh. What song?"

"That's a surprise," I said. "But I'm singing lead on it."

"I can't wait to hear it."

"Maybe I'll let you hear it early, and surprise you with it at rehearsal tomorrow."

"I would love that."

I stole a kiss from her cheek, and she blushed as she smiled at me. "I'm so happy you're here with me, Emma."

"Me too."

"Are you staying with us for the rest of tour? It's only two more cities and about two and a half more weeks."

"I don't think Olivia is, but I want to."

"Good. I'm planning on keeping you," I flirted, lightly tackling her onto the bed.

Emma laughed, running her hand through my hair as I pressed some quick kisses to her neck.

"I could be like one of your roadies," she said.

I chuckled as I kissed her cheek again. "You really wanna set up equipment?"

"I wanna do something to help."

"Actually, there is something you might be able to do." I said, letting go of Emma and sitting up.

"What is it?"

"We need someone to take pictures of us performing. Maybe even in rehearsal too."

"I would love that," Emma said, also sitting up. "I was in yearbook club in high school."

"Really? That's sweet."

"Thanks," she said, smiling at me.

I couldn't help but smile too. She just makes me feel happy when I'm around her.

I glanced over her shoulder at my guitar in the corner of the room. "So, do you want me to play you that song now?"

"Yeah," she said. "I would love to hear it."

So, I got up and grabbed my guitar from the corner. Emma sat on the edge of the bed, front and center.

I strummed my guitar to make sure it was in tune, and then I started playing the new arrangement of Delicate by Taylor Swift that the guys and I wrote.

We changed it a little bit to suit our style of music more.

But the song reminded me of Emma, so I asked if we could play it.

Such lyrics in the song fit our situation.

Oh damn, never seen that color blue.

Emma's eyes.

Is it too soon to do this yet? Cause I know that it's Delicate.

Is it too soon to fall in love?

I couldn't help but smile as I sang, the tune immediately becoming my favorite song because it's dedicated to Emma in my mind.

I loved the way Emma intently watched me play the guitar and sing for her, and she was super excited about the song when I was done.

"Holy shit, Ethan. That was amazing."

I smiled. "I'm glad you like it, because it's the song I'm dedicating to you."

"No way," she said, getting up from the bed and walking over to give me a hug. "Ethan, you're giving me butterflies," she added.

I kissed her forehead, setting my guitar against the wall before I hugged her back. "You have no idea how nervous I was to show you the song."

"I loved it."

I smiled at her as she looked up at me. "I'm glad. Cause I like you," I said, referencing the song.

Emma giggled. "I like you too."

"Does that mean I can kiss you now?"

"You don't have to ask," she said. Then she reached onto her top toes and took the initiative.