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My fingers wrung against each other as the knot in my stomach tightened. Gwen lied.
That cunning woman lied about everything that’d happen tonight. She’d told me that Ethan was aware that I’d be her date for the night. Obviously, that was a fat lie.
If his questions didn't reveal that he had no idea of her shenanigans, then his face said it all. He was completely oblivious to any of it.
She also said we’d ride together. That, again, was a lie. In fact, she was nowhere in proximity, and I was left to ride with her brother.
As if that were not enough, we were both in the backseat — a safe distance from each other in the backseat— while Lewis drove. It was the reason my fingers didn't know what to do with themselves. It was weird.
Weird and quiet.
Curse you, Gwen.
My irises involuntarily swam to the corner of my eyes. I caught sight of him— his sharp, angled jaw, strong thighs, and clenched fist. I couldn't tell the reason for his mood.
Because he wanted to spend time with his daughter or because his sister set him up. Whichever one, his mood was valid.
I didn't feel like leaving the house either. Sophie had surprised us. I anticipated the day she’d speak, but I never envisioned it to be this way. Randomly.
Sophie’s comment meant that she had indeed chosen the dress for me.
But I wondered what would have happened if I hadn't gone with it. What if I'd picked another dress? How would she feel? Would she still have spoken tonight? Was it the dress that made her speak, or was the timing right?
What if I’d—
“Thank you.”
I brought my gaze to him. Just like the other time in the office, his voice was soft.
Did I say you’re welcome, or just nod? After all, I was only doing my job.
“Tonight… is a night I'll never forget.”
I watched the thick outline of his fingers sprawl out on his thighs. He sniffed.
I dragged my eyes once more to his. I didn't expect to find tears in them, but I also didn't expect to find gratitude. Raw gratitude.
“…and it's all because of you.”
The heel of my palm dug into my dress. “It’s my pleasure, sir.”
His fingers formed a fist. Then slowly, he shook his head. “Ethan.”
My throat burned as I struggled to figure out what he’d just said. Was he reminding me of his na—
“When it's just us, Ethan is fine.”
My breath rose in my throat, aggravating the burn I had already felt. “W- what?”
“Let that be a way to maintain a… cordial relationship.”
I was instantly plunged to recall my words on the night of the encounter in my nightie.
His eyes held every hint of truth. I could tell that he meant what he said. But that didn't make it any easier.
It felt sudden…. Surreal. Fuck. Everything tonight felt so. And I wondered how many more would feel the same.
“Okay.”
