Page 81 of Safe With You

“I ended it.”

Katie’s brows lifted.

“I had to be honest about the fact I wasn’t as into the relationship as she was, which wasn’t fair to her. I felt bad about it for a long time.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sure that was hard.” She paused, but curiosity played on her face. “So, was she just not your type?”

Once again, Ethan had no idea what to say. She really wasn’t making this easy. Surely, she had to have some idea of why he’d ended the relationship. After all, wasn’t that why things had been so strained between them just over a week ago?

His uncertainty must have been too apparent on his face because her brows had gathered as she studied him. “What is it?”

He swallowed hard, though it was as if someone was tightening the collar of his tee shirt, and his heart raced. Maybe Becca was right. Maybe leaving things unsaid was not the way to handle the situation. Maybe it was time to be completely honest. After all, she’d already suspected his feelings after the wedding anyway. Maybe putting it all out there was the best way to move past it; otherwise, it might always be this uncomfortable, unmentionable shadow looming over their friendship. Once it was out in the open and addressed, he could put it to rest.

Katie watched Ethan seem to struggle for words. It didn’t surprise her that he’d had a serious girlfriend, but she couldn’t figure out what bothered him so much. After a long moment, he turned to face her. The raw honesty in his eyes stole her breath away.

“I know we were just kids, but I loved you. Whether I’ve realized it or not, I end up comparing every woman I meet to you…and they’re not you.”

Katie’s heart stuttered, his words ringing in her mind. Had he just said he loved her? But the dance and the awkwardness…

He broke eye contact, lowering his head as if too embarrassed to keep looking at her. “But you’re my best friend. I won’t ruin that, so just forget what I said. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what. So, yeah, just…forget it. I shouldn’t have said it.”

He turned away from her as realization, shock, and hope burst like fireworks inside her chest. She grabbed his arm. He looked back at her, hesitation and perhaps his own tiny spark of hope igniting on his face.

“Ethan.” So many thoughts and feelings raced through her mind.

He turned to face her again, searching her face.

She held his gaze. “I feel the same way.”

Shock registered in his eyes, that spark of hope growing. “You do? But the conversation after the wedding. I thought you were uncomfortable after the dance and were telling me you just wanted to be friends.”

She almost laughed. Of all the unfortunate misunderstandings. “I told you that because I thought you were uncomfortable and just wanted to be friends.”

He shook his head. “No, that’s not how I felt at all.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, the truth sinking in. He loved her. And she loved him. Desperately.

He shifted closer, his gaze lingering on her lips before meeting her eyes again. Tentatively, as if waiting for confirmation, his hand rose to cradle the side of her face. She leaned into it, her eyes closing at the warm touch. That was all the confirmation needed. He tipped her chin gently, and their lips met. Her breath left her in a sigh.

He kissed her slowly and tenderly but with a fervor that spoke volumes about the depth of his feelings for her. His hand dropped, and his arms wrapped around her, drawing her close, and Katie melted into the embrace. She didn’t think she’d be able to stand at all if he hadn’t been supporting her.

He broke it off a moment later, though his forehead pressed against hers. They just stood that way for a long moment, breathing together. Then he spoke, his voice low and breathless.

“I’ve been waiting over fifteen years to do that.”

Katie could only smile. If he felt at all like she did, it had been worth the wait.

He leaned back just a little to look her in the eyes. His hands slid up to grip her arms gently. As dreamy as the kiss had been, his expression was almost grave, a solemn vow ringing in his tone.

“No matter what happens, I want you to know you’re safe with me. Always.”

“I know.” It was what had drawn her to him from the very start, even as a young kid, growing from a beautiful friendship to this deep love she now felt.

Ethan couldn’t believe he wasn’t dreaming. He had waited for this moment for most of his life. Reaching up again, he brushed his fingers over her face and through her soft hair, convincing himself it was real. Now that the truth was out, he wanted there to be no doubt about where he stood.

“I love you, Katie. I have for as long as I can remember.”

Moisture pooled in her eyes, reflecting the flicker of flames from the dying fire. “I love you too.”

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