Page 14 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

Ethan narrows his gaze, his eyes searching mine intently. “Are you sure?” He steps closer, and I catch a whiff of his intoxicating cologne, a blend of spice and something uniquely him.

“Why would you ask?” I try to keep my voice steady, but it comes out a bit breathless.

He shrugs a shoulder, a casual gesture that somehow makes him even more attractive. “There was more excitement in you yesterday than today. Did the adrenaline run out and you want to call it quits?” He raises an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in his eyes. “It’s okay. We can just forget about it and go on with our lives. It’s not like figuring out your past to create a better future matter.”

My mouth falls open, a gasp escaping my lips. Is he goading me? Heat rushes through my veins, a mixture of indignation and something else entirely. I straighten my spine, meeting his gaze head-on.

“No, I’m ready for this and anything,” I say, finding my purpose. My voice is strong and unwavering, fueled by a sudden surge of determination. “I just skipped my coffee. If you plan to come along, you might as well be ready with caffeine in hand every morning.”

“Duly noted. I’ll make sure to have a steaming cup ready for you. Now, come on over.” He gestures toward the conference table, and I follow, taking in the sleek glass surface that seems to float above the chrome legs. Everything here screams: polished, precise, and intimidatingly perfect.

Is that who Ethan Montgomery is? I wonder, my gaze drifting over his chiseled features, the strong line of his jaw, and the way his dark hair falls effortlessly across his forehead. My heart skips a beat as I realize just how attractive he truly is.

Yesterday, I didn’t pay much attention to the details. Maybe I was on a high of adrenaline, broken dreams, and big expectations. Today . . . I don’t know what I’m doing, but there’s no going back, is there? A flicker of uncertainty dances in my gut, but I push it aside, determined to see this through.

“Have a seat,” he says, pulling out a chair for me—a nice touch that reminds me he’s not just a tech-savvy man who owns a top-five hundred company but a gentleman at heart. The warmth of his hand brushes against my back as he guides me to my seat, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Thanks,” I mumble, smoothing my jeans as I sit down, trying to ignore the electric current that seems to flow between us. I focus my attention on the giant digital map of the United States that dominates the screen on the wall, each state outlined in crisp detail.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Ethan plops down next to me, his enthusiasm infectious. His knee bumps against mine under the table, and I feel a zap of awareness shoot through me. “We can zoom in anywhere, add markers . . . It’s all interactive.” He leans closer, his shoulder brushing against mine as he points to the screen, and I catch a hint of his spicy cologne, making my head spin.

“Very cool,” I agree, leaning forward to get a better look, grateful for the distraction from the heat of his proximity. “But we can’t take that with us.” I raise an eyebrow, wondering how we’ll navigate our journey without the high-tech setup.

He smirks, a confident expression that sends a flutter through my stomach. “That’s the beauty of what I do. I had my people create a simple app that will help us mark things and change others as we go along.” His eyes gleam with pride, and I can’t help but be impressed by his resourcefulness.

“I like that,” I say, as the excitement comes back full force, chasing away my earlier doubts. I meet his gaze, a smile tugging at my lips. “Looks like you’ve thought of everything, Mr. Montgomery.”

“I hope so.” He changes screens, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the keyboard. “So, I took the notes you gave me, and I have to say, sixteen exes? Impressive.” He raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye.

“Thanks?” I’m not sure if he’s shaming me for having too many—is that too many? I bite my lip, feeling a twinge of insecurity. “Is your number of exes just as impressive?”

He smirks and shakes his head.

“Your brother says?—”

“I’m going to stop you right there,” he states, holding up a hand, his eyes locking with mine intensely.

“It’s that big, huh?” I blurt out, instantly regretting my words as a blush creeps up my cheeks.

His gaze smolders, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “I don’t think you’re ready to see how big it is,” he says, his voice low and laced with innuendo.

I flush, not knowing how to respond to that. What are we talking about now? The number of women he’s dated or . . . stop thinking like that, Lily. Concentrate on something else. My heart races, and I feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves in the pit of my stomach.

“So, what do you think?” Ethan asks, dragging me away from my thoughts, his eyes studying me intently.

I take a deep breath and try to look like I totally know what he’s talking about. “Come again?” I ask innocently, tilting my head to the side.

“I haven’t yet, but when I do, you’ll know.” He smirks, his eyes glinting with promise. My breath hitches, and I feel a rush of heat through my body.

“Stop talking out of context,” I claim, trying to regain my composure, but my voice comes out a bit breathless.

“You should start by paying a little more attention,” he retorts, leaning back in his chair, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. “As I was saying, sixteen is impressive, but also seems to be a lot of people we need to track and talk to. Are you sure all of them are that important?”

I shrug, feeling a bit defensive. “I mean, they are. Haven’t you ever had a tryst with someone you met on vacation? While at a conference? At summer camp?” I raise an eyebrow, challenging him.

“True,” he concedes with a nod, his lips quirking up in a half-smile. “But let’s be realistic here. We don’t want to spend all our time chasing after that guy you met during a flight who you barely remember his name and is now happily married with kids.”

I sigh, knowing he has a point. “Fine, you’re right. Let’s focus on the ones that really mattered, the ones that left a mark on my heart.” I place my hand over my chest, feeling the ache of past loves and lost chances.

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