Page 36 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

Ethan leans down and places a tender kiss on my forehead. “That was for me.” He winks at me, kissing me one more time before getting up from the bed.

I watch him as he walks toward the bathroom, admiring the way his muscles move under his skin.

Not sure what his game is and how that was about him, but I want a repeat.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lily

I nod, a shy smile playing on my lips as I place my hand in Ethan’s larger one. The moment our skin touches, a spark of electricity shoots through my body, igniting every nerve ending. His fingers curl around mine, warm and strong, and I feel a sense of rightness settle over me.

We walk out of the inn toward his car, the crisp mountain air filling our lungs. The sun is just starting to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. As we stroll, our shoulders brushing with each step, we make small talk about the beautiful scenery and the quaint charm of the inn. But beneath the casual conversation, I can feel the undercurrent of excitement and anticipation thrumming between us, a promise of what’s to come.

Once we’re settled in the car, Ethan turns the key in the ignition and the engine purrs to life. He fiddles with the radio for a moment before finding a station playing early 2000s pop hits. The opening notes of “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas fill the car, and a grin spreads across my face. Ethan catches my eye and winks, cranking up the volume.

We sing along at the top of our lungs, our voices blending together in off-key harmony. The music transports me back to carefree summers and first loves, a sense of nostalgia washing over me.

As we continue down the winding mountain road, Ethan belts out the lyrics to “Hey Ya!” by OutKast, complete with exaggerated dance moves that make me giggle uncontrollably. I join in on the chorus, shimmying my shoulders and bopping my head to the beat. For a moment, all my worries and doubts fade away, replaced by pure, unadulterated joy.

We arrive at the restaurant, a charming lodge-style building nestled among towering evergreens. The valet opens my door, offering a hand to help me out. I smooth my dress, suddenly feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach. Ethan comes around the car and offers me his arm, a gallant gesture that makes my heart skip a beat. I tuck my hand into the crook of his elbow, savoring the solid warmth of his body next to mine.

As we walk toward the entrance, I can’t help but feel like everything is heightened, every sensation intensified. The cool mountain breeze caressing my skin, the faint scent of pine in the air, the way the gravel crunches beneath our feet—it all feels more vivid, more alive. And when Ethan glances down at me, his eyes shining with affection and desire, I know it’s not just the setting that’s making everything feel more magical. It’s him, and the connection we’ve forged.

Inside, the restaurant is dimly lit, the flickering candles on each table casting a warm, intimate glow. Soft jazz music plays in the background, mingling with the clink of glasses and the low murmur of conversation. Ethan leads us to a cozy table tucked away in the corner, providing a sense of privacy even when there are other diners.

As we settle into our seats, I can’t help but marvel at how easy it is to be with him. The conversation flows effortlessly, ranging from childhood memories to our hopes and dreams for the future. With each passing minute, I feel like I’m peeling back another layer of Ethan, discovering new facets of his personality that make me fall even harder.

The food is exquisite, a perfect complement to the company. We share bites of each other’s dishes, our forks dancing a playful tango. When dessert arrives, a decadent chocolate lava cake, Ethan insists on feeding me the first bite. I close my eyes, savoring the rich flavor and the intimacy of the moment.

As the evening winds down, Ethan reaches across the table and takes my hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin. The simple touch raises the hairs on my arms, a delicious warmth spreading through my veins. I feel my pulse quicken, my breath catching in my throat as I meet his intense gaze.

“I want you to know that I’ve enjoyed these past few days with you,” he continues, his voice low and sincere. His thumb keeps stroking my hand, the sensation both soothing and electrifying. “I really like you, Lily. More than I’ve liked anyone in a long time.”

“I really like you too, Ethan,” I reply honestly, my voice soft but filled with conviction. “Being with you . . . it feels right.”

Ethan’s face lights up with a smile that could rival the sun, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that makes my stomach do somersaults. He leans over the table, closing the distance between us, and presses his lips against mine in a tender kiss. It’s sweet and unhurried, a promise of things to come. When he pulls back, I’m left breathless and wanting more.

“Tell me more about you,” I say, running my fingertips along the edge of my water glass. “You know everything about me, including every single person I’ve slept with.” I give him a playful smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s only fair that I get to know some of your secrets too.”

Ethan chuckles, leaning back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eye. “There’s really not much to tell.” He feigns contemplation, stroking his chin in an exaggerated manner. “I’m just a simple guy, living a simple life.”

I narrow my eyes at him, a giggle escaping my lips. “Oh, come on. There has to be something more. Former SEAL who owns a security company.” I lean forward, my elbows resting on the table.

Ethan’s expression softens, his gaze turning serious and intense. He reaches out and takes both of my hands in his, his warmth enveloping me. “Well, let’s see. I like that you make every room brighter just by being in it. Your laughter is my favorite song, and your dreams . . . I want to be part of them. All of them.”

I feel my breath hitch, my heart stuttering in my chest at the raw honesty in his words. “Even the one where I want to open a gallery-slash-coffee shop?” I ask, half-joking, half-hoping. The idea has been a fantasy of mine for years, a secret dream I’ve harbored close to my heart.

“Especially that one,” Ethan confirms with a nod, his eyes never leaving mine. “Lily, I believe in you. You have this amazing ability to create worlds out of nothing. Your art . . . it’s a window into your soul, and it’s beautiful.” He squeezes my hands, his touch grounding me.

I feel a warm flush spread across my cheeks, my heart swelling with gratitude and affection. “Thank you,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “For believing in me, for being here . . . for everything.”

Ethan smiles softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Always,” he promises, the single word carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken sentiments.

We linger at the table for a few more moments, savoring the intimacy of the quiet restaurant and the connection thrumming between us. Finally, Ethan releases my hands and stands, offering me his arm. “Shall we head back to the inn?”

I nod, rising to my feet and slipping my arm through his. The contact sends a pleasant tingle up my spine, a reminder of the shift in our relationship. I just don’t know how far we’ll get and if I should ask about it.

. . . am I getting ahead of myself?

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