Page 44 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

He leans down, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, sweet kiss. “Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin. “I’m gonna grab something to eat. You want anything?”

I shake my head, still smiling. “I’m good, thanks.”

Ethan nods, his fingers grazing my cheek before he turns and heads to the counter. I watch him go, admiring the way his broad shoulders fill out his jacket, the confident set of his stride.

A few minutes later, he returns, setting a plate in front of me. On it sits a golden-brown pastry, its flaky layers glistening with a sweet glaze. My eyes widen in surprise. “Is that a guava and cheese pastry?” I ask, my mouth already watering.

Ethan grins, sliding into the seat across from me. “I remember you mentioned loving them during our trip,” he says. “Thought you might like a little surprise.”

I feel a flutter in my stomach, touched by his thoughtfulness. It’s such a small thing, but it means the world to me that he remembers these little details about me. This is something he has been doing all along, like when he took me to the gallery or the festival, or the cozy inn in the middle of the mountains.

He’s always doing something special, going the extra mile and . . .

I reach across the table, my hand finding his, our fingers linking. “Thank you,” I whisper.

Ethan squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime.”

But that’s the problem. Will this happen anytime I want, or is this the beginning of our goodbye?

Ethan glances at his watch, his brows scrunching slightly. “We have an appointment with Derek Vanderbilt in an hour. I say let’s leave in twenty so you’re there on time.”

“Okay.”

“You don’t sound excited,” he remarks, his eyes searching mine. “Everything okay?”

I avert my gaze, focusing on the remnants of my latte. “Yeah. I’m probably just tired. We’ve been traveling for days and changing time zones too often.” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant.

He gives me a skeptical look. “Are you sure?”

I meet his gaze, forcing a smile. “Would I lie to you?”

He shrugs, his expression unreadable. “I hope not.” He takes a bite of his croissant and checks his phone, his attention momentarily diverted.

I sigh with relief, my shoulders relaxing slightly. The last thing I need is to discuss my feelings about the next and last ex-boyfriend with Ethan. I lean back in my chair, my mind whirling with thoughts of the past seventeen days and the future I’m not sure I can have.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Lily

The numbers above my head blur as the elevator ascends, and with each floor, the knot tightens in my stomach. Ethan’s gaze is fixed on me, his thumb caressing the inside of my wrist in a delicate rhythm that sends jolts of pleasure racing along my skin. The confined space amplifies his cedar and sandalwood scent, surrounding me, intoxicating.

His eyes darken with an intensity that steals my breath. “You’re nervous.” It’s not a question.

I swallow hard, my tongue feeling thick and useless. What am I supposed to say? That I’m terrified? “Not really,” I murmur, my voice barely audible over the mechanical hum.

“Right, I don’t believe you one bit.” He eyes me suspiciously. “What’s going on?”

I force a laugh, my fingers drumming against my thigh, a nervous tic I can’t seem to shake. “Pfft, nothing,” I say, my voice high enough to suggest I might be auditioning for the role of a squeaky toy.

“Come on, Lil,” Ethan says, his voice a warm nudge, his hand sliding up my arm. “This is nothing. I’m pretty sure you’re fine. Let’s remember that you’ve been conquering fears this whole trip. Remember the karaoke bar? You belted out ‘Living on a Prayer’ like you were Bon Jovi’s long-lost twin.”

I can’t help but smile at the memory. “Only because you promised you’d join in. And then you left me hanging,” I accuse, playfully bumping his arm with my shoulder.

The corner of his mouth quirks up in that lopsided grin that liquefies my insides. “I had to take a call, but this is different. What’s going on?”

I wave a hand, trying to appear nonchalant, but my heart is pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it. “Maybe it’s the altitude?”

“Fortunately, I know the perfect remedy.” His fingers glide up my arm, leaving a trail of blazing desire. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear, his voice a low, seductive rumble. “Just focus on me, Lil. I’ve got you.”

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