Page 77 of Writing On The Wall

I pull away and choke out a laugh, determined to have a fun evening. “Are those steaks gonna cook themselves?” I joke, sniffling.

He doesn’t say anything, but one of his hands palms my neck and holds me still while he kisses my temple. Then he steps back, allowing me to change the subject while he fills the kitchen with the sounds and aroma of sizzling steak.

I devour my food, still amazed that he had a salad in his fridge like a responsible grown-up.

We wash up as I continue to ask him about the houses he’s flipped and what he’s hoping for with the show.

The Show.He’s unsure what the network is thinking, location wise, and I push down the anxiety that starts to rise at the thought of him relocating. There’s an ugly feeling of guilt as I despise my desire to keep him tethered to this town.

“What now?” I ask, swinging my arms awkwardly after we finish the dishes.

“We gather supplies,” he answers cryptically.

He plops a chunky blanket in my arms, instructing me to wait while he continues gathering things which he won’t give me any answers about.

He’s determined to be mysterious, and I kind of love it. It’s like an adventure within the safest boundaries ever, because I’ve learned he’s constantly considering how something might affect me.

With a lantern, some chocolate, another blanket, two water bottles, and a smirk, Ethan finally gives me the signal to follow him outside.

He leads me past the pool that was sporting floating Halloween decor the last time I’d seen it. We round a hedge that I assumed lined the end of his property, and I pull upshort, my mouth agape at the sudden change in scenery. Wide-open fields that roll into low mountains are dimly lit by an unobstructed full moon. Oak trees sprinkle the wild grassy land. A wooden platform deck fills the space between two mighty oaks, creating a peaceful little oasis amidst the natural beauty. Fairy lights strung high throughout the branches create an inviting glow.

“Ethan…this is breathtaking,” I whisper in awe.

“It’s even better at sunset. But at least we’ve got the stars on display.” He grins.

I stroll onto the deck as he carefully arranges the cozy blankets inside a hammock suspended between the two sturdy trees, perfectly positioned over the center of the deck. It’s the fanciest hammock I’ve ever seen. It’s wide, with a sleek mosquito net hanging beside it.

“This isn’t your average hammock,” I remark, watching it swing after I nudge it with a finger. Ethan huffs out a chuckle. “Yeah. I’m not exactly short, so I got the deluxe edition.”

“Why’s this all hidden back here?” I frown, gesturing to the openness around us.

Ethan straightens, the shadows on his chiseled jaw distracting me in the moonlight. “The hedges were here when I bought the place. I just need to rent a machine to pull them out. It’s on my list.” He says with a curl of his mouth.

“You haveanotherlist? How dare you. My list will be jealous.”

“I’d burn my list in a heartbeat if it meant sharing your list.”

“Didlistjust become a euphemism for something else…” I snort.

Ethan grabs me around the waist, pulling me closer. His voice is muffled as he laughs into my neck. “The point is I like you, Marsh. And you’re my priority.”

My face is leaking again. I wipe a stray tear with my handthat’s wrapped around his back. “Okay. What’s the plan here? I’m ready to get cozy.”

He draws in a deep breath against the curve of my skin, the bristle of his short beard grazing my neck. He steps back and arranges our supplies on the hammock, then sweeps his hand theatrically. “After you, m’lady.”

Like a newborn fawn finding its footing, I gingerly make my way up. “Try not to ogle my butt while I struggle.”

“Too late,” he says, joining me in the swaying embrace of the hammock.

He uses his phone to switch off the fairy lights, and it takes a few moments of awkward shifting and shared laughter before we settle into a comfortable position, nestled together beneath the expanse of twinkling stars.

“This is beautiful, Eth.”

“Thank you,” he replies, his smile radiant in the moonlight, though his jest earns him a playful swat on the chest from me.

I rest my head on his shoulder as the breeze and crickets create a soundtrack around us. “Babe?” he begins, running a hand up and down my arm.

“You’ve gotta come up with a better nickname than that.” I poke him in the side. He grabs my wandering hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

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