Page 49 of When We Are Falling

“Alright. Sounds fun!”

I steal another glance at her as we drive back to the rehabilitation center, my heart heavy and light all at once, like floating and sinking simultaneously. What we have now is like a half-completed painting, where the brushstrokes are visible, but the colors haven’t yet been fully blended.

There’s potential, but also a sense of incompleteness. Because we can be so much more. I wantallof her and I know how good we can be together. She just needs to commit to this, jump feet first and fall with me.

Chapter 22

Blake

It’s justafter 7 p.m. and the last of the customers have gone—Yu Chen and my uncle left a little while ago, leaving only the faint hum of the refrigerator and the gentle clink of glassware as I put away the last of the glasses. Worry gnaws at me, the financial strain from the oil spill weighing on my mind.

Mom asked about the bar this morning, and I downplayed the impact, but things are much worse than I was expecting; I’m not sure we’ll be able to make the next mortgage repayment on the bar. I couldn’t bring myself to burden her with more worries, though, especially with everything else going on, Mama Charlotte still gone and not giving any indication about when she’ll be back.

Stacking the last glass on the shelf, the door opens, and Ethan walks in. He looks impossibly handsome, with that strong jaw and angular features that make him look perpetually intense, even when he’s having fun. His lean, athletic frame is outlined in the dim light, and just his presence makes myheart skip, my body responding instinctively, something golden spreading through me.

“Hey there, need any help finishing up?” His voice is a little rough, his storm-gray eyes fixed on me with a concentration that makes me feel seen and appreciated, like he really actually cares about me, about what I need.

I force a smile, trying to push away my worries. “I’m almost done here, but thanks.”

Ethan steps behind the bar, fingers spearing through my hair as he kisses me, then he grabs a cloth anyway, and starts wiping down the bar. We work side by side in silence, the heat between us settling deep in my core.

Within minutes, we’ve finished cleaning, and I lock the door, turning to face him. We kiss again, deeper this time, his hands skimming the length of my back, resting on my ass as he pulls me against him. When he lets me go, the look in his eyes makes it clear he’s fighting the urge to lead me back into the bar and take my clothes off, as our evenings so often end.

But then he seems to rein himself in: “Come on, princess. We’re going to be late.” He takes my hand, our fingers sliding together easily, the action so natural now.

“So, where are we going?” Curiosity bubbles up inside me.

Ethan grins, a glint in the gray of his eyes. “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

We walk to his pickup truck, and he opens the passenger door for me. I slide in, the leather seats cool against my skin, and he starts the engine, one hand resting possessively on my leg, giving it a squeeze, and soon we’re driving through the quiet streets of Harbor’s Edge, the familiar landmarks passing by in a blur.

The town feels different at the end of the day, the dusk shadows casting everything in a mysterious light. Glancing at him, I take in the way his hands grip the steering wheel, theconfident set of his jaw, and the way the corners of his mouth twitch up. He heads just out of town and pulls up in front of a cozy, intimate French restaurant that I’ve loved for years. My moms used to take me here for my birthday when I was a teenager.

The lights coming from inside are warm and inviting, casting a glow that spills out onto the sidewalk. As we step out of the pickup, there’s a flutter of anticipation. This place holds so many memories, and tonight, it feels like the beginning of something new.

He leads me inside, and the maître d’ greets us both with a nod. “Right this way, Mr. Carter.”

Ethan winks at me as we follow. “Reserved the best table in the house.”

We’re led to a table near a window with a view over the darkening Pine Barrens, glinting golden under the setting sun, away from the main dining area. It’s set with a beautiful arrangement of my favorite flowers—lilies and sunflowers, their sweet scent perfuming the air.

“How did you know these were my favorite flowers?” I’m genuinely curious and touched by the gesture.

Ethan pulls out my chair for me. “I have my ways. Tonight is all about you.”

Warmth spreads through my chest. “Do you have a secret dossier on me or something?”

“Maybe.” He sits down across from me, his broad shoulders leaning in. “Or maybe I just pay attention. Who knows?”

I shake my head, still smiling. “Well, thank you. You’ve certainly outdone yourself.”

He leans in further, hand reaching out to stroke my cheek with his roughened thumb. “You deserve it. Every bit of it.”

We’re handed menus, but I keep stealing glances at him. He’s more attentive and caring than any man I’ve ever been with, andprobably the most ridiculously handsome guy I’ve ever dated. The usual voices in my head, the ones telling me to stand on my own two feet and not rely on anyone, are quiet whispers tonight. Being with him makes me feel so treasured, and a surprising thought hits me: maybe he really isn’t going anywhere.

“So, do I get to find out how you managed to pull off this amazing night?” I raise an eyebrow.

Ethan holds my gaze, mouth soft against his stubbled jaw. “I might have bribed a few people. Pulled some strings. Offered to tell your mom and Emmy embarrassing stories from high school.”

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