Page 103 of When We Are Falling

A bittersweet mix of emotions roil through me. “That means a lot. I want you in my life, but for now, as a friend.” I hold my breath, unsure of how he’ll take it, hoping he’ll understand.

“Then friends it is.”

He opens his arms and waits for me to nod, then closes the gap between us, pulling me into a hug, and I sink into his warmth. His scent—clean, with a hint of cedar and something so achingly familiar—wraps around me, grounding me, and the heat of his body seeps into my skin, soothing the last of the tension from tonight.

For a moment, I just enjoy the feel of him against me, and let out a breath, grateful for the space he’s giving me—and for not letting go.

Chapter 49

Blake

It’s beena week since that night with David and Ethan at the Tavern, and the bar hums with the low chatter of patrons and the clinking of glasses. I’m leaning against the bar, watching as Ethan finishes telling a story to Carlos and Lucy. They all laugh, Ethan’s loud and deep, carrying easily over the other noises. It pulls me in the way it always does.

His dark hair falls slightly over his forehead, and when he turns to look at me, his eyes catch the light, making my heart beat a little faster.

“And Blake here,” he says, leaning an elbow on the bar, “she still owes me for making me look like a fool in that hip-hop dance class.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the smile pulling at my lips. “Oh, please. You were happy to be there. I just didn’t know you’d look like a malfunctioning robot.”

Ethan laughs again, the sound rumbling through him. He’s so tall, so solid, and he leans closer. “Not everyone can be as perfect as you, princess. Besides, I was improvising.”

“You mean struggling,” I tease, nudging him with my elbow. “I think the instructor actually winced at one point.”

He grins wider, unbothered. “Nah, she was just jealous of my signature move. You know, the one where I accidentally step on everyone’s toes.”

I shake my head. “Yeah, that was smooth, Carter. Very smooth.”

We hold each other’s gaze for a few seconds and everything feels so easy, natural. There’s an unspoken understanding between us now, one where he’s giving me space but letting me know, in those subtle ways, that he’s still here. Still waiting.

His broad shoulders shift slightly as he leans back, taking a swig from his beer, and the old, familiar chemistry between us hums beneath the surface, making me hyper-aware of every little movement, every glance.

He turns those stormy gray eyes on me, and something hotter replaces the teasing glint in his eyes. “You know, I wouldn’t have survived that class without you. You always make things better, even when I’m crashing and burning.”

His words are light, but the way he’s looking at me—like he wants me so badly he could take me right there on the bar in front of everyone, makes my heart pound.

I clear my throat, pushing past the moment, aware of Carlos watching us both with a smirk. “Well, someone had to save you from yourself.”

Ethan leans back on his stool. “Always my hero, huh?” He’s staring at me. “Hey, have you eaten since breakfast?”

“I’ll take a break soon. Stop being such a worrywart.” But I grin at him before turning to serve a customer.

A couple of the Valiant Hearts boys walk in, and I glance at them out of the corner of my eye, taking in the way Ethan’s muscles shift under his T-shirt as he leans against the bar, chatting to them between taking sips of his drink. For now, this feels good. Just being here with him. Not having to make any big decisions or take any leaps. Just enjoying his company. Enjoying theview.

My stomach rumbles, reminding me that Ethan was right, that it’s been hours since I’ve had more than a cup of coffee. Lucy is busy chatting with customers at the bar, so I give her a quick wave. “I’m taking a break—grabbing a bite to eat. I’ll be back in a bit.”

She flashes me a smile. “Take your time. I’ve got this.”

I duck into the kitchen, picking up a sandwich and a small salad, and without thinking much about it, grab a second plate for Ethan. A few moments later, I find him leaning against the bar, chatting with Liam and Jake. When he sees me, his expression brightens.

“Hey,” I say, holding up a plate of food, “I’m taking a break. Want to join me on the roof terrace?”

“Sure,” he says, grabbing his drink from the bar. “I’d never turn down an offer like that.” He glances at the boys. “Be back soon.”

We make our way up to the roof terrace, the cool night air greeting us as we step out into the open. The lights from the marina twinkle, reflecting off the calm water like little stars scattered on the surface.

An icy breeze ruffles my hair as we find a table tucked away in the corner, away from the other customers scattered around the terrace, and I hug my arms around myself. Before I can object, Ethan’s pulling off his denim jacket and wrapping it around my shoulders. It’s warm and smells like him.

He sits down across from me, his broad shoulders taking up more space than I remember. The noise from the Tavern below fades, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us. I take a bite of my sandwich, glancing at him as he sips his drink.

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