Page 6 of Guarding Her Heart
I bite my lip, trying to suppress the giddy feeling bubbling up inside me. “You’re not so bad yourself, Ethan.”
We continue talking, our conversation shifting to his plans for Hooplas and the challenges of opening a new business. He’s passionate and driven, and the more he talks about his dreams, the more I find myself wanting to be a part of them.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden light through the windows, I realize I don’t want this date to end. But just as I’m about to suggest another cup of coffee, Ethan’s phone buzzes on the table, drawing his attention.
“Sorry, I should get this,” he says, glancing at the screen. “It’s about Hooplas.”
“Go ahead,” I say, waving it off. “No rush.”
He steps outside to take the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The café is starting to empty out, the evening rush having come and gone, and I take a few moments to savor the peace.
When Ethan returns a few minutes later, there’s a new energy in his step, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Good news?” I ask, curious.
“Yeah,” he says, grinning. “We might have found the perfect location for Hooplas. I’m going to check it out tomorrow with the guys.”
“That’s amazing!” I say, sharing in his excitement. “I’m so happy for you, Ethan.”
“Thanks,” he says, his smile softening as he looks at me. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the day—great news and great company.”
“Likewise,” I say, feeling my heart skip a beat.
As we step outside, the warm evening air wraps around us, a refreshing contrast to the cool of the café. We walk together, our footsteps in sync as we make our way back toward the parking lot.
“Would you like to go for a walk?” Ethan asks, glancing over at me.
“I’d love to,” I reply.
We stroll along the quiet streets, the glow of the streetlights casting a soft light on the cobblestone path. It feels like we’re in our own little world, the rest of the town fading into the background as we talk and laugh, our connection growing stronger with each step.
As we reach Hibiscus Harbor Marina, the sound of the waves gently lapping against the boats and yachts fills the air, a soothing rhythm that mirrors the calmness I feel inside. We stop by the dock, looking out at the dark expanse of the ocean, the moonlight reflecting off the surface like a trail of silver.
“This is one of my favorite spots in town,” I say, taking in the beauty of the moment. “It’s so peaceful here.”
“I know. It’s beautiful.” Ethan says, standing close beside me as a pelican decides we’re too close for comfort and flies from the pylon he’s sitting on to one across the dock.
“Exactly,” I say, nodding. “No matter what’s going on in my life, coming here always helps me clear my mind.”
We stand in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s presence and the serenity of the water. There’s a sense of rightness in being here with Ethan, like we were meant to find each other in this little corner of the world.
“I’m really glad I met you, Jenny,” Ethan says softly, breaking the silence.
“I’m glad I met you too,” I reply, turning to face him.
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the world around us fades away. There’s an undeniable pull between us, a magnetic force that draws me closer to him, and I find myself leaning in, my breath catching in my throat.
Ethan’s coarse hand reaches up to gently cup my cheek, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his palm against my skin, and before I can stop myself, I close the remaining distance between us.
His lips are soft and warm as they press against mine, the kiss slow and tender, like we have all the time in the world. My heart races in my chest, and I feel a warmth spread through me, melting away the doubts and fears that have kept me guarded since my divorce.
When we finally pull back, our foreheads rest together, our breaths mingling in the warm night air. “Wow,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
“Yeah,” Ethan agrees, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek.
We stand there for a few more moments, just holding each other, before Ethan reluctantly steps back, his eyes still locked on mine.
“I should probably get you home. It’s a school night,” he smiles, his hand still holding mine.
