Page 34 of Accidentally Yours
Leaning casually against the theater’s grand entrance, hands tucked into the pockets of his well-worn leather jacket, he looked like a dang movie star. Like he was about to go on stage. His sandy-blond hair was perfectly mussed, and as he walked toward her, his sharp blue eyes dragged over her, lingering for a beat longer than necessary before he said, “Wow.”
The single word knocked her off-balance. She thought she might fall off her sandals.
Paige cleared her throat, trying to suppress the warm flush climbing up her neck. “Good wow, orwhy do you look like thatwow?”
The corner of his mouth curled. “Definitely a good wow.”
She clutched her purse with both hands. “Alice and Gigi wouldn’t let me wear leggings or yoga pants.”
“I mean, you look amazing whatever you wear,” he said smoothly. “But I guess I see their point. Yoga pants are more practical for writing. Or, you know, yoga.”
“Oh, my yoga pants have never been to yoga,” she blurted, nerves forcing the words out. “But they’ve definitely been to Target and the wine bar.”
Ethan laughed, deep and easy, and just like that, her tension melted.
“Shall we?” He held out an arm.
She looped her arm through his, trying to ignore the way his solid frame felt warm and steady, even beneath the leather. “So . . .” She glanced up at him as they walked toward the glass doors. “The jacket. Is it your version of yoga pants? The piece of clothing you wear every day because it’s so comfortable?”
“Actually, yeah,” he replied. “You like it?”
Her lips quirked. The jacket had grown on her. Just like Ethan. “I do. It’s tough, surprisingly soft, vintage, and really goes with everything.”
Ethan glanced down and ran a hand over the worn sleeve. “It was my grandpa’s.”
“Really?” Paige looked up at him, blinking.
“He wore it everywhere. Even when it was way too hot out. Always said a man should have something in his wardrobe that makes him feel invincible. For him, it was this jacket.” He paused, then added, quieter, “Makes me feel like he’s with me.”
Paige’s heart twisted. She smiled gently. “Knowing that, I love the jacket.”
Ethan held her gaze, something magnetic flickering in his eyes. Then he let go of her and pulled open the door. “After you, Ms. Moon.”
Her arm suddenly felt bare without his as she stepped into the grand lobby—where she immediately forgot how to breathe. The theater was stunning. Gold trimmed balconies. A sweeping red-carpeted staircase. The chandelier above them glittered like something out of a castle.
“This place is . . .” she trailed off, before spinning slowly to take it all in. “Wow,” she murmured.
Ethan grinned. “Have you ever been?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t.”
“Impressive, right? They don’t make theaters like this anymore.”
She stared, taking in the history all around her, thinking of all the stories this theater could tell. “You’re sure the clue is here?”
“We’re going to find out. After the show, though.” He handed her a playbill as an usher checked their tickets and directed them to their seats. Inside, the venue was even more breathtaking. The domed ceiling glittered with tiny golden stars. Rows of plush, red velvet seats stretched in elegant rows. Intricate gold molding framed the stage, exuding pure magic.
Paige glanced at her ticket as they made their way down the lighted aisle, nearly to the stage. “Ethan. These seats must’ve cost you a fortune.”
He shrugged. “I wanted to get those.” He pointed toward the second row, nearly filled. “My grandparents always sat in that row. I think that’s where the clue is.”
Paige sucked in a breath. “That would totally fit the riddle.”
For now, though? The clue hunt would have to wait. Because, for the next few hours, she was going to enjoy a Broadway show—Wicked. With Ethan. And a packed theater.
They settled into their seats, and as the lights dimmed, the hush of anticipation swept through the audience. The first swell of the orchestra filled the hall, wrapping around them like ribbons. The actors took the stage, their voices powerful and sweeping. And Paige was completely enthralled. By the show. The ambiance. The man sitting beside her, leaning in close to share whispers.
They laughed at the same moments, caught each other sneaking glances, and somewhere between the first and second act, she realized something. She was having fun. She was happy. Not fake-happy. Really, genuinely happy. She was enjoying the night, really enjoying Ethan’s company.
