Page 13 of Her Naughty Soldier

Jake nods, a sign of his understanding. "Just remember, it's not just about us. Lily's feelings matter here, too. You need to make things right with her if that's what you both want."

His words settle in, a reminder of the complexity of what I'm facing. It's not just about winning Jake's approval; it's about Lily, her feelings, and the potential for something real and lasting.

"I know," I say, my resolve strengthening. "I need to fix this. With Lily, and with you."

We sit there for a few more moments, the weight of the conversation hanging between us. Then, slowly, we stand up, the unspoken agreement clear. This is a turning point, a moment where decisions need to be made and actions need to follow.

As I head back into the house, Jake's words echo in my mind. I know what I need to do. I need to make things right with Lily, to show her how I truly feel, and to prove to Jake that his trust in me isn't misplaced. But most importantly, I need to be honest with myself about what I want, and what I'm willing to risk for a chance at happiness.

The next morning, it’s still dark when I make my way to Lily’s room. I knock, trying to keep my nerves in check.

Lily opens the door, looking delectably disheveled. Her hair is a wild cascade of auburn waves, and a sleep-induced softness in her eyes makes her look more vulnerable and real. She's in a simple tank top and shorts, the kind of casual comfort that shouldn't be as sexy as it is on her.

"Ethan? What's going on?"

"I'm sorry for waking you up like this. But trust me, there's something I want to show you. Please, come with me," I urge, my voice low but earnest.

After a moment's hesitation, she nods. She quickly throws on a jacket and follows me outside.

We walk in silence, cutting through the backyard and into the wooded area behind the house. The world around us is hushed, and the only sounds are our footsteps and the occasional chirp of an early bird. As we reach the edge of the trees, a hill overlooking Larkspur comes into view just as the first light of dawn begins to break.

Lily gasps softly, her eyes wide in awe. The horizon is painted in breathtaking hues of orange and pink, the sun just beginning to rise over the skyscrapers. "It's beautiful," she whispers, her voice filled with wonder.

"I knew you'd like it," I say, a small smile playing on my lips. "That's why I brought this." I gesture toward her easel and paints, which I'd set up earlier, hoping to give her a chance to capture the moment.

Lily looks at me, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. Then, as if drawn by an irresistible force, she walks over to the easel. She picks up a brush, dips it in paint, and begins to work, her movements fluid and natural.

I watch her for a moment, admiring how she gets lost in her art. This is her world, and I brought her here to show her I get that—and that I want to be a part of it.

“How did you find this place?” she asks.

“Jake and I used to come here,” I tell her. Gesturing to the forest behind me, I add, “We had a tree fort right back there.”

Lily laughs quietly and shakes her head. “And I was probably inside with my coloring books.”

I shrug. “Opposites attract, right? Or so they say.”

“Yeah,” she agrees, pausing to look at me. “Or so they say.”

I take a deep breath. This is the moment I need to lay it all out, no holding back.

"Lily," I start, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "About what happened, what I said... I'm sorry. I panicked, and I hurt you. That's the last thing I ever wanted."

Her expression is guarded, but there's a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. It's clear she's waiting for me to say more.

"I care about you. More than I've ever cared about anyone. And yesterday, when I downplayed what's between us, I wasn't being honest. Not with you, not with myself."

I move closer, wanting her to see the sincerity in my eyes. "Watching the sunrise with you here, it's more than just a beautiful view. It's a symbol, a hope for new beginnings. For us."

Lily's gaze softens, but she remains silent, her brush idly tracing patterns in the air.

"I want to be there for all the sunrises we can see together, Lily. It doesn't matter where we are, as long as we're together. That's what I want, and I hope... I hope you want that, too."

Lily sets her brush down, turning to face me fully. Her eyes are a mix of emotions—surprise, contemplation, maybe even a hint of hope. It's like she's trying to read the truth in my words, to see if they match what's in my heart.

I hold her gaze, letting her see the sincerity that I'm struggling to convey. This is me, laying it all out there, no barriers, no defenses.

"You really mean that, don't you?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. There's a cautious optimism in her tone, a sign that maybe, just maybe, she believes me.

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