Hazel pov
My eyes closed as I sank into a world of imagination, with Ethan gently stroking my hair. A smile appeared on my lips, revealing a sense of contentment. “Hey, my love, keep smiling; your smile brings me joy,” he murmured in my ear. My heart raced, yet I remained nestled in his embrace like a child.
As Ethan’s warm breath brushed against my ear, a shiver ran down my spine, prompting me to open my eyes and meet his captivating blue gaze. The depth of his look felt like a soft summer breeze-comforting and calming, yet sparking a fire within me.
His fingers continued to tenderly weave through my hair, each strand receiving his careful attention, as if he were delicately unraveling my very essence. The gentleness of his touch was like a soothing lullaby, lulling me into tranquility.
“Hazel, you shine when you smile,” Ethan whispered, his voice a harmonious melody that matched the rhythm of my heart. “It’s like the sun breaking through the clouds, brightening everything around us.”
I felt my cheeks warm, and I buried my face in the curve of his neck, breathing in his sweet scent. His embrace wrapped around me, making me feel small and safe, like a fragile flower cradled in the hands of a gentle giant.
Ethan tightened his hold, drawing me closer, as if afraid I might vanish. His chest rose and fell steadily, creating a calming rhythm that matched my own. I sensed my racing heart begin to slow, like a wild bird finding rest in its nest.
Ethan gently lifted my chin, his gaze searching mine. “What’s on your mind, my love?” he asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.
I took a deep breath, my emotions tangled in his presence. “I feel… safe,” I managed to say, my voice faint.
A warm smile spread across Ethan’s face as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You are safe, Hazel. You will always be safe with me.”
As he spoke, his lips brushed against mine, igniting a spark within me. The kiss deepened, our mouths moving together effortlessly, like dancers in a perfectly synchronized performance.
Time seemed to freeze. The outside world faded away, leaving just the sensation of Ethan’s lips, the warmth of his embrace, and the silent promises exchanged between us.
In that instant, I realized I was home-not just in Ethan’s arms, but within the essence of his being, where love and acceptance thrived.
As I lay there, lost in the moment, a voice jolted me back to reality. “Sarah? Oh no! I hoped she wouldn’t come in and create a scene.” I muttered to myself, recalling Ethan’s annoying childhood friend.
I flinched as Sarah’s loud voice broke the tranquility, disrupting the delicate bubble of intimacy Ethan and I had built. He instinctively tightened his hold on me, as if to protect me from the chaos about to unfold.
“Ethan, is that you?” Sarah shouted, her footsteps echoing down the hallway, growing closer with each moment.
I groaned internally, my mind racing with the possible fallout from this unwelcome interruption. Ethan’s eyes met mine, a hint of irritation flickering in them.
“Stay calm,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “I’ll take care of her.”
Ethan reluctantly let go of me, rising from the couch with smooth movements. I observed him, intrigued, as he shifted from a caring partner to a defensive wall, his face now a mask of indifference.
Suddenly, Sarah burst into the room, her bright pink hair clips and mismatched socks clashing with the sophisticated decor. Her eyes quickly found me, locking on with an unsettling intensity.
“Hazel, I didn’t realize you were here,” Sarah said, her voice sweet but tinged with hidden malice.
I managed a smile, trying to ease the tension. “Hey, Sarah. What brings you there?”
Ethan moved closer to me, his hand brushing against mine in a quiet gesture of support.
Sarah’s eyes narrowed at the brief contact, her expression twisting into a childish frown. “Ethan, can I speak with you for a moment?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his gaze sharpening. “What do you want, Sarah?”
Her voice was thick with drama. “It’s about Amelia. She’s been asking questions about your relationship with… her.” She spat the last word, her eyes flashing with contempt.
My cheeks burned with irritation bubbling just below the surface. Who did Sarah think she was, barging into our lives like this?
Ethan’s fingers laced with mine, offering silent support. “We’ll talk about this later, Sarah. This isn’t the right moment.”
Sarah’s face flushed, her voice escalating. “You always shut me out, Ethan. You never make time for me anymore-”
“Sarah, enough.” Ethan’s authoritative tone sliced through her outburst. “This isn’t about us; it’s about you honoring my boundaries.”
The room fell into a heavy silence, thick with unspoken tension. Tears brimmed in Sarah’s eyes, but I could sense the manipulation lurking behind them.
As the standoff dragged on, I leaned in, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, Sarah, you really excel at this ‘damsel in distress’ act. Do you rehearse it?”
Her gaze snapped to me, anger twisting her features. Ethan’s grip on my hand tightened, a warning to be cautious.
“Sarah, leave,” Ethan commanded, his voice steady yet firm. “Now.”
With a huff, Sarah turned sharply and stormed out, slamming the door behind her, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.
Ethan faced me, a blend of apology and amusement in his expression. “Sorry about that.”
I shrugged, a wry smile on my lips. “Just another day in the life of Ethan’s dramatic friends.”
“I can still keep my thoughts about her, even if I don’t like her. It doesn’t really matter, I think; let’s just keep the atmosphere light.” I suggested, smiling to mask my unease.
Ethan’s demeanor changed, his eyes lighting up with a smile that reached the corners. “You’re incredible, Hazel. You always know how to ease the tension.”
He wrapped me in a tender hug, his warmth surrounding me and shielding me from the remaining awkwardness. I leaned into him, feeling the rhythmic thump of his heart against my cheek.