Page 57 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

It’s impossible to talk much about the future with Ethan. One moment we try to make plans, and the next, we’re naked and doing things that have nothing to do with our next meal, the place we should live, or . . . anything at all.

This morning, we had what I like to call the best sex ever, followed by a shower—yes, it involved him and me naked too. However, the next thing wasn’t as fun. We had to go to my parents’ home to discuss Cleo’s wedding.

Dom and she are not getting married this year. They blame it on Ethan and me, of course, because that’s what my sister does all the time. She finds someone other than herself to blame for her misfortune and bad choices. The venue allowed her to move the date; however, the rest of the people weren’t as accommodating. The caterer won’t give her deposit back, and we’ll be receiving all the flowers at Mom’s house as planned since they paid in full.

As we enter Ethan’s place, I turn to him, my brow furrowed with concern. “Are you sure you’re okay paying my parents for part of the wedding?” I ask, my hand resting on his arm, seeking reassurance.

We kick off our shoes with synchronized thuds—his dress shoes landing beside my pink flats.

Ethan chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he pulls me closer, his hands resting on my hips. “Of course I am. That’s why I offered,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “It’s not to apologize for mauling their youngest daughter in the closet though. It’s because my brother fucked up and he can’t afford to pay any of those costs. Not with the honeymoon he paid for just last week.”

“I can’t wait to see which one of them gets to use the tickets. But my family isn’t happy with you. They don’t appreciate the way you treat me.” I throw my head back, laughter bubbling up from my chest as I playfully swat at his chest. “Why did I let you drag me to the coat closet when there were so many people around?” I ask, my cheeks flushing at the memory of our heated encounter.

He leans in, his nose brushing against mine as he smirks, his eyes darkening with desire. “Because you were just as horny,” he responds, his breath warm against my skin.

“There’s that for sure,” I laugh, my heart fluttering as I gaze into his eyes, losing myself in their depths.

Ethan captures my lips in a searing kiss, his tongue delving into my mouth as he pours all of his love and passion into our connection. I melt into him, my body molding to his as our tongues dance and explore. The world falls away, and all that matters is this moment, our love, and the promise of a future together.

When we finally pull apart, breathless and flushed, Ethan rests his forehead against mine. “I love you, Lily Harper,” he murmurs, his words a caress against my skin. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, even if it means dealing with your crazy family.”

“I love you too, Ethan Montgomery,” I whisper, my heart overflowing with emotion. “And as long as we’re together, I know we’ll be able to handle anything, including our families.”

Taking a deep breath, I try to calm the nervous flutter in my stomach as I broach the subject that’s been on my mind. “So,” I begin, aiming for a casual tone, but my voice wavers slightly, betraying my anticipation. “What’s the next grand adventure for Lily Harper and Ethan Montgomery?”

He takes a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. The touch is tender, sending a ripple of electricity through me. His eyes, warm and intense, lock with mine as he speaks. “Wherever it is, I know it’ll be incredible . . . because it’ll be with you. It’ll be us doing whatever we like and compromising.” His words aren’t just flirty. They’re perfect, wrapping around my heart like a comforting embrace.

“Promise?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper as I search his face, my eyes filled with hope and longing.

“Promise,” he confirms.

I press on, determined to have the conversation we’ve been dancing around. “But I think there’s more we need to discuss,” I continue, my heart pounding in my chest as I take the leap.

He scoffs, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I’m the one who likes plans and deadlines. You go with the flow, baby. But if you want me to tell you where I see us . . .”

In one smooth motion, he pulls me toward him, guiding us to the couch. He sits down, pulling me onto his lap, his arms wrapping around my waist as I settle against his chest. The intimacy of our position sends a thrill through me, and I can’t help but smile.

“You’ll move in with me temporarily, because we don’t fit in your bed,” he says, his voice low and husky, his breath warm against my ear.

I clear my throat, a blush creeping up my neck as I recall the memory. “The one you broke when I went to look for a more formal dress?”

“Exactly that one, but stop interrupting me,” he chides, placing a sweet, lingering kiss on my lips that leaves me breathless. “We’ll be searching for a house where we can have a pet. You wanted a cat, right?”

I nod, my heart swelling with joy at the thought of building a life together. “And a puppy too,” I remind him, my fingers playing with his soft hair.

“See, we need a house and . . .” he pauses, his eyes searching mine, a hint of vulnerability in their depths. “If you want, we’ll talk about children later.”

I open my eyes wide, dumbfounded. Did he just say children?

Ethan’s eyes search mine, an intensity burning within their depths. “Before we continue with the plans and lists, I need you to know something.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine as if he’s trying to communicate something deeper than words alone could convey. His thumb gently caresses my cheek, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake.

“Finding you, Lily, it’s been the most incredible thing that could’ve happened to me.” His voice is low, filled with a raw honesty.

“Being with you,” he continues, “it’s like discovering a new color—one I never knew existed but now can’t imagine living without.”

His words cascade over me, leaving me breathless and profoundly moved. The earnestness in his voice, the intensity of his gaze, it dismantles every defense I’ve meticulously built. In this moment, there’s nothing more I want than to be closer to him, to bridge the gap between feeling and expression.

Without a thought for the world around us, I lean in, driven by a force stronger than hesitation. Our lips meet, and the sensation is electric, a rush of warmth that fills me from the inside out. It’s gentle at first, an exploration, a question asked and answered in the same breath. Then, with a mutual deepening, the kiss grows more fervent, a testament to the connection we’ve forged and the emotions spilling over.

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