Page 26 of Fade With Me

I bit my lip, doubts resurfacing as I spoke. “Hold on, I’m a little worried about being responsible for getting us there. I’ve only finished the trail once, and…it wasn't exactly easy. Maybe we should find an easier one?” I suggested, my voice tentative.

“No way!” he protested, his belief in me so evident it almost seemed to rub off. “You’ve done it once. That basically makes you an expert, right?”

A soft laugh slipped out as I let out an exaggerated sigh, my eyes drifting toward the ceiling. “Alright, alright, you’re right. It’ll be fun,” I said, trying to convince myself morethan anyone.

The meals were placed before us with quiet precision, the aromas filling the air as our little world seemed to shrink around the table.

The dish was exquisite, a culinary masterpiece that exploded with flavor on my tongue. Thoughts of Reggie crept in, imagining the fit he’d throw if I’d dared order filet mignon on one of our monthly dinner dates. He always made a point of flaunting the bill, subtly reminding me of the price he’d paid, as though to make me feel indebted to him. It was never about the food. It was always about the power he held over me, the unspoken weight of the favor.

When the waiter came to clear our plates, he handed the bill to Zeke without a second glance. Zeke studied the total for a moment, then casually slipped a few large bills into the holder, his fingers brushing the paper with effortless precision. Without waiting for change, he stood, his movements smooth and assured, as if he'd already decided it was time to go.

I reached for my purse, fumbling through it for my wallet. “Wait, let me cover the tip,” I said, a pang of guilt twisting inside me.

But he was already at my side, hand extended to help me up. “Don’t worry about it,” he said with a reassuring smile. “I’ve got it covered. Besides, remember—you’re in charge of ice cream. I spotted the perfect place just a few blocks from here.”

I smiled, grateful, and gave him a nod as I rose from my chair. “Thanks for dinner. That was…really nice.”

He shot me a quick glance as we neared the door, his usual cool demeanor momentarily melting into something softer. “You’re welcome,” he said, his tone genuine. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

We stepped out into the crisp fall air, the scent of pumpkin and fallen leaves drifting around us. There was a certain comfort in his presence. His strong, masculine energy, balanced by an unexpected tenderness, pulled me in like gravity.

As we walked, the sounds of the small town faded into the background, and for a brief moment, it felt like it was just the two of us. The idea that I had once considered him a hitman seemed almost laughable now. This gentle soul, who was as kind as he was confident, was the last person I could imagine capable of violence.

We approached the ice cream parlor, and the colorful sign above the door promised a sweet treat inside. The bell jingled as we entered, and the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked waffle cones and melting chocolate filled the air. We moved toward the vibrant display case, scanning the array of flavors with the same eager excitement as children. My mouth watered at the sight of it all.

“What’s your favorite flavor?” Zeke asked, his eyes alight with curiosity, his voice low and inviting, like asoft summer breeze. He tilted his head slightly, as if waiting on my answer.

“Honestly, I’m not that adventurous when it comes to ice cream,” I admitted. “I usually just go for chocolate, but…maybe I’ll mix it up. Live a little.” I raised an eyebrow, the challenge clear in my gaze, before turning to the server. “Two scoops of chocolate, please.”

I glanced over my shoulder at him, giving a casual shrug. “Or maybe not.”

His smile remained steady, as though he was genuinely enjoying this simple moment with me. Then, leaning easily against the counter, he said, “I’ll have the same, please.”

After I paid, we wandered outside and settled onto a bench with an unbeatable view of the mountains. The setting sun bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows across the landscape. A gentle breeze ruffled our hair as we sat in comfortable silence, each of us savoring our ice cream.

Zeke broke the quiet. “What do you dream about, Bryn?” His gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest, a blush creeping up my neck.

I chuckled nervously, focusing on my ice cream to avoid his intense gaze. “Whoa, right to the heavy questions, huh?”

He brushed a stray lock of hair from his face, the warm glow of the setting sun catching the tips of his lashes as he watched me. “I’m just curious. You seemlike someone who’s going places, and I’d love to know more about your aspirations.”

I snorted in amusement. “Me?Going places?” I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “The only place I’m headed is the diner. Trust me, I’ve come to terms with it.” I ran a hand through my wind-tousled hair. “But…if Icouldchoose, I’d be a fashion designer—or maybe a stylist. Or even better, someone whose job is just trying on amazing outfits all day.” I giggled, the thought lifting my mood.

“Honestly, that sounds like an amazing career to me,” Zeke said, grinning as he adjusted his cufflinks. “Maybe we can both land a gig doing that. I’m all for a good suit.” His tone shifted slightly, the playfulness softening. “But seriously, don’t settle just because it’s familiar. You’ve got the power to create your own destiny. You might not have a huge cheering section, but I’m your number one fan. Always rooting for you.” He added a wink, his smile genuine.

It felt surreal to have someone like Zeke, someone who believed in me with such unwavering faith, both humbling and empowering. Having an authentic friend who accepted me without judgment or condition was a refreshing contrast to the criticisms and doubts I’d carried for years.

Reggie’s scoffs and disapproving glares flashed in my mind, the harsh voices of my past ringing loud againstZeke’s steady support. I could almost hear Reggie’s mocking laughter, dismissing my dreams as foolish.

As I gazed at him, a question stirred within me about the woman who had captured his heart. What kind of person could let a man as extraordinary as him slip away? I sensed there was more to the story, a chapter he kept hidden, one I was hesitant to pry into. Still, a pull nudged at me.

A lump formed in my throat, and an unbearable thought crossed my mind. Had she passed away, leaving Zeke with a heart shattered in ways he couldn’t repair? The weight of that possibility settled over me, its sting sharp and undeniable. I longed to offer him the same comfort he’d given me, to show him there was still hope, still warmth. But as the thought lingered, a quiet, unnerving realization took root: deep down, he might be just as broken as I often felt inside.

“You’re a good man, Ezekiel,” I said, lifting my chin in a subtle show of respect.

He paused mid-lick, narrowing his eyes into slits. “I can’t tell if you’re being serious or sarcastic.” He smirked, picking up his ice cream again. “Either way, I’ll take the compliment. Who doesn’t love a little flattery?”

“I should’ve known that would go straight to your head,” I teased, my voice light and playful as I nudged him with my elbow.

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