Page 63 of Designing Love
I instinctively wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her gently into my chest. “Better?”
She nods, leaning comfortably against me. “Much.”
We stroll down Main Street. Sophia grows quiet again, chewing her lip thoughtfully.
“Penny for your thoughts?” I ask cautiously, sensing hesitation.
“Sorry, I just — I’m still thinking about the Miller house. Our office. Your office. What kind of space would we need to set up for you?”
“I don’t need much. A small space for coding. Good internet. And maybe enough room for a ridiculously expensive espresso machine.”
She laughs, bumping my hip playfully. “Priorities.”
“Exactly.”
We arrive at my truck, and I open her door. Once I climb into the driver’s seat, the comfortable silence settles again, filled with unspoken possibilities.
“So…” I start softly, nerves building in my chest. “Should I drop you off at Sage’s tonight? Or…?”
Sophia hesitates, glancing shyly at me, her cheeks flushed pink beneath the dim glow of streetlights. “Actually… Ethan, can I — can I come home with you?”
My heart nearly stops. “Yes. Absolutely. Of course... wait, really?”
She laughs softly, nudging me gently. “Yes, really. Unless… you don’t want…”
“No, no — I want!” I stammer quickly, face reddening. “I mean… yes. You’re welcome. More than welcome. Always.”
“Good,” she whispers, eyes sparkling with amusement.
I start the truck, pulse kicking as I try to keep my cool. The Tragically Hip’s Bobcaygeon is playing.
“Nice to know you have good taste in music,” Sophia teases me.
“Of course, they’re a Canadian legend.”
We drive quietly toward my beach house, comfortable silence filling the cab. Sophia’s gaze drifts thoughtfully out the window toward the moonlit shore, fingers gently tangled with mine. I steal glances at her, my heart hammering with anticipation.
Finally home, we step onto the porch, the distant waves whispering soothingly beneath the stars. Sophia leans into me, head gently resting against my shoulder, exhaling softly.
“I think I’m starting to love this town,” she whispers, gaze thoughtful. “It feels more like home than Vancouver ever did.”
“It does that,” I murmur gently, wrapping an arm around her waist. “I’m glad you stayed.”
She tilts her face to mine, moonlight dancing softly across her skin. “I’m glad you gave me a reason to.”
My chest tightens, emotions flooding me as I brush my fingertips softly against her cheek. Sophia leans into my touch, eyes fluttering closed briefly.
“I can’t promise things will always be this calm. Life tends to surprise us.”
She smiles gently. “I know. I just…” Sophia whispers hesitantly, eyes searching mine again. “I’m serious about this — about us.”
“So am I. No matter what surprises life throws, Sophia, I’m not going anywhere.”
She exhales shakily, visibly relieved. Her fingertips graze my cheek softly, her eyes vulnerable and tender. “Good. Because neither am I.”
I gently tip her chin upward, kissing her softly, sweetly. Her lips part gently beneath mine, warmth blooming between us. We linger quietly, breathing mingled softly beneath the stars, the waves a quiet, steady rhythm beside us.
Standing beneath the quiet stars, holding Sophia close, I finally feel entirely sure. Sure of her, of us — of the hidden layers we’ve revealed tonight.
