Page 471 of One More Kiss

ETHAN

It’s beena year since I’ve seen Vada in the flesh, but she’s just as stunningly beautiful as I remember. Her hair is a tad longer, but thick and just as gorgeous as before. Seeing her in a dress instantly starts doing things to me, but when I see the expression on her face the moment her eyes find mine, I know the feelings I had for her haven’t wavered a bit.

Coming here was a risk. After sending her forty-five flower bouquets and never getting a response from her, I didn’t know if she’d want to see me or not. However, when I heard she would be in Charleston, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to know once and for all if we still had a chance at making this work.

I haven’t stopped thinking about her since she left. I’ve been a tortured soul since the moment she walked out of my life, and I haven’t even looked at another woman since she’s been gone. This was my last attempt to lay it all out there on the line.

“Ethan,” she says, her tone soft, as she walks toward me. I see the surprise in her eyes and hope I’m not breaking the rules by coming here.

“Hey.” I meet her halfway, unsure how to approach her. I try to read her body language, but she isn’t giving much away.

“You’re here,” she says simply, almost as if she’d been anticipating seeing me, which makes me hopeful. She releases a breath, and I wonder if it’d be appropriate to hug her.

“Of course, I am,” is all I say in return.

“I’m just surprised to see you here. I just got the feeling you were done waiting.” I don’t miss the hint of sadness in her tone.

I take another step toward her. “Oh fuck no.”

My blunt words take her off guard, but she chuckles softly anyway.

“I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d ever want to see me again,” I admit. “After everything that happened with Harmony and your writing deadlines, but seeing as you didn’t slap me across the face, I take it you don’t hate me.” I rock back on my feet, nervously.

She smiles, lowering her eyes to hide the blush that sweeps across her cheeks. “Well, I actually decided to stop hating you yesterday. So, good timing.”

“Whew, glad I waited.”

We both smile.

“So…what are you doing here, Ethan?” She sucks in her lower lip as she studies me.

“I came to see if you got my flowers,” I tease, knowing damn well she did. I paid good money to make sure they were delivered directly to her.

“Um, ya know…I’m pretty sure I did.” She puts a finger to her lips as if she’s truly thinking about it.

I narrow my eyes, but she cracks a smile, giving me the reassurance I need.

“Of course, I did,” she finally confesses. “They were all really gorgeous,” she says sincerely, and the nerves begin to wash away. “However, it was quite ironic, don’t you think?” Her lips tilt up in a mock grin.

“Why do you say that?” I narrow my eyes.

“I recall you specifically telling me you weren’t a ‘sending flowers’ type of guy.” She flashes a wide smile, knowing damn well she’s right. “And yet, you sent me a bouquet every week for almost a year.”

I run my hand along my jawline, covering up the guilty smirk that flashes across my face. “To be fair, I hadn’t been that guy for years, so I didn’t want you to have the wrong expectations.” I pause, keeping my eyes locked on hers. “But meeting you changed everything.”

“Well, thank you. I loved them all.”

“You’re welcome.” I smile in return. “I wanted to make sure you always had fresh flowers to keep you inspired. I would’ve sent Henry, knowing how much you enjoyed his company, but I was worried you’d send him back in a bucket.”

She bursts out laughing, and it eases everything inside me.

“I can honestly say I don’t miss your cock chasing me.” She pinches her lips together, preventing her from smiling.

“Well, that’s really a shame, because he’s sure missed you,” I tell her sincerely.

“I bet he’s had plenty of other visitors to attack.”

---