On the way home, I texted Jason:
Hey love, I wasn't feeling well, so I came by but had to leave. Sorry... your surprise will have to wait.
He replied almost immediately:
What's wrong? Should I come over?
No need. I'm already in bed. You rest too.
I just needed time to breathe. Alone.
Back at my apartment, I went straight into the bathroom and drew a hot bath. The warm water soothed my tense muscles, but not my spiraling thoughts.
Ethan hadn't said a word the whole time.
Not when I kissed him.
Not when I pressed up against him.
Not even when I grabbed his hand and—
God.
He didn't push me away.
He could have—he was taller, stronger—but he didn't. He just… sat there. Letting it happen.
My heart skipped. My cheeks burned all over again.
Did he know it was me?
But I quickly shut the thought down. It was my fault. I had walked in, made a stupid mistake, and practically assaulted him in the dark.
He even covered for me.
He didn't have to—but he did.
I should be thankful.