She didn't expect to bump into him again, this time in the elevator . Amara was lost in thought, replaying the "Sarah" conversation, when the doors closed and Ethan stepped in beside her. The air shifted, like the elevator shrunk
"Small world, isn't it?" he said, a teasing smile on his lips . Amara forced a laugh. "Guess so." The elevator pinged, stopping on the 10th floor. Ethan moved closer, his voice dropping. "I'm glad I ran into you." Amara's heart skipped – was he flirting?
Amara's hand brushed his as she reached for the door . Ethan caught her hand, holding it for a beat . "Sorry about last night. Can we talk?" Amara nodded, feeling a spark . He let go, but his touch lingered on her skin.
Tobi whistled, seeing them walk out together . "Things heating up, Mara?" Amara rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile . "Just… catching up." Tobi raised an eyebrow. "Sure ."
"Why do I feel drawn to him when I barely know him?" . Amara pushed the thoughts aside – she had work to focus on. But Ethan's smile kept flashing in her mind .
As they walked to the café, Ethan playfully bumped her shoulder . "Coffee's on me… again." Amara laughed. "You're gonna make me addicted." Ethan grinned. "Is that a bad thing?"
Ethan leaned in, his lips grazing her ear . "That's the plan."
They grabbed coffee and headed to a quiet park . Sunlight filtered through trees as they sat on a bench. Ethan turned serious . "About Sarah… I want you to know—"
Amara cut him off, hand on his arm . "I want to know. But not if it hurts you."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "You don't hurt me, Amara."
As they talked, the tension eased. Ethan told her about Sarah – how they'd been engaged, how it ended badly . Amara listened, her heart aching for him.
Ethan smiled softly. "I didn't expect to move on. But… you came along."
Amara's cheeks flushed. "Ethan…"
Their legs touched, and Amara didn't pull away . Ethan's hand brushed hers, fingers intertwining. They sat there, comfortable silence between them…
Tobi texted: "Lola's looking for you. " Amara smiled . "Guess I should get back."
Ethan stood, pulling her up . "Walk with me." They strolled hand-in-hand, the world narrowing to them . Amara felt like she was floating.
As they reached the office, Ethan stopped her . "Tonight. Dinner at mine. Just us."
Amara nodded, heart racing …
That night, she arrived at his place, nerves jittering . Ethan opened the door, a bouquet in hand . "For you."
Amara's heart melted . "Ethan…"
Dinner was perfect – candlelight, soft music, food she loved . Ethan sat close, their legs touching.
As they finished, Ethan leaned in . "I really like you, Amara."
Her heart soared. "I like you too."
Their lips met, the kiss gentle, then deeper …
Amara pulled back, breathless ."Ethan…"
He smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear "Mine."
The world faded – just them, lost in the kiss Amara felt like she'd found something real…
The doorbell rang, breaking the moment . Ethan frowned. "Who's that?!"
A voice called out. "Ethan? It's Sarah."