DIFFERENT DESIRE

CHAPTER TWO:BETWEEN US

While Ethan went upstairs to have his bath, Emily carefully carried the bouquet into the living room. She selected a delicate glass vase from the shelf and arranged the lilies with gentle precision, filling the vase with fresh water. The flowers stood tall and elegant, their fragrance slowly filling the room. Emily smiled softly, watching the petals sway as if dancing to a tune only they could hear.

Once the flowers were settled, she hurried to the kitchen to warm up the leftover food from dinner. Tonight’s meal had been simple yet comforting roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a little side of cornbread. Emily stirred the dishes gently, letting the steam rise, filling the kitchen with the familiar aromas that always made their house feel like home.

By the time she was almost done, Ethan had finished his bath. He descended the stairs, the scent of his cologne mingling with the warmth of the kitchen. Emily froze for a moment, her heart catching at the sight of him. He was wearing a soft, casual lounge shirt and sweatpants, relaxed and effortlessly handsome, his hair still damp from the shower.

Emily carried the plates over and set them on the table. She slid into the chair across from him, her eyes following him as he began to eat. The simple act of watching him how he held the fork, how his brow furrowed slightly in thought even while enjoying the meal made her chest tighten with affection.

Ethan noticed her gaze and smiled, reaching across the table to offer her a bite. Emily laughed softly, leaning back. “No, let me ask you first,” she said, her eyes warm. “How was work today? Was it as hectic as yesterday?”

Ethan nodded between bites, enjoying the familiar comfort of home. “It was… the usual chaos. Meetings, phone calls, emails sometimes I wonder how we survive it all,” he said, glancing at her. “But coming home? Coming back to you… it makes it all worth it.”

Emily’s lips curved into a tender smile. “I’m glad,” she whispered, watching him finish another forkful. “Because I missed you today, Ethan. Even though it’s just been a few hours, it felt longer.”

Ethan reached across the table again, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I missed you too,” he murmured. “Every minute away from you feels empty.”

As they continued eating, Emily watched Ethan carefully, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention something,” she began, setting her fork down.

Ethan looked up, curious. “What’s that?”

Emily leaned forward slightly. “My cousin… Chloe. She’ll be arriving in New York tomorrow. She just finished school in London and decided to relocate here.”Ethan’s eyebrows shot up, his fork pausing mid-air. “Wait your cousin? Chloe?”

Emily nodded, smiling. “Yes. She told me she’ll be coming over on Friday since she’s already in the city now. I thought I should let you know so you’d be aware and we can prepare for her visit.”

Ethan leaned back in his chair, a hand running through his hair. “Oh… wow. I had no idea. You never mentioned she was coming so soon. So… I’ve never met her before?”

Emily shook her head. “No, not yet. She’s always been in London for school. But she wanted to visit and get to know everyone now that she’s back. I thought it would be nice for you to know in advance.”

Ethan chuckled softly, setting his fork down. “I guess that makes sense. I’m glad you told me now, though. We’ll have to make sure she feels welcome.”

Emily reached across the table, squeezing his hand gently. “Exactly. Just a friendly visit, nothing more. I just wanted you to be prepared and not be caught off guard.”Ethan nodded, a thoughtful smile on his face. “Okay, I appreciate that. I’m curious to meet her, actually. Sounds like she’s been waiting a long time to meet us.”

Emily’s smile widened. “She has, and I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you too.”

Once they were done eating, Emily cleared up the dishes while Ethan watched, a small smile tugging at his lips. Soon, the kitchen was tidy, the table wiped, and everything back in place.Later, they went upstairs to bed. Ethan pulled Emily close, wrapping his arms around her. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, then to her forehead, whispering, “Good night, my love.”

“Good night, Ethan,” Emily murmured, snuggling closer.

He held her a little tighter, brushing a strand of hair from her face one last time. “Sleep well, Emily. Dream of us.”

“And you, Ethan,” she whispered, closing her eyes, comforted by the warmth and love that filled the room.

For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. There was only them, their shared heartbeat, and the quiet intimacy of a love that felt infinite.