Rae's POV
Ethan's wink hung in the air like smoke-playful, bold, and just cheeky enough to make my stomach flip.
The chocolate cake sat on my fork, untouched now, the rich ganache glistening under the string lights.
I stared at him for a beat too long, mouth slightly open, heat crawling up my neck.
I hit his chest playfully-light, more reflex than anything-my palm connecting with the firm muscle under his button-down.
"Why would you say something like that?" I asked, half-laughing, half-scandalized. My voice came out breathier than I intended.
Ethan caught my wrist before I could pull away-gentle, but firm enough that I felt the warmth of his fingers curl around my skin.
He didn't yank or pull; he just held, thumb brushing the inside of my wrist in one slow, deliberate stroke.
"
