The Contract That Became Forever

THE FIRST KISS

CHAPTER 9

That night, the house was quiet. No reporters. No calls.

Ethan made dinner again. Pasta. The same as last week.

They ate on the couch this time. Closer. No space between them.

"Are you scared?" Ethan asked suddenly.

"Of what?"

"Of me."

Sophia looked at him. "I was. At first."

"And now?"

"Now I’m scared of what happens in 5 months when this is over."

Ethan went still.

The TV was on but neither of them was watching.

Sophia turned to him. "Ethan, what are we doing?"

Ethan looked at her. Really looked at her. At her eyes. Her mouth.

"I don’t know," he said honestly. "But I know I don’t want to pretend anymore."

He leaned in slowly. Giving her time to pull away.

Sophia didn’t.

The kiss was soft at first. Hesitant. Like they were both afraid it would break.

Then Ethan’s hand came up to cup her face and it deepened.

It wasn’t in the contract.

It wasn’t planned.

It was real.

When they pulled apart, both of them were breathing hard.

Ethan rested his forehead against hers. "That wasn’t supposed to happen."

"I know," Sophia whispered.

"We have five months left," Ethan said.

Sophia nodded. "I know."

"Don’t fall in love with me, Sophia," Ethan said, but his voice broke.

"It’s too late," Sophia whispered back.

Ethan closed his eyes like the words hurt him.