Dance With Secret

4

Chapter Four - Catching Her in a Whole New Vibe

Ethan POV

Ava’s starin’ at me, eyes wide like she just got hit with a plot twist on her favorite Netflix show. I just dropped the tea: this wedding’s got four hundred guests, paparazzi on deck, and it’s not at some basic hotel—it’s at one of California’s bougiest resorts, shut down for the occasion.

My cousin’s tying the knot, a tech bro in the top five richest under-30s in the U.S., and his fiancée’s a global fashion icon. It’s a big-ass deal. I think he’s wild for getting married at 23, but love’s got him actin’ unwise, I guess.

Ava bolts up, pacin’ her living room like she’s tryna outrun the drama. “Nah, Ethan, I’m out. This is too much pressure. Find another plus-one,” she says, voice shaking like she’s about to yeet her wine glass.

“You already said yes, so don’t try flakin’ now,” I say, keepin’ my tone sharp.

“Yeah, ‘cause you threatened to tank my job!” she snaps, hands on her hips.

I shrug, leaning back. “You could’ve quit, fam.”

She freezes, glaring at me like I’m the villain in her Story. “Not all of us are out here balling like billionaires, Ethan.”

I step closer, inches away, towering over her. “You’re actin’ like a straight-up brat,” I growl, voice low.

“A brat? For real? I’m not a kid, Ethan. I’m being chill, considering you’re blackmailing me,” she yells, eyes blazing.

God, that fire’s doin’ somethin’ to me. I know how to handle girls like her, but she ain’t mine, and I’m not tryna make her. Still, the thought’s lingering' way too long.

“You’re actin’ like I’m dragging you to a dungeon,” I say, keepin’ it cool. “You’re spendin’ a weekend at a luxe spa resort with bomb food, top-shelf wine, and a front-row seat to a love fest. You’re staying in a room that’s straight-up goals, and it’s not costin’ you a dime. All you gotta do is smile and act like you don’t hate my guts. Most girls would be posting ‘blessed’ on Insta for this.”

“You think I’m thrilled to fake-liking you? That’s the real challenge,” she fires back, voice sharp as a fresh manicure.

Her shade’s cuttin’ deep, and I gotta fight not to clap back. I take a sec, breathin’ slow to stay calm. “Trust me, Ava, you could be stuck with worse. You don’t gotta like me, just sell it.”

“Whatever, Ethan. We done? I got plans tonight,” she says, crossing her arms like she’s over this whole scene.

She’s had enough of me, and I get it. I’m pushing her buttons hard.

“You can’t talk to me like that,” I hiss, fists clenching before I can stop ‘em.

The words slip out, and I know I’m treading thin ice.

“Bet I can,” she shoots back, standin’ tall. “You’re in my crib, Ethan, not the office. You don’t run me here. You’re crashing my vibe, so it’s time to bounce.”

Her voice is firm, each word hittin’ like a mic drop. Damn, she’s holdin’ her ground, and it’s kinda hot.

I reach out, brushing her cheek with my thumb. She gulps, her face flushing pink under my touch. “If I wanted to, princess, I could run you anywhere,” I murmur, pressing my body closer, feelin’ the heat between us.

She lets out a soft whimper. “W-what’s that even s’posed to mean?”

I laugh, loud and smug. “Oh, you’d love to know, wouldn’t you?”

I could have her meltin’ in my hands if I pushed it—beggin’ for me, forgetting all this attitude. Where’s this coming from? I’ve never seen Ava like this. Her fire, the way she’s pushing back, it’s flipping a switch I didn’t know I had. She’s not just my quiet assistant anymore—she’s got this spark, and it’s lowkey turnin’ me on.

I’m half-tempted to close the gap and kiss her, but I hold back. If I did, she’d be putty, and all her clapbacks would vanish. Not tonight, though. I smirk, pulling my hand back. “Catch you in the morning, Ava. Don’t be late,” I say, giving her a warning look.

She’s froze, starin’ at me like her brain’s bufferin’. I chuckle, strollin’ out of her apartment, leaving her shooked. I was dreading this weekend, but now? I’m feeling it. I can make this fun for both of us, maybe mess with her a lil’ for the hell of it. She’s gotta learn I don’t play nice when people push me. Call it payback. I just hope Ava doesn’t tank this. I need my fam off my back, even for a hot minute.

They’re dying to see me settled with a wifey and kids, but I’m 33, I got time. I’m not rushing into that life. Marriage? Kids? That’s a big ask. It’d take a one-of-a-kind woman to lock me down, someone who’s cool with all of me. Most wouldn’t get it.

I hop in my whip and head home. No plans tonight, just a mountain of work. I usually grind on Saturdays, but with this wedding, I’m making’ sure everything’s locked in before we bounce. I’m a control freak, no lie—everything’s gotta be perfect. I’ll probably be up ‘til dawn. Sleep Isn't my thing—I haven't slept right since forever.

A few hours, and I’m good. Tomorrow’s gonna be a marathon with work and shoppin’ for Ava’s dress. Somethin’ tells me she’s gonna make it a whole ordeal, and honestly? She’s earned that. But on

ce we’re at the resort, she’ll forget all this drama. Bet.