Vivian had told herself she was making a mistake. That allowing Ethan another inch into her life was a dangerous game—one she wasn’t prepared to play. Yet, here she was, standing in the quiet corner of a downtown café, waiting for him.
The air smelled of freshly ground coffee and vanilla, the low hum of conversations blending with the soft jazz playing overhead. She exhaled slowly, fingers gripping the ceramic cup in front of her, wondering how she had let herself get to this point. She should have never answered his call. She should have ignored his persistence. But despite all logic, she was here, giving him another chance.
Then, the doorbell chimed.
Ethan walked in, looking both casual and confident, dressed in a fitted black shirt and jeans. His eyes found hers instantly, a small sm
