*****
Night soon fell.
As promised, Ethan arrived at Vanessa's home to escort her to the reception.
Vanessa should have been waiting, fully dressed and ready to leave.
Instead, she deliberately delayed. While changing into her evening gown, she came to Ethan with a shy expression. "Could you zip me up? I can't reach it myself..."
Ethan nodded and stepped behind her.
The open back of the gown exposed a broad expanse of pale skin and the delicate lines of her back, inviting all manner of thoughts.
Ethan's eyes darkened as he raised the zipper, his voice husky. "There."
"Thank you."
She turned to him with a smile.
As she turned, her high heel twisted beneath her, and she nearly fell.
Ethan caught her quickly, pulling her straight into his arms.
Vanessa braced both hands against hi
