I didn’t answer him.
Not immediately.
Because calling it a mistake would have been easy.
Safe.
Expected.
But standing there, still close enough to feel the aftermath of it, I knew that wouldn’t be honest. And for once… I wasn’t sure I wanted to hide behind what was easy.
Ethan didn’t rush me.
Didn’t push.
Didn’t fill the silence.
He just watched me.
Waiting.
Like he already knew this wasn’t something I could decide in a second.
“This wasn’t nothing,” I said finally.
My voice was quieter now.
Less controlled.
More real.
“I know.”
“And it wasn’t planned.”
“I know that too.”
I exhaled slowly, running a hand lightly through my hair.
“This changes things.”
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
No denial.
Just… acceptance.
“And you’re okay with that?” I asked.
A small pause.
Then… “I
