The dinner was slow.
For two hours, the waiter only appeared to replace wine glasses or bring out plates of sea bass that looked like art. Ethan didn't check his phone once. He kept his focus entirely on me, his eyes tracking every expression on my face as if he were memorizing me.
"You're staring again," I teased.
"I'm observing," he corrected with a small smile.
He reached across the table and took my hand. When the bill was settled, he didn't call the driver. Instead, he led me out a side exit into the cool night air.
"The car is around the corner, but let's walk for a minute. I want to feel like a normal person for once."
We walked hand in hand through the quiet streets of the city.
*****
The late afternoon sun shadow reflected through the windows of sterling’s library.I trac
