Lydia thought for a moment. "What did you think when you first saw me?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Yes," she insisted. "What was your very first thought about me?" She glanced up at him, then down. "I think I know…but I would not put words in your mouth.
She titled her head, mimicking his voice with a smirk. "'Little trouble,'" she quoted
Ethan smiled. "I thought you were a problem," he admitted. "A complication I did not need and could not afford."
To his surprise, Lydia smiled. "Good. That is your question. 'What was your first thought about me?' And your answer is 'A problem I could not afford.'"
"And yours?"
Lydia tilted her head, considering. "Ask me what my biggest fear is."
"What is your biggest fear?"
"Not belonging." The words were quiet bu
