For half a second they look like kids caught stealing.
Then Sage just… giggles.
Actually giggles.
“Whoops,” she says, fixing her lipstick with her thumb. “Tell him to erase the tape or I’m charging him admission.”
A few people crack up.
Just like that, the tension breaks.
Like she snapped her fingers and changed the channel.
She smooths her hair, rolls her shoulders back, adjusts her dress like nothing happened, and then?—
God.
Shesashays.
Like a runway model.
Back toward the door.
Every head on the patio turns.
Even Tony’s. I didn’t even realize he was outside. When my eyes were only focused on them. Through the white painted lattice side of the pergola and twisted trumpet flowers, I continue to watch the scene play out.
Ethan’s mouth literally hangs open.
“I just—” he mutters to nobody, staring after her, “I just need a minute. You can understand.”
The guys laugh.
Ethan doesn’t.
He looks wrecked.
Hands shoved deep in his pockets like he’s physically restraining himself. Jaw tight. Eyes dark. Still buzzing with leftover adrenaline.
He runs a hand through his hair and mutters something under his breath.
Then he follows her inside.
Gone.
Just like that.
I stay hidden.
Heart still racing.
Thirty seconds.
Maybe more.
I count to be safe.
Then I ease out from behind the pergola, brushing dirt off my dress like that’ll erase the last five minutes from my brain.
