AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The memory of his strong arms carrying me to bed still haunted me, making it impossible to focus on anything else.
As I rested my head against the window, I watched the clouds pass by like lovers entwined, their ethereal dance only amplifying my longing for Alexander. My skin tingled with the phantom sensation of his touch, and I couldn’t help but crave more.
“Olivia,” he said suddenly, snapping me out of my daydreams. “We’re about to land.”
“Right, thanks,” I muttered. I couldn’t let him know how much he affected me, especially now that he seemed so distant.
The landing was smooth, but my heart continued to race as we disembarked and parted ways. As I returned to my apartment, the silence within its walls was deafening, swallowed whole by echoes of desire and doubt.
No sooner had I closed the door behind me than there was a knock. I opened it to find Ethan standing there with an armful of snacks.
“Movie night!” he announced, grinning from ear to ear. Relief washed over me; I could use the distraction. “I know you just got back, but it’s been too long! I had to come over.”
“Thank God you’re here,” I said, stepping aside to let him in. “I’ve had one hell of a trip.”
As we settled onto the couch, Ethan’s presence provided a sense of comfort and familiarity that I desperately needed.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” Ethan reassured me, squeezing my hand. And for now, that was enough.
The scent of buttery popcorn filled the room, mixing with the faint lavender aroma from my candles. Ethan popped the DVD into the player, and we both sank into the plush cushions of my couch. The flickering light from the TV screen cast a soft glow over us, illuminating the mischievous glint in Ethan’s hazel eyes.
“Okay, so you’d never guess who hooked up at the office party last week,” he whispered conspiratorially, a wicked grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Who?” I asked, my curiosity piqued as I took a handful of popcorn and stuffed it into my mouth.
“Sarah from HR and Brad from accounting,” Ethan revealed with a dramatic flourish, making me choke on my popcorn and laugh simultaneously.
“Shut up!” I exclaimed, swallowing hard to clear my throat. “I thought Brad was dating that intern!”
“Apparently not anymore,” Ethan said, smirking as he tossed a few pieces of popcorn into his mouth.
We continued to gossip and laugh, the stress and tension from the trip gradually melting away as I lost myself in the familiar banter between us.
“Hey,” Ethan said, his voice suddenly serious as he turned to face me. “Did anything else happen between you and Alexander?”
I hesitated for a moment as I recalled the agonizing silence that stretched between us during our journey home. “We didn’t talk the entire way back,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know where I stand with him now—personally or professionally.”
Ethan reached out and gently rested his hand on mine, the warmth of his touch seeping into my skin like a soothing balm. “It’s okay to be confused,” he murmured, his eyes filled with empathy and understanding. “Just don’t let it consume you, all right?”
I nodded, my throat tight with unshed tears.
“Thanks, Ethan,” I whispered, leaning into his embrace as we turned our attention back to the movie. For now, I allowed myself to find solace in the arms of my best friend, pushing aside the questions that still lingered in the shadows of my mind.
Chapter Twenty
Olivia
I headed toward the dimly lit bar to grab another drink, a low hum of conversation and laughter wrapping around me like a velvet curtain. I had already had a few at Ethan’s insistence, and I was starting to feel good.
It was a small place right down the street from our office and our usual hangout spot. Even the management graced it with their presence sometimes.
Ethan, Sarah, and a few others were still in the back corner playing darts. I set the glass on the bar and motioned for another, turning to watch them as Ethan threw a dart and missed the board completely. I laughed under my breath, shaking my head.
“Olivia,” a familiar voice called out, and I swiveled in its direction to find Christopher leaning against the bar, a drink clutched in his hand. Surprise washed over me, mingling with the unease that had been gnawing at me all evening when I spotted Alexander’s brother. What could he want?
“Christopher,” I greeted him, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil. “What are you doing here?”
“Alexander mentioned you might be here tonight,” he explained, his gaze penetrating mine as if searching for something deep within me.
