Chapter 32: 29 | something told me it was you

Darting off the boardwalk, Avery lets her feet sink into the heavy sand as she steers her steps across the dunes towards the shoreline. Ethan's soon to catch up to her as she slows her pace, rolling his eyes as she shoots him a smile over her shoulder.

"Is there a reason you keep trying to outrun me?"

The ocean breeze lifts the few errant strands of hair having escaped her ponytail and they fly in the air as she whirls around to run backwards. "I just slowed down for your sake!"

The slight chill to the air speckles her warm skin with cold as she turns on her feet again, Ethan lengthening his step to be by her side. "You really think you're faster than me?"

There's a light bounce to her step as her smile widens. "I know I am," As he stops in his tracks – panting slightly with his hands on his hips she does too. She gives herself a beat to catch her breath before her smile crosses into a faint playful smirk. "You need a break or something?"

His lips twitch up, shaking his head with a smile at her remark. "We're racing."

"Racing?"

"Uh-huh," He nods, running a hand through his wind tossed hair. "You. Me. Let's settle this right now."

Her cheeks tighten with her smile, hands cupping her hips over the material of the white fleece sweater she's in as she watches him draw a starting line in the sand. "Okay. Where to?"

"Parlor."

Avery squints against the low early November sun, the horrendous light blue color painting the building of the ice cream parlor far in sight. "Are you sure you're going to last all the way over there?"

"Just get in position."

She lets a small laugh out, holding her hands up in surrender as she gets into position next to Ethan. Tightening her ponytail she weighs back and forth on the soles of her runner shoes. "Get ready to lose."

As he's counting them down she does intend to sprint him, but just as they're off another idea springs into mind – a far more inviting idea. And so, a few steps into their sprint she slides her leg out in front of him. Watching him tumble onto the ground she slows her step and presses her lips together, trying to conceal the laugh slipping through them.

"Now that's foul play."

A loud squeal joins her laughter as he latches onto her ankle, tugging her out of balance and tripping her to the ground. Sitting up, she shakes the sand out of her hair and dusts her palms against one another but she's quick to scramble back in a weird crawl-gait as she notices the mischievous gleam to Ethan's eye.

"No, no," She laughs again as he quickly maneuvers her, gently wrestling her back to the ground. He pins her hands – the pads of his fingertips cold against hers – to the ground by by the sides of her head and another faint chortle escapes her. "No."

Sat across her torso, his lips pull into a smirk as he peers down at her – noticing the grin having overtaken her face. "Oh I see, this is what you wanted all along."

Her jaw aches slightly from her smile, warmth flushing her cheeks as the ocean breeze continues to have her errant strands of hair whipping her forehead. She lifts her head and shoulders off the ground, propping herself up on her elbows best as she can with him still holding onto her hands and his weight pressing her down. The corners of her already beaming smile twitch again.

"Maybe."

A silent laugh escapes him as he inches closer, their warm breaths melting together in the chill air as his lips hovers over hers. "Seems like someone knew they were going to lose."

"I could outrun you in my sleep."

"Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk."

"You were the one who tripped dumbass."

His lips twitches in amusement, his breath tickling her skin. "And who's fault was that?"

"I had my reasons," She swallows, breath hitching as her throat grows dry when he lets go of one of her hands to brush her hair out of her face. Her gaze drops to his lips. "Now would you please shut up and kiss–"

Her smile widens, verging on a grin as his lips connect with hers – leaving the rest of her words unspoken. She pushes herself up further from the ground, knotting her fingers in his hair. Her eyes flutter open only to fall shut again as he takes his lips off hers, trailing three kisses down her neck to the unzipped collar of her fleece.

Pressing another kiss to her jaw, he says, "Well, since you asked nicely."

She bites down on her lip as her gaze meets his, jaw positively hurting from her smile as she eases her grip on his hair and twirls one of the short curls around her finger. "You still want to race?"

"Not really no."

Her smile falters slightly, brows knitting together as something clouds his gaze. He's looking at her, but he's not looking at her. It's not the first time in the past few days she's sensed something off but for the first time she can actually see the shift in his features. One second ago he was smiling at her, now he's somewhere else entirely.

She rolls her lips together, not sure if she should prod him but lets her hand fall from his hair to his cheek – gently stroking her thumb across his skin. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah." He scoots back from her legs, pulling her with him by the hand as he folds into a seat in the sand.

She regards him for a beat from where she sits next to him, zipping the half-zip of her fleece all the way up to the collar as a rather icy breeze of wind passes them by. "Are you sure?"

As he doesn't speak she presses her teeth together, lips forming a thoughtful pout. Only weeks ago she would've let it go, let him be, but now she can't help the itch of wanting to know. Wanting to be the person he can bring anything to – no matter how big or small. She wants to know what's going on inside his mind. Cares too much for him to bear not knowing what's weighing him down.

He was right this summer. Sometimes people don't talk about things simply because it's something they would rather not talk about. However, sometimes it's less about not wanting to and more about how no one's ever really asked. So, she tries again – carefully attempting to at least get a peek inside those walls he's so quick to disappear behind.

"I want you to know you can come to me – can talk to me – if there's something on your mind," She casts her eyes to the hill of sand her hands are scooping together before lifting her gaze to his again. "Is there? Something on your mind?"

He turns to stare out at the sea. "I don't know. Maybe."

"I'm listening," Pulling her knees to her chest, she rests her chin on his shoulder. A faint smile plays on his lips at the motion she's taken after him and it brings a smile out of her too. She peers up at him as he gazes out at the waves clashing against one another upon the surface of the vivid blue water reflecting the clear sky. "Tell me."

"I don't even know what to– where to... it's all just tangled together."

She leans into his side, chin still on his shoulder, as he drapes his arm over her knees and holds her close. Before, she would have stopped pushing him here. She'd be scared to overstep, scared she doesn't know him enough. Scared she might accidentally push him way. But she does know him. She cares for him. She knows he isn't going anywhere, because neither is she. He's always here for her and she just wants to do the same for him.

"So let's untangle it – together. You and me."

Another beat of silence passes between them – the only sound being the waves crashing onto the shore and the distant chatter from the boardwalk and beyond – before he sighs.

"It's about dad, I guess. Or not. Or it is but it's not. I don't know, with Coach O'Connor coming down to watch me play next week I guess I've been thinking about it a lot – dad, football, all of it really."

She hopes he doesn't notice the way she tenses at the mention of the coach from his parents' alma mater coming here to meet him and watch him play in person. It's an amazing opportunity and she's happy for him. The school is currently one of the top division 1 schools in the country. It's also far away on the Pacific coast. Though they haven't spoken about next year, or what going away for college will do to the two of them she can't help the way her heart drops deeper into her chest at the mere thought of spending next year several states apart. Still, she suppresses those feelings now in an attempt to just be here for him as he untangles his thoughts.

He mostly keeps his eyes on the ocean while speaking, sometimes flickering them her way while her eyes never leaves him. Her lips fall into a thoughtful pout as his does, she smiles when he does, she reaches up to comb her fingers through his hair when the wind tosses it to the side. She finds herself nodding against his shoulder. Finds herself waiting as he falls into moments of silence – careful not to rush him.

He tells her about his nerves for the upcoming game, about Coach O'Connor putting his time into coming to see him in person – about playing a game carrying such a power to determine his life during a time where the team has never been less in sync. Saying he doesn't want to mess it up. Wondering if he's even good enough of a player to be considered. She's about to cut him off for that one, wanting to somehow get it into his head that he is but she manages to stay quiet, listening as he wonders aloud.

As he mentions the pressure of following in his father's footsteps, of the expectations people naturally have of him she finds herself taking one of his hands to stop him.

His eyes flickers to hers and she regards him for a beat. She's asked him before, this summer. Back before she even really knew him but this is too important not to ask again. Ethan may be amazing enough of a player – a goddamn prodigy – to be considered by the top football schools in the country but none of that matters right now, the only thing that matters is what he wants.

Which is why she asks him, "Is this what you want? Going after a professional career?" She bites down at her lip and searches his gaze. "Because if this is about carrying on your dad's legacy–"

"It's not. Or well I guess in a way it's unavoidable but that's not why. I want it. I do."

"Okay, good."

"It's just balancing those parts against each other – the being Bradley Taylor's son part with the wanting it for myself part..." He trails off, lips falling into a thoughtful pout as if considering how to word what's on his mind. "Like, this is a great opportunity. I know that. I really do. I would love to go there but at the same time... I've spent my entire life followed by the words 'that's Bradley Taylor's boy,' and I don't know – I'm thinking maybe I just want to be me for a while."

"I think that makes perfect sense,"

As she notices his brows etch together, bringing out the all familiar crease on his forehead she gently lets her now somewhat numb fingers touch lightly against his cheek to make sure he listens to her. "It does make sense. It doesn't mean you're not appreciating what you share with your dad. It doesn't mean you're not proud of what he left behind. It simply means you're human."

"I don't want to waste anyone's time."

"You're still considering there next year right?" As he nods she smiles. "Then you're not wasting anyone's time."

"Let's just hope I make a good impression."

"Trust me, you won't fail there."

He lifts his hand, crossing his middle finger over his index. "Fingers crossed, right?"

A soft chortle escapes her as she recalls the summer night at the T.H Publishing offices when they spent hours packing hundreds of goodie bags. Letting her hand fall from his face she mimics the motion, her smile widening as it brings one out of him. "My bet's on you,"

She nuzzles closer to his side as the chill of the day breaks through the fabric of her runner tights and fleece, sending a trail of goosebumps up her skin. He lifts his arm from where it's draped over her legs, wrapping it tightly around her instead – instantly warming her from the inside out.

"You can do this you know. You're a star. Anyone who lays eyes on you can see that."

♡♡♡

She senses the shift in the air as soon as the door to Beans & Bagels swings open, allowing a breeze of the outside to slip into the warmth of the bustling espresso bean smelling coffee shop. Her friends pause in conversation, glancing over at the trip of newcomers. The rays of the sun reflect in the orange letters sprawled over the see through glass, the twinkle of light momentarily having Avery squinting but as soon as her gaze catches Ethan's her lips break into a smile.

Her eyes linger on him as he trails behind Jake and Brianna through the crowd scattered about tables and couches to the short line by the counter. Her friends fall back into doing their schoolwork – or rather fall back into conversation while their textbooks lie open on the table, doing anything but their work – but she's barely paying them any mind as they speak of anything and everything.

Anything and everything but how Ethan Taylor and his friends are currently stood by the counter a stone's throw away.

The past two weeks – ever since Luke and Avery called their truce and went back to their somewhat normal, the five of them have barely mentioned the Avery and Ethan situation. Unless unavoidable, they don't speak of it. They're all aware it's there. All aware it exists. But they don't speak of it. She knows why, yet part of her wishes they could. Wishes she could. Especially with Callie and Lea but the opportunity hasn't come around.

She's still finding her footing in the balance of life with her friends and life with Ethan. She knew from the very start the two will never melt together, however she hadn't really considered how she would find herself wishing they could. In ways it's more difficult now. Maybe it's because now her friends know who she's with when she's skipping out on spending time with them, maybe it's because there's a part of her sensing they still don't approve. Or maybe not approve exactly. It's more like they're not sure how to act whenever they stumble upon it, and neither does she – leaving them all to step uncomfortably around it.

Avery's about to add onto the uncomfortable tension now. She hasn't seen Ethan in three excruciatingly long days – ever since their run turned conversation and while phone calls and text messages may be good enough when they're apart there is no way she's about to stay in her seat when he's halfway across the room.

Luke flickers his gaze to her as she gets to her feet, shooting her a pointed look as she grabs her wallet off the table.

"If you ask them to come sit with us I will disown you."

"Oh Lukey, don't flatter yourself," She pats his head as she passes the back of his chair. "Having to be in such close proximity to you is the last thing anyone would want."

♡♡♡

Jake shoots her a grin as she sidles up next to Ethan and she's already rolling her eyes as he greets her with a, "Team-wrecker!"

The nickname's beginning to grow on her and she simply shakes her head with a small smile before she turns her attention to the barista Ethan just placed his coffee order with, sliding her debit card out of her wallet as she asks them to add an iced chai to the rest. She flits Ethan's hand away as he reaches over to pay.

"No-uh," She says, quick to use her card before he can bump her out of the way. "This one's on me. I still owe you for last week."

"Waters, that was a date. You're not supposed to owe me."

Stepping to the side to wait for their drinks just as Brianna grabs hers and Jake's – the two heading for a table, Avery shoots Ethan a wide smile. "Too late now I guess. Hi by the way."

He's already smiling, the contrasting warmth to the chill air outside having flushed his cheeks ever so slightly. "Hi."

"Long time no see."

"Too long," His lips quirk up further as he lifts his thumb to brush a cupcake crumb away from the corner of her mouth, his thumb lingering a moment longer in her dimple before letting his hand trop to hers where it's propped up on the counter. "I've missed you."

Her cheeks tighten with her smile as he traces a pattern over her palm, casting her gaze to their hands as he intertwines them. "I've missed you too."

Noticing his gaze drift past her she whips her head over her shoulder only to see her friends quickly avert their eyes to the textbooks she's highly aware they haven't touched at all in the past hour. Turning back to look at Ethan she realizes their drinks have been placed upon the counter and she shifts reluctantly on her feet. He seems as unwilling to grab his drink as she is hers, both knowing they'll have to go their separate ways – even if just for a short while.

As if reading her mind, amusement flickers across his features with a twinkle to his eye. "How soon are we getting out of here?"

A silent laugh leaves her, mouth falling into a somewhat feigned thoughtful pout.

"I could probably get away with leaving in about thirty minutes?" Her eyes flicker across the room to the seating group of armchairs Jake and Brianna have already made themselves comfortable in. "If you don't want to stay longer?"

"No, that's perfect."

She reaches her free hand out for the iced chai, reluctant to slip the other out of his hold. "I'll see you then."

"Don't miss me too much."

She shoots him another glance as she spins on her heel to return to her friends. Her jaw's already beginning to ache from her smile, a silent chortle escaping her as she presses her lips together.

♡♡♡

'<3 treason buddy <3'

ready to get out of here?

what kind of question is that?

is that a yes?

yes it's a yes

let's go

don't rush me

just for that you'll have to wait another five minutes

i want to kiss you

you fool

let's go

Callie clicks her pen just as Avery's about to slip into her coat, averting her eyes from the notepad propped up against her knees to glance over at the others. "Do you want to come have dinner at mine?"

"Oh–," Avery gets to her feet, tugging at the arms of her knitted dress as she slips into her coat. "Actually I... already have plans,"

Her friends automatically let their gazes drift across the coffee shop where Ethan's already lingering by the door, leant against the wall while scrolling through his phone. Avery runs a hand through her hair, biting down at her lip as she flickers her eyes to her friends. "Next time?"

Callie nods, lips slipping into a friendly smile. "Next time."

Bidding them goodbye, Avery turns on her heel and heads for Ethan. She tries to suppress the faint disappointment creeping into her mind, sinking into her gut, as she overhears her friends agree to dinner – knowing they'll be hanging out without her but the heaviness soon disperses as Ethan looks up from the screen of his phone. Slipping the device into his pocket, his lips crack into a grin as she approaches and her lips pull into a soft smile as she tucks her hands into her pockets.

He pushes the door open with his back and she slips outside, immediately struck by the gust of cool wind. Glancing over her shoulder she pauses in her step until he's out the door too, a laugh escaping her as his hands easily cups her hips and pulls her in for a fleeting kiss.

She loops her arm around his as they begin to walk down the street, letting her palm melt into his.

He shoots her a look as they cross the street to his car to drive to her house. "You better not have caught up on the new episodes without me."

"And miss out on annoying you with all my questions? Never."

♡♡♡

Climbing up the bleachers lining East Ace's football field a few seconds into the third quarter of their game against one of Acebridge's neighboring towns, Avery isn't completely unaware of the heads turning her way.

She attempts to tune out the discreet chatter from the few groups having spotted her, continuing up her path as Ella catches sight of her – waving her hand excitedly with all her might from where she's sat between her parents. Anna's brows dip together at her daughter's antics, her eyes drifting in Avery's direction a second later as her lips slip into a smile.

The three of them move to make room for her as she sinks into a seat next to Anna, twisting her somewhat clammy hands together.

"Hi love, I didn't realize you were coming."

A silent chortled breath escapes Avery. "Neither did I," She gazes out at the field, glancing over at the scoreboard – never before has she been relieved to see East's in the lead. "How's it going?"

"Good, good," Anna reaches back, twisting her dark brown hair up into a bun. "He's doing great."

Avery feels the heaviness lingering upon her chest disperse ever so slightly, biting down at her lip as she lets her gaze follow the play on the field. "That's good."

She does her best to tune out a conversation from a few rows behind she's fairly certain is spoken about her as Anna leans closer – enveloping her in a scent similar to Ethan's, only more floral – to catch her up on the most important aspects of the game so far. She follows her finger as she points in the direction of a man sat by the sidelines, eyes focused on the game. Or rather on Ethan. Coach O'Connor.

"He's very polite," Anna says in her low voice. "We spoke before the game. He was very excited."

Avery smiles, eyes drifting to Ethan as he exchanges a few words with his coach. She runs her palms over the goosebumps trailing up her legs, adjusting the hem of her denim skirt. "Sounds promising."

Next to her Anna slips out of her short navy coat and drapes it over Avery's shoulders. "Why on earth are you dressed like it's the height of summer?"

Avery's smile widens somewhat sheepishly. She's not sure her light pink knit and denim skirt fall into the category of height of summer ensembles but she's aware the combination isn't exactly appropriate for the second week of November either. She'd been in enough of a hurry upon sprinting down the stairs and out the door to the Mini Cooper to even consider grabbing a jacket – not having wanted to miss out on more of the game than she already has.

Anna convinces her to accept the coat for a while, assuring her she will be fine without it and Avery complies. She didn't work an entire summer with the woman to not recognize her 'it's not up for discussion' tone.

She doesn't care much for East, not bothering to watch their defensive play. Her eyes are set on Ethan – stood to the side in his dark green jersey, jaw set as he watches the game and awaits his turn. She smiles as he glances back towards them, lifting her hand in a small wave and even with his gear on she notices the surprise flickering over his features before he smiles too. It does a better job at warming her than the coat, chest expanding with a flutter as he holds the smile a moment longer. Only breaking it to turn back to join his teammates.

Letting her gaze leave him for a flicker of time, she casts her eyes to Coach O'Connor watching Ethan intently before easily catching sight of her boyfriend again. She tucks her hands beneath her legs and draws in a circle of air through her nose. Inhaling and exhaling in an attempt to get the upper hand of her nerves, crossing her fingers.

♡♡♡

She hangs back while Anna, Paul and Ella exchange a few words with Ethan but her cheeks tighten with a smile as his eyes continue to flicker over their shoulders to her – as if to make sure she's still there. The three of them leave soon afterwards, bidding both of them goodbye before disappearing out of their way and she's quick to walk over to him as she twists her hands together.

"I would say congratulations on your win but you know."

There's still faint shock etched into his features as his lips crack into a beaming smile. Before he can respond she takes another step towards him, looping her arms around his neck to draw him close to her in a hug. It takes a beat longer before his arms reach around her but as he does she holds him even closer – sensing the tension set in his muscles ease beneath her touch and her throat tightens, lips falling into a softer smile.

His breath tickles her ear as he speaks. "Thank you for being here."

"No place I'd rather be," She doesn't make a move to let go as her tone drops lower. "You were amazing. Really, really amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Someone clears their voice next to them, forcing them apart and for once Jake's lips aren't in his trademark smirk-grin but a sheepish smile as he flickers his gaze between them.

"Coach wants to see you. Like right now."

Avery rolls her lips together, meeting Ethan's gaze – the twinkle of anticipation in his eyes surely mirrored in hers. He draws a deep breath in through his nose as if to gather himself and she smiles, running her palms down his arms with a light squeeze.

"You've got this," She nods for him to go. "Good luck."

Watching him leave her lips crack into an even bigger smile as his coach swings an arm around his padded shoulders – chest fluttering with pride as they leave for the school building alongside Coach O'Connor.

She turns on her heel as they're out of view, ready to slip away from this crowd of Easters too, only to realize Jake's still stood next to her. There's an impressed gleam to his dark gaze as he eyes her, his lips settling into more of a resemblance to his trademark smirk-grin.

Narrowing her eyes, she weighs back on the soles of her white sneakers. "What?"

"I just–," A chortled breath leaves the boy. "Damn Team-wrecker, I didn't think you had it in you."

♡♡♡

"I think you should go celebrate with them."

"And not hang out with you? No thanks," Ethan lets his duffel bag drop to the ground next to the Mini Cooper, running a hand through his hair which only causes it to look even more disheveled than it did mere seconds ago. "Unless you already have other plans?"

"No," She internally rolls her eyes at herself as her jaw aches with her growing smile. "All yours."

"I like the sound of that."

"I do too," She leans back against the car. "Look at me, dating a future NFL-player. Who would have thought?"

"Would you stop that?"

"Would you stop? Ethan, you are great. You're amazing. I'm not just saying so, okay? I knew that long before I ever fell– before this. You are good enough," Her eyes flickers to the people spilling out of the doors to the gym, lips pursing in annoyance. "Though, some of your teammates could learn they're there to support and not sabotage you. They do know what the purpose of a team is, right?"

He glances over his shoulder, noticing the specific group having caught her attention where they're walking across the parking lot. Her eyes narrow further as Pearson glances their way, only taking her eyes off him as Ethan nudges her in the side.

"Don't waste your energy on him, he's an ass."

"Clearly. Permission to go tell him that?"

Her lips pull into a faint smile as he laughs softly. "I'm flattered but I don't need you to defend my honor Waters."

She catches his hand, intertwining their fingers. "What if I want to?" His lips quirk up, shaking his head at her and she feigns a sigh before her smile softens. "Are you going to kiss me anytime soon or what?"

"You sure you want me to?"

His lips crack into a grin as she lets her free hand grab the front of his black hoodie, pulling him towards her. She's aware there are people lingering about but if there's anything she's learnt these past weeks it is she's damned if she does and she's damned if she doesn't. Right now, she just wants her boyfriend to kiss her.

Ethan's lips barely brushes against hers before they're interrupted. He doesn't bother to pull back from her, rather holding her around the waist as they both glance over at Jake who's smirk only widens at Avery's glare. Ethan simply raises his brows, waiting for friend to speak.

"You coming out with us?" Jake cocks his head to the side and Avery's glare fades as her eyes travel over to his car where Matthew Puckett throws his bag into the trunk. Rhea and Brianna are about to climb into the backseat and Avery's lips fall into an uncertain smile as they both shoot her looks of recognition before disappearing out of view.

Ethan's eyes flicker back to Avery's and she can't help her silent snort as his gaze falls to her lips. "I think I'm going to sit this one out."

"Okie dokie," Jake adjusts the strap of the bag he has thrown over his shoulder, turning on his heel. "You two kids have fun!"

♡♡♡

The scent of Ethan's shampoo tickles her nose where they're sat in the sand, his head resting against her chest and her arms looped close around him. Her lips are in the same smile they've been all night as he absentmindedly plays with her hands.

Barely a sliver of light on the night-dark sky, the moon's reflected in a faint glimmer on the calm surface of the dark body of water – the only other light coming from Ethan's faraway porch. Apart from the sound of the waves slowly washing onto the shore they're enveloped in complete silence, the rest of the neighborhood seeming to have gone to bed hours ago.

The silence is a stark contrast to this summer, when even at this house they were never completely free of the surrounding noise. Neighbors sat out on their decks all night long, the distant chatter from other patches of the beach – children playing in the sand all day and groups of friends out and about all night, sea gulls never seeming to stop in their search for an unlucky out-of-towner carrying an ice cream cone. The salt air breeze is different now too, not as clear – as if somehow heightened by the warmth. Back when the sunblock melted into her skin rather than being numbed to the bone by simply being sat outside. The one constant is Ethan. And her. Ethan and her. Just the two of them, together in the sand.

Her fingers are a bit numb as she slips them out of his grip to sprawl them through his hair but even though her skin proves differently she's not feeling cold. The warmth ignites her from inside out, her chest expanding as Ethan's head rests against her heartbeat. It runs through her veins, flushes her skin, heightens the heat already lingering on her cheeks from her never-fading-smile.

His hand finds hers again as she lets it fall from his hair, his touch light against her skin as he walks his fingers over her palm. He tilts his head back to look at her. "You know what we should do?"

"What?"

He pushes off the ground, holding out his hands for her and she lets him pull her to her feet while eyeing his challenging smile. "It's time we settle this."

"Settle what?" A chortled breath leaves her as he raises brows. "Now?"

He lets go of her hands, using his heel to draw a starting line in the sand. "Afraid you're going to lose?"

She narrows her eyes, a small yawn escaping her as she stretches her arms over her head. "Where to?"

"My house."

"Okay."

"No cheating this time."

She laughs as he sticks his hand out to shake on it, taking it into hers as she gets in position. "No cheating this time."

♡♡♡

Throwing her arms up in the air, Avery lets a jubilant laugh out her lips between her panting breath. "Told you so."

Ethan grabs one of her hands, bringing her with him as he sinks to the ground and falls onto his back in the sand. "I've played a game today."

Her lips twitches as she stares up at the night-dark sky. "So?"

"I want a do-over. Tomorrow."

"Whatever makes you happy."

An amused breath leaves him and out of the corner of her eye she sees him turn his head to look at her before glancing up at the darkness above again. She reaches her palms up to cup her cheeks, attempting to soothe the ache in her jaw but feeling the warmth on her skin does the opposite – only having them tighten with yet another smile.

She doesn't know if it's because she's growing sleepy. Or if it's having watched him be a star on the field tonight. Or of it's because of their impromptu cookie baking session before coming out here – almost having woken the entire house up as they dropped the baking tray to the kitchen floor. If it's the insisting on competing at this hour of the night, or rather early morning. If it's about how his head felt resting against her chest before. Or how she notices him sneaking glances her way now. Maybe it's all those things – and so much more – causing her heart to beat both heavier and lighter simultaneously. A light flutter expands her chest, traveling through her, knowing she can't keep it in anymore.

She doesn't find it too scary. Maybe because reality feels a bit altered at this hour or maybe it has to do with how he's right here, knowing he'll be underneath her fingertips if she reaches her hand out for him. She knows he isn't going anywhere, just as she knows she isn't either. It's so obvious to her and her smile widens as his fingers finds her palm, turning her head to look at him.

"Ethan?"

He pauses in tracing patterns over her skin at her soft-spoken voice, his gaze finding hers and her heart stills further from having his brown eyes focused on her and only her. "Yeah?"

"I love you."

The shortest flicker of silence passes following the three words but to Avery it could as well be the longest stretch of time in history. She's somewhat aware she's holding her breath, biting down at her lip as she watches the surprise pass over his features. His eyes widen ever so slightly, lips parting without a word and she feels the beat of her heart pick up speed. It only grows stronger as a grin overtakes his face, his eyes never leaving hers as they soften.

"I love you too."

"You don't have to say that just because I did."

Even as the words fall of her tongue she knows they're stupid – because somehow she knows he does, she already knew – and she squeezes her eyes shut. Batting them back open she's met with the sight of Ethan's lips quirking up as brows etch together in amusement. He sits up, grabbing her hands to pull her along with him.

Smiling, he intertwines their fingers where they rest in the sand as she's sat across his legs and levels his eyes with hers. "I love you,"

He kisses her as to punctuate his words, one of his hands leaving hers to cup her face before he kisses her again. Pulling back he spots her wide-eyed gaze and his lips fall to her neck to suppress the chortle escaping them, his breath warm against her skin. "So fucking much I do."

Her chest flutters and stills at once, warmth spreading through her as her jaw-aching smile reappears from hearing those words, from having spoken those words to him. And though she's happy to have heard them – to have said them – most of all they bring her peace.

He holds her close as he kisses her again, as if he's never letting go and she senses her smile in her entire body – every part of her is smiling. She cups his cheek and her fingertips are cold against his skin as they gently press into it, holding onto him as she kisses him back.

The faintest groan escapes her as he pulls away and as his smile crosses over in a smirk she knows it didn't go him unnoticed. Her chest rises and falls with her breath, eyes never leaving him as his gaze flickers over her face. She notices how his already dark eyes seem even darker out here, while somehow also lightening up the darkness of the night.

While one of his arms is still tightly wrapped around her, he lets go with the other – simply watching her as he brushes some strands of hair out of her face. Her gaze drops to his hand as he deliberately lets his thumb follow the curve of her mouth, her breath hitching as it continues to her dimple and as she laughs he does too. She sprawls her fingers through his hair, tangling in his short curls – wanting to kiss him again.

Their lips have barely grazed as he inches back again and she flutters her eyes open to find him watching her. A breathless laugh escapes her when his lips pull into a grin, somehow already knowing why he's depriving her of her kisses.

"Can you say it again?"

Her lips split wide, a silent snort laced into her laugh. She lets her hand fall from his hair to cup his cheeks. Overwhelmed by the joy filling her chest she casts her eyes to the ground, letting out a breath through another laugh before finding his gaze again.

"I love you Ethan Taylor."

. . .

hi hello. considering my heart is breaking out of my chest right now I'm just going to leave you with this chapter as it is.

yours always,

linn