Just as the moment stretched between them, thick with tension, a sharp voice sliced through the air.
"So, if we're not going on that date, the least you can do is give me five minutes of your time."
Lena turned her head just in time to see Madison standing there, arms crossed, her usual confidence radiating from her stance. The spell was broken. The music still thumped, people still danced, but suddenly, Lena was hyperaware of how close she was to Jaxon and the eyes watching them.
Jaxon sighed, running a hand through his hair before glancing at Lena. "Carterâ"
"Go talk," Lena said, but instead of just letting him go, she nudged her head in the direction of the door, where Ethan stood, his posture tense. "I need to do the same."
Jaxon studied her for a second, like he was trying to read something on her face, before nodding. "Alright."
Madison didn't wait. She turned on her heel, expecting Jaxon to follow, and after a moment, he did. Lena exhaled, the moment between them dissolving into the air like it had never happened.
Ethan.
He was near the door, his expression unreadable, but his jaw was tight. He had seen. Of course, he had seen.
Without thinking, Lena moved.
She wasn't sure if it was the drinks or the leftover adrenaline, but suddenly, she was chasing after Ethan, pushing through the crowd, determined to talk to him before he disappeared again.
Before she lost him completely.
"Ethan!" Lena called, catching up to him just as he reached the backyard. He didn't slow down.
She grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn. His jaw was clenched, eyes sharp with frustration as he looked at her.
"What do you want, Lena?" His voice was tight, restrained.
"I justâ" She swallowed, suddenly feeling dizzy. "I just wanted to talk."
Ethan let out a sharp exhale, shaking his head. "Not like this. I barely want to talk to you when you're sober, and I'm definitely not doing it while you're drunk."
"I'm fineâ"
"No, you're not." His voice was firmer now, his gaze flickering over her unsteadiness. "You don't even realize how bad this looks, do you? You and Jaxonâ"
"Ethan, pleaseâ"
"Lena!" Another voice cut in.
Lena turned, stomach sinking as she saw Ryan Porter walking toward them with that familiar smirk on his face. "Been looking for you. We should talk."
Ethan let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Now you have someone who actually wants to talk to you."
Lena's breath caught in her throat. "Ethanâ"
But he was already walking away back to the party, leaving her standing there alone with Ryan.