Later That Night
After another half-hour of forced small talk with people she barely knew, Sophia excused herself from the party. She needed air—needed a moment to clear her head.
She stepped onto the balcony, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. The city skyline stretched out in front of her, the lights twinkling like stars scattered across the dark canvas. It was beautiful, but it felt distant, as if she were watching the world through a screen rather than being a part of it.
Sophia leaned against the railing, inhaling deeply. She couldn't quite shake the feeling that something had shifted inside her tonight. Ethan had done nothing more than make casual conversation, yet it felt like his presence had lingered far beyond their brief encounter.
"You look like you're in deep thought."
Sophia turned quickly, her heart leaping at the sound of Ethan's voice. He had appeared on the balcony without her even noticing, as if he'd slipped out of the crowd to find her. His casual appearance—dark shirt, jeans, and that same effortless air—hadn't changed, but now there was something more intense in his gaze. Something different.
"I didn't expect you to follow me out here," she said, trying to keep her tone light. She wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or annoyed. It seemed a little bold for him to show up here after they'd just had a brief conversation.
He gave a small, almost sheepish grin. "Well, I wasn't really done talking to you. And it seemed like you needed a moment to yourself. I figured I'd give you some space—until I couldn't stand the quiet anymore."
Sophia let out a quiet laugh, though her heart was still racing. "You like the quiet?"
"I like silence when I'm with the right person," Ethan said simply. "And I can't help but think you might be that person."
The words hung in the air between them, charged with an energy that neither of them had yet fully acknowledged. Sophia swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. She wanted to respond, but something in his gaze made her hold back.
"You don't even know me," she said, her voice a little breathless.
He leaned against the railing next to her, his presence overwhelming yet oddly comforting. "Does anyone ever really know anyone, Sophia? You can know a person for years and still not understand the things that truly matter to them.
A beat passed before she spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "Ethan"
Ethan turned his head, studying her closely, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear
His fingers brushed against her skin, igniting a spark that sent shivers down her spine. She looked up into his eyes, feeling drawn to him
Perhaps feeling emboldened by the warmth of red wine coursing through her veins she closed the gap between them
Their lips met tentatively at first—an exploration filled with curiosity—but quickly deepened into something more fervent and intimate.
Her fingers curled into the dark cotton shirt that covered his shoulders in response and his mouth ate at hers ripping it of it's savor, like he was starved for its sweetness. Had been starved for an age. His lips were wild and aggressive, teasing and biting and making her moan in his mouth, but the way he held her cheeks left no question that all of the choices were her to make.
The taste of him was intoxicating—minty fresh from his earlier drink—and she melted against him as he drew her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist possessively. She could feel his heartbeat matching hers—fast and wild—
Sophia turned a little, backing against the railing so he could lean all of his body into her
And he did.
It was fire and passion and starvation.
"Ethan" she panted his name through biting kisses. "What are we doing?"
His eyes were dark and intense "I have no idea." Do you want to stop? Their foreheads resting against one another's she could see the playful glint in his eyes mirroring her own excitement " No you? "
"What happens next?" he murmured softly.