ing before her, a bouquet of her favorite flowers in his han

red, her voice trem

ht up my world in ways I never thought possible. You make me feel seen and heard, and you understand and bear with me when

she gazed up at Ethan. She could see the sincerity

," she said, her voice

he pulled Emily into his arms. "Really?" he

contentment wash over her. "Really," she

rms, everyone else in the bar, excluding Harri

whiskey, please? This is a bar, not a hotel ro

u be now?" Ethan

zkill," Ethan replied with a chuckle.

A moment? You're practically making out in the middle of

ess. "Oh, I think they're enjoying the show,

public display of affection. But Ethan just pulled h

uggested a mischievous glint in his eye. "We'll buy a round of

he raised an eyebrow, laughing. "A s

stic remark. "Hey, we're willing to splurge

nk, suddenly spoke up. "Harrison, that's not fair," she said

up his hands in mock defense. "Who,

heering and whistling at the exchange. Emily and Ethan shared a laugh,

en illuminating his face. He exclaimed, "Well, that's fine, work calls anyway!

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and accepted his arm. Together,

s shoulder, and Harrison wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. As they settled into the ride, Harrison's companion turned to him with a

. He couldn't deny the spark he'd felt when he looked at Emily. It was as if tim

'd been lost in his little world. "Oh, come on now, what chemistry?" he

led the car. "Don't play dumb, Harrison," she said, her voice teasing. "

of being caught out. But his companion's words had struck a nerve. He coul

dered what she was doing right now and if she was thinking about him too

eyebrow. "You're interested in her, aren't you

s interested in Emily, and he wanted to get to know her better. After a leisurely ride, Harrison dropped the lady off at her destination, a sleek h

about Emily. The memory of her bright smile, innocence, and infectious laughter

mily and Ethan. He had been drawn to Emily's spark, her energy, and her beauty. A p

ortunity. He sighed, pushing the thought aside, and stepped out of the car. The night air was

arrison felt a pang of loneliness, and his thoughts drifted back to E

use she took a little too long to bring him his drink. He remembered how she had remained neutral an

r night with Emily. He had told himself it wasn't love, just a sweet private part, a sweet indulgence. But as he snapped back to reality, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to

mor

e walls painted a soothing shade of pale gray, seemed to whisper tranquility, whi

ng the light and casting a kaleidoscope of tiny rainbows across the walls. The air was filled with the sweet

inviting array of plush, matching pillows. Across from it, a sleek, low-slung coffee table in polished

r-studded canvas, a dazzling backdrop to the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere within. Every element of the room seemed to have

taking in her surroundings. The lavish decor and opulent furnishings hinted at a

pulling back the curtains to reveal a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. The iconic skyscrapers and bustling streets

as reality set in. "What am I doing here?"