Chapter 4

At the fondue restaurant, Ethan and I were chatting away, and it honestly felt like we should've met way sooner, like we'd been missing out on each other for ages.

Even though there was a two-year gap between us, we had so much in common.

We were both boring science nerds, both loved wandering through museums and temples.

We both loved spicy food, and we both got hooked on those wild, off-the-wall variety shows.

By the end of the meal, I felt so satisfied, inside and out.

Sipping my coffee, I sighed in satisfaction. "Man, this feels so good."

Ethan handed me a tissue to wipe my mouth. "What do you mean?"

"It's been ages since I had anything spicy. This really hits the spot."

"Why didn't you eat spicy food before?"

"My boyfriend wasn't into spicy food."

Yeah, Alex didn't like spicy stuff, so I gave it up too.

I went over a year without anything spicy, and now that I finally had some, it was so good I nearly teared up.

Ethan gave me that usual laid-back look. "Emily, you really need to rethink your taste in guys."

I nodded. "Yeah, me too."

"Come on, let's walk it off."

I dragged him over to the busy street behind campus.

It was past seven, the street was jammed with people. There was a balloon shooting booth, and I couldn't wait to try it.

But I was rocking a short skirt today, and it was totally messing with my game.

Ethan read my mind and pointed at the clothing store right next to us.

"Come on, let's go grab you some new clothes," Ethan said.

Aha, he really gets me.

Alex was all about girls in skirts, so when we were together, my closet turned into nothing but girly dresses.

It was fine for class, but whenever I needed to move around, it was a real hassle.

I picked out a camisole and some cargo pants, crisp and cool. When I stepped out, Ethan gave me an approving look.

"This style really suits you, Emily," he said.

He really knows what's up. This guy's definitely going to snag himself an amazing girlfriend one day.

Feeling like a proud elder, I gave his shoulder a comforting pat. "Come on, let's go win you a toy."

I dashed up to the booth and fired away. Yeah, I totally overestimated myself. Not a single balloon went down.

Ethan was behind me, trying not to laugh. "Want me to give it a shot?"

God, this is so awkward.

I slid the gun over to him, trying to play it cool.

But Ethan dragged a stool over and sat right behind me. He reached around, guiding my hands as we lifted the air rifle together.

His warm breath tickled my ear, and I caught a faint hint of jasmine in the air.

I heard his deep voice say, "Hold it like this, aim for the bullseye, and press the button."

The balloon burst.

I could feel his muffled laughter against my back, mixed with that heady, masculine vibe.

I licked my lips, grinning from ear to ear. With his strong arms wrapped around me, half-hugging, half-protecting, I felt totally at ease and genuinely happy.

Ethan was a total pro. He shot down twelve balloons in a row and scored us a giant teddy bear.

As the vendor handed it over, I heard a girl's sweet, coquettish voice. "Oh my gosh, that bear is so cute. Alex, I want one too."

I looked up and saw Sophie and Alex standing side by side not far away.