Ethan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Get in."
Riley let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and quickly made her way to the passenger side, slipping into the seat.
As Ethan started the car, she folded her arms and muttered, "I don't look that bad, do I?"
Ethan shot her a sideways glance, amusent still dancing in his eyes. "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
She sighed, sinking into the seat.
'This is fine. This is totally fine.'
Even if her face was still warm from embarrassnt, at least she had secured another dinner with him. They just had to go to her house first.
As the car rolled down the quiet streets, the city lights flickering past the windows, Ethan stole a quick glance at Riley.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she kept fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, as if second-guessing her decision to ask him for dinner again.
"You good?" Ethan asked, one hand on the wheel as they reached a red light.
Riley quickly nodded, avoiding his eyes. "Yeah, just… I didn't think you'd say yes so fast."
Ethan smirked. "Why wouldn't I?"
She hesitated for a second.
'Because I look like I just took a mud bath? Because my hair is probably a ss? Because I totally made a fool of myself back there?'
Instead of saying all that, she simply shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe you had other plans."
Ethan chuckled. "Nah. The only thing I had planned was collapsing on my couch, but I guess I can push that back for a bit."
"Gee, thanks," she muttered, but he just grinned.
Following Riley's directions, he drove them to her apartnt building.
It wasn't anything fancy — just a small complex on the quieter side of the city.
The parking lot was mostly empty, and a single streetlamp flickered dimly overhead as they pulled into a spot.
Riley chewed on the inside of her cheek as she undid her seatbelt.
The warmth in her face had yet to subside, and now it was paired with nervous energy bubbling in her chest.
She hadn't planned on inviting Ethan inside, but now that they were here, the thought of making him wait alone in his car felt… awkward.
"Should I just wait here?" Ethan asked, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel.
Riley hesitated. "Um… actually, do you want to co up for a bit? Just while I freshen up and change?"
Ethan raised a brow. "You sure? Wouldn't want to invade your personal space."
She nodded quickly, then, as an afterthought, added, "It'll only be a few minutes."
Without giving herself ti to second-guess, she stepped out of the car and motioned for him to follow.
He shrugged and locked the car before trailing behind her.
The apartnt building was small, and as they climbed the stairs, Ethan noted how quiet it was.
No loud neighbors, no music blasting through the walls. Peaceful. He could see why she liked it.
Once they reached her door, Riley fumbled with her keys before pushing it open.
She stepped inside and turned to him, cheeks still slightly pink.
"Uh, you can co in if you want," she said, stepping aside.
Ethan arched a brow but followed her inside anyway. "Thanks for the invite, I guess."
The apartnt was small but cozy. It wasn't filled with fancy furniture or decorations, but it had a warm, lived-in feel.
There were a few plants on the windowsill, a small couch, a coffee table stacked with books and a half-finished puzzle, and a kitchen area that was spotless.
It was simple but nice.
"Make yourself at ho," Riley said, moving toward the kitchen. "Water?"
"Sure," Ethan said, taking a seat on her couch. "You know, I think this is the first ti I've ever been to your place. I expected sothing… ssier, to be honest."
Riley groaned from the kitchen. "Just because I get dirty at work doesn't an I live in dirt."
She returned with a glass of water and handed it to him, her expression playful but still a little embarrassed. "Here, since you're apparently dying of thirst."
Ethan took the glass with a smirk. "Thanks. Guess I'll just hydrate while I wait for Miss Mud Queen to get ready."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm going to ignore that and take my shower now."
As she walked past him, she hesitated for a brief second before looking over her shoulder. "Make yourself at ho. It won't take long."
Ethan only nodded, watching as she disappeared into what he assud was her hallway.
Left alone, he took a slow sip of water and let his gaze wander around the room.
His eyes landed on a shelf filled with books — so were thick, heavy-looking novels, while others seed like old architecture guides and manuals.
He smirked. Of course she'd be the type to have those lying around.
He leaned back into the couch, stretching his legs out as he listened to the faint sound of water running from the other room.
Dinner with Riley again, huh? He didn't mind, really.
She was fun to talk to, and he liked how unfiltered she was.
The fact that she was acting all shy today was new, though.
Different from the usual confident, sharp-tongued woman he had worked with all week.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Maybe it had sothing to do with last night? Their dinner had been nice. Comfortable, even.
He had made her shy today, which had surprised him — she had always seed so tough at work, like nothing fazed her.
Seeing her in that mont, all nervous and fidgety, asking him to dinner…
He exhaled. "Interesting."
He leaned back on the couch, his muscles finally beginning to ache in protest.
The work today had been no joke — lifting, asuring, watching, and even so hands-on work with the materials.
He hadn't really needed to get his hands dirty, but after the previous night, he figured helping out would make things run a little smoother.
And, well, it also gave him a workout. Two birds, one stone.
His stomach rumbled, and he glanced at the water in his hand.
Not quite the relief he was looking for. He let out a sigh.
"The refrigerator better be full of drinks," he muttered to himself.
Reviews
All reviews (0)