The Road Back to You

The morning after their heated argument and unexpected kiss, things between Ethan and Violet didn't fall into awkward silence. If anything, there was an unspoken shift, a lingering tension that neither acknowledged, yet neither could ignore. But unlike before, there was no more running, no more avoidance. They were still them, but now, with something hanging in the air between them.

Violet was the first to arrive at the office, determined to act normal. She greeted Ava and Jade with a bright smile, trying to ignore the way her heart raced at the thought of seeing Ethan again.

But fate had other plans.

The elevator doors slid open, and Violet stepped inside, only to find herself locking eyes with Ethan. He was already there, standing near the back, his usual composed self. A few other employees were present, making it impossible for them to be alone.

But that didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun.

She casually walked in, positioning herself beside him, her arm brushing his ever so slightly. Ethan didn't react, keeping his expression blank. But Violet knew him well enough to catch the small signs, his fingers flexing slightly, his breath slowing just a fraction.

Smirking to herself, she let her finger brush against his.

Nothing.

So she got bolder, sliding her hand over his completely, intertwining her fingers with his.

Ethan inhaled sharply, his muscles tensing like a coiled spring. His gaze snapped to her, dark and warning, but she simply gave him an innocent smile, tilting her head as if she wasn't doing anything remotely inappropriate in a crowded elevator.

His grip tightened on her hand for a brief second, a silent reprimand, but he didn't pull away.

Violet bit her lip to suppress a laugh.

Then, just as the elevator slowed to a stop, she leaned in ever so slightly and whispered, "Your ears are turning red, Sinclair."

The doors opened.

Violet was out before Ethan could react, biting back laughter. When he finally stepped out behind her, she turned and smirked. "Your face was so red."

"You're impossible," Ethan exhaled slowly, adjusting his cufflinks with unnecessary precision. 

"And yet, you love it," she laughed, skipping ahead. 

Later that day, the entire team gathered in the meeting room. Ethan was, as always, leading the discussion with his usual calm, controlled demeanor. But every now and then, Violet caught his eyes flickering to her.

Time to push his buttons.

She absentmindedly tapped her pen against her lower lip, pretending to be deep in thought. Ethan's jaw twitched. Then she stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small sigh of relief as she leaned back in her chair.

Jade, sitting beside her, raised an eyebrow. "You good?"

"Just relaxing," Violet smirked. 

Ethan cleared his throat sharply, redirecting the discussion back to the project. But when Violet glanced at him again, his knuckles were white from how tightly he was holding his pen.

She'd gotten to him. Again.

The evening air was crisp as the company gathered outdoors for the grand celebration. Fairy lights twinkled above, soft music played in the background, and the crowd was dressed in elegant attire. It was a night of sophistication, laughter, and subtle tensions.

Ethan, dressed sharply in a black suit, stood at a corner, holding a glass of champagne while chatting with Jade, Liam, and Kathy. Maddie stood beside him, clinging to the conversation, though her eyes never left Ethan.

Then, Jade's voice rang out with enthusiasm. "And finally, our greatest Violet is here!"

All eyes turned, and there she was.

Violet had just stepped into the venue, her eyes scanning the space until they locked onto Ethan. A silent, invisible pull connected them across the distance.

Ethan was captivated.

She was breathtaking, dressed in a dark blue gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair styled in an elegant bun, delicate strands framing her face. Every move she made, every step she took, carried grace and effortless confidence.

Maddie stiffened beside Ethan, noticing the way his eyes were locked onto Violet, unwavering, mesmerized.

Ethan barely noticed anything else.

Without a word, he handed his champagne glass to Jade, his focus singular, his movements decisive. He started walking toward her.

Violet, as if pulled by the same invisible force, walked towards him.

The world around them blurred.

When he reached her, he stopped just inches away, his voice low, yet unmistakably commanding.

"Dance with me."

"I thought you didn't dance, Sinclair," Violet looked up at him, lips curling slightly in amusement.

Ethan's eyes darkened, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips as his voice dropped lower. "That depends on who I'm dancing with."

She placed her hand in his, and he led her onto the dance floor, into his arms, into a moment neither of them could escape.

Ethan led Violet onto the dance floor, his grip firm yet careful as if he was afraid she'd slip away. The soft hum of the music surrounded them, the glow of fairy lights casting golden hues over the crowd. But for Ethan, there was no crowd. Just her. Just them.

Violet rested one hand lightly on his shoulder while he held her waist, guiding her effortlessly. The moment their bodies moved in sync, an electricity sparked between them... one neither of them could ignore.

"So you do know how to dance when you're sober," Violet teased, tilting her head slightly to meet his gaze.

"I learn quickly," Ethan smirked, his fingers subtly tightening on her waist. 

Violet's heart thudded. The way he looked at her, like she was the only thing worth looking at made it impossible to breathe.

The music played on, slow and intoxicating. Their steps were fluid, their movements synchronized as if they had danced a hundred times before. Ethan's warmth seeped through the fabric of her dress, his touch light yet firm, like he was claiming her in a way words never could.

Maddie, watching from a distance, clenched her fists. She had never seen Ethan look at anyone the way he looked at Violet now, like she was gravity itself, pulling him in with no chance of escape.

Violet noticed the tension in Ethan's jaw, the way his thumb lightly brushed against her back. "Relax, Sinclair. It's just a dance."

"You say that like it's not the most dangerous thing I've done in a while," his voice was low, controlled. 

"Are you afraid of me?" Violet laughed softly, though her pulse betrayed her. 

Ethan's grip on her waist tightened for a fraction of a second before he leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Terrified."

"You should be," her breath hitched. 

"I already am," his gaze darkened. 

The music swelled, the moment stretching between them, thick with something unspoken. Violet felt her heart pound in her chest, the urge to pull him closer overwhelming. She had been in his arms before, but never like this, never with the world watching, never with her heart so exposed.

As the song neared its end, Ethan's hand slowly slid from her waist, his fingers grazing the bare skin of her arm. A final, lingering touch before reality seeped back in.

Before he could say another word, Jade's voice cut through the moment. "Violet! Finally, our greatest star!"

She turned to find everyone watching them, waiting for her to join the celebration. She forced a smile and took a step back, suddenly aware of how close she had been to Ethan.

"I'll see you later," Ethan cleared his throat, straightening his suit. 

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Violet standing alone in the middle of the dance floor, her body still tingling from his touch.