Elle’s POV
I closed my eyes slowly, waiting—hoping—for that moment. Just a soft brush of his lips. Just something real.
His breath ghosted across my skin.
My hands curled into fists at my sides. I felt like my whole body was waiting.
And then…
Nothing.
The heat disappeared.
I opened my eyes, confused and blinking. My chest still rose and fell quickly, and I felt cold all of a sudden—like something warm had been ripped away too soon.
Ethan had stepped back.
Farther than before. His hand was gone. His face was blank again, like he had slammed a door shut inside himself.
I stared at him, still trying to understand what happened. My heart felt stuck in my throat.
“Eat your breakfast,” he said, his voice rough and distant. “I have to go. I’ll be back later.”
That was it.
No apology
