We stayed like that for a while. Wrapped around each other. Not speaking. Just breathing.
Finally, Ethan pulled back. Wiped his eyes. "Your turn."
"What?"
"I told you about Sarah. About my mess." He took my hand. "Now tell me about yours."
I tensed. "There's not much to tell."
"Liar."
He was right. But talking about it meant making it real again. Meant feeling everything I'd been running from.
"Come on," he said gently. "Fair's fair. I showed you mine."
Despite everything, I almost smiled. "That's terrible phrasing."
"Made you smile though."
"Almost smile."
"I'll take it." He settled back against the headboard. Pulled me with him. "Talk to me, Ava. Help me understand why you ended up in that storm."
I took a breath. Let it out slowly.
"His name was Marcus. We met at a networki
