Her Naughty Soldier (Naughty Nights Book 3) by C.L. Cruz

Author:C.L. Cruz [Cruz, C.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Lily

The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the mural I've been pouring my heart into. The vibrant colors of the community center wall come to life under my brush, a near-finished tapestry of hues and shapes. I should feel accomplished, excited even, as I near the completion of this project.

But my mind is elsewhere.

Flashbacks from last night flicker in my mind like a persistent, unwelcome movie. Ethan’s strong arms, the way he looked at me, the heat of his touch. I remember the weight of his body against mine, his lips moving with mine in a dance that felt all too right. And then, his fingers... I shake my head, trying to dispel the images. But they cling to me, persistent and unyielding.

I can't help but wonder, why did it have to be Ethan? He's everything I shouldn't want—Jake's best friend, a man with a complicated past and the kind of intensity that both scares and attracts me. It's like I'm drawn to things that I know will end in heartbreak. Is this some kind of pattern for me? A way to self-sabotage because I'm afraid of being truly happy?

These thoughts whirl around my head, a chaotic blend of desire and fear, as my hand moves almost mechanically across the mural. I'm supposed to be this free-spirited, independent woman, unafraid to chase after what I want. But here I am, tiptoeing around my feelings, hiding behind my art because it's easier than facing the truth.

The truth is, with Ethan, it's different. He challenges me, makes me feel things I've been scared to feel. But there's this nagging voice in the back of my mind, warning me that this could all end in tears. I've been down this road before, and the last thing I want is to travel it again, especially with the stakes so high.

Sighing, I step back to look at the mural. It's almost done, a beautiful piece that should fill me with pride. But today, it feels like a distraction, a way to keep my mind off the one thing I can't seem to control.

I'm so lost in thought that I don't even hear Ethan approach until he's right beside me. He extends a sandwich toward me, a small, tentative smile on his face.

"Thought you might be hungry," he says softly, almost like he's treading on thin ice.

I accept the sandwich, my fingers brushing against his briefly. It's a simple gesture, but it sends a shiver down my spine. "Thanks," I murmur, trying to keep my voice steady.

We sit on a nearby bench, the mural looming large behind us. Ethan's presence is both comforting and unsettling. The memory of last night is still fresh, and it feels like there's an elephant in the room with us, one that we're both trying desperately to ignore.

As we eat, Ethan breaks the silence first. "You've really outdone yourself with the mural," he says, gesturing towards the colorful wall. "It's incredible."

I can't help but smile, despite the turmoil inside me.

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