2. Unnecessary Proximity
(The next morning, Lia wakes up to the distant hum of the shower. She groggily checks her phone, hoping for a calm, Ethan-free day. But the universe clearly hates her.)
(As she stumbles to the kitchen, she finds Ethan — shirtless, damp hair curling against his forehead, drinking straight from a carton of orange juice.)
Lia
(deadpan)
Seriously? Do you not believe in cups?
Ethan
(grinning, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand)
Morning, Callahan. Like what you see?
Lia
(rolling her eyes, trying to ignore the unmistakable way his abs flex when he moves)
I see poor manners. That’s all.
Ethan
(teasing)
And yet, you’re still looking.
Lia
(grabbing a coffee mug to distract herself)
God, you’re exhausting.
(She turns away, determined to ignore him, but Ethan’s still watching her. She can practically feel his gaze.)
Ethan
You know, if you were a little nicer, I’d even make you coffee.
Lia
(mocking gasp)
Oh no. However will I survive without Ethan Carter’s barista skills?
Ethan
(stepping closer, his voice dropping slightly)
You might like it if you gave it a try.
(Lia tenses. The air shifts, thick with something unspoken. His proximity is unsettling)
(— the scent of his soap lingering, the warmth of his bare skin annoyingly noticeable. She scowls, determined not to let him see how much he’s affecting her.)
Lia
(snapping)
You’re impossible.
Ethan
(grinning, stepping even closer)
And you’re cute when you’re flustered.
(Their eyes lock. Lia’s breath catches, her heart pounding with irritation — and something else she refuses to name. Before she can respond, the sound of footsteps interrupts them.)
(Ryan, fully dressed, breezes into the kitchen, oblivious to the tension lingering in the air.)
Ryan
Hey, you guys are up early.
Lia
(quickly moving away from Ethan)
Lia
Couldn’t exactly sleep with him here, in the house.
Ethan
(innocently)
I’m an excellent house guest. Right, Ryan?
Ryan
(grabbing a granola bar)
I’m not getting involved.
Lia
(muttering)
Smart choice.
(But even as Ryan starts rambling about his internship schedule, Lia can’t shake the feeling of Ethan’s gaze on her. Every time she dares glance at him, that infuriating smirk is still there. This summer is going to be unbearable — and not just because of the heat.)
Ethan
(smirking as he leans against the counter)
Good luck surviving me, Callahan.
(And for the first time, Lia wonders if she’ll survive herself.)
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