Chapter 13 – Thanksgiving Sparks
The house buzzed with the aroma of roasted turkey, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie. Laughter bounced off the walls, and Clara couldn't help but smile as she carried a tray of cranberry sauce into the dining room. Ethan was already there, helping May arrange the table, his sleeves rolled up and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Careful," Clara teased, setting the tray down. "May might try to steal your chef title if you're not watching."
Ethan grinned, but his gaze lingered on Clara longer than necessary. "I think she already has. But don't worry—I've got my hands full with more important matters," he said, nodding subtly toward her.
Clara's heart fluttered. She felt warmth creep into her cheeks, and she adjusted her scarf, pretending to be busy.
The feast began, laughter and chatter filling every corner. May chattered endlessly about school projects and snowball fights, while Sara recounted a funny story about her latest work mishap. But Clara's attention kept wandering back to Ethan. Every glance, every smile, made her stomach twist in ways she hadn't felt in months.
After dessert, Clara excused herself, stepping outside for a breath of cold air. The snow had begun to fall again, tiny crystals clinging to her hair and eyelashes. She exhaled, letting the chill calm her racing heart.
"You think you can escape that easily?" a low, teasing voice asked behind her.
Clara turned, startled. Ethan leaned against the wall nearby, his expression a mix of mischief and something softer she couldn't name.
"E-Ethan! You scared me!" she whispered, stepping back instinctively.
"I just wanted some fresh air… with company," he said, taking a deliberate step closer.
Before she could protest, he reached for her hand and gently dragged her closer to him, pressing her against the wall. Her back met the cold surface, and the warmth of his body pressed against hers. Her breath hitched. Ethan's hands moved to her waist, holding her firmly but tenderly. Their eyes locked, and Clara could barely think—her heart was pounding, her chest tightening.
"Ethan… stop—" she tried to say softly, shy and flustered, pushing slightly against him.
He only leaned closer, his lips hovering near hers, and whispered, "Not yet…"
The snow fell quietly around them, unnoticed. Ethan brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering, and Clara shivered under his gaze. Her breath came faster, her pulse drumming in her ears, as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.
They were about to kiss when a sharp, cheerful voice called out. "May! Come see this!"
Clara jumped slightly, breaking the moment. Ethan leaned casually against the wall, smirking at her flushed face. Through the window, Sara watched with a knowing smile, understanding immediately what had been happening.
May ran inside, calling for Sara, oblivious to the closeness they had shared. Clara, cheeks burning, stepped back and tried to regain her composure.
Sara chuckled silently to herself, thinking, *Finally, it's about time.* She waved May inside playfully. "I just want to get her a gift, come on," she called, giving Clara the perfect excuse to step away.
As Clara turned to leave, Ethan's hand caught hers again. Before she could react, he pulled her gently back toward the wall, his grip on her waist firm, his eyes dark and intent. Her heart raced, pounding as if it might burst.
"Ethan—" she breathed, trying to keep her voice calm and shy, pushing lightly against him.
He silenced her with a soft, teasing smile, and then their lips met in a slow, tender kiss. The cold air and snowflakes faded away, leaving only warmth, the thrum of their hearts, and the undeniable spark between them.
When they finally parted, both breathless, Clara's face was flushed, and Ethan's smirk widened. The moment was perfect, stolen from the ordinary chaos of Thanksgiving, leaving only anticipation, warmth, and a promise of more to come.