Falling For The Last First Time

ood in the middle of the space, her clipboard in hand and her gaze focused on the half-finished wall that would soon be the centerpiece of the

im, glancing at her notes. "Once they arrive, I want the accent wall co

aos. She'd always thrived under pressure, but this project felt different. Every decisio

ncentration. "Looks like you've

laying on his lips. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms d

er tone neutral. "This plac

room. "It's already starting to look better.

ipboard. Compliments from Ethan still felt like walking on

used to be my mom's favorite spot. She'd sit by the window and watch the

warm and kind woman who treated Claire like family during her high school years. "I'm tryi

didn't fade. "I know you'll do a great job

ved-the one who shared his dreams and fears with her under the stars, the one who made her believe i

thing," she said, hoping her t

wanted to say more. Instead, he nodded again and turned toward th

lding. Being around Ethan was like walking through a minefield, each ste

th contractors and finalizing plans for the outdoor ceremony space. By

et. Claire ordered a sandwich and a cup of soup before settling at a corner table with her notebook. The c

miliar voice interrupted her t

standing there, her express

d, gesturing to the emp

ffee on the table. "So, how's

, keeping her tone casua

ebrow. "And Ethan?

es. "Do you ever get

"But seriously, how's it been wor

aire said firmly. "We're both fo

If you say so. But don't forget, I've known yo

d, okay? Being around him brings back a lot of memories, b

self off completely. You've been so focused on your career, and that's great, but maybe it's

ng over her. She wasn't ready to admit that part of her s

. The workers were in high spirits, joking and laughing as they unloaded the t

ught her off guard, though she supposed it shouldn't have. He had always been the kind o

k bad," she teased, g

by table. "Just trying to keep morale up. Ha

, watching as the crew e

d the ceremony space. "You've got them working hard. Th

Claire said. "But ther

"Thanks for doing this, Claire. I know it's n

she refused to let him see how much they

voice low. "But you di

r Ethan, pulling him away. Claire watched him go, her

and by the time she returned to her rental, she

No matter how much she tried to convince herself otherwise, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward hi

walls around her heart, protecting herself from the kind of pain Ethan had cause

e vineyard, made her wonder if some risks were worth taking.

ifted off to sleep, the lines between