Lara's heart pounded as Jake approached, his blonde hair perfect, his blue suit screaming money. His new girlfriend, a tall brunette in a red dress, clung to his arm, her smile as fake as Lara's confidence. Ethan squeezed Lara's hand, his green eyes catching hers, a silent I've got you.
"Well, well, Lara," Jake said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Didn't expect to see you here. And with a… date?" His eyes flicked to Ethan, sizing him up, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Ethan stood, pulling Lara up with him, his arm sliding around her waist, warm and steady. "Ethan Cole," he said, his voice smooth, confident. "Lara's boyfriend. And you are…?"
Jake's smirk faltered, but he recovered fast. "Jake Miller. Her ex. Funny, she never mentioned you."
Lara forced a smile, leaning into Ethan, her heart racing at how natural it felt. "It's new," she said, her voice steadier than she expected. "Ethan's a photographer. We met at a farmer's market—he caught me when I tripped, and we've been together ever since."
Ethan grinned, playing along perfectly. "She had strawberry tarts all over her shirt. Cutest thing I've ever seen." He brushed a strand of hair from Lara's face, his touch gentle, making her blush for real.
Jake's eyes narrowed, his girlfriend shifting uncomfortably. "Cute," he said, his tone sharp. "Hope you're ready for the wedding, Lara. It's a big deal—wouldn't want to embarrass yourself."
Ethan's grip on Lara tightened, his voice low, protective. "She'll be fine. I'll be there to make sure she shines."
Jake scoffed, walking away with his girlfriend, but Lara could tell he was rattled. She turned to Ethan, her hazel eyes wide, her breath shaky. "Thank you," she whispered, her hands trembling. "That was… intense."
Ethan smiled, but there was a spark in his green eyes, something real. "We make a good team," he said, his thumb brushing her cheek. Then, before she could react, he leaned in and kissed her—a soft, quick kiss, just enough to make her heart stop. He pulled back, grinning. "Had to sell the act, right?"
Lara nodded, her face burning, her lips tingling. But as they walked back to the bakery, hand in hand, she couldn't shake the feeling that the kiss wasn't just for show—and that scared her more than Jake ever could.
To be continued…