Darkness enveloped the entire room.
Sophia Sullivan fumbled to open the drawer, her fingers searching blindly for the scented candle in the blackness.
"I remember putting it right here."
Before she could finish speaking, her foot slipped, sending her tumbling forward.
This is it.
But the expected pain never came.
A strong arm caught her around the waist just in time.
Warm breath brushed against her face.
"Careful."
Ethan Sullivan's deep voice murmured beside her ear.
His palm steadied her back firmly.
They stood close in the darkness.
Sophia could feel the rise and fall of his chest.
"Had enough of holding me, Mr. Sullivan?"
She lightly gritted her teeth.
Only then did Ethan release her.
"My apologies."
The candlelight finally flickered to life.
The fragrance of gardenias filled the air.
Ethan watched the dancing flame, reminded of that profile illuminated by firelight in the cave.
Sophia, meanwhile, recalled the sudden kiss in the parking lot.
Tension simmered in the silence between them.
"I'll sleep in the next room."
Sophia turned to leave.
"No."
The refusal slipped out before Ethan could stop himself.
He paused, then explained, "It's not safe during a storm."
Sophia arched a brow. "Is Mr. Sullivan offering to protect me?"
"I'll take the floor."
Ethan avoided her gaze.
Sophia chuckled. "What if you try something?"
"I wouldn't."
His voice came out slightly strained.
In the candlelight, the tips of his ears flushed pink.
Just as Sophia prepared another teasing remark—
Ethan suddenly caught the hem of her shirt.
"I... I'm actually afraid of the dark."
The admission was barely audible.
Sophia froze.
This was the first time she'd ever seen him show vulnerability.