Ethan Sullivan stood up.
He wiped the water stains off the table with elegant precision.
But his grip on Sophia Sullivan's wrist remained unyielding.
They stood so close she could feel his breath against her skin.
"Three hours ago," his voice was low, "the bathtub overflowed just like this."
Sophia's fingertips turned cold.
The handkerchief quickly soaked through with tea.
Ethan's warm breath brushed her ear.
It burned.
"Miss Sullivan," he murmured while slowly drying her fingers, "you looked breathtaking when you stepped out of that bath."
Sophia's pulse quickened.
Julian Roscente stood just a few feet away under the lights.
He could walk over any second.
She tried to pull her hand free.
"I forgot."
Ethan pressed his lips to her fingertips.
Unlike Ryan Lawrence's restrained touches earlier.
He took her finger into his mouth.
His tongue traced slow, deliberate circles.
The sensation carried faint stings.
Then melted into damp tingles.
"It's not too late to remember now."
His words were barely audible.
Only for her.
A faint flush colored Ethan's eyes.
Sophia's legs trembled.
The rough texture of his tongue reminded her.
Of their tangled limbs in the bathtub.
He licked away every last drop of tea.
The dim lighting couldn't hide what simmered between them.
Julian approached with a tea caddy.
"Ethan, mind sharing half this batch?"
His smile was bright.
"I'll arrange your next event in return."
His gaze flickered between them.
"The ball starts soon. Let me know if you need anything."
He winked at Ethan.
"Unless you'd rather skip it—"
"We'll attend."
Ethan cut him off.
His expression gave nothing away.
The handkerchief had already vanished into his pocket.
"Canceling reserved spots is troublesome."
Julian smirked knowingly.
"There'll be plenty of networking opportunities."
Suddenly, he stared at Ethan's lips.
"You've got a cut. And tea stains."
Highly uncharacteristic for Ethan.
Ethan responded with a nonchalant hum.
"Burnt myself drinking tea."
He dabbed his mouth with the handkerchief.
The same one that had touched Sophia's fingers.
The phantom sensation of an indirect kiss returned.
Finally, she understood.
Some fires, once ignited.
Could never be extinguished.