3. I’m the oldest of six. We grew up here in San Diego, but I’m the only one who still lives here.
4. My favorite color is burnt orange.
5. I have a German shepherd named Otis, and a cat named Callie.
I’m not sure why I feel these are important things you should know, but there you have it.
See you later,
Ethan Hanson
___
The lights of downtown San Diego glitter against the fog that’s sweeping through the city, shining brightly against the white haze. Rubbing my sweaty palms against my red velvet dress, I blow out a shaky breath and get myself into character. Ethan had sent me some basic facts about himself—things someone who’s actually dating him would know—but for some reason, I don’t think I’m going to need to know any of it.
Nerves zip through my system as the rideshare driver approaches the restaurant, pulling over in the loading zone.
“Thank you so much,” I tell the woman as my fingers dance across my phone screen to leave her a tip on the app.
“Of course, hunny. Have a great time.”
Slipping out of the car, my black strappy heels touch the asphalt, and I wrap my shawl around my shoulders. As I make my way behind the vehicle, the driver leaves, and at that exact moment, my eyes meet with a man who is clearly Ethan.
His smile radiates hotter than the sun. He’s beautiful in person—like a Greek God. His blue eyes are piercing, glowing brightly in contrast to the navy blue suit he’s wearing. The lack of tie and a couple of unbuttoned buttons are really doing it for me.
“Hi,” he greets as I approach, taking me in. His eyes rake over my body, and for a moment, butterflies stir in my stomach.
Why did I come up with a no sex rule again?
“Ethan, hi,” I say with more confidence than I’m feeling. Extending my hand, we shake, and he pulls me into his arms ina tight hug. I’m a little thrown off by the gesture, and stiffen in his arms.
“This is so weird, but also strangely exhilarating.”
“I know. So what should I expect?”
Taking a step back, he rubs his hands down my arms. “Hor d’oeuvres, drinks, maybe some dancing, and a bunch of tech geeks. HR rented out the back room of this place,” he gestures at the restaurant behind us, “and instead of having a sit-down dinner, they decided to treat it like more of a small-scale party.”
“That sounds like fun. Not as much pressure to maintain conversation, either,” I point out.
Ethan’s eyes sparkle with amusement. “I hope you plan to converse with me, at least.”
“Of course!” My cheeks heat with embarrassment as I replay what I just said in my mind. “I didn’t mean I don’t want to talk toyou, just that there’s less room for error with everyone else!”
“I know what you meant, Holly. Don’t worry.” He smiles again as I visibly relax. “So, how long have we been dating?”
“You tell me.”
“Well, everyone was surprised I was bringing a date. I said it was new. So, maybe a month? Couple weeks?”
My lips purse in thought, and I don’t miss the way Ethan’s eyes lower to look at them. “A couple weeks is good. That way, if I get caught not knowing something about you, it’s not as suspicious.”
“Sounds great. Thanks again, Holly. I appreciate you doing this.”
“No one should have to face the holidays alone.”
For a second, I stop and think about why a man this attractive has to have a stand-in date, but I shake the thought away. It’s none of my business.
“You’re right.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “No one should.”
