Friday night arrived faster than Aria expected. And for the first time in forever, she wasn't dressing for a meeting, an awkward work event, or to impress anyone else.
This was a date.
With Ethan freaking Cole.
She stared at herself in the mirror — soft waves framing her face, a sunset-pink silk dress hugging her curves, and the hint of a daring neckline that made her blush.
"You got this," she whispered.
Olivia popped her head in. "Holy hell, Lane. Is that the dress?"
Aria grinned. "Yeah."
"The one you said you'd only wear when you were with someone worth it?"
"Apparently so."
Olivia fanned herself dramatically. "Marry him, or at least make out passionately in public."
"Noted."
A cab dropped Aria off in front of a sleek, dimly lit rooftop restaurant Ethan had reserved. The view was insane — skyscrapers twinkling like stars, the city stretching endlessly below.
Ethan was already waiting, leaning casually against a railing in a tailored navy suit that made her knees weak.
"You clean up nice, Lane," he teased.
"You're not so bad yourself, Cole."
They shared a grin before he offered his hand. She took it without hesitation.
"Dinner awaits."
---
Over the next hour, they laughed more than they had in weeks.
Ethan told stories from his college days — carefully avoiding Liam's name — and Aria recounted her disastrous attempt at baking last Christmas.
"I swear the fire alarm still triggers if I even look at an oven."
Ethan chuckled, eyes soft. "Remind me to handle holiday dinners."
The tension between them melted away, replaced with the easy camaraderie that had always lingered beneath their insults and dares.
Halfway through dessert, Aria dared to ask, "So… what exactly are we doing, Cole?"
Ethan met her gaze, serious now. "I don't want this to be a fling, Lane. Not anymore. I know we started off… insane. But I'm done pretending I don't feel something for you."
Her heart thudded against her ribs.
"I'm scared of this," she admitted.
"I am too. But I want to try."
Before she could respond, a voice cut through the air.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
Both their heads snapped up to find Liam standing at their table, smug as ever.
Ethan immediately tensed. "Not now, Liam."
"Oh, I think now's perfect." Liam pulled out a chair without permission and sat. "After all, Aria deserves to know what kind of man she's dining with."
Aria narrowed her eyes. "Liam, don't."
"Oh, come on, sweetheart. Shouldn't she hear about the little scandal at Cole Industries two years ago? About how our dear Ethan nearly lost his position on the board because of a certain… let's say, inappropriate relationship?"
Ethan's jaw clenched. "That's none of your business."
Aria frowned. "What is he talking about?"
Liam leaned in, enjoying every second. "Ethan got involved with a married client. A very influential one. Word got out. The board almost voted him out. The only reason he kept his position was because Daddy Cole threatened to pull half the company's capital if they touched his golden boy."
Aria's stomach twisted. "Is that true?"
Ethan closed his eyes briefly, then met her gaze. "Yes. But it wasn't how Liam makes it sound."
"I bet it wasn't," Liam said with a bitter laugh. "You always had a talent for spinning stories, Ethan."
"That's rich coming from you."
Liam shrugged. "Hey, I own my flaws."
"I made a mistake," Ethan said, voice steady. "She told me she was separated. I believed her. When I found out the truth, I ended it immediately. The fallout was… ugly. I almost lost everything. And I deserved to. I'm not proud of it, Aria. But I don't hide from it either."
The table went silent.
Aria's chest ached.
Because the Ethan she'd come to know wasn't perfect — he was arrogant, stubborn, infuriating. But he was also loyal, unexpectedly kind, and impossibly brave.
And she wasn't sure if this changed how she felt. But she knew she needed time.
"I… I need a minute," she whispered, grabbing her clutch and standing.
Ethan started to follow, but she held up a hand.
"Alone."
---
Aria stepped onto the balcony, the cool night air biting her skin.
Her mind raced. Was she insane for even thinking this could work? Could she really trust someone with a past like that?
A voice spoke behind her.
"People screw up, Lane. Even the ones you least expect."
She turned to find Chloe leaning against the railing.
"Wait — how did you…?"
"Olivia texted me after Liam stormed in. Figured you'd need backup."
Aria managed a weak laugh.
Chloe gave her a look. "Listen, I'm not defending what he did. But you've made your fair share of disasters too, haven't you?"
"Too many."
"And you didn't want to be defined by them, right?"
Aria sighed. "No."
"Then maybe cut the guy a little slack. He owned up to it. And I've seen the way he looks at you, Aria. It's not casual."
Tears stung Aria's eyes. "I don't know if I can handle another heartbreak."
Chloe squeezed her shoulder. "You don't have to decide tonight. But don't let Liam's bitterness steal something good just because he lost it."
Aria took a shaky breath. "You're annoyingly wise sometimes."
"I know. Comes with being fabulous."
They both laughed, tension easing.
---
Back inside, Ethan sat alone at the table, looking more vulnerable than she'd ever seen him.
Aria walked up slowly.
"I'm not saying I forgive you. Or that this isn't complicated. But I meant it when I said I wanted to figure this out."
Ethan stood, hope flickering in his eyes. "So… dinner next week?"
Aria grinned. "And breakfast."
His smirk returned. "Deal.".....