How could he be talking about that when she was crying moments ago? She mused, amused by how he was trying to cheer her up.
Ethan laughed, enjoying her reaction. "Are you saying you want me to court you properly?"
She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Maybe."
"Alright," he said, nodding like it was a deal. "Then I'll officially begin the courtship of Rayna Hart. Don't say I didn't warn you."
She burst into laughter, finally relaxing a little, the tension easing from her face. "We'll see about that," she murmured.
Ethan grinned. But he meant it.
He was going to court her. For real.
The air in the car felt different now—lighter, warmer. The ache in Rayna's chest hadn't disappeared, but it had softened. And maybe, just maybe, it was being replaced with something new. Something exciting.
She looked at Ethan again. His hand was still on the steering wheel, his other resting on the center console. His profile was strong and calm, and his smile lingered like sunlight.