Chapter 3: Temptation in the Park

Passing by a quiet city park, Ethan told the driver to stop.

The city lights faded behind us, the hum of traffic replaced by crickets, joggers passing by, and the distant laughter from a food truck. Ethan leaned forward, tapping the driver on the shoulder. "My head hurts from drinking. Let's get some air."

He dragged me out of the car, and after walking a bit,

The grass was damp beneath our shoes, and the air smelled like honeysuckle and grilled hot dogs. Ethan moved with a restless energy, the kind that made you nervous if you didn’t know him well.

He suddenly pointed to a young couple under the dim streetlight ahead.

"Mariah, guess what they're doing?"

The girl wore a long dress, straddling her boyfriend's lap as they kissed deeply and passionately.

It was the kind of scene you'd see in a movie, but here it was, unfolding in real life, right in front of us. I felt my cheeks flush, the warmth spreading across my face.

I glanced over and quickly turned away. "Let's go, don't disturb them."

I tugged at Ethan’s sleeve, hoping he’d listen. I didn’t want to be the reason their night got interrupted.

"You really think they're just kissing?"

Ethan hugged me from behind, his long fingers slipping under my shirt, gripping my waist. His touch was bold, careless, like he didn’t care who saw. I stiffened, heart pounding, eyes darting around the park, searching for witnesses.

I tensed up instantly. "Ethan, quit messing around. They're just kissing, it's normal."

I tried to twist away, but he held me close, his laughter low and teasing in my ear.

"Come on, you ever see people make out like that?"

As he spoke, his jaw pressed down, gently rubbing the hollow of my neck.

The warmth of his breath made me shiver, goosebumps prickling along my skin. Ethan always knew how to get under my defenses.

"Mariah, should we try it here too?"

"You're wearing a long dress tonight as well..."

I was scared and flustered, pushing him away. My fists clenched, breath shaky. "No, Ethan, quit messing around."

My voice trembled, barely more than a whisper. I glanced over my shoulder, desperate for an escape.

"What are you afraid of?"

He held me tighter, his hot fingers kneading my soft waist and belly.

His grip was possessive, almost desperate, like he was trying to prove something—to me, or maybe to himself.

"You got me worked up like this—planning to leave me hanging?"

"I didn't..."

"Didn't what?"

"Didn't... seduce you."

I bit my lip, my voice growing smaller and smaller.

The words felt childish, but I couldn’t help it. I was caught between wanting him and wanting to run.

But Ethan’s hand kept moving upward,

Making my shirt bunch and curve in messy arcs.

His touch left trails of heat on my skin, and I felt my resolve slipping away.

"Who says you didn't? I say you did."

"Mariah, just standing in front of me is seduction enough."

The way he said my name made my knees weak, even as I tried to hold onto my dignity.