I nod and watch as he grabs a bigger pair of sparring gloves from his bag. When he has them on, he turns to face me.
I hold up the pads like he did.
“Try to avoid the blows. Like the hand-slapping game.”
“Okay.” I nod, then focus my eyes on his fists.
Ethan’s arm darts out, and I quickly move my hands to avoid him. A hot grin widens around his mouth, then he slaps the mitt because I was too busy staring at him.
I shake my head, and clearing my throat, I mumble, “Lucky shot.”
He lets out a deep chuckle, and I try to ignore the goosebumps the sound gives me, focusing on his hands.
I manage to avoid his blows and slowly start to move my feet, using my body to keep evading him. Without noticing, we move around each other. Ethan keeps a safe distance between us at all times, and I find a comfortable rhythm.
My confidence grows with every blow I avoid.
“Duck,” Ethan instructs, taking a swing right above my head. He switches things up, and I find myself ducking, avoiding, stepping to the side.
The exercise makes my blood rush faster through my veins, my body filling with oxygen.
I feel in control… because of Ethan.
When the hour is up, Ethan’s eyes are filled with admiration and warmth, chasing the icy look from them. “That was amazing. You did really good.”
A happy smile plasters itself over my face while I take the punching mitts and sparring gloves off. “Thank you.”
Ethan takes them from me, his features softening. “You’re welcome, Finlay.”
When I glance at Dad, he’s watching us with a wide smile. “Same time tomorrow?”
I nod quickly. “Yeah.”
“Great,” Ethan says, picking up his bag. “Have a good day.”
“Bye.” My eyes follow him out of the house, and once he’s out of view, I turn to Dad. “I really liked it.”
Dad grins at me. “I can see that.” Getting up from the couch, he says, “Go shower, then I’ll walk you to Quinn’s bakery.”
Nodding, I dart down the hallway to grab clean clothes. I’ve been helping Quinn during the afternoon shift. I’m working for free, so I don’t feel bad about taking the mornings off. And at night, I work on the piece of music I’m busy with.
My days are full, and I’m never alone.
It’s easy to pretend the attack never happened.
ETHAN
Feeling like I performed a damn miracle, I’ve been grinning like an idiot the past week.
Finlay’s doing amazing. Every day she’s getting stronger.
The healthy flush on her cheeks, the way her gray eyes sparkle with silver flecks, her perfect lips curving up… I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.
During the training sessions, it feels like I manage to make her forget about whatever haunts her. I give her complete control over the training session, and it’s making her relax around me more and more.
I’m totally taking the win.
Before heading to the gym, I stop for a protein smoothie at the local health store. I smile at Earl, who’s working the counter, wearing a Christmas hat.
There’s a festive feeling buzzing in the air that has the whole town smiling.
“The usual?” he asks, reaching for a cup.
“Please.”
Glancing at the shelves while he fixes the smoothie, I’m not actually taking in any of the products on display. My thoughts keep revolving around Finlay, and as if my mind conjured her from thin air, I spot her across the street, coming from the direction of the diner. She must’ve grabbed coffee for her and Quinn.
“Hold up.” The voice draws my attention to Sean Richardson, the mayor’s son, as he jogs to catch up with Finlay. “You won’t even consider it?” he asks her.
“Be right back,” I mutter to Earl, already heading out of the store and crossing the street.
“No,” Finlay mumbles, every step Sean takes closer to her, forcing her to take one backward.
“It’s just coffee.” Sean gives her a smile that usually has the girls falling over their feet to score a date with him.
Finlay grips the two cups tighter, panic swirling in her eyes. She glances in my direction, and the moment she registers it’s me, relief washes over her features. “Ethan. Hi.”
Sean’s eyes snap to me. “Jackson.”
“Richardson,” I mutter, stepping closer to Finlay without getting in her personal space. I turn my attention to her. “I’m on my way to say hi to Quinn. Walk with me?”
She nods quickly, and not sparing Sean another second, she starts to walk away.
I shrug at Sean then jog to catch up with Finlay. I move in on her left, so I’m closest to the street. I notice when she doesn’t put more distance between us and have to suppress the happy grin.
God, I hope that means she feels safe with me.
“Thank you,” she murmurs softly, keeping her eyes trained on the pavement.
“Any time.”
I watch her swallow, then she finally glances at me. “Are you really here to say hi to Quinn?”