Chapter 890

The night deepened, the warmth of dinner still lingering in the air.

Vivian set down her chopsticks and glanced out the window. "It's getting late. I should head back."

Ethan caught her wrist. "Didn't we agree to take Theo to Disneyland tomorrow?"

His thumb traced slow circles over her pulse point.

"Stay. It'll be more convenient to leave from here in the morning."

She shook her head. "No."

A sly glint flashed in Ethan's eyes. "You still owe me that bet you lost last time."

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "How about tonight?"

Vivian's ears burned. "You—"

Ethan closed the distance between them. "Hmm?"

She bit her lip. "I'll stay, but you have to promise—"

"I promise." His voice was earnest, cutting her off mid-sentence.

"I don't even have a change of clothes."

"They'll be here soon."

Thirty minutes later, Vivian stood beneath the shower spray.

The familiar tiles and corners of this bathroom held three years' worth of memories.

The master bedroom remained unchanged.

Yet the man she'd once longed for now stood just beyond the door.

When Ethan entered, Vivian was seated at the vanity.

He wore only a towel, water droplets sliding from his hair down to his collarbones. The defined lines of his abs disappeared beneath the towel's edge.

Vivian jerked her face away. "Why aren't you dressed?"

"Who wears clothes to sleep?" His innocent expression didn't fool her.

"Go put on pajamas. Now!"

Laughing, Ethan retreated to the bathroom.

He emerged moments later in dark blue silk pajamas, damp hair falling across his forehead. Pushing it back, he revealed those intense eyes.

"Vivi." His voice was soft.

She pretended to focus on her phone.

"Your hair's still wet." He picked up the hairdryer. "Let me."

"I can—"

"You'll get a headache."

Before she could protest, warm air streamed through her locks as his fingers combed through them with featherlight care.

Vivian leaned against the bed, distracted by her screen.

"Vivi."

"Hmm?"

"Can I dry your hair for you every day from now on?"

"Sure."

His hands stilled. "You mean that?"

"What?" She looked up, instantly wary.

The corner of Ethan's mouth curved in triumph.