"Forget butterflies, I feel the whole zoo when I'm with you." - Unknown

Katerina

The drive back to my apartment was a blur. The city lights seemed to shimmer and dance, mirroring the chaotic rhythm of my own thoughts. Ethan. His smile, his touch, the way his eyes had lingered on mine… it was all too much. I'd spent years carefully constructing a fortress around my heart, brick by methodical brick, and he'd waltzed in and threatened to dismantle it with a single glance.

I pulled into my parking space, the engine sighing as I turned off the ignition. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside. I leaned back against the seat, closing my eyes and letting out a long, slow breath. What was it about him? Why did he affect me so? Was it his undeniable charm? His easy confidence? Or was it something more, something deeper that resonated with a part of me I thought I'd buried long ago?

I thought back to our dance, the way his hand had felt warm and secure on my back, the way his gaze had held mine, unwavering and intense. It had been years since I'd felt this way about anyone, a connection that transcended words and gestures, a connection that spoke to something primal and undeniable. It was a feeling I hadn't ever experienced before.

And then there was Phoebe, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she teased me about Ethan. "I knew you'd like him," she'd said. "I told you, you two would hit it off." I'd brushed her off, of course, but deep down, I knew she was right. There was something there, something undeniable. And the thought both terrified and exhilarated me.

I finally got out of the car and headed inside. My apartment was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling party I'd just left. As I walked through the living room, a small, furry blur launched itself at me, tail wagging furiously. "Maximus, you missed me too, didn't you, boy?" I chuckled, scooping up my energetic Shiba Inu puppy for a quick cuddle. He licked my face enthusiastically, showering me with unconditional love.

"Let's go for a walk, buddy," I said, grabbing his leash and a small bag for… well, you know. The cool night air was a welcome shock to my system as we stepped outside. I needed to clear my head, to get out of my own thoughts before they consumed me. The rhythmic padding of Maximus's paws on the pavement grounded me in the present.

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As we walked, I thought about Ethan's question, the one he'd asked me during our dance: "What does an incredibly talented event planner do when she's not orchestrating fabulous parties?" I'd given him the standard answer, the one I gave everyone: "I run my own company." But the truth was… there was more to it than that. Event planning wasn't just my job, it was my passion, my escape, my way of creating order and beauty in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable.

But it was also a shield, a way to keep people at a distance. I poured my heart and soul into my work, leaving little room for anything else, for anyone else. It was safe that way, predictable. But was it fulfilling? Was it what I truly wanted?

Ethan's words echoed in my mind: "Sometimes… it can be lonely." He'd been talking about his travels, but his words had struck a chord within me. Because despite my successful career, my beautiful apartment, my carefully curated life… I was lonely. And the realization hit me with the force of a tidal wave.

Maximus tugged on his leash, eager to explore a particularly interesting-smelling patch of grass. I smiled, watching him sniff and prance, his boundless energy a stark contrast to my own inner turmoil. I leaned down and scratched him behind the ears. "You always know how to make me smile, Max," I murmured.

We continued our walk, the silence broken only by the chirping of crickets and the occasional bark of a distant dog. I looked up at the night sky. The stars twinkled down at me, indifferent to my turmoil. I closed my eyes, letting the cool breeze wash over me. Maybe Phoebe was right. Maybe it was time to let someone in. Maybe it was time to take a chance.

And as we turned to head back home, a new sense of purpose filled me. I was going to call Ethan. I was going to accept his offer to "indulge in our shared weakness" for chocolate cake. I pulled out my phone, intending to text Phoebe for his number, when I noticed a new contact. *Ethan*. I vaguely remembered Phoebe fiddling with my phone before she left the party. Smart girl. A slow smile spread across my face. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.

Back in my apartment, I gave Maximus a treat and a final cuddle before he curled up in his bed. I changed into my pajamas, my mind still replaying the evening's events. Ethan's laughter, the warmth of his hand in mine, the intensity of his gaze… it was all swirling around me, making it hard to focus on anything else. I looked at my phone, his contact information staring back at me. I hesitated, then decided against it. *Tomorrow,* I thought. *I'll text him tomorrow.*

I crawled into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. Maximus, sensing my shift in mood, jumped up and snuggled against me, his soft fur a comforting presence. I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his fur. "You're the best, Max," I whispered.

As I closed my eyes, Ethan's face appeared in my mind. His smile, his eyes… I drifted off to sleep, the image of him lingering in my thoughts, a feeling of anticipation bubbling in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.