Ethan
Stepping into the house, I expected to find Adeline waiting for me. I had texted her to let her know I would be arriving late, but with it already well past 10 p.m., I knew from my last message, sent over half an hour ago, that she was probably sound asleep. She had a habit of turning in early, especially after long days at the inn, where she often worked from open to close, handling everything from reservations to window displays.
But I didn't mind the late nights. I was eager to show her that I wanted more than just a fleeting connection. After all, the plan was to surprise her with a home-cooked meal. I had hoped to express my gratitude for her friendship over the past month, for forgiving me, and for letting me back into her life. It was huge for me, and I wanted her to know just how much I appreciated it.
As I took off my boots and jacket, I was filled with warmth, not just from the late evening air but also from the thought of being close to her. I didn't care about the small-town rumors or gossip swirling around us; the whispers were already there. I could hear them every time we walked into town together, people looking at us sideways. But I was determined to make it clear that Adeline was mine—my sunshine in the dark, my anchor.
The past few weeks had been chaotic with the string of murders that had gripped Hollowbrook. The victims were chosen with eerie precision, and the chilling details of the killings only added fuel to the fire of local legends. The legend of the Headless Horseman resurfaced, its dark shadow hanging over our town like a specter. It felt surreal that the very myth that had haunted our childhoods was now intertwined with the reality of a killer on the loose.
I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever was behind these murders was using the legend as a mask, blending myth with murder. Three lives had been taken, and I was on edge with the thought that Adeline could be next. The police department had ramped up patrols, but it felt like we were fighting shadows. Every corner of this town held whispers of danger, and I was determined to keep Adeline safe, even if that meant shadowing her everywhere she went.
As I took my time to check the house, I found myself replaying the details of the murders in my mind. The killer had left no clues, just a chilling pattern—three victims, all of them tied to the town's history. I couldn't help but draw parallels between the murders and the ghost stories that had plagued Hollowbrook for generations. How many people believed in the Headless Horseman? Enough to fuel a fear that spread like wildfire through the townsfolk.
The night I'd been called to the scene of the last murder, I remembered the way the fog rolled in, shrouding everything in an eerie stillness. It was like the town itself was holding its breath. The victim had been found near the edge of the forest, a place where many claimed to hear voices calling out to them, luring them deeper into the woods. It made me shiver just thinking about it.
Making sure everything was locked up, I headed toward the stairs and to her bedroom. The older house creaked some, but at the same time, it was so peaceful. The wall up the stairs was littered with picture frames. Taking a glance, I saw how much love and happiness Adeline had had here with her family, but I also felt the loneliness of being in a house all alone now. I should know; my childhood home felt the same, not that I barely lived in it right now with how much I was over here.
The light in the hallway led me to her bedroom, where I found her sprawled out on the bed, looking like an angel. My heart swelled at the sight. She lay half in the covers, wearing an oversized long-sleeve and fuzzy socks, with Beast curled up at her feet. It was a perfect picture of peace, and for a moment, I stood still, absorbing the scene.
As I quietly approached, Beast lifted his head, tail wagging in excitement. I smiled and placed a finger to my lips, signaling him to be quiet. Then I slipped under the covers beside Adeline, feeling the warmth of her body against mine as I nestled her closer. Her breath was soft and rhythmic, a sweet melody that calmed my racing heart.
"Ethan..." she murmured, still lost in her dreams as she instinctively snuggled closer. I couldn't help but smile. Even half-asleep, she was everything I had ever wanted.
"Yeah, pumpkin?" I whispered, running a gentle hand along her side, trying to soothe her back to sleep. I knew I was pushing my luck by sleeping beside her, but I needed to be close to her tonight.
"Mhm... I tried to stay awake so I could talk to you..." Her voice was soft, filled with sleepiness. "Was everything okay at the station?"
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"Yeah, just a lead we're looking into about your attacker..." I replied, not wanting to hide anything from her. She deserved to know the truth, especially when it came to her safety.
"What did you find?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep, but I could feel her concern.
"It's not important right now. You need sleep," I insisted. I didn't want to burden her with the dark details of what we were dealing with. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel more anxious or scared.
"Will you tell me in the morning?" she pressed, propping herself up on her elbow, her green eyes shimmering in the dim light.
"Of course, babygirl... Anything for you." I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of her trust in me.
"Ethan... can I ask you one more thing before you fall asleep?" she said hesitantly.
"Anything," I replied, my heart racing slightly.
"Will you go with me to the Pumpkin Patch Gathering this weekend? As... as a date?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I could sense the nervousness in her tone, but her words sent a rush of warmth through me.
"Of course, pumpkin. I'd love to," I said, my voice steady and reassuring. "I'm looking forward to it."
With that, darkness took me under, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.
*** *** ***
Adeline
The sound of jingling collar tags and soft claws on the floor was the first indication that morning had arrived. I savored the warmth surrounding me, reluctant to open my eyes. Ethan's presence beside me was intoxicating, and I loved the way I felt nestled against him, safe and cherished.
I slowly rose onto my elbow to take in the sight of him. He looked peaceful, his bare chest rising and falling rhythmically. My fingers itched to explore the ink that adorned his skin, and I trailed a fingertip over the tattoo of the pumpkin, tracing the curves of the leaves and the delicate script of my name. My heart raced at the sight; had he gotten a tattoo with my name?
"Ethan..." I whispered, my voice thick with sleep.
"Yeah, pumpkin?" he murmured, his voice still laced with that deep, gravelly morning timbre that sent a thrill down my spine.
"I didn't mean to wake you," I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks as I felt the heat radiating from his skin.
"I got it after I left you... You are my biggest regret, Adeline." His words hit me like a wave, and I felt the weight of ten years pressing down on us both.
"I'm sorry too," I managed, my voice trembling. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
He sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair, and the sincerity in his eyes made my heart swell. "No, I should have handled things better. I was scared and didn't know how to communicate."
"I wanted to tell you how I felt too," I admitted, glancing away, the vulnerability of the moment making me uneasy. "That night at the bar... I was trying to drown my sorrows. I thought I could forget everything. But you... you've always been my safe place."
"Adeline, you deserve so much more than what that idiot gave you," he said, his tone filled with fierce protectiveness. "I promise I'll never hurt you like that again."
Tears stung my eyes, but this time they were from relief. "I know," I whispered, feeling the walls I had built around my heart begin to crumble.
"Can I show you how much you mean to me?" he asked, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin.
"Yes," I breathed, my heart racing at the thought.
Just as our lips met in a soft, tentative kiss, the door swung open, and chaos erupted.
"ADDY, WE COME BARING—OH SHIT!" Abby shouted, her eyes wide as she quickly turned away, followed by Bonnie, who gasped.
I buried my face in my hands, mortified. Ethan quickly pulled the blanket over us, trying to shield us from their shocked stares.
"I was going to say we brought you breakfast, but it looks like you're... busy!" Abby said, her voice dripping with humor.
"Get out! Get out!" I shouted, my face burning as I tried to hide beneath the covers.
"We'll be in the dining room if you two want to finish up!" Abby called, laughing as they hurried away, leaving Ethan and me in awkward silence.
"Pumpkin?" Ethan said softly, looking down at me, amusement dancing in his eyes.
I groaned, refusing to meet his gaze. "I can't believe they walked in on us."
"Honestly, it was kind of funny," he chuckled, leaning back against the headboard. "But I promise we'll pick up where we left off."
He shifted slightly, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body, making my core tighten with anticipation. I knew the moment we had shared was still simmering just beneath the surface, waiting for the right opportunity to ignite.
As the warmth of the moment slowly faded, I knew we would have to face the reality of our situation, especially with the Pumpkin Patch Gathering coming up. But for now, I felt safe, and that was all that mattered.