Oh, right!
"I do understand," she said soothingly. "And I, um, appreciate that you're looking after me." Although Ethan only grunted at this, she was relieved to see the creases smooth off his forehead.
The sun had started to set by the time they rode back to the ranch. As their horses cantered down at a more relaxed pace, Ethan caught Anah glancing at him uncertainly and asked, "What is it?"
"It's my birthday next week."
Ethan wasn't certain if he should feel amused or irritated. "And you really think I'm the kind of asshole that needs to be reminded of it?"
"I just want you to know, no pressure. If you're busy," Anah said hurriedly, "it's fine if you can't—-"
"Anah."
Her heart skipped a beat. It always did, every time she heard him say her name like that.
He inched his horse close so he could ruffle her hair. "I'll be there, I promise."
He smiled at her, and she smiled back because at that time, she believed him.
Chapter Four
The gods looked kindly at Anah on her seventeenth birthday. It had been raining rather heavily the past few days, but on her special night, the moon was at its silvery best while a sea of stars sparkled around it.
Meanwhile, Ember had just finished zipping the back of Anah's dress, and she couldn't help beaming when her friend finally turned to face the mirror. "You look so beautiful!"
Anah couldn't speak just yet, and she found it even harder to take her gaze off her reflection. She wasn't the type to be vain, but a part of her couldn't help thinking that Ember was right. She did look beautiful, or at least she looked better than usual, even just for tonight.
And rightly so, Anah thought ruefully, considering all the money she had saved up - and spent - for a makeover. The hairdresser Ember recommended had done an amazing job at styling her locks in shiny red-gold waves, and the older woman had also succeeded in making her eyes look doll-like and her cheeks appear rosy and delicate.
Anah's dress, on the other hand, was something she'd never have bought if not for the salesgirl's recommendation. The classic little black dress, it would've looked completely demure if not for the way it scooped low all the way to her waist at the back. It was her most womanly outfit to date, and Anah couldn't help nervously holding her breath when she finally went down to present herself.
Her parents were the first ones to see her, and they had all the guests rising to their feet to welcome Anah as they belted out their out-of-tune version of 'Happy Birthday'. Everyone quickly joined in, and by the time the song ended, everyone was laughing and cheering.
For almost an entire hour after that, Anah simply went around her backyard, personally thanking each and every guest who took the time to attend her party. Throughout it, however, she couldn't help craning her neck every so often, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most important man in her life.
When it was the twins' turn to greet her, Thornton was the first one to speak, saying gruffly, "He told us he'd be a little late."
Anah breathed a sigh of relief.
"You mean a lot to Ethan," Aidan assured Anah after pressing a quick kiss on her cheek. "He won't miss your birthday for the world."
And while this might be true, it was already a few minutes past nine in the evening when Ethan finally arrived.
"Happy birthday, little Anah." Like Aidan, Ethan also bent down to brush his lips against her cheek, but unlike earlier, this kiss - however brief - had her catching her breath.
"I'm sorry I'm late." Ethan's tone was heavy.
"It's fine," she said earnestly. "I told you, remember? No pressure—-" Her voice broke off when she saw Ethan dig out something from his pocket.
"I had this specially designed for you," Ethan murmured as he opened the box.
The bracelet was a simple gold chain, but the two charms dangling from it were what had Anah blinking.
"I get the horse part," Anah said slowly, "but what's with the cloud?"
"It's a secret," Ethan said, his lips twitching.
"But it's my gift!"
"You don't want it then?" he threatened.
Anah made a face. "I didn't mean it that way."
"Then just say 'thank you, Mr. Blackwood'," he said mockingly even as he took the bracelet out of the box.
She wrinkled her nose, but when he glared at her, she obeyed laughingly, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood." Anah's voice nearly caught in the end. Ethan had suddenly reached for her hand, and the way his fingers grazed her skin as he clasped the bracelet around her wrist had her feeling faint.
Not wanting him to realize how breathless she was at present, she gave her thanks in a hurry and quickly escorted him to the twins' table.
Aidan waited until Anah was out of earshot before confronting his younger brother. "Did you just give her a bracelet?"
"I did, yes." Ethan was puzzled. "Is it such a big deal?"
"Everyone already thinks you two are going out," Thornton pointed out, "and giving her a bracelet in front of the whole damn town's just fanning the flames."
"Let them say what they want," Ethan dismissed.
"And Anah?" Aidan demanded. "Don't you care if she misinterprets—-"
"She won't," Ethan said without hesitation, remembering how guilty Anah had seemed when he asked her about liking a boy in her school.
The twins exchanged looks. Since Ethan was no idiot, how was it that he could be so damn blind and dense towards Anah's feelings?
Oblivious to his brothers' frustration, Ethan pulled his phone out and checked the Internet for the latest news about Guilia. He knew he shouldn't give a damn anymore, but after finding out she was involved in a car crash and had been rushed to a hospital a few hours ago...
Ethan breathed deeply. He had already been at the airport earlier when he changed his mind about flying
