A few minutes later, Ethan reached the lot where he had parked his car.
It was mostly empty now, save for a couple of other vehicles scattered around.
He unlocked the door, sliding into the driver’s seat with a quiet sigh.
He sat there for a moment, letting the silence settle around him.
His hands rested on the steering wheel, but he didn’t start the engine just yet.
His thoughts drifted — not just to the project, but to the people involved in it.
The foreman was capable, experienced, and practical.
The workers were hardworking, efficient. And then there was Riley.
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She was sharp, attentive.
She didn’t just follow orders; she paid attention to the process, to the details.
And despite the dust and exhaustion of the day, she still took time to joke around, to make sure things were running smoothly.
Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair before finally starting the car.
The engine rumbled to life, and the dashboard lights flickered on, illuminating the dark interior.
He had a long week ahead.
#####
Ethan pulled into the garage, the hum of the engine cutting off as he turned the key.
The garage lights flickered to life, casting a dim glow over his parked car.
He stepped out, stretching his shoulders as the long day finally caught up to him.
The scent of motor oil and cool evening air lingered as he made his way into the house.
As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze landed on Vanessa sprawled across the couch.
Her legs were propped up on the coffee table, a glass in one hand, and a small smudge of juice staining the corner of her lips.
The TV screen flickered with bright lights and movement — some kind of wrestling match playing at full volume.
The sound of the commentators’ excited voices filled the room, shouting about a "devastating suplex" as one of the wrestlers slammed another to the platform.
Ethan sighed.
This had been the routine ever since Vanessa moved in.
The once seemingly unfinishable stockpile of drinks in the kitchen had been halved — halved!
He didn’t even know how that was possible in such a short time.
Marianne, his head chef, had already brought it up, mentioning that they needed to restock soon, but Ethan had waved her off.
He could do it himself. Tomorrow, probably. After coming back from the site.
Vanessa, oblivious to his scrutiny, let out an amused chuckle as one of the wrestlers tried and failed to get back on his feet.
She took another sip from her glass before finally acknowledging his presence.
"You’re back," she said lazily, eyes still fixed on the screen. "Long day?"
"Something like that," Ethan muttered, stepping into the living room.
He glanced at the TV. "You’re into wrestling now?"
Vanessa grinned. "Always have been. This match is a classic. Watch this — "
Right on cue, one of the wrestlers launched off the ropes and slammed into his opponent with a vicious clothesline, sending the other guy crashing onto the platform.
The crowd in the arena roared, and Vanessa nodded in satisfaction.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t take you for the type."
"I have layers," she said, smirking.
Ethan shook his head before heading toward the kitchen.
He opened the fridge, unsurprised to find the drinks section looking significantly emptier than before.
He grabbed a cold bottle of water and took a long sip before returning to the living room.
Vanessa had already made herself comfortable again, but this time she had switched positions — lying on her side, one arm tucked under her head while her other hand lazily flipped through channels during a commercial break.
"You’re really making yourself at home, huh?" Ethan remarked.
Vanessa grinned. "Well, I do live here now."
He couldn’t argue with that.
She had moved in not too long ago, and since then, things had become… more lively around the house
. Before, the place was quiet. Too quiet, sometimes. But now? There was always noise — whether it was the TV, the sound of drinks being opened, or Vanessa talking to herself about whatever random thought crossed her mind.
It was… different.
Not necessarily bad. Just different.
Ethan leaned against the back of the couch, watching the TV for a few moments as the match resumed.
He wasn’t particularly into wrestling, but Vanessa seemed invested, so he watched without commenting.
After a while, she glanced at him. "So? How’s the big secret project going? The one you don’t want to tell anybody about?"
Ethan exhaled. "It’s going fine, thanks for asking."
Vanessa hummed in agreement before sitting up, stretching her arms over her head.
"Well, don’t let it stress you out too much. You’re already broody enough as it is."
Ethan gave her a look. "I’m not broody."
Vanessa snorted. "Sure you’re not."
He didn’t bother arguing.
Instead, he checked the time. It was late, and he had an early morning ahead.
He finished the rest of his water and set the bottle down.
"I’m heading to bed," he said.
Ethan was just about to get up and head to bed when the scent of warm food filled the air.
He turned to see Marianne walking into the living room, carrying a plate in one hand and a firm expression on her face.
She was dressed in her usual apron, her hair tied back, and her sharp eyes landed immediately on Vanessa, narrowing slightly as she approached.
Vanessa, who had been comfortably lounging on the couch, tensed the moment she noticed the look she was getting.
She immediately sat up, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish grin. Enjoy new adventures from freewebnovel
"I might have eaten the dish you made earlier," Vanessa admitted before Marianne could even say anything.
Marianne let out a small sigh and placed the plate in front of Ethan before putting a hand on her hip.
"Might have? The plate was practically licked clean."
Vanessa winced. "Okay, okay, I definitely ate it. But in my defense, it was delicious! Can you really blame me?"