She had wanted to say something — to express the gratitude that was bubbling inside her — but his words stopped her.
It wasn't about owing him anything. She knew that. And yet, she wanted to repay him… if not for him, they might have lost their mother or be stuck in massive debt.
Her eyes stung, and before she could stop them, tears welled up and threatened to spill.
Ethan sighed when he noticed. "You're crying again?"
Before she could wipe them away, he reached out and gently brushed his fingers under her eyes, catching the tears before they could fall.
His touch was light, almost careful, as if he wasn't used to handling something fragile.
Then, without a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to the corners of her eyes.
Riley froze.
It wasn't a passionate kiss — it wasn't something desperate or urgent.
It was slow, deliberate, and full of something she couldn't quite name.
His lips lingered for a moment before he pulled back just enough to look at her again.
