Ethan leans forward, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that's both tender and passionate. He holds her close, his hands caressing her face and neck as he looks down at her. "Look at me," he whispers softly. "Really look at me. What do you see?"

Blushing deeply, Jennifer meets Ethan's gaze. She sees someone who is older than she expected, certainly more experienced in life and love. But there's also a vulnerability about him that she hadn't noticed before, hidden beneath the bravado and self-assurance. For the first time since they were kids playing together on the beach, Jennifer truly sees Ethan as a man.

"I see someone who knows what he wants," she says quietly, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "