The next few days passed in a strange rhythm, each one weaving Lila and Ethan closer together in ways that felt both accidental and inevitable. At first, it was harmless.

He offered to drive her into town to pick up groceries. They ended up spending half the afternoon walking through the farmer’s market, laughing over silly impulse buys. The next day, when a lightbulb went out in the guest room, Ethan appeared with a step stool before Lila even had a chance to ask.

These weren’t ...