Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun was dipping low, casting long, golden shadows across the park. The scent of blooming flowers and freshly mown grass filled the air, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above. Ethan took a deep breath, appreciating the peaceful scene as he walked along the winding path. The rhythm of his footsteps was interrupted only by the occasional squawk of a bird or the distant laughter of children playing.
His eyes scanned the park, taking in the various activities—a couple sharing a picnic on a blanket, a group of college kids juggling a frisbee, a lone jogger pacing steadily around the perimeter.
But his gaze settled on a woman sitting alone on a bench near the pond. She had her back to him, but there was something about her that caught his attention.
As he drew closer, he realized why she was familiar. She had the same straight dark hair, the same fair skin, and the same graceful neck that he'd seen countless times on screen. It was Emma Watson—or at least, it looked a lot like her. He hesitated, not wanting to disturb her if she was trying to enjoy some quiet time. But then she turned her head slightly, and he saw the profile that was unmistakably hers.
He took a deep breath and approached her, trying to act casual.
"Hey, Emma," he said, taking a spot on the bench a respectable distance away.
She looked up, surprised. "Excuse me?"
He grinned. "You're Emma Watson, right? I mean, you look just like her."
She smiled, shaking her head slightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you, but I'm not who you think I am."
"Oh, come on," he teased. "You're British, you've got the same hair, the same..." he waved a hand, "everything. I've seen enough interviews to know."
She laughed, a sound that was warm and genuine.
"Alright, you got me. I'm Emma. But how did you know it was me?"
Ethan shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I've seen all the Harry Potter movies, like, a thousand times. Plus, your voice is pretty distinctive."
"A fan, huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "I must confess, I'm a bit surprised to find someone like you in a place like this."
He smirked. "Someone like me? You mean an average guy with a weakness for British accents?"
She laughed again. "Touché. But do you often find yourself hitting on celebrities in the park?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Ethan chuckled, his heart pounding in his chest. "Only when they look like you, Emma. I'm Ethan, by the way."
She extended her hand, and he took it, feeling a jolt at her touch. "Nice to meet you, Ethan."
They sat in silence for a moment, the warmth of the day seeming to wrap around them. Ethan could feel the weight of her gaze, and he turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and the air between them seemed to crackle with electricity.
Emma's lips curved into a slow smile. "You know, I've been told I have quite the effect on people."
Ethan felt a flush of heat rise to his cheeks. "Yeah, I can see why."
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a low whisper. "Especially when they're as charming as you are."
He could feel her breath on his face, and his heart beat faster. "Is that so?"
Emma nodded, her gaze dipping to his lips. "It is."
She closed the distance between them, pressing her lips against his. The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration.
But it deepened quickly, becoming urgent and passionate. Emma's fingers tangled in Ethan's hair, holding him in place as her tongue slipped into his mouth. He moaned softly, feeling a surge of heat in his groin.
Breaking away, Emma looked up at him, smiling awkwardly. "I...I've never done anything like this before," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. "Me neither," he admitted.
Emma looked at Ethan's chest, at the buildings behind him, and around the park, her confidence seemingly gone. "I guess I'd better get on, I've got a-a thing," she said, grabbing her backpack tightly.
Not knowing what to do, Ethan nodded. Had he done something wrong?
Emma stood, slid on her backpack and hurried off down the path. Everything seemed to get a little grayer the further away she got, and after a few seconds Ethan turned away, not wanting to stare.
Well, thought Ethan, looking at the bench, you just blew the best chance at Emma you're ever going to have.
He sighed, then grabbed his backpack from the ground where he'd dropped it. Time to get back to walking along, being sad and single...
"Um...Ethan?" Ethan whipped his head up at the sound of Emma's voice. She was standing right in front of him, holding out a Post-It note with something scribbled on it. "Here you go."
Her number? Ethan thought. Well, I guess I did something right!
"Wow!" Ethan said, unable to think of anything else.
Emma smiled and ran off. Ethan watched her go, smiling to himself and thinking over and over again, I got her number! I got her NUMBER!