“That’s it?” Ethan said, his words making me pause.
Feeling my ears heat, I turned back to the man sitting in the driver’s seat. The gray in his suit jacket made his eyes look a little stormy, and the hard lines of his jaw were only softened by the sunshine hue of his hair.
I liked it when he smiled at me, when he stroked my hair, and the way he fed me a bite of my pancake with his fork.
I liked a lot about Ethan, and honestly, it scared me.
“Oh, uh, thanks for the shoes too. And for bailing me out of jail.” Grimacing, I realized something. “I actually owe you a lot.”
“I’d like to collect payment in full now.”
“What?”
“I’m a businessman, not a bank. I don’t do loans.”
Reeling, my palms started to sweat, and I rubbed them on the knees of the sweats I was wearing. His sweats.
Crap! I owe him for these too!
“I’ll wash these clothes and give them right back.” I promised, hoping to take a little off the bill.
“Hmm.” He nodded, seeming to agree.
“So, ah, how much do I owe you?”
My God, that burger probably cost a fortune. I shouldn’t have eaten those dipping sauces—
“Here,” Ethan said, tapping his cheek with his index finger.
“Huh?”
“The payment is a kiss.” He tapped his cheek again. “Right here.”
I gasped. “You want me to kiss you!” I screamed.
Ethan winced. He thought I was just going to kiss him in the middle of the street?
I mean, look, I know I said I wanted him to kiss me, but I didn’t want to kiss him! How embarrassing.
“If you could refrain from screaming, I would appreciate it,” he said, pressing against his ear.
“I’m not kissing you,” I declared.
“Why not?”
“Why?” I screeched again. “You can’t just kiss people in the street.”
“We’re in my car.”
“Same thing!”
“The windows are tinted.”
“I can’t,” I sputtered. “Just give me a total. I’ll pay you back after I get paid from my job.” Saying that made me realize. “Hey, I didn’t sign the contract!”
He smiled. “Guess that means I’ll have to see you later.”
Completely flustered, I went to get out of the car. He didn’t try and stop me. He didn’t get mad or yell. All he said was one word, and it halted my escape.
“Puppy.”
God, I hate it when he calls me that.
I turned to tell him just that, but the words died on my tongue. His eyes were soft and twinkling, humor clear in their depths. His lips were slightly puckered, a hint of a smile on his cheeks. He was big inside the small Mercedes, commanding behind the wheel.
Suddenly, I didn’t want to run away. Suddenly, I really wanted to stay.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I darted forward, leaning over the center console and pecking his cheek with my lips.
The scent of pine swirled up, mixing with the hint of cinnamon still on my tongue.
He stilled. I heard his sharp intake of breath. My stomach fluttered, and my heart pounded as massive amounts of blood rushed to my head.
When I leaped out of the car onto the street, a taxi honked wildly, swerving out of my path. I barely even noticed because I’d just kissed Ethan.
Slamming the door, I ran around the front, bounding onto the sidewalk, staring down at my new shoes. I really would think of him every time I did that.
Not allowing myself to look back even though the urge to do so was strong, I pushed on, only glancing sideways when a shadow fell at my side.
Startled, I jolted back, gasping at the blond man smiling down.
“Ethan! What are you doing?”
“Walking you to the door.”
“I can get to Ivory’s penthouse on my own. I’ve been there lots of times before.”
“But I’ve never dropped you off before.”
“What about the car?” I tossed a thumb behind me. “It’s in a no-parking zone.”
“Watch her for me, will you?” Ethan asked the doorman as we walked right inside. “I will only be a moment. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
“It’s not a problem at all, Mr. Abbott,” the man replied.
“This is ridiculous.” I scowled, pressing the button on Ivory’s elevator a little too aggressively. “I’m a grown man.”
“I know that. But we didn’t finish our conversation.”
Startled, I glanced up. “What?”
“You ran off before I could say what I wanted to say.”
“You mean a kiss wasn’t enough?” I exclaimed.
Someone nearby giggled, and I nearly hid in the plant beside me. Thankfully, I didn’t have to because the doors dinged open, and I threw myself inside.
Ethan strolled in behind me like he didn’t have a care in the world, and I found myself practically snarling at him. Didn’t he ever get ruffled by anything?
In the closet when he asked if you were rejecting him.
I shied away from that thought for so many reasons.
“I want to see you again,” Ethan said, very direct.
The lurch of the elevator as it went up made me grip the handrail against the wall, but I still continued to grip it even as the ride smoothed out. “Because of the contract, you mean?”
“That’s one reason,” he allowed.
“I can come by today before I go home to the Grimms,” I offered.
“I have meetings until after six.”
I frowned. An idea popped into my head, so I went with it. “What about lunch!”
“Lunch?”
“Well, you take a break to eat, don’t you? I could stop by, sign it, and then go. I won’t take long, so you’ll be able to eat.”
Varying expressions played over Ethan’s face, making me wonder what he was thinking.
“One moment, please,” was all he said, pulling out his cell from the inside of his suit jacket. After hitting the screen, he pressed it to his ear, eyes settling on me. “Are you cold?” he asked, suddenly concerned.
How could I be cold? He’d stuffed another one of his designer fleece jackets around me before we left, despite my one hundred protests.
I shook my head, and then his gaze shifted away when whoever he was calling picked up.
“Good morning, Bree,” he said, his voice kind and rumbly.
Without thinking, I edged a little closer to him.
Ethan gave a low laugh and then said, “What do I have on my schedule for lunch?”
The elevator stopped, doors opening smoothly. Automatically, Ethan stretched his arm out, making sure the doors stayed open, motioning for me to go first.
As I did, I heard him make a sound behind me. “That’s today?”
A pause.
“Yes, of course. Oh. Right.”
Another pause.
“No, no. It’s perfectly fine. And tomorrow? How late does my day run?”
There was only one guard at Ivory’s door this morning, and I gave him a wave. He inclined his head as I knocked on her door.
“Thank you, Bree.” Ethan was finishing his call behind me. “I’ll be in shortly.”
The door swung open before I could ask about his call, Neo standing on the other side.
“Hey, Neo!”
“Fletch,” he replied, eyes sweeping over me like he was inspecting for something.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, glancing down. “Oh! Is it the clothes? I borrowed them from Ethan.”
“You okay?” he asked, not mentioning the clothes.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Behind me, Ethan made a rude sound.
“Fletcher!” Ivory called, coming toward the door.
“Hi!” I replied, leaving them to stand there oddly and going into the penthouse.
Ivory was already dressed for work in a pair of loose light-brown p
ants that had a big bow at the waist. Her white blouse was tucked in, and she had on some big colorful necklace.
“Did you eat?” she asked right away. “Want some breakfast?”
“I had pancakes.”
“I told you I’d bring him. Here he is. Looks fine, doesn’t he?” Ethan said to Neo, both men still standing in the entryway.
“What’s up with them?” I asked Ivory.
She rolled her eyes. “Just typical men posturing.”
I didn’t know what that meant.
Suddenly, I gasped.
Ethan’s and Neo’s attention snapped up.
“What’s wrong?” Neo asked.
“My violin! I left it at your apartment!” I said, panicked eyes going to Ethan first.
“It’s all right. I’ll have Jane bring it over.” He promised smoothly.
“But she’s busy.”
“Nonsense, this is her job.” He said it so casually, so surely.
“She’ll be careful with it, right?” I asked, chewing my lower lip.
“Aren’t you the one who called her an angel this morning?” Ethan teased.
I felt my cheeks heat as my glance slid to Neo who was standing there watching the exchange.
I nodded. “Okay.”
“I’ll call her in the car.”
“Okay,” I said again.
“I have to go. Come here.”
Neo made a choked sound, then stared incredulously when I listened.
Suddenly self-conscious, I glanced at Neo on my way past him. “He asked nicely,” I explained.
Neo choked again.
“I can’t do lunch today,” Ethan said when I stopped in front of him. “Meetings. But I’ll be done tomorrow by five. Can you meet me then?”
“What the hell for?” Neo demanded, totally eavesdropping.
Ethan made a face.
“I have to sign the contract,” I explained.
“I thought that’s why I left him there last night.” Neo accused.
“Neo, for heaven’s sake!” Ivory interrupted.
“I can meet you then,” I said, ignoring Neo.
“Do you want me to send a car for you?” Ethan asked gently.
My stomach fluttered a little at the softness in his eyes and tone.
I shook my head. “I can manage on my own.”
“All right.” He relented. “I’ll have your violin over within the hour.”
I nodded.
“Do you need money? I haven’t paid you yet. I—” Ethan reached into his jacket.
“No!” both I and Neo said at the same time.
Ethan glanced up, and Neo kept going. “I’ll take care of him. Just go.”
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” I announced.
What’s it gonna take for everyone to stop acting like I’m a kid?
“If you need anything, call me,” Ethan said, gentle voice and eyes just for me.
I forgot I was annoyed and smiled. “I won’t need anything.”
“Well, if you do, I’ll be here.” He promised. “See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
“Nice seeing you, Ivory,” Ethan called, going to the door. “Neo,” he said, but some kind of silent exchange passed between them.
Blue eyes came back to me before he turned and exited the penthouse.
When he was gone, I glanced down at the shoes and smiled.
15
Ethan
* * *
I never really minded being busy. In fact, I preferred it to being idle. After all, as the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s playground.
I didn’t want to waste my time or thoughts on what might be, what could be, or even what was. I preferred to focus on the here and now. Set goals and smash them.
I still felt that way, but the last two days, frustration built beneath my skin, making me slightly irritable with the busy schedule I usually didn’t mind.
For the first time in forever, I wanted time for myself.
I wanted time to see Fletcher.
I constantly wondered what he was doing. I wondered if he’d eaten, if he was warm. If that nasty rent-a-cop—What was his name again? Fruit. No… Fig!—was looking for more ways to drag him into that dreadful station.
I wondered if he was playing his violin. I almost craved the smooth sound of his music. Everything inside me felt unsettled, and this was new to me.
I didn’t like it.
Not at all.
It seemed like I’d left him with Neo and Ivory a lifetime ago, not just yesterday morning.
Does he miss me?
Was this what love was? A constant gnawing at your insides, a worry that was never quite quelled? If it was like this, then why did people do it?
It’s not like you had a choice. True. It seemed as if I had no choice when it came to Fletcher. My heart chose him, and that was that.
I thought of his golden doe eyes, floppy hair, and the way he snored lightly in his sleep.
The phone near my elbow buzzed, startling me. Snatching it up, I sat forward. “Yes, Bree?”
“I have Preston Willshire on line one.”
A tight knot formed in my stomach. “Put him through.”
There was barely a delay, and then we were connected. “Preston!” I said with a lot more bravado than I felt.
Odd. I’ve never had to fake it with him before.
Continuing, I said, “How are you, man? How’s everything over in the UK?”
“Ethan,” he practically crooned with the Brit accent I always did favor. “It’s been too long. How are you?”
“Good, good. Busy as always, which I know you understand. How’s business?”
“All’s well here on the home front. I was pleased to see the partnership between Abbott Group and The Wills is almost locked down. It seems everything is all in order here.” He went on, and I could hear the distinct sound of papers being shuffled.
“Yes, yes. I’m thrilled we could come to an agreement. This will be a very successful venture for everyone involved.”
“Well, I won’t lie. Took some convincing on my part with the old man, but I finally made him see that an international deal would help grow the company.” Preston informed, the rustling papers quieting.
“I do appreciate that, Pres,” I said, the nickname slipping out from habit. Suddenly, a lump formed in my throat, but I forced it down and continued the call. “I’ll make sure that your word to your father is fulfilled.”
His voice lowered, taking on a familiar, more personal note. “You know I’d do anything for you, Ethan.”
Those words. That tone. Never before had it made me feel the way I felt now.
Sick.
And no, I didn’t mean awesome.
I meant ill.
Clearing my throat, I straightened in my seat because suddenly, I found it hard to sit still.
Maybe he took my silence as encouragement and not the fact that I was trying not to, ah, vomit, because he continued speaking.
“I’m really looking forward to next week. I’ve already made a reservation at the bistro you like.”
Next week?
Shoving some files and contracts to the side, I found my calendar, which frankly, I didn’t pay much attention to because I had Bree and she told me everything. Flipping the page, I stared at next week.
ENGLAND DEAL FINALIZATION.
Great gods, I’m to fly to England next week!
I was supposed to leave the morning after the hotel opening where Fletcher was playing.
No. No. I couldn’t go. I refused.
“Ethan?” Preston called into my ear.
“I’m here,” I said immediately. “Sorry, I, ah, was checking my calendar. Next week really snuck up on me.”
“You can’t have forgotten.” Preston pouted. “It’s been two months since I’ve seen you.”
Oddly, it seemed I’d just seen him yesterday, but with Fletch, who I had seen yesterday, it felt like months.
“Of course I didn’t forget. How could I? This is a major deal.” I assured him smoothly.
“Is this trip really all about work to you?” He needled.
Suppressing a sigh, a familiar tightness suddenly clenched the base of my skull, and I bit back a groan. Not now, please.
“Are my trips to England ever always about business?” I said, turning my voice velvety.
He laughed lightly into my ear. It was wrong. The sound was all wrong.
Pain radiated up the back of my neck, lancing through my head to pound behind my eyes.
“Listen, I’m sorry I have to cut this short. Bree is sending me the evil eye from the door, and if I don’t see what she wants, she’ll make my coffee wrong for the rest of the week.”
“All right,” he purred. “I’ll say good-bye. I’ll see you soon… lover.”
I nearly slammed the phone back onto the receiver, recoiling like the damned thing had the plague.
Groaning, I dropped my head into my hands. What am I going to do?
This is why you do not mix business with pleasure.
There was a swift knock on the door that was distinctly Bree, and then she appeared, bustling into the office.
“Can you hit the overheads?” I asked, not looking up.
She did what I asked immediately, turning off the bright lights on the ceiling to switch on an authentic Tiffany lamp near the couch.
“Would you like some medication?” she asked, understanding in her tone.
“Please.”
Glancing at the clock, I saw it was getting closer to five.
“Oh!” Bree gasped, startled. On her way out of my office, she nearly collided with my father, who was on his way in. “I apologize, Mr. Abbott, sir.”
“It’s fine,” he said gruffly, stepping aside to let her out first.
She scurried out, and I laughed internally because she always seemed so intimidated by my father. Though, to be fair, most people were.
“Father,” I greeted as he came in, his three-piece suit impeccable as always.
“I came to remind you that your guest will be here soon.”
I groaned. Why was everything happening next week?
A lightbulb went on over my head.
“About that.” I began. “I was just reminded that I have a flight to the UK next week to finalize the deal there.”
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