He gave her a smile with a slight nod before looking over at Emma, who was falling asleep in the corner of the couch. “I need to get my little munchkin home, so I’ll catch everyone later.”
Noah and Jessa followed closely behind, so only Ethan, Jackson, and Mia remained. Mia stared at Lily with the largest smile on her face, nearly vibrating in her seat. Lily’s eyes caught hers frequently and Mia looked like she wanted to say something, but Jackson’s hand on her shoulder had kept her in place.
It was the weirdest thing ever.
“Let’s go, honey,” Jackson said, moving his hand to Mia’s and tugging.
“But—”
“I’m sure Lily is tired and would like to eat her food in peace.”
Mia frowned, but allowed Jackson to pull her along behind him. She turned back and shouted, “I would like to chat with you sometime, Lillian… I mean, Lily. It would be an honor.”
The front doors closed behind them, and Lily blinked after. She frowned before understanding dawned on her. She had told Ethan she was a romance author. Maybe he had put it all together.
She turned back to Ethan, who took a seat on the couch beside her where Emma had been falling asleep.
“Care to explain what that was about?”
Ethan only shrugged. “I don’t have a clue what you mean.”
“I don’t believe you.”
He only smiled and tipped his head toward her food. “You should eat before it gets cold.”
She picked up a fry, put it into her mouth, and just about groaned. All previous thoughts were gone regarding Mia. These fries were something else. They tasted as amazing as they smelled. “My God. This is orgasmic.”
Ethan coughed. “Miles is an outstanding chef.”
“I’m sure he is, but I’m not sure if it tastes amazing because I’m starving or if it’s because he’s talented.”
He smiled. “Come to dinner with me tomorrow night and you can decide for yourself.”
She paused. Was he asking her out on a date? Her eyes searched his face, but he only patiently waited for a response.
“Sounds fun.”
His smile brightened. “Perfect.”
She finished eating her meal, not even caring that Ethan was seated beside her, watching her scarf it down. Lily had hanger problems and the angry beast was ready to rear its ugly head when she had been found. But being mean to the people who saved her wouldn’t have been a good move. Fortunately, she had kept it at bay while she was worried about getting back inside and getting warm.
As if on cue, she shivered, despite still wearing Ethan’s coat and having a blanket around her. The fire in front of them was warming her, but it was a bone-deep chill.
“You okay?”
Lily nodded. “I’m just cold. Can’t seem to shake it.”
Ethan looked around. “Do you want to get in the hot tub? Might help warm you up.”
“Isn’t it closed?”
He smiled, and it was so infectious, she couldn’t help smiling in return. The man just saved her life and hugged her better than her ex ever did.
“Owner, remember? I think I can make an exception.” He winked.
She looked around. “Can you give me like fifteen minutes? I want to call Stacy back and assure her I’m fine.”
“Of course. I need to run home and grab swim trunks, anyway. I’ll meet you at the hot tubs.”
