Is he serious?
There’s a storm raging outside, and he’s worried about freaking beer.Was that why he was shouting for me?Not because he was concerned for my safety, but because he was worried about his freaking buzz.
Ethan’s words from earlier drift through my mind like the wind through my drafty windows.“It’s okay to say no.”
The frustration boiling beneath my skin makes the idea of telling my dad “no” feel a lot less intimidating.Having a ton of pent-up sexual tension doesn’t hurt either.
Straightening my shoulders, I look him dead in the eye, and say, “No, Rick.I don’t.”
My dad’s eyes widen; his jaw goes slack.
I snatch the bottle right out of his hand, carry it to my room, and slam the door.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
ETHAN
“We’re justglad you’re okay,” Mom says as I down my second cup of strong coffee.Even though it’s instant, I need this shit on an IV today.Between the howling winds, the worries about my truck, and everything that happened with Chloe last night, I might’ve managed three minutes of sleep.
“I haven’t checked outside yet for damage, but hopefully, the house is all right,” I tell Mom.“It wasn’t a hurricane, but it sure sounded like one.”
“We’re not too worried about the house.Just do what you can, sweetheart, and look after yourself.Don’t work yourself into the ground.”
She sounds like Leo did when I spoke to him the other day.It’s like no one gets it—I’m only trying to keep everyone safe.Which is why Iamworried about this house and making sure it’s in shape.
After we end the call, I set down my mug and wander into the living room.Everywhere I look, something needs to be done, starting with unscrewing all the boards off the windows.
Right now, though, I feel about as motivated to pick up a drill as I am to slip on a tutu and pirouette down the boardwalk.
Something has stolen my mojo.
Something or someone.
I rest my back against the wall and close my eyes.
All I can see are Chloe’s legs falling open in front of me, her eyes turning heavy, her breaths becoming shallow.All I can feel is my rock-hard dick, pushing against her warm softness.
I give my head a flick.When was the last time I was this distracted by a woman?
Chloe hasn’t left my mind since I got up early this morning to meet the tow truck driver.
Nah, that’s not even right—she was already setting up house inside my head days before that.
The doorbell chimes, and I go still for a second.I’m not expecting anyone, and my truck’s already at the auto body shop.
There’s only one person it’s likely to be.
I drag my fingers through my hair on the way to the door.
Chloe stands on the doorstep, looking like a straight-up summer dream in a white sundress.Half her hair is held back by a pair of sunglasses on her head, and a canvas bag dangles from her fingers.
“Good to see you survived the storm,” she says, smiling.
I push my tongue into my cheek.“It was touch and go, but I made it.As did you, I see.”
“Oh, I had excellent protection.I found a lovely shelter.It was a little rough around the edges at first, but when I went in a little deeper, it felt so big and warm.”
Am I fucking blushing?My cheeks feel like the surface of the sun.
