He shifts his weight from one bare foot to the other, his green eyes brushing over my face.“Do you want to come in?”
“Oh, no.That’s fine.I’m sure you have plenty of things to do.”
He takes my hand, laces his fingers through mine, and tugs me into the kitchen.
I’m thankful for the distraction his hungry mouth provides.For the chance to take my mind off what the morning could bring.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
CHLOE
Golden sunlight winksthrough the slatted blinds on Ethan’s bedroom window, announcing a new day.I slip out of bed and tiptoe through the kitchen, giving Kat a scratch behind her ear on my way out.
Back in my house, I throw on my bathing suit, careful to keep my gaze from slipping to that nefarious dark spot on my arm as I tug on my wetsuit.
Most people would probably skip the surfing session on a day like today, but it’s important to keep busy.Do the things you love for as long as you’re able.You never know when all of it will change.
When I get back, I shower off the salt and sand and head inside to slip into my cutest sundress.Look good, feel good.It’s all about mindset with these things.
At least that’s what I tell myself.
Really, it’s about controlling what I can and ignoring what I can’t.
Rick appears from the spare room, scratching his scruffy face.“Morning, kiddo.”
“Hey, Rick.”I really don’t have the energy to deal with him right now.
“Bill down at the hardware store has been asking about payment for the lumber and supplies for the pergola.Normally I’d use my line of credit, but…” He winces.
ButRick’s credit is shot.
“How much is it?”I ask.
“Five grand.”
Whew, that’s steep.“Give me a sec.”I head into my room and drag out the box in the back of my closet to retrieve my emergency stash.I count out five thousand dollars, return the box, then give Rick the cash on my way out the door.
I remind him to get a receipt, and he ambles to the kitchen, probably in search of the coffee I brewed earlier.
No matter what the doctor says today, at least I have the new outdoor area at Mugs to look forward to.
I step onto my porch, pull the door closed behind me, and nearly run smack-dab into Ethan’s chest.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I chirp, hoping the tension coiling in my stomach doesn’t register on my face.
His expression gives nothing away as he watches me through eyes that see too much.“I wanted to make sure everything was okay,” he says.“You left early, so I assumed you had to work, but your bike and car were both in the driveway when I looked out.”
“Fear not, Mr.Punctuality.Willow is opening at Mugs this morning so I can go to my—the grocery store.”Nearly slipped up there.Stupid nerves.
He takes a step back, allowing me to pass.“I might come along, if that’s all right?”he asks, trailing behind me.“I could use a few things for the house, especially if I plan on entertaining a certain guest.One who’s apparently fueled by Lucky Charms and books about aliens.”
That’s sweet of him, but also… shit.He’s going to ruin my perfectly valid excuse for where I have to be this morning with his sweetness.Why couldn’t he go back to being grumpy and unsociable just for one more morning?
“What do you need?I can pick it up for you.I’m sure you’re busy, anyway.”
His hand grazes my elbow.“Are you trying to avoid me?”
“No!”Okay, Chloe, tone down the shrillness.“No,” I repeat, calmer this time.“Not at all.If you want to come to the grocery store with me, that would be just fine.”
