“It’s just a kiss,” Ethan said like he could read her mind.
“We’ve already kissed. It was nice. I don’t need to do it again.” Because if she did, there was a good chance she’d want more. Why did Ethan make her so weak?
“There was nothingniceabout our kiss. It was damn hot. And I know you want a repeat performance.”
Oh, the arrogance of the man! But his gaze froze her on the spot. He ambled closer bringing their chests inches apart.
He nudged her, so her butt hit the edge of the counter. His hands, landing on either side, trapped her. She couldn’t move even if she wanted to. So transfixed by the desire blasting from his eyes, she held still.
“Good morning!” Chloe sang as she entered the room. “Glad to see there’snothinggoing on between you two.” She aimed the comment at Holly with a teasing grin.
“There wasn’t… isn’t…” Holly stuttered. Ethan stepped back and she slid along the counter to get away from the pull he has over her.
Chloe laughed. “You brought me coffee and breakfast. I love you.” She took off the takeaway lid and sniffed the warm brew.
“I had food but Holly ate it all.”
“That sucks, I’m starving.” Chloe frowned.
Holly’s face flamed hot. “I left the fruit salad,” she said lamely. Oh God, she’d eaten their food.
Ethan and Chloe both laughed.
“We’re teasing you. I can’t eat before ten in the morning. Makes me queasy,” Chloe said.
Putting her hands on her hips, Holly glared at them both. “Wow, are you sure you’re in the right business? You should be comedians. I’m going to get ready for work. Since you’re here, you can take me.”
Ethan gave her a military salute. “Yes, Ma’am.”
Holly shook her head as she wheeled her bag to the bathroom. Once inside the cool room, she pressed her back against the door and took a deep, heart steadying breath.
What the hell was she going to do about Ethan Doyle? It was obvious now. 100% glaringly obvious … she was falling for him.
* * *
“What’s the deal?” Chloe pulled up a stool, sat and gazed at Ethan like he was one of her girlfriends about to spill gossip.
Instead of answering, he took a swig of lukewarm coffee, and said, “Tell Holly I’m waiting for her in the car.”
“Oh no, you don’t.” Chloe got off the stool and blocked his way out of the kitchen. It wouldn’t take much for him to pick her up and move her to the side. He crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s going on between you and Holly? I mean, I know you’re touchy feely, but I’m sensing there’s more.”
“Your senses are off.” He made to move around her, she put a hand on his chest. He wasn’t going to start discussing his feelings for Holly with his sister. If he told Chloe he liked her, she’d twist it into something bigger than it was.
“It would be great to see you settle down and be happy with someone. You work so hard and she relaxes you. Love, in your life, would do you good.”
And there she was, making a big deal. Out of everyone in their family, Chloe should know how determined he was to build his career. Although she wouldn’t take him on as a client, he’d asked her for advice on what films to do or pass on. She knew how demanding his work was. Had seen multiple clients go through break ups and divorce because their relationships couldn’t handle the strain. Why would she push him to find love, when he didn’t have time for it?
“How the hell can you tell she relaxes me? You saw us together for two seconds.”
“That’s all I needed. I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you looked at Holly.” She gave a playful grin. “I was spying for a few minutes before I made myself known.”
Ethan rolled his eyes.
“You’ve got some deeper feelings going on, and I’d say the feeling’s mutual. I have a concern though.” Chloe’s smile dropped, replaced by a serious expression. “Who is she? She’s arrived out of nowhere. I trust Mum’s judgement—she knows a crazy person when she sees one. And from the little time I’ve spent with Holly, I don’t think she’ll boil your bunny, but she’s obviously low on money because she can’t afford a decent place to stay. And she had no job. Is she hiding something? Running from someone? I’d hate for her to take advantage of you.”
“Don’t worry.” Holly stood expressionless at the doorway and Ethan’s gut sank. How much had she overhead?
“Oh, shit.” Chloe spun around. “Me and my big mouth. I’m sorry.”
