Page 86 of Ethan

“Maybe. But I still missed you.” She held his gaze. “Don’t do it again.”

He looked at her for a second, then the corner of his mouth curved.

“Push you toward something you don’t want?”

“Go away for almost three days.”

He laughed, quiet and low, and the sound of it moved through her.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

“You look exhausted.”

“I am.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “I was too tired to shave or shower this morning. I’m going to head in now to do both.”

Naomi reached up and touched the stubble. “I think it’s sexy.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You wouldn’t if you had to shave it.” He took her hand. “Come with me.”

“Yes.”

He looked at her. “Good. Because you need a shower too.”

Naomi gasped. “I’ve been working. You’ve been on a road trip.”

“Not denying that.” He started walking, pulling her with him. “Still doesn’t change the facts.”

She laughed and let him lead her inside.

In the bathroom he turned the shower on and let it warm up, then helped her in. The water came down hot and the tension of two days apart and everything before it seemed to run right off both of them.

Naomi picked up the soap, worked it between her palms, and washed his chest slowly. Then she leaned up and kissed him.

His fingers raked into her hair, lifted her face, and looked at her, really looked at her, like he did sometimes that made her feel like the only person in the world.

“I love you, Naomi.” His voice was quiet and certain. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

A tear escaped before she could stop it. He caught it with his thumb.

“No tears because of me,” he said. “I never want to make you cry.”

“I was so angry with you.”

“I know.” His hand cupped her face. “I can’t apologize enough for it. It wasn’t my place. I knew better but I did it anyway.” His eyes stayed on hers. “I never want to hurt you. Not ever.”

Naomi pressed her palm flat against his chest and felt his heart beating steadily beneath it.

“I know you didn’t mean to,” she said. “I know that.” She looked up at him. “I just needed you to understand what it cost me.”

“I do now.” His thumb moved along her cheek. “I should have understood it before I opened my mouth.”

She was quiet for a moment, the water coming down warm around them.

“I love you too,” she said. “I should have said it back the moment you said it.”

Something moved across his face, open and unguarded that she didn’t see often.

“You’re saying it now,” he said.