Page 38 of Boss and Brat

Didn’t ask if Ethan was hurt. Didn’t ask what happened. He just stared out the window again.

Carter’s hands curled into fists before he forced them open. “He called me for help. Not you. Me.”

Silence stretched.

Carter continued, “And if I hadn’t shown up, I don’t know what would’ve happened. Do you?”

Silence stretched. Heavy. Thick.

Mr. Evans didn’t answer that. He just waved a hand, dismissive. “Fine. If you think you can handle him, take him. But don’t come back complaining when he turns your life upside down.”

Carter stood. “I’ll manage.”

“Is that all?”

Carter didn’t hesitate. “He needs a vehicle to do his job.”

“What kind of vehicle?”

“A truck.”

Mr. Evans nodded once. “I’ll have his truck moved to your cabin today.”

Carter stood. “Good.”

He didn’t say thank you. Didn’t need to. He walked out with one thing clear in his mind: Ethan was his responsibility now. And he wasn’t letting anyone—father, thugs, or fate—take that kid out from under his watch.

Carter drove straight from the Evans estate to the stables, gravel popping under the truck tires. His grip stayed tight on the wheel the whole way. He’d gotten what he came for, but the conversation left a weight low in his gut, the kind that didn’t ease with distance. Mr. Evans talked about Ethan like he was a chore, something to keep contained. Carter knew better. The kid needed structure, sure—but he also needed someone who actually gave a damn. And Carter did. More than he should.

He pulled up beside the barn and spotted Ethan brushing down Storm, sleeves pushed up, hair falling into his eyes. The kid looked tired but focused. Good. Working kept him steady.

Carter stepped out of the truck. “Ethan. Come here a minute.”

Ethan froze mid-stroke, then hurried over, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Boss? Everything okay?”

Carter nodded once. “Yeah. Got something to tell you.”

Ethan’s eyes flickered over Carter’s face, searching for clues. “Did… did the meeting go bad?”

Carter shook his head. “No. You’re moving to the cabin.”

Ethan blinked. “Wait—what?”

“You heard me,” Carter said. “After lunch you pack your things. You’re staying with me from now on.”

For a second, Ethan stared, as if the words didn’t land. Then his whole face lit up, bright and relieved in a way that sent a sharp pull through Carter’s stomach, like the ground shifted under him.

“Thank you,” Ethan said, voice cracking a little. “Seriously. Thank you.”

Carter looked away before that feeling got too strong. “Don’t thank me yet. You’re still working extra hours.”

Ethan laughed under his breath. “I don’t care. I’ll work all day and night.”

“Yeah, well, don’t say that too loud,” Carter said. “I’ll hold you to it.”

Ethan grinned, and something hot flickered through Carter before he could brace for it. Damn kid had no idea what he stirred up. Carter forced a slow breath, steadying the sudden rush in his pulse. He needed distance, needed to keep his reactions under control before they slipped somewhere they shouldn’t.

“Wash up. Lunch break,” Carter said.