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Did he realize what he said?
Ethan certainly did. He burst into raucous laughter. Hands over his mouth, he flew backwards onto his couch, his teacup flying into the air. The servants were going to have quite the evening.
And David had thrown his head back as well, his legs kicked out.
Men were so male. And rather annoying because if his was of an impressive size, why couldn’t she see it? Or feel it? Last time, it was only through his clothing so she never had a full sense. She threaded her hands together to beat back the memories. But blast it, she licked her lips.
Her heart stopped as David’s eyes met hers. He slid farther down in his chair, legs so wide his knee skimmed hers through her skirt. And winked.
Ugh, why was that sort of teasing so attractive to her?
If only she had ladylike swooning impulses or theatrical skills, because if ever there was a time to use them... This is why her mother should’ve sent her to etiquette classes instead of Hebrew School, even if the latter was more interesting and the only academic endeavor in which she ever excelled.
Time to get things back on track. She coughed into her hand. “All right. Since you two have locked horns or marked territory or whatever you just did and both survived, are we finished here? We do have a train to catch. I’d like to get back to Centerville before Thad and Belle’s baby is out of bunting.”
Next to her, David inhaled and tapped his fingers on his knee once, twice, three times. “I agree. It’s been...nice, but we should really reconvene with the others.”
He and Ethan rose at the same time. David extended a hand to her. She accepted and the tingles were back, despite the fact they had no place in the room and were most certainly distracting her from...everything.
“Thank you so much for seeing us, Ethan.” She inclined her head so she could indicate that she had more to say to him, more to ask.
Ethan’s face softened as he held her gaze, his expression almost as kind as it was when they first discussed marriage—a chance call regarding his parents’ loan when they’d both been lost and in search of something. “Anytime. I’m glad you’re doing well.” His eyes were wide and sincere as well.
“You too. Best of wishes to you and your wife.” And the lump was back. Because he did deserve happiness. Even if she hadn’t found the same. She released David’s hand and hurried towards the exit, signaling again for Ethan to follow.
Her ex-husband was
quick and met her beneath the stairwell. “What do you want to ask me? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Ethan’s voice was low as his butler placed her hat in her hand. “You know I’d do anything for you, especially after you helped my sister through...all that.”
The poor, poor girl. She’d needed more than money to get out of her marriage unscathed. Ethan and his parents had been beside themselves. But Amalia had the knowledge and know-how to work the system and get her former sister-in-law someplace where she could be safe and start a new life.
Amalia swallowed.
So very lucky.
All of them.
She dropped her voice as well and leaned over so she could speak directly into her former husband’s ear as she adjusted her hat. After all, David didn’t need to know Ethan’s personal business. “It’s not me. It’s my fund. The one I started for women without means.” She stuck the pin through the side and weaved it into her hair. “It’s in a little trouble. There’s so much demand. I’m going to ask my parents, but it needs an influx.”
“How much?” Ethan clasped his hands together. “What do you need?”
“Just a little. I know you have a baby on the way, so there will be extra expenses and your allowance isn’t much bigger than mine.” She toyed with a cuff. It was so awkward sometimes. Even if Ethan was a dear.
“I’ll give all I can. You know I believe in this, Amalia.” His voice was earnest.
“I do.” She nodded. “Just send it to Indianapolis. To my lawyer.”
“Gladly.” He gave her a playful elbow. “I’m proud of you.”
“Same.” She elbowed back. Because she was.
“Are you ready?” David muscled between them and offered his arm, breaking the moment.
“Yes.” She threaded herself next to him. “Thank you again, Ethan. For everything.” The two exited into the sunshine and bustling street. She tilted towards David and forced herself right up against his side. Yes, he was indeed armed. In his jacket pocket was real, not metaphoric, firepower.
And it was indeed of impressive size.
Chapter Seven
