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He pretends to think about it. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. I bet she could take care of mereally, reallygood.”
“You’re obnoxious.”
“And you sound suspiciously jealous. You know, if you want me, just tell me. My bedroom is right over there. Hell, the couch is right here. I’m not picky.”
“In your dreams.”
He sighs dramatically. “Oh, you’re definitely in my dreams. Just say the word, and we can make it a reality.”
My heart does a little flip. What I wouldn’t give to say yes. It’s amazing how this man can turn me on with a few simple words. If I’m not careful, he’ll have me begging him to take me to his bedroom.
“It’s getting late. We should probably be getting to bed.”
“I’m game. Yours or mine?”
I pinch his side again, and he laughs and hugs me closer.
“Goodnight, Ethan.”
“Goodnight, Liz.”
We stand up to leave, but Ethan stops me.
“Oh, Liz? I forgot to tell you. Lana is co-hosting a fundraiser gala next Friday. They are raising funds for the shelter where she works. I told her you probably wouldn’t feel up to going. I just thought I should mention it to you at least, in case you want to go.”
“A gala? As in nice dresses, fancy food, live music, dancing?” I can’t help feeling some excitement at the thought of getting dressed up after spending weeks in frumpy athleisure wear and smelling of soured milk.
Ethan chuckles at my obvious enthusiasm. “I guess that’s a yes?”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Then, a thought hits me, and I instantly sober. “What about security? Is it safe? I imagine there will be a lot of people there.”
He puts his arm around my shoulders and kisses my cheek. “I wouldn’t have even mentioned it if I weren’t sure it would be safe. The only attendees are people with highly sought-after invitations and deep pocketbooks. The guestlist is being heavily vetted, and there will be plenty of security.”
I want to squeal in excitement. Although I’ve gone to these types of events when I worked as Jake’s executive assistant, it was always in a work capacity and not really the same. “Then, it’s a yes. I’d love to go. Will you go with me?”
“Of course. How else will you be able to see all of my epic dance moves?”
I can’t hide my grin. “I don’t think this is the type of event where they’ll be playing the Macarena.”
“Lady, you have no idea what kind of moves I have.”
“Moves like Jagger?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” he says cryptically. “Just make sure you save a dance or five for me.”
Gah, he’s so cute, showing off his little dimple. “Goodnight again, Ethan.”
“Night, Liz.”
Ethan retreats to his bedroom, and I go to mine. If, for a second, I’m tempted to follow him, I squash the idea quickly. I should be spending less time with Ethan, not more. The more time we spend together, the harder it is to be apart.
I’m supposed to go back to work in four weeks. The more I think about it, the more I begin to wonder if I need to get out of the city. Get some separation from Ethan. Find a new job. The stalker situation has made me realize how vulnerable I am here, a woman living alone with a baby.
The thought of leaving hurts my heart. When Ethan left me all those months ago, I was kinda devastated. I’m not sure I ever fully recovered from him leaving. I don’t want to do that to him. I don’t want to take Matthew from him, either. I just don’t know how I can stay here, knowing that Ethan is so close while, at the same time, knowing he doesn’t want to have a long-term relationship with me.
I haven’t seen Trent in a few weeks. I’m not comfortable with inviting him into Ethan’s condo. Now that we’ve had another note delivered, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with meeting him outside the apartment, either. I’m sure Ethan would insist on bodyguards accompanying me anyway. How awkward.
Trent still sends me sweet texts and tells me he misses me almost daily. He wants to see me and is almost insistent in his requests lately. Strangely enough, I don’t really miss him. He was a good listener when I needed one, but was he ever more than that?
