Page 53 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

“I love you, Ethan Montgomery. Even with your schedules and your plans and . . . I love you because you have a big heart and are amazing and protective, and no matter what I come up with, you are determined to have a good time.” The words tumble out of me, my heart overflowing with emotion.

Ethan’s smile is blinding, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he leans in, capturing my lips in a tender, passionate kiss. I melt into him, my body molding to his as our tongues dance and explore. The world falls away, and all that matters is this moment, our love, and the future that we might hopefully spend together.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Lily

As Ethan and I move around the kitchen, preparing dinner together, the aroma of simmering pasta sauce fills the air. I chop fresh basil, the fragrant leaves releasing their scent with each slice, while Ethan stirs the bubbling sauce, his forearm flexing with each movement. We work in comfortable silence, occasionally stealing glances at each other, our lips curved in contented smiles.

The peaceful moment is shattered by the ringing of Ethan’s phone. He frowns, wiping his hands on a dish towel before answering. “Hello?” His brow furrows as he listens to the person on the other end.

“Let him in,” Ethan groans, his shoulders slumping as he runs a hand through his hair. I can see the frustration and resignation in his eyes, and my heart goes out to him.

“Everything okay?” I ask, setting down the knife and turning to face him, my head tilted in concern.

“No, my brother has some kind of emergency,” he says, his voice strained as he heads toward the elevator to open it.

Almost immediately, Dominique rushes into the penthouse, Cleo right behind him. His face is a mixture of confusion and anger, his eyes darting between Ethan and me.

“Mom says you’re sleeping with Cleo’s little sister. Is that true?” he asks, his tone accusatory, as if he’s ready to fight for my honor.

I freeze, the chopped basil forgotten on the cutting board as I stare at Dominique in shock. My heart races, and I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. I glance at Ethan, my eyes wide and pleading, silently begging him to handle this situation.

Ethan’s jaw clenches, his posture stiffening as he faces his brother. “Dom, I don’t think that’s any of your fucking business,” he says, his voice low and controlled, but I can hear the underlying anger.

“Like hell it isn’t,” Dominique snaps, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “Lily is practically family, and if you’re just using her for some fling, I swear I’ll?—”

“Stop right there,” Ethan interrupts, his voice rising as he steps forward, placing himself between Dominique and me. “I love Lily, and our relationship is not some casual fling. I won’t have you disrespecting her or our love.”

“I told you, you should be more worried about him,” Cleo says, staring at her fingers. “She’s going to break his heart and just push him out of the way, making everything awkward for the family.”

I step next to Ethan, my eyes narrowing as I cross my arms defensively. “You don’t know that,” I say, my tone sharp and unyielding.

“Oh, you’re here,” Cleo says, her eyes widening in surprise as she finally notices my presence.

“I’m here,” I confirm, my chin lifting defiantly.

“I can’t believe you’re . . . you’re . . .” she sputters, her face flushing with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

“Fucking him?” I ask, my eyebrow arching as I meet her gaze head-on. “It’s none of your business, Cleo. But if you must know, we love each other, and whatever happens next is our business.” My heart races, but I refuse to back down, determined to stand my ground.

This is something I never do, confront my older sister but today I’m not letting her humiliate me.

She scoffs, her lips twisting into a sneer. “Please. Love? He’s just interested in grabbing your ass during the wedding, and then he’ll drop you.”

“Okay, now I’m confused. Is he dropping me or am I the one doing the dumping here? Not that it matters and you’re wrong,” I say. “And just so you know, he plans on grabbing more than just my ass during the wedding. Now leave.” I gesture toward the door, my patience wearing thin.

“Don’t ruin my wedding, Lily,” Cleo warns, her eyes flashing with anger. “I have plenty to deal with, thanks to Dom’s mother.”

Dom’s brow furrows in confusion. “Why are you complaining about my mom?” he asks, his tone slightly defensive. “She’s been nothing but patient with your family.”

Ethan steps forward, his hand resting on the small of my back as he addresses his brother and future sister-in-law. “Leave my place,” he says, his voice stern and unyielding. “I honestly don’t know why you two think you’re a good match, but maybe you should try couples counseling.”

As the doors close behind them, I turn to Ethan, my eyebrows raised in surprise. “Couples counseling?”

“Maybe a professional will tell them that they’re not good together,” Ethan suggests, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I nod, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. “They didn’t talk about their crazy families before setting the date,” I point out, shaking my head in disbelief.

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