Page 157 of Return To You

I take a deep breath. “Wow. That was almost… too easy.”

“Yeah,” Alex says, “who knew what a hot carpenter and a bossy mom could accomplish?”

“Couldn’t have done it if I tried.”

“I think this calls for a celebration,” Alex declares. “Everyone, Growler tonight.”

“Oh yeah,” Haley says.

To be on the safe side, I check the realtor’s website before calling Ethan. And just like Emma said, the listing is gone.

I call Ethan before even thinking of letting Mom know.

That evening, I wear a cute little sparkly dress, strap on my high-heel sandals, and make my eyes extra smoky. Tonight I’m letting go. My life is perfect, or as perfect as it can be, at least for now.

Tomorrow will come soon enough.

Ethan holds me tight the whole evening, and while he’s as happy as I am about the spa situation, I can tell he’s not entirely here with me. Something’s on his mind, and I think I know what it is.

His time in Emerald Creek is coming to an end, and we’ll soon be saying goodbye.

I don’t want to think about that, so I grind myself against him. Anything to make him forget.

“Babe, what are you doing?” he growls, half laughing into my neck when I pull his hand over my boob while my ass works his front. All of our friends could see us, if they cared to watch. Turns out, they have better things to do.

“Just enjoy tonight,” I yell over my shoulder, trying to cover the music.

He cups his body over mine, taking over our dirty dance. God he’s soooo good. I just want to dry hump him right now.

“We’re gonna go easy on the drinks, yeah?” he says when we take a break, before I can order another shot.

I pretend to pout and let him order a mocktail. “I want a little umbrella!” I cry out to the bartender.

“Is she drunk?” Colton frowns.

“Working on that,” Ethan confirms.

Colton’s body shakes with soft laughter. “Dude, never saw my sister wasted. She’s funny.”

“See? Even my brother says I’m funny. Lemme have a real drink,” I whine.

“Listen to your man, sister.”

“Listen to your man, sister,” I mock. “God you’re such a party pooper. And Fuck The Patriarchy!” I yell, lifting my mocktail in unsteady hands, my wobbly knees dangerously tilting on my heels.

“You okay?” Kiara says, frowning at me.

“Did you hear him?” I ask her, pointing my glass at Colton. “Listen to your man, sister.”

“Dude, not cool,” she says to Colton, but with a smile, and what’s up with that?

“Whose side are you on?”

“Babe,” Ethan’s deep voice in my ear instantly calms me down. “Everyone’s on your side. You just don’t… handle your liquor too well, is all. You’re a lightweight, and I love you like that. Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I whisper back. He loves me like that.

“Wanna go outside, get some fresh air?”

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