Page 126 of Return To You

The fact you kept the twine ring I made you a quarter of a century ago just blows my mind. You’re the most loving and faithful person I know.

Day 9 Love Note:

Least Proud Moment

You telling me Emerald Creek was my home, and me not daring to answer that you’re my home.

Oh, Ethan. My chin wobbles while I’m smiling at his admission. What a pair of fools we are, holding back on saying how much we love each other.

That day, I keep my phone with me at the spa, in case Ethan calls. The week is up. Surely he’ll call.

It’s nighttime when he finally does. “Hey, beautiful.” His voice is like a magical balm on a burn. It makes everything go away.

“Ethan,” I breathe. “I missed you. So much.”

“Sorry, babe,” he growls.

And then it hits me. I can’t be telling him that. Not when I’m sorta agreeing to a long-distance relationship. I can’t guilt-trip him. “I missed you in a good way,” I correct.

“Yeah well, I missed you in a real bad way.” Ohmygod, the growl in his voice makes my insides pulse. “Fuck, but I want to be with you right now. Wanna be inside you, if I’m honest.”

“Baby,” I whisper.

“Are you in bed?”

“On my couch.”

“Whatcha doin?”

“Stuffing my face with the chocolates you sent me.” Yesterday, Kiara came to the spa to deliver the box herself. “Good news is, Ethan’ll be happy to know there’s no key under the fake rock,” she said. “But I didn’t want to leave these outside in the sun.” Whispering, she added, “His instructions were they’re for you only.” So I brought the chocolates home (I did offer one to each of my staff), and now I’m indulging.

Ethan grunts. “You alone?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Your voice is making me so hard right now. You’re using your horny voice. Am I right? You horny?”

“Fuck yeah,” I whisper.

“What are you wearing?”

“Um. Yoga pants and your jersey.”

“And under that?”

“Like a… a thong.”

“No bra?”

“N-no.”

“Fuck,” he growls.

My hand goes between my legs, and I wriggle on the couch. Feeling self-conscious, I run to the bedroom.

“Babe, say my name.”

“Ethan,” I whine.

---