Page 73 of Ethan

I scrolled through more until I came across one of Ethan with who must be Carlos. The man was Latin and sultry. Dark delicate features and flawless caramel skin.

He looked like pure sex. Ready to be licked all over.

Against the backdrop of a chic loft space, Ethan was nude, and Carlos had his arm around Ethan's waist; both smiling and happy.

How had Ethan managed to resist him? Why was he with someone like me? I didn't look anywhere near as tempting as Carlos. I was a middle-aged, soft, boring accountant with an ex-wife and two grown children. Not beautiful and exciting like the pair looking out from the photo.

I scrolled back through the pictures, feelings of inadequacy flooding every system in my body. I realized; it wasn't just a matter of having an open relationship with Ethan so he could sleep with someone like Carlos. Ethan should be with someone like Carlos.

Not be stuck with me.

My heart sank a little.

Chapter Thirteen | Ethan

It was a busy Tuesday morning at the coffee shop. One of my front-of-house staff had called in sick last night. Instead of putting someone into overtime, I'd opted to cover the shift myself. I set out two cappuccinos and started two more plus an iced coffee. I switched places with Susie and went to take over at the till. I wasn't as quick on the espresso machine as her.

A late-20s woman with blonde hair fussed at the counter, peering back and forth, scanning. I gave her a few seconds to at least look at me.

Her eyes met mine. For a second, I thought I recognized them.

"Welcome to Salish Café. What can I get for you?"

"I'm sorry … I haven't come in for coffee. I was just passing by. I was picking up a few books from down the road." She fished her wallet out of her purse. "But I'll get something."

Strange.

"What would you like?"

"Just a small black coffee."

"For here or to go?"

"To go, please." She looked past my shoulder toward the door into the back.

I furrowed my brow. "Are you looking for something?"

She waved her hand back and forth. "No. I really shouldn't be. My dad would kill me."

I took a step back.

The eyes.

Oh … shit.

She set her hand on the counter. "But since I am here … I wonder if there's an Ethan around. My dad says he's the owner … if I even have the right shop."

I decided to play dumb.

Until Susie bounced up to me. "Hey, Ethan, can you take over for a second?"

The woman's eyes grew wide. "You?" She pointed at me. "You're Ethan?"

I tried to put on my best smile. "Guilty."

"No, no, no." She shook her head.

Sarah.

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