Page 82 of Ethan

"Can I get you some more tea?"

He shook his head, shuffled down the couch, and put his head on my lap. I brushed my fingers through his hair, my attention lulled by the motion. I noticed the change in his breathing. So gentle and easy. His face was sweet and vulnerable looking as he slept. This was the man I loved.

And I would stay with him as long as he'd allow me to remain.

My love-stricken heart prayed for an eternity.

I'd spent four days and nights at Ethan's. Stayed with him until he started itching to go back to work. He'd set his alarm last night and was up at 3:20 am. He kissed me, told me to stay in bed as long as I wanted, and instructed me to lock his apartment when I left.

He'd smiled down at me.

They were coming easier—the smiles.

The next week or more at work would be hard for Ethan. He would have to push himself, but he was determined to pull himself out of the cavern he'd fallen into. I was so proud of him.

I'd told him so.

He'd practically purred as he climbed into my lap.

I circulated my kitchen, tidying up after dinner. Ethan wanted a night to himself to get back into his routine. He'd called me to let me know he'd had a good day at work, that he was making a healthy dinner for himself, and had plans to watch a movie tonight.

My urge was to go over there to be sure he was all right.

Protect him.

But he was a grown man and he had asked for his space.

I looked at my phone. I'd muted it for much of my stay at Ethan's. The calls had piled up. I'd texted everyone to let them know I was okay. It was time to return some of those calls.

I dialed Derek.

"Dad! Holy shit … where have you been?"

"I told you. I was with Ethan."

"Did you two take off on vacation or something?"

"No, we were holed up at his place."

"I don't want to know why. But turning your phone off, Dad? A bit extreme."

"I'm sorry. We needed to spend some time together."

Derek sighed. "Sarah phoned me to tell me about Ethan. About his age. I'm sure you got a similar earful as me. Not sure what she was thinking going into his coffee shop."

"She had no business doing that."

"Agreed. Are you pissed at her?"

"Not pleased, that's for sure. She has no idea how harmful her words were."

"She doesn't get it. I know loads of couples with an age gap like yours. More even."

"Maybe in our world … not hers."

"Is Ethan all right?"

"We're working through it."

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