Page 22 of The Love We Make

“Yes? No?”

“No, you idiot! If they call your name, you’re going! Or I will be crazy pissed. More than I was when you first got here.”

“You didn’t give me as much wrath as I anticipated.”

I just shrugged.

He was right. I was thirsty for blood at first. But when that light switched on and I saw how much he meant what he said, I caved. No one had ever cared about me more than Ethan. He may have been wrong but his heart was in the right place. All I needed him to do was back off, and he agreed to that without the argument I thought would ensue.

I downed my vodka and put my glass in the sink. Then I walked to the bedroom, “I’m staying the night.”

“I take it you’re not taking the guest room?” He teased.

“No, turns out I have gotten used to your crazy self in my bed. I haven’t slept well in two weeks. I need one more good night of sleep before we go our separate ways.”

“What about work in the morning?”

“I don’t have to be in until our lunch meeting at noon.”

“Well ok then.”

He walked to the shower and I climbed in on my side of the bed. I turned on the late shows I knew he loved and then I turned over and went to sleep.

I vaguely remember him climbing in bed, smelling like his soap and shampoo.

I sorta remember him turning the TV off after his show ended.

I maybe remember him throwing extra pillows on the floor.

But I definitely remember him whispering, “I love you, Maddy,” before turning over and going to sleep.

Chapter 9

Ethan

I woke up to a ringing in my ear. A loud ass noise that I couldn’t comprehend. I started hitting my nightstand trying to turn off the alarm I thought was making the noise, but before I made contact, it stopped.

Good.

After another minute, the ringing started again. I couldn’t, for the life of me, open my eyes to see what was going on. The building could have been on fire and I wouldn’t have cared. I had slept so damn well that I just wanted to stay in my bed all damn day.

“Answer the phone!” Madison yelled, stirring me more than the ringing had. Her foot nudged my side and I finally sat up, grabbing my phone.

“Hello?” I answered tiredly, my voice heavy with sleep.

“Ethan Jones?” The voice asked.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Hi Ethan, this is Bill Vanderwall. How are you doing this morning? Did I get you too early?”

I immediately sat up straighter and opened my eyes all the way. I was officially wide ass awake. And so was Madison as my jolt brought her to attention, as well.

“Mr. Vanderwall, I am great. How are you?”Was that ok? Should I have called him Bill?

“Good son, good. Look, I think you know why I am calling, right?”

I nodded my head but stayed quiet. Only after Madison nudged me again did I remember he couldn’t see me and I had to use words.

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