Page 75 of Writing On The Wall

“That would be correct.”

Then he growls as I hear his signal light ticking. “Stay in the car. Lock the doors.”

“Yes, sir.”

“There’s no security guard on duty?”

“Gus goes home at five.” I answer.

“Right. Stay on the line. I’m only a couple minutes away.”

A delicious warmth melts over me. I’m not used to being taken care of like this. Ethan may be a grump when he’s being protective, but being important enough to him to warrant his concern in this way—it’s invigorating and encouraging, all at once. I was never neglected, but I worked hard to blend into the walls and not to cause a fuss. Yet Ethan seems to have made a hobby out of fussing over me whenever he can.

I hang up the phone as the welcoming beams from his truck pierce the incoming darkness. Relief loosens my muscles, prompting a long exhale. Ethan pulls up beside me, sporting a furrowed brow as he steps out of his vehicle. His expression darkens when he surveys the dimly lit surroundings of the parking lot.

I slide out of my car, tilting my head up and batting my eyelashes playfully when he and his scowl approach. “I already know what you’re going to say, so just save it and kiss me instead,” I offer.

His mouth tilts up on one side, and he hooks an arm around my waist, pulling me close while he plants a kiss on my lips. Although, he pulls away a little sooner than I prefer to deliver his lecture, anyway.

“I’m talking to CJ on Monday about putting up more lights. Also, call me next time you plan on working till you’re the only one here,” he adds, frowning again.

“CJ’ll do anything for you. But don’t mention your reasoning for the lights. We’re still a secret, remember?”

“I guess I can be your hot secret for a little while longer.”He smirks then leans down, placing a kiss on my neck this time and lingering afterward with a deep inhale.

“Did you just sniff me?”

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he mumbles against my skin, causing my toes to curl. That’s it. I’ve died and gone to sexy boyfriend heaven.

He straightens with a short grunt, shaking his head like he’s emerging from a trance. I place a hand on the side of my car, steadying myself before my knees buckle due to swooniness exposure.

He presses a kiss to the back of my hand before walking to the front of my car. “Let’s see what’s going on under here.”

We go through the motions of Ethan jump-starting my car before he follows me home. As soon as I park, he’s already rushing out of his truck to open my door for me. “What time do you need to be at school tomorrow?” he asks.

“Seven-thirty,” I say as he takes my hand, like I’m emerging from a chariot. There’s a very addictive boyish glint in his smiling eyes.

“If I promise to have you there on time, are you up for an adventure?”

A spike of fear pierces my chest, as I wonder if this beautiful yearning in him will be our downfall, if his desire to see the world will outlast his desire for me. But I shove those thoughts away for now, choosing to embrace the delight I see on his face.

“I’m in,” I say with a smile.

An eye-crinkling grin shines back at me. “Good. Wear something warm. And pack whatever you’ll need for the night.”

Ten minutes later, I’m sitting cross-legged in Ethan’s truck, enjoying the view as street lights wash over his rugged profile.

“How was your day?” I ask after a warm stretch of silence.

“Good. The usual stuff at the office. Ihad another phone meeting with The Home Network. They liked the pilot episode. It was mainly feedback of what they think worked and how they’d spin the show to make it unique.”

He glances at me for a second while he drives, an excited curl to his mouth. I plaster on the most genuine smile I can. I never want him to think I’m not incredibly proud and overjoyed for him. That little niggle of doubt pokes its head up again, but I whack-a-mole the rabid thought away. There’s no use borrowing worries. We’ll take it as it comes. Ethan asked me to trust him with my heart, so that’s what I’m doing.

“Then I went to your place,” he continues. “Marco and I patched up the remaining walls. We should be able to paint soon.”

I let out a squeal, clapping my hands. “Thank you, Eth. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

“You would’ve figured it out.” He lays a palm on my leg, eliciting a yelp when he squeezes the spot above my knee. “You’re capable of more than you think.”

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