Page 89 of One Touch

“Well, you’re not letting us down,” Ethan said firmly, his blue eyes intense. “You’re awesome.”

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Cole and Elara weredefinitelysharing meaningful looks with one another.

Emotion welled up in my throat, and I blinked back sudden tears. “Well, uh, thank you.”

Ida turned to Ethan now. “So, how’s that Ferrari coming along, Eth?”

I tried not to squirm too hard as I remembered the feeling of the Ferrari’s hood beneath my ass.

Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “It’s slow. Honestly, I’ve barely had time to work on it with everything else at the garage.”

“Everything else at the garage?” I asked curiously.

He shrugged. “You know, other cars. For customers. Wish I had more time, but you know me—other people’s cars always come first.”

I frowned, studying his face. There was something in his tone, a kind of resigned weariness, that tugged at my heart. It wasn’t the first time I’d noticed it. This sense that Ethan always put himself last and that everyone else’s needs came before his own.

Later, after the plates were cleared and the laughter died down, Ava jumped up from her seat, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “So, I was hoping that I could show everyone my book,” she announced. “Lily helped me with it.”

There were murmurs of encouragement from everyone. I was super excited for her.

Ava dashed out of the room and returned a moment later, clutching the colorful handmade book to her chest. “It’s calledFirefighter Daddy,” she declared proudly, holding it up for everyone to see. “I was having a bit of trouble with reading and writing at school ‘cause my brain might be a bit different to other people’s. But Lily’s been helping me. Now I can read much more quickly. Look, I’ll show you.”

Ava pulled out her blue overlay with a flourish, then placed it down on the book. She began to read, steady and confident, and I found my gaze drifting to Ethan. He watched his daughter with such intense focus, such pure, unconcealed love, that it took my breath away.

Maybe he wouldn’t let you down.

Maybe that exact collection of emotions you experience when you’re close to him really is . . .

Stop it, Lily.

As Ava read the final lines, Ethan’s eyes shone. He swept her up in a fierce hug as the rest of the family burst into applause, praising the budding author.

“I couldn’t have done it without Lily,” Ava said, beaming at me over her dad’s shoulder. “She’s the best nanny ever. And guess what?” Her smile turned impish. “She’s going to move in with us forever and never leave us!”

The room fell silent, every head swiveling in my direction. I felt my face flush hot, my mouth opening and closing soundlessly as I struggled for words.

“Ava, honey, that’s not true,” Ethan said gently. “Lily has her own life, her own home. She’s just your nanny for a while, to help me with training. And then she’ll go back to her place, or go to New York, or—”

“But I want her to stay!” Ava wailed, and before anyone could stop her, she bolted from the room, sobs trailing in her wake.

I was on my feet in an instant, hurrying after her as quickly as I could. I found her curled up on the back porch steps, her thin shoulders shaking with the force of her tears.

“Oh, sweet girl,” I murmured, sinking down beside her and gathering her into my arms. “Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Ava burrowed into my embrace, her hot tears soaking the front of my shirt. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice muffled against my chest. “I just . . . it’s been really good having you around, Lily. It feels like everything’s changed. Got better.”

My heart ached. “I care about you, Ava,” I said, stroking her silky hair. “And I won’t just up and leave, okay? No matter what, I’d like to be part of your life, in one way or another. But, you know, life can be complicated for grown-ups.”

“Why?”

“Good question. I wish I had a good answer for you.”

“Is it because love is just an advertising gimmick?”

“Oh, no, sweetheart—” I began. But I stopped because Ethan stepped out to join us.

“You okay, Raver?”

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