Page 2 of The Angel and the Agent

“Yes, and he knows it. Ethan’s not the kind you take home and try to litter train. He’s the kind you visit in the zoo because he’s too wild and dangerous to be a pet. Listen to your big brother Blue and stay away from that one.”

Blue deposited her by the drink table. Despite his warning, Amelia couldn’t seem to take her eyes off the mysterious Ethan. Eventually he turned in her direction and they made eye contact. She smiled, and he smiled in return, a slow curving of thelips that told her the intense attraction she felt for him wasn’t necessarily one sided.

Amelia was the first to look away because she was always the first to look away. She knew how to play the game and always came out on top. What she said to Blue was true—she had never wanted a man she didn’t eventually get. Men liked her, providing her the luxury of being choosy. But she had never had such an instant, over-the-top reaction to anyone before.

Her eyes landed on the ice bowl she now realized was empty. She grabbed it and carried it inside for a refill. She was at the freezer adding ice when she heard the door open and close behind her.

“You’re new,” a male voice said, and she didn’t have to look to know it was Ethan. Even his voice gave her a little shiver that started at her spine and worked its way out.

“Depends on your definition. I think I’m kind of old,” she said, turning to face him.

“Let me guess, you’re the caterer,” he said, tapping the ice bowl that was now all that rested between them.

“Yes, but only ice. It’s a highly specialized industry. Lots of bankruptcies, especially in the winter,” Amelia said.

“Uh-oh,” Ethan said.

“What uh-oh?” Amelia asked.

“I recognize that sense of humor. You must be Maggie’s little sister,” he said. “I’ve heard about you.”

“Why is that an uh-oh? Don’t you like Maggie?”

“I adore her, but as her boyfriend’s friend, that makes any member of her family totally off limits to me,” he said.

“Too bad because my brother is single and looking,” she said, earning another smile from him. He leaned uncomfortably close to her and sniffed.

“You smell amazing,” he said.

“You smell like sweat. Am I making you nervous?”

“Sorry, I was playing football,” he said, reaching for a piece of ice from the bowl as he stood upright away from her. “Would you like me to go away, leave you alone?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it,” she said, trying hard not to stare at his mouth as he sucked on the ice cube.

“Are you ever going to tell me your name?” he asked.

“You’re a stranger. I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” she said.

“I’m Ethan,” he said. “Not so strange anymore.”

“How do I know you’re an invited guest? Maybe you walked in off the street. Maybe you’re not safe.”

“I’m definitely not safe,” he agreed. “But safety’s overrated, don’t you think?”

Before she could answer, the door opened and Maggie stepped inside. “Amelia? There you are. We’re out of ice.” She took two steps in and stopped short, her gaze bouncing questioningly between Amelia and Ethan.

“Hey, sweets,” Ethan said, tossing her a wink.

“You’re subdued,” Maggie said, her tone loaded with suspicion. “Are you sick?”

“Football. Your boyfriend wore me out,” Ethan replied.

“Fiancé,” Maggie replied, holding her hand aloft and wiggling her ring finger.

“No way, LT made it official? He never said a word.”

“He was going to tell you this afternoon, but I subverted his party for this one,” Maggie said. She had thrown the party together last minute after Ridge’s proposal the night before, as a way to celebrate and let their friends meet Amelia before she went back home for the final time.

---