Page 41 of Fake Married to the Grumps

I can’t remember anything after deciding to rest on the couch in his office. I swing my legs off the bed and stare at my bare feet, trying to recall what happened.

It’s dark outside, and the quiet chirp of birds in the night sky outside provides a soothing sound. My blazer and handbag are on the side of the bed, and my heels have been carefully placed in the corner.

Did he carry me in here?

I’m rubbing the back of my neck when a soft knock comes from the door.

“Yes?”

Ethan peeps in from the doorway and then enters the room with a smile. His eyes are a silent invitation as they land on mine. It’slike he’s peeling away the layers shielding my heart from him. I worry it’s only a matter of time before there’s no saving me.

“I made dinner … Thought you’d be famished by the time you got up.”

“How long was I out? Did you carry me in here?”How didn’t I realize I was being carried?

He nods. “You’re pretty heavy,” he teases and laughs when a mortified look crosses my face. “I’m kidding,” he adds after a while. “You were exhausted and fast asleep. Didn’t want to wake you, so I carried you to the car and drove home.”

“Oh,” I gasp and feel a flush burn through me.

“Come … You’ll like what I’ve made.”

“Didn’t know you could cook,” I say as I follow him out of the bedroom. The kitchen smells heavenly, like home.I’m reminded of family dinners with my parents before they passed.

“Wow,” I exclaim after he serves me a plate of grilled chicken with homemade salad, shaved parmesan cheese, and croutons. “You really went all out.”

“Take a bite. Tell me how it tastes. I haven’t cooked in ages.”

Ethan gauges my expression as I cut into the chicken. He’s expectant, and I want to tease him a little, so I make a disgusted face as I swallow.

“Urghh, it’s horrible. I’m sorry.” I reach for my glass of water and gulp it down while devastation crumbles his eagerness.

“Really? I’m so sorry … I’ll order us pizza or anything else. I didn’t think—”

“Got ya!” His brows shoot up to his hairline, and his eyes widen as I burst into a fit of laughter.

“You should see what you look like,” I continue, laughing hysterically as he stares at me.

“It’s not horrible?”

“Are you kidding? It’s delicious. The best chicken I’ve tasted in ages.” I dig into the meal with another full laugh, and Ethan loosens up before laughing too.

“You’re mean.”

“That look on your face just now? So worth it,” I press a palm to my lips again to muffle my chuckle. Time slows while we’re together, and I wish the evening wouldn’t end as we sit there for hours, talking about everything.

Chapter 16

Ethan

The day before the vote, Nelly and I meet with the victims of the crash for the settlement, and once that’s out of the way, we prepare for the d-day. Before walking into the conference room, I try not to think too much about the possibility of losing the vote to Joe.

My stomach is in knots, and my jaw stays so tightly clenched that it feels like it would snap at any minute.

Joe Storms’ eyes twinkle with a hint of mischief during the vote. I try to ignore the upward curl on the corners of his lips. He’s convinced he will win the vote for my seat as CEO, or at the very least, my removal. My deal with George Brene would make that impossible.

Except, of course, if George decides to betray me.

My gaze lands on George after he casts his vote in front of the conference room. His expression is unreadable as he returns to his seat. Nelly is sitting by my side. She glances at me, and her encouraging smile helps lift my spirit.

---