Page 52 of Release Me

“Oh, yes, that. Might need to cut that one out.”

“But I like that one,” I whine, pushing out my bottom lip, making Ethan nip at it.

“We can put that one on the back burner for now. Might be a little too work-related,” Ethan teases, and I swear I’m falling in love with this guy. He’s like no one I’ve ever met before and I can’t even picture going back home to Tahoe and not spending every single day with him.

“Any plans today?” I now ask, changing the subject, worrying I might admit out loud that I’m falling in love with him.

“Of course. What do you think about taking the ferry over to Bainbridge Island and doing some wine tasting?” he suggests, and it feels like this can’t possibly be my life.

Just a few days ago, I was holed up in my office, pouring myself into my job and now I’m here with Ethan, living a life that feels like a dream.

“I think that sounds amazing, but…” I start, pressing a finger to Ethan’s lips, silencing him already. “I want to take you out for dinner tonight. You have been the most gracious host and it’s my turn to treat you.”

“Zoey,” he growls, biting the tip of my finger. “You don’t have to pay me back for anything.”

“I’m not paying you back. I’m reciprocating. That’s the way this thing between us is going to go, Ethan, so get used to it,” I say, not giving him any room to argue.

“You’re rather bossy,” Ethan shames, giving my ass a hard squeeze.

“Get used to it.”

“Already am.”

Chapter19

Ethan

“You sure you’re warm enough?” I ask as I pull Zoey closer so she’s standing between my legs, her back to my front and my body bracketing hers against the railing. Winter is coming to an end but it’s still cold out here on the deck of the ferry as we make the short crossing to Bainbridge Island.

“Yes,” she murmurs, snuggling against me.

With a smile, I bury my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply as I nuzzle her skin, savoring this moment and this connection between us. When I pull back, she smiles up at me, her hand resting on my cheek. “I need a shave,” I admit, turning to press a kiss to her palm.

“I like this look on you,” she says.

“Unshaven?”

“Relaxed, happy,” she corrects, laughing.

With a smile, I lean closer, nuzzling my nose against hers, as I whisper against her mouth, “I’ll tell you a secret, that’s all you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes,” I confirm before kissing her slow and deep. Zoey’s body folds into mine, her arm snaking inside my jacket and around my waist as I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her. It’s amazing how easy this all is, how nothing feels awkward or wrong now we’ve finally given into these feelings we both have. I can only hope it continues when we’re back in Tahoe and the reality of work and life and whatever.

When we eventually pull back, she’s smiling up at me, her cheeks a little flushed. “Well, I still like this look on you,” she says.

“Me too,” I say with a laugh, as the ferry pulls into the dock. I take her hand in mine and lead her off the boat and onto the dock that leads into the main street. “You hungry?” I ask, glancing at my watch. Jesus it’s after noon already.

“Yes,” she murmurs, snuggling into my side.

I let go of her hand, draping my arm around her shoulder as I pull her close, my lips against her temple. “There’s a winery with a restaurant not far from here, so how about we go taste some wines and have lunch?”

“Sounds perfect.”

We walk into town, the small area buzzing with people all making the most of the weekend. It’s actually a nice day, the sun shining despite the cold. I haven’t been over here in years, but it’s always been a nice place to visit, and I love that I can bring Zoey here.

“This place is beautiful,” Zoey says, as we pass by a tiny brick coffee shop that’s covered in greenery.

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