by E. L. Todd
“Thanks.”
Ethan pushed his plate away. He ate all of his food at lightning speed.
“You eat fast,” I said.
“Well, I’m a man. I need the sustenance.”
I rolled my eyes. “Okay, caveman.”
I looked at the kids across the table. Becky’s face was covered in sauce and Tommy had a noodle hanging from his mouth. The sauce was everywhere.
Elisa caught my look. “I don’t even bother anymore.”
Ethan shook his head. “Looks like these two will be getting a bath tonight.”
Becky grimaced. “No.”
“Yes,” Ethan said. “Don’t argue with me.”
She pouted her lips but said nothing. It was obvious that both children respected Ethan as the man of the house. They listened to him. I could tell that he was a great guardian and a loving uncle. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.
When everyone was finished, I grabbed the plates and Jared helped me. He never offered to help me clean at home even though I had cooked him dinner too many times to count. I stared at him for a moment before I continued.
Elisa grabbed Jared’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, honey. I can clean up.”
He smiled. “I insist.”
We both walked into the kitchen and started cleaning the dishes. When we were done, we put them in the dishwasher.
I leaned close to him. “Stop making an idiot of yourself.”
He growled. “I know.”
“Then stop.”
“I don’t know what the hell I was doing.”
“Be yourself.”
“I’m trying.”
“Then what was that bogus story about you being perfect at everything? And stop telling people you went to Harvard. You sound like an ass.”
“It just came out.”
“She’s a regular person so be normal.”
“Easier said than done,” he said with a sigh.
We washed our hands then returned to the dining room. Before I could sit down, Ethan pulled me onto his lap.
“You didn’t have to do that, baby.”
“I wanted to. You cook so I clean.”
“You still didn’t have to.”
“I know.”
“Thank you anyway.”
I kissed him on the lips then pulled away. I wanted to kiss him longer but I knew the kids were around. I didn’t want to make them uncomfortable.
We moved into the living room and sat in front of the television. Ethan and I sat on one couch and Jared and Elisa sat on the other. Jared kept his distance from her but I could tell he was nervous.
“Your house—is—nice,” he stuttered.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “You’re great with Tommy. He’s normally terrified of strangers. He must like you, Jared.”
He blushed. “He’s a good kid.”
“I would like to think so.”
“You’re a wonderful mom.”
Now she blushed. “Thank you. But I can’t take all the credit. Without Ethan, I don’t know what I would have done.” Her voice contained the depression that Ethan mentioned before. “It’s been hard without my husband.” She stared at her hands then moved further away on the couch. I think that simple move told Jared everything he needed to know. She still wasn’t ready to move on. I felt bad for my brother.
Jared nodded but didn’t say anything.
Ethan held me close to him then pressed his lips against my ear. “Your brother has a thing for my sister?”
“He makes it obvious, doesn’t he?”
“A little.”
“Please don’t be mad at him.”
“I’m not. Every friend I’ve ever had has wanted to get with my sister. It doesn’t surprise me.”
“Well, he wouldn’t make her uncomfortable on purpose.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry he’s acting like such an idiot.”
He laughed. “It’s fine. My sister can see right through it. She hasn’t met a single guy that hasn’t fallen in love with her as soon as they saw her. She could have whoever she wanted.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“Too beautiful for her own good.”
“I can see the resemblance.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You think I look like a girl?”
I laughed. “No. But you both are very attractive. Are your brothers the same way?”
His eyes narrowed in anger. I knew I said the wrong thing. “What does it matter?”
“I—I was just wondering.”
He looked away. “I’m the ugly one in the family.”
“What? I find that hard to believe.”
“Well, it’s true,” he snapped.
“Ethan, I have no interest in anyone but you.”
“It better stay that way.”
“It will.”
We watched television for a while and Tommy asked Jared to play with him again. Jared moved to the floor and they raced their cars together. Tommy was laughing hysterically when his car won. Jared was letting him win, but Tommy was too excited to notice. When I glanced at Elisa, I saw the look on her face. She was smiling but I could see the sadness in her eyes. It was obvious that she missed her husband—her family.
“See what I mean?” Ethan whispered.
“Yeah.”
“She’ll never move on.”
“I can tell.”
Elisa rose from the couch then disappeared down the hallway. Ethan kissed me on the forehead. “I’ll be back. Can you watch the kids?”
“Of course.”
He followed his sister down the hallway.
Jared stared at the hallway, noticing that Elisa left. He looked at me and we shared a look. I knew what he was thinking. He finally found her—the one.
15
When we got into the cab, Jared turned to Ethan. “Is Elisa okay?”
Ethan nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine.”
Jared nodded then looked out the window.
Ethan held my hand and caressed my knuckles with his thumb. His family was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Since they were thrown together because of a tragedy, it made me sad, but it was adorable at the same time. Ethan wasn’t an uncle to those kids—he was a dad. And his sister depended on him like a spouse. Not only did he provide for his niece and nephew, but he raised them. His sister was still depressed and he helped her get through it every day. Ethan was an amazing person.
When we got to the building, we all stepped into the elevator.
Jared didn’t look at us. “We should all go out to dinner.”
I raised an eyebrow. “The three of us?”
“No. Elisa and the kids can come.”
Ethan stared at him. “You have a thing for my sister?”
Jared shifted his weight, uncomfortable. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. But if you are just trying to sleep with her, then back off. I’ll fucking kill you.”
The anger in his voice even made me step back. “Ethan,” I hissed.
Ethan ignored me. “You were livid when you thought I was using Sadie. You understand where I’m coming from perfectly.”
He nodded. “That isn’t my intention.”
Ethan looked away. “Good.”
“Has she dated anyone since her husband passed away?” he asked.
Ethan sighed. “No. And she doesn’t want to. I suggest you find someone else. My sister is still mourning her loss. I don’t think she’ll ever recover—at least not enough to date someone. I suggest you look elsewhere.”
My brother was quiet for a moment. “I would still like it if we all went out to dinner together.”
Ethan stared at my brother. “You’re a nice guy, smart, successful, and I’m sure you’re loyal, but you are wasting your time with Elisa. She has kids—remember that.”
“I’m perfectly aware of that,” he snapped. “I’m not blind.”
Ethan stared at him.
“I’m not asking he
r on a date. Shit, can’t we just go out together? I’m not trying to make a move.”
“And what do you expect to happen?” Ethan asked.
“Nothing,” Jared said. “I just want to see her again.”
I squeezed Ethan’s hand. “Give him a chance.”
Ethan looked at me. “This is my sister we’re talking about.”
“My brother would never hurt me like that. It’s okay.”
He sighed. “I’ll ask her if she wants to do something. If she says no, then drop it forever.”
Jared nodded. “That’s fine.”
The elevator doors opened and we walked out.
“Good night,” I said.
“Bye,” Jared said.
“Night,” Ethan said over his shoulder.
After we walked into the apartment, Koku came over to us and scratched our legs. I scratched him behind the ears and gave him lots of kisses.
“I need to take him outside to do his business.”
“Let’s go,” he said.
“You don’t have to come.”
“I don’t want you going outside by yourself.”
“Well, I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
“Well, those days are over,” he snapped. “Deal with it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever, caveman.”
“What did you call me?”
“Sometimes you act like a caveman.”
“I thought I was a crazy asshole?”
“Yeah, that too.”
“It sounds like you don’t like me.”
“That’s definitely not the case.” I grabbed Koku’s leash and we left the apartment. I thought about what his sister said about Ethan being in love with me. I wondered if she inferred that on her own or if Ethan told her. I wanted to ask but I decided not to. If he didn’t love me, then the conversation would be incredibly awkward.
“So, what did your sister say when she left the living room?” I asked.
He sighed. “She just misses Tom. It’s hard for her to see me and other men play with her kids, knowing they’ll never know their own father.”
“So she didn’t say anything about Jared?”
“No.”
“Does she like him?”
He shrugged. “Like I said, she didn’t mention him.”
“I think my brother really likes her.”
“No, he’s just obsessed with her beauty like every other guy.”
“I really don’t think so.”
“Well, I do. I won’t let anyone fuck with my sister or her feelings. If Jared tries anything with her, it’s only with my permission and my presence. I mean it, Sadie.”
He sounded so angry. He only acted crazy like this when it came to me. It made me realize that he cared about me just as much as his sister. I was honored that he treasured me so much. “Okay.”
“I couldn’t care less that Jared is your brother. This is my sister. I’ll beat the shit out of him if he shows up on our doorstep, calls her, does anything to upset her at all.”
“I got it, Ethan.” I grabbed his face and kissed him. “I’ll make it clear to Jared.”
He sighed. “Thank you.”
After Koku did his business, we went back inside.
“Are you staying over?” I asked.
“What kind of question is that?”
“Well, you haven’t been home in a while. I know you have other responsibilities—like the kids.”
“I hate sleeping apart from you.”
“Me too.”
“Would you be willing to sleep there?”
My eyes widened. “You would be comfortable with that? Would they see me in the morning?”
“Baby, I introduced you to them for a reason.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Then yes, I would sleep there.”
“Good. That makes my life a little easier.”
“Can we have sex?” I asked hopefully.
“As long as you’re quiet.”
“I can’t promise anything.”
He rubbed my nose with his. “Can we sleep there tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Elisa is scared to be alone at night.”
“Why didn’t you say something before?”
He sighed. “She’s scared that someone is going to break in and kill the kids. She’s never really recovered from what happened to Tom. She just feels better when I’m there. She knows I can protect her.”
“I feel horrible now.”
“Don’t,” he said firmly. “Elisa understands that I have my own life. I’ve already given her everything. And she knows I’m happy. She would never try to take that away. She hasn’t said anything to me but I know she’s scared. I know her better than anyone. I would like to sleep there sometimes during the week.”
“That’s fine with me if it’s okay with her.”
“She won’t care in the least. In fact, she’ll be happy.”
“Okay.” I grabbed a bag and walked into my room. I grabbed a few extra clothes and essentials so I could leave them there.
“Will Koku be okay?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’ll come by in the morning.”
“Let’s go.”
We left the building and took a cab back to his townhouse. When we walked inside, Ethan immediately said, “Elisa, it’s me. I’m home.”
She came out of the living room wearing her pajamas. Even without makeup, she was still beautiful. Her hair was pulled back and her clothes were baggy. “You’re staying here?” she said hopefully.
“Yeah.”
She smiled. I could see the relief in her face. “Well, have a good night. I just put the kids to bed.”
I smiled. “Good night.”
Elisa patted my shoulder. “Thank you for coming back. You’re always welcome here.”
I’d just met his sister but I already liked her immensely. She could tell that her brother was happy so she was ecstatic for him. I loved their relationship. They always put each other first.
We walked down the hallway and entered his bedroom. It was small with just a bed and a few dressers. I assumed this was the smallest room in the house. It astounded me how much Ethan was willing to sacrifice for his sister and her kids.
“I like your room,” I said as I put my bag down.
He smiled. “I know it isn’t much, but I don’t need a lot.”
“I think it’s perfect.” There was a picture of him and his parents on the nightstand. Well, I assumed it was his parents. The room was spotless, to my surprise. I always thought guys were pigs. Jared was. I sat on the bed and he stripped his clothes from his body.
He opened his nightstand drawer. “Please don’t ever open this drawer.”
I raised an eyebrow.
He grabbed a gun and pointed it at the ground. “The safety is on but it’s loaded.”
My eyes widened. “Okay.”
“I just had to warn you.”
“Why do you have a gun, Ethan?”
“You never know, Sadie. I have to protect my family. And Elisa was insistent that I get one. In fact, she made me. She’s too scared to have one of her own because she’s afraid to use it. I don’t mind. It helps her sleep well at night.”
“Do you know how to use it?”
He nodded. “I’ve taken some classes and went to the shooting range.”
“So, you’re like James Bond?” I teased.
“Not really. But if that gets you in the mood, then sure.”
“I’m always in the mood for you.”
He grabbed my shirt and pulled it off then unclasped my bra. He lifted me further up the bed then rested my head on the pillow. My pants were off in a flash. I was so turned on by his naked body that I didn’t care that his sister was watching television in the living room.
He separated my legs, pinning them back, then inserted himself within me. I tried not to gasp but it still came out as a moan.
“Shh, baby.”
I bit my lips and remained quiet.
He rocked into me slowly, but deeply, reaching his entire length inside me. I grabbed his face and kissed him, breathing into his mouth. I knew it was the only way I would stay quiet. My legs started to shake as the orgasm hit me. I bit my lip and controlled myself. Ethan knew I was coming and moved into me faster, giving me the greatest amount of pleasure he possibly could. When I was done, I ran my fingers through his hair and caught my breath.
Ethan stared into my eyes as he moved within me. He pressed his forehead against mine then moaned when he reached his threshold. He reached all the way inside me as he released himself. “Baby,” he whispered.
“Ethan.”
When he was done, he stayed on top of me, kissing me gently. The taste of the sweat on his lips was surprisingly sweet. Ethan pulled out of me then lied beside me. He reached across the bed to open the door.
I watched him in confusion. When the door to the hallway was opened, he returned to the bed and held me in his arms.
“Why did you open the door?”
“So I can hear everything,” he said as he nuzzled my neck. “Don’t worry. My sister never comes in my room. If she needs something, she’ll text me.”
“Okay.”
He pulled me to his chest then kissed my forehead. “I’m so happy that I found you, Sadie.”
His words clenched my heart. “Ethan?”
“Hmm?”
“I—nothing.”
“Good night, baby.”
“Good night.”
16
“Uncle Ethan!”
I opened my eyes immediately, recognizing that adorable voice.
“Wake up!” Becky cried.
Ethan moaned then rolled over, blocking me from sight with his body. He kept the blanket up to his chin. “Hmm?”
“French toast!”
“French toast what?”
“I want French toast!”
“Well, that’s not how you ask for it.”
She sighed. “Fine. Uncle Ethan, will you please make me French toast for breakfast?”
“No.”
“Hey! I asked nicely.”
“I have to work.”
“Uncle Ethan!” she whined.
“Is your mother awake?”
“No.”
He sighed. “Give me a minute.”
“Yay!” She left and walked down the hall. Ethan leaned over and closed the door behind her.
