Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“That wasn’t weak. It was what we both needed.”
“It’s what I needed. I’m not sure it’s what you needed.”
“You underestimate me, sweetheart. I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay, well then, eyes wide open, right? That’s where we’re at?”
“It’s absolutely where we’re at, but what does that mean to you, right here and now?”
“I don’t want a fling with you, and if I’m honest with you and me, I did run. Twice. And that’s what made me run.”
“Be more specific.”
“I thought you wanted a fling, and I was being stupid and would certainly get hurt. And Ethan, my capacity for being hurt since losing my mother is not high. I’m delicate in ways that make me a little angry at myself. I’ve always been strong. She was strong. I don’t know why I can’t be stronger now. And as to why I don’t want to tell my father? The reason his business faltered was simply grief. No one who hasn’t lost the love of their life can understand what he lived through, not even me. She was my mother, but she was his partner in life.”
“For the record, I didn’t know about your mother when I looked at his history. I’m not as cold as you may think I am. I would have considered how that impacted him and his business.”
“I think you’re a smart businessperson, Ethan, not an asshole. And you didn’t know because he’s not the kind of person who makes excuses, but it’s all working out. He’s back now, and he’s landed a big client, which has attracted a potential investor that he’s talking to now. I get why you turned him down, but you’re also going to regret it, I promise you, but right now, I need him to keep focusing on all the good that’s happening to him and me, not something that muddies the water when it later won’t.”
“Me. Us.”
“Right. That’s what I’m saying, but that’s it. That’s all of what I needed to get out there. It was a lot, I know, but I felt I needed to say it.”
“I’m glad you did.” His eyes are warm, and he captures my hands, dragging them to his mouth, his lips brushing softly over my knuckles in a ridiculously romantic act that sets my belly to fluttering. “You keep surprising me in all the right ways, Sofia,” he adds. “Let’s get out of here before your father shows up.”
“Thank you, Ethan.”
“Just to be safe, I’m going to go next door and get us some coffee for the drive to the passport office. You take care of what you need to and meet me there.”
“You need rest. I can go on my own.”
“I’m going with you.” His tone is stubbornly absolute. “I’ll rest later, and for the record, what kind of coffee do you want?”
“Tell them ‘Sofia’s usual,’ though I’m sure it’ll get tongues wagging. The ladies over there are the neighborhood gossips.”
He laughs and kisses me. “Sofia’s usual it is.” He heads for the door, and I watch him leave, wanting to pull him back, wanting to hold onto him. The way he’s holding onto me. No more running.
Chapter Fifteen
Sofia
Ethan came for me. He’s planning on leaving with me.
I’m about to leave my store in the hands of someone else while I’m in an entirely different country. It’s scary. It’s terrifying. It’s exhilarating. And so is he. And me with him. He’s making me step out of my comfort zone. He’s making me find myself outside my grief. I sit down at my desk and pull out the instructions I’ve already written up for Lily, and that’s when she appears in the doorway.
“What is happening right now?” she demands. “Who is he, and how do I not know about him?”
I slide my MacBook in its case and then open a drawer and pull out my purse. “I’ll tell you, but you need to keep it between you and me. Don’t tell anyone, and most importantly, not my father.”
At this point, she’s in front of my desk as if closer to me translates to more information. “Who is he?”
“I can’t tell you who he is without sharing how we met.”
“Start talking,” she urges.
“This has to be fast. He’s waiting next door. I went to Hawaii, and low and behold, the hot, rich investor who turned my father down for a financial investment is there. I want to hate him—”
“You slept with him.”
“I did. And I really liked him, but I snuck out before the awkward goodbyes. I’m certain I will never see him again but then I get to New York, and right there in my hotel is him. Again. And guess who’s in the lead seat at the board meeting I’m presenting to for the Zoey line?”
“Him.”
“Yes. Him. And instead of learning my lesson, I slept with him again and then ran. Also, again.”