Page 58 of Ethan

He cast his line again and watched the water.

She was a grown woman. She could handle herself. He knew that better than anyone.

Didn’t mean he had to like it.

A fish hit the line, and he sat forward and let the familiar pull of it take over for a while.

****

It was after four by the time Serena pulled up beside the barn. Naomi climbed out, opened the back door, and gathered her packages. She’d spent more than she intended at Paige’s but couldn’t find it in herself to regret a single purchase.

“Do you want to come up for a while?” she asked over the roof of the SUV.

“I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m meeting my mom for dinner, and she will absolutely lose her mind if I’m late.” Serena grinned. “Another time.”

“Definitely.” Naomi shifted her bags to one arm and waved. “I’ll see you Monday.”

“Enjoy the rest of your weekend.” Serena climbed back in and pulled away.

Naomi watched her go, then turned and climbed the stairs, bags in hand, already thinking about which of her new purchases she’d wear tonight.

She set the bags down, dug out her key, and unlocked the door. Before stepping inside she glanced around the yard, but there was no sign of Ethan.

She kicked the door closed behind her, carried the bags to the bedroom, and dropped them on the bed. She toed off her sneakers and started digging through the bags, pulling things out one at a time until she found what she was looking for.

The lavender teddy.

She held it up and smiled. She would wear this tonight. She wasn’t even sure, yet what they were doing, but she’d make sure he knew what was underneath whatever she had on and let the rest take care of itself. The man was no slacker, she still hadn’t quite gotten over how good it had been between them, and she had every intention of a repeat.

She just hoped he didn’t break her heart in the process.

She placed the teddy down on the bed and looked at it.

“A little late to worry about that,” she murmured.

With a heavy sigh she put the garments away and headed for the living room. She hadn’t thought to nail down a time with him before they’d parted ways. She dropped onto the sofa, picked up her phone, and sent a text.

Where are you?

She watched the bubbles.

Fishing. Where are you?

At the apartment. Just got home. What time are you coming by?

Around six thirty. That work?

Yes. Are we going out or staying in?

What do you want to do?

Doesn’t matter. I have a surprise for you.

What kind of surprise?

It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Let’s just say I bought it at Paige’s.

She waited. The bubbles appeared, then disappeared, then appeared again.