Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Wendy
I wake up to the soft, even breaths of Ethan beside me, his arm draped protectively over my waist. He's still fast asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful in a way that makes my chest tighten. Even like this, hair slightly mussed and a shadow of stubble on his jaw, he's heartbreakingly beautiful. The sight makes me want to reach out and trace my fingers along his cheek, but I don't want to risk waking him. Not yet.
My body feels pleasantly used. There's a faint soreness in my thighs and a deep languid ache in places that make my cheeks flush. Memories of last night flood back, making me squirm a little under the sheets. Ethan's arm tightens instinctively, pulling me closer, and I can't help but smile. His warmth is intoxicating, his presence grounding, and I can't imagine a better way to wake up.
Well, aside from the fact that I feel distinctly crusty. My hair is a disaster, and I'm pretty sure my skin is sticky in places I don't want to think about. A shower is definitely in order, but the idea of leaving this cozy bubble, of untangling myself from Ethan's perfect cuddle, feels almost criminal.
I close my eyes, letting my head rest against his shoulder. Last night was perfect. Every single moment of it. The way Ethan whispered my name as he came, or how Cole's touch anchored us both, his steady presence a counterpoint to Ethan's intensity. Heat blooms low in my belly at the memory, and I bite my lip, trying to rein in my thoughts.
Eventually though, practicality wins out. As much as I'd like to stay here forever, I need to clean up. Carefully, I lift Ethan's arm and slip out of bed. He stirs lightly but doesn't wake, mumbling something unintelligible as he shifts onto his side. My heart gives a little squeeze at the sight of him, so unguarded and serene.
Padding into the bathroom, I expect to find Cole—he isn't in bed, or in my small one-room apartment after all—but the small space is empty. Even Scraps is nowhere to be seen. That tiny thread of worry begins to creep in. Where are they? Did something happen to my kitten? Why didn't Cole wake me?
Before I can let my thoughts spiral, the sound of the front door opening reaches my ears.
I peek out into the main room just in time to see Cole walk in, Scraps tucked under one arm and several grocery bags in the other. He's muttering something under his breath, his hair slightly damp and delightfully tousled.
"You're back," I say, leaning against the door frame. "And you went shopping?"
He glances up, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Of course I'm back. What? Did you think I abandoned ship?"
I roll my eyes. "Not hardly. You left your snoring husband in my bed, after all," I respond, trying to hide the fact that not two minutes ago, panic was slipping back in. "So where'd you go?"
"I was out fixing your fridge situation," he replies, hefting the bags. "I'm not surprised I have to keep feeding you lunch. There's barely anything edible in there. How on earth do you look as good as you do, with the food you have available to you?"
I preen at the compliment, but quickly protest. "I eat fine!"
"Sure you do, babygirl," he says, setting the bags on the counter. "If by fine you mean a diet of questionable leftovers and ramen."
Scraps chooses this moment to wiggle free from Cole's hold, leaping gracefully to the floor and trotting over to rub against my leg. I bend down to scoop her up, giving Cole a mock glare as I straighten. "I was going to go shopping today."
Cole snorts. "Sure, but now you don't have to."
Instead of responding to his snort, I look down at my kitten again. "Why'd you take my baby shopping? And who even let you into a grocery store with a cat?"
He blushes! While I admire the faint pink to his cheeks, he clears his throat before explaining. "When I got up to go to the bathroom, she looked so lonely and pitiful, I couldn't help but take her with me. Once there it was a question of hiding her in my coat." He shrugs.
I smile at him and the soft spot he's exposing only endears me to him more.
Before I can say anything else, Ethan's voice drifts to us from the bed. "What's going on over there?' he mumbles sleepily.
I turn to look at him, lying in my bed, all rumpled. His hair is adorably messy, and his eyes are still heavy with sleep. "Cole's critiquing my fridge," I say.
Ethan chuckles, rubbing a hand over his face. "That sounds like something he'd do." Then his gaze sharpens slightly, sliding over me. "But enough about Cole and his bossy ways. I think it's time for you to get into a shower."
"What?" I blink at him, confused.
"I'm all sticky, and I'd wager you are too. Plus, I need someone to wash my back," he says bluntly, a teasing glint in his eyes. He gets off the bed, naked as the day he was born and crosses the space to us. Taking my hand in his, he tugs me gently toward the bathroom. "Go cook our girl some breakfast," he calls over his shoulder to Cole. "We'll be out in a bit."
Cole doesn't respond, but I'm too distracted by the feel of Ethan's hand in mine, and the promise of possible shower sex to care.
The shower is... well, it’s everything. Ethan is thorough, his hands gentle yet insistent as he helps me wash away the remnants of last night. There’s a quiet intimacy to it that makes my chest ache in the best way—little touches, stolen kisses, soft murmurs that feel like promises. By the time we’re done, I feel lighter and steadier, even if my heart’s still racing. I'm not even disappointed that we don't get frisky; it feels so nice.
When we emerge, towels wrapped around us, the smell of something delicious wafts from the kitchen area. My stomach growls loudly, earning a laugh from Ethan. “Looks like Cole’s efforts weren’t wasted,” he says, nudging me toward the table.
Breakfast is... chaotic, to say the least. Cole insists on serving, Ethan teases him about his presentation, and I nearly choke on my orange juice when Scraps tries to climb into my lap mid-sip. But it’s perfect in its own way—warm and messy and so full of life that I can’t stop smiling.
When the time comes for them to leave, reality crashes down like a bucket of ice water. They have to get home, to change for work, and I have to face the day knowing that last night wasn’t some fever dream.
“See you at the office,” Cole says, leaning down to kiss my forehead. Ethan follows suit, brushing a soft kiss against my lips. They leave, their presence lingering even after the door clicks shut.
As I stand there, staring at the empty space they’ve left behind, nerves twist in my stomach. How am I supposed to face them at work after this? After everything?
Taking a deep breath, I shake my head. One step at a time, Wendy. One step at a time.