Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Ethan
Cole's voice lingers in my head, sharp and weary from the call with Callum. I hate that bastard for the way he can drag Cole down with a single phone call. The grip he still has on him, even after everything Cole has done to sever those ties, makes my blood boil.
The steering wheel creaks under my hands as I grip it tighter than necessary.
Breathe, Ethan.
Cole's strong. Stronger than Callum gives him credit for, but that doesn't mean he's unshakable. I'll have to keep a careful eye on him tonight.
The thought eases some of the tension in my chest, and I shift my focus to something lighter.
Wendy.
Her fiery hair, her smile, the way she scrunches her nose when she's flustered. She's an anchor in her own way, pulling me away from my darker thoughts.
And then there's that silly little ball of fur. My lips curl into a grin as I glance at the padded travel crate on the seat beside me. The bed, toys and scratching post are all tucked into my trunk. I'd stopped at the pet shop before heading home today, just to get some kitten food, and someplace for Scraps to sleep tonight, and then couldn't resist getting some more stuff for Wendy's place.
She'd probably put up a fight before accepting it, but I know she'll love it.
When I pull up to her building, she's already outside, perched on the steps with Scraps in her arms. The sight makes my heart skip a beat. The setting sun casts a warm glow on her hair, turning it into a halo of copper and gold. She's wearing a snug sweater that hugs her curves and jeans that make it hard to focus on anything else.
I park and step out, flashing her my most charming smile. "Well, don't you look like a vision."
She tilts her head, her lips twitching. "A vision of exhaustion, maybe. Someone kept me up all night, last night."
"Huh. I wonder who'd do a thing like that?" I smirk at her.
Wendy rolls her eyes, but the way her cheeks flush tells me she loves my teasing. I step closer, my gaze dropping to the kitten cradled in her arms. "And there's my favorite girl," I say, my voice softening as I reach out to scratch the kitten under the chin. "I've been looking forward to cuddling with you all day."
"Excuse me," Wendy says, mock-offended. "I thought I was your favorite girl."
"Oh, you are," I murmur, my eyes locking on hers. "But Scraps doesn't mind sharing the title. Do you, sweetheart?"
Scraps meows in response and Wendy laughs, the sound light and musical. Before she can say another word, I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. "Miss me?" I ask, my voice dropping to a low rumble.
Wendy raises an eyebrow, but her breath hitches as I lean in. "Maybe," she says, her voice teasing but shaky.
"Good," I whisper, cupping her cheek and brushing my thumb across her freckled skin. "Because I missed you."
Her eyes flutter shut as I close the gap, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. She tastes like mint and something sweeter, something uniquely her. Her free hand grips the front of my jacket, pulling me closer, while Scraps lets out an indignant squeak between us.
I pull back just enough to look at her, grinning when I see her dazed expression. "You kiss me like that again, and we might not make it to dinner," she murmurs, her voice breathy.
"Careful, sweetheart," I tease, brushing my nose against hers. "Keep talking like that, and I might take you up on it."
She laughs, her cheeks flaming as she adjusts the kitten in her arms. "If we do that, Cole might come looking for us."
My laughter rumbles from my chest. "If that happens, you can be guaranteed that you'll have a tanned ass."
"You wouldn't dare!" she gasps.
"Oh, I one hundred percent would. But I'm not talking about me this time. Cole would have you over his lap within two seconds flat."
Her cheeks redden even more and her eyes sparkle as she pushes at my chest. "You're both impossible!"
"And you love it," I shoot back at her, grabbing the travel crate from the car and setting it at her feet.
Her eyes widen as I open it, revealing the padded interior. "Ethan," she breathes, crouching to inspect it. "What? This is... Oh my goodness, Ethan."
"It's nothing. Really, it's for us as much as you and the cat, because you might come for sleepovers more often if Scraps is comfy at both your place and ours."
Wendy's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes shimmering with tears. "You did all this... for me?"
"And for us," I correct, my voice gentle. "Because Cole and I deserve to have as much of you and Scraps with us as possible, and this way you won't have an excuse to say no."
She lets out a soft sob, obviously not falling for my bullshit excuses. Before I know it, she's throwing her arms around me, Scraps squished between us again. "Ethan, I... I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll let me keep spoiling you," I murmur against her hair, holding her close. "Because I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon, and it will make life so much easier if you don't constantly put up a fight about it."
She pulls back, sniffling as she laughs. "I don't know how you do it, but you keep finding ways to make me fall harder for you."
"That's the plan, sweetheart," I say, winking as I help her back to her feet. "Now, let's get you two bundled up. Cole was making dinner when I left, and we don't want to keep him waiting too long."
As we settle into the car, I glance at her. "One thing though, Cole got a call from Callum earlier, and it wasn't great." I watch as she tenses at the mention of her ex and rush to sooth her. "It wasn't about you. Cole and Callum have had a contentious relationship for some time now. But it does mean he's in a bit of a mood now. I just needed you to be aware. Don't take it personally if he's a little quiet tonight."
Her brow furrows in concern. "Is he okay?"
"He will be," I say firmly. "He just needs a quiet evening and people who care about him to remind him that not all relationships are toxic."
When we arrive, the welcome scent of marinara and fresh bread hits us immediately. Wendy's eyes widen as she steps into the kitchen, where Cole is plating pasta with his usual precision.
"Smells amazing," I say, crossing the room to kiss his cheek. "Looks like our timing was impeccable. And as always, you've outdone yourself, babe."
Cole's gaze softens after my kiss, and a fond smile flits across his face when his gaze lands on Wendy. "Hey, babygirl. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes." He heads directly to her and wraps her in his arms.
Wendy pulls away after a chaste kiss and smiles shyly, her earlier hesitation slowly melting away. "It looks and smells incredible, Cole."
His lips twitch into a small smile, and I catch the glimmer of relief in his eyes. Wendy's presence is already working its magic.
As we settle in at the table, the tension from the afternoon begins to dissolve, replaced by laughter, warmth, and the kind of comfort that only comes from being home with the people who matter most.