Chapter 17
Blake
Ethan’s arms are around me and it feels so good: the smell of him, his strength. I pull back from our embrace, the bar shrouded in darkness, save for the bright glow of the oval light hanging overhead. His eyes study me, filled with a tenderness that makes my heart ache in strange ways.
He’s looking at me like I’m something precious, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy it. It’s hard to ignore the way Ethan makes me feel. He’s utterly, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, with those intense gray eyes and that disarming smile. And more than that, it’s nice to feel treasured, to have his touch, his company.
But then the familiar warnings creep back in, the voice that reminds me I can’t afford to let anyone in, rely on anyone. Can’t get distracted. Standing on my own two feet is the only safe way.
We can still have fun, though. Right? It wasn’t until this moment, with his arms around me, that I realized how lonely I’ve been since Danny died. I’ve got friends, of course, and had other men, but this—it’s something else entirely.
“What a great way to end the night.”
His lips curl into a gentle smile, and he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I think that’s one way to put it. Mind-blowing is another.”
I bite my lip, trying to keep my thoughts from spiraling. I need to set boundaries, protect myself. But it’s so damn hard with Ethan standing so close, looking at me like that.
“So we’re just going to take this one day at a time.” His voice is soft, reassuring, breaking the silence that had settled over us.
“One day at a time.”
“And I’m here for you. Day or night. I know you’re strong as hell and don’t need anyone, but if you do, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
I want to believe him. I really do. But the fear of being let down, of being left behind, is too strong. I force a smile. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
He lifts my chin gently, his eyes locking onto mine, shadows cutting across his strong jaw, the tan of his skin. “I mean it.”
His words are tantalizing, and for a moment, I imagine a different kind of world, a different future for us both. But then I see my dad’s face the last time I saw him, the visitation he actually showed up for. The string of foster parents. Danny. Mamma Charlotte.
Reality crashes back in, and I pull away slightly.
“I need to lock up.” My voice suddenly sounds too loud in the quiet. “Better get home or my mom will worry.”
Ethan’s gaze softens. “How are your moms? How’s Charlotte? I haven’t seen her around lately.”
“She’s on a business trip.” Forcing a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
He shakes his head. “I’ll wait. I’ll walk you to your car.”
It’s pretty clear he won’t take no for an answer, and I shrug. “Okay, thanks. I just need to finish cleaning up.”
Ethan moves beside me, rolling up his sleeves. “Let me help.”
We work side by side, wiping down surfaces and putting away glasses. The silence between us is comfortable, like having sex in the middle of the bar and then working together to clean the place at the end of the day is the most natural thing in the world.
I don’t want a relationship, but this—this is nice.
Finally, I set the alarm and lock the bar, the sound of the key turning echoing in the empty space. We step outside and walk along the boardwalk to my car, where it’s parked on Main Street just outside May’s bookshop.
The summer heat wraps around us, stars twinkling overhead. We pass a couple strolling hand in hand, but the usual bustle is noticeably absent. During peak tourist season, the boardwalk would be a hive of activity.
But now, everything is quiet, subdued, the tourists staying away, the locals too worn down by the clean up. Instead of colorful lights from food trucks, children running around and vendors calling out their offerings, there’s just the empty boardwalk, the moon shining overhead, reflecting off the calm waters of the harbor, the darkness hiding the insidious oil spill.
As we reach my car, Ethan stops and turns to me. His eyes are intense, and he leans down and kisses me with soft lips, warm against mine, his hands gentle yet strong as they cup my face. Heat radiates from his body, enveloping me.
For a brief moment, there is nothing else in the world but the touch of his lips on mine, his strong arms wrapped around me. When we finally break apart, I’m a little breathless.
“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, princess.” There’s a teasing smile on his lips. “But remember, I don’t want a relationship. Don’t go falling in love with me.”
“Ha! I’ll do my best.”
Getting into my car, glancing at Ethan as I drive away, a spike of heat gets me right in my core. Tonight was… something else.
Mom is asleep when I get home, and after washing up I crawl into bed, replaying everything that happened tonight until sleep finds me. My dreams, of course, are filled with Ethan.
The next morning I’m running late, and I dress quickly before grabbing a piece of toast off Mom as I run out the door. The summer heat is already thick, promising another sweltering day. I park on Main Street and rush toward the marina, my sandals slapping against the pavement.
When I finally get there, the group is already gathered in front of Ethan’s boat the Freedom , sharing Tom’s pastries, which have become a daily ritual we all love. The volunteers are dressed in a mix of casual shorts, T-shirts, and baseball caps, and they’re laughing and chatting, the mood light given the circumstances, almost like they’re kids going on a field trip. I have to admit it’s nice to have a break from shoveling oily sand.
Bandit weaves through the volunteers, his blue-gray coat gleaming in the early morning sunlight, ears perked up and tail wagging as he sniffs around, occasionally stopping to beg for scraps. One of the volunteers tosses him a piece of pastry, which he catches in mid-air, earning a round of laughter and a few more treats.
I stop beside Tom, raising a hand to wave. “Morning, everyone!”
Tom grins, all straight white teeth, holding up a croissant for me. “Morning, gorgeous. You’re just in time.”
Carlos is wearing a shirt with his hardware store’s name across the front and he gives me a playful salute, his dark eyes settling on me. “Hey. Ready to get your hands dirty?”
“Always.” I laugh, accepting the croissant from Tom. “Thanks for the pastry. How’s Alex? Did he finish the book I gave him?”
Alex is Tom’s husband. Tom is the main baker at Sweet Current, while Alex manages the place, interacting with customers with charismatic charm. I adore them both.
“Yeah, he finished it and loved it. He’s trying to get me to read it now.”
“Go on, you’ll love it.”
“If you say so, beautiful.”
Ethan stands a bit apart, but his eyes light up when we lock gazes. He winks at me, his expression growing hungry as he swipes a hand over his soft mouth, still staring at me. I look away first, want coloring my cheeks. Why does he have to be so gorgeous?
“Alright, everyone,” Ethan says, thankfully shifting his gaze, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. “Today we’re using the skimmers. We’ll head out to the worst-hit areas on the boat.”
His lean, athletic build is on display under the snug blue T-shirt that hugs his broad chest, and the cargo shorts that rest comfortably on his hips. The low morning sun hits his angular features, casting shadows that accentuate his strong jawline, while his short, curly black hair is tousled by the warm breeze.
“These are the skimmers.” His tone is cheerful as he gestures to the devices already attached to the boat, then looks around the group of volunteers. “They work by pulling in the oil and water mixture, separating the oil, and allowing the clean water to flow back out.”
The devices are about the size of small canoes with wide, flat panels designed to glide across the water’s surface. Ethan demonstrates how to use one, his movements confident and precise.
The volunteers watch attentively, nodding and murmuring.
“Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when you need to. Together, we can make a real difference.”
Carlos nudges Ethan. “What’s got you in such a good mood, man?”
Ethan laughs, his gaze briefly landing on me, heat pulsing through my core as our eyes meet. “I’m just glad to see everyone here and ready to help.”
We board the Freedom and Ethan takes a moment to walk over to me as I stow my bag. “Morning, princess. Did you have breakfast?”
“I had some toast and a croissant just now. I was running a little late. Someone kept me up past my bedtime last night.”
He shakes his head, reaching into a cooler. “Here, I made you a protein smoothie. You need something more substantial.”
I take the smoothie, our fingers brushing. “Thanks.”
Our eyes meet again, and for a moment, I’m lost in the intensity of the moment. My eyes shift, staring at his mouth, remembering the way it felt on my body. Suddenly aware of everyone else around us, I drag my gaze away: “We better get to work.”
We head out on the boat, using the skimmers tirelessly until lunchtime. It’s fun at first, being out on the Freedom , but the sun beats down on us, sweat trickling down my back, and it soon becomes hot and tiring.
Despite the hard work, there’s a sense of camaraderie among the team, a shared purpose that keeps us going. Although none of us complain when it’s time to bring the boat back to the dock, the smell of saltwater and oil still clinging to us.
“Good job, everyone,” Ethan says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude as he claps people on the back and stops to answer questions.
I say goodbye to the other volunteers, exchanging hugs and tired smiles. The sun is high now and it’s just Ethan, Bandit, and me left. Bandit runs ahead, sniffing around the wooden planks, as Ethan and I walk slowly behind.
“What are you up to today?” Ethan asks, his gray eyes catching the sunlight and making them look almost silver.
“I’ve got a few things to do before opening the bar later.”
He looks at me with a hint of concern. “Have you heard from David?”
A flash of guilt hits me. I meant to try and call him again this morning but got sidetracked. “No, I haven’t.”
We get to Ethan’s office and before I can react, he leans in and kisses me. His lips are warm and soft, and for a moment, I’m kissing him back just as hard.
Then I remember where we are, and break the kiss, glancing around to see if anyone’s looking, but there’s no one around.. It’s not that I want to keep things a secret, necessarily, but gossip is the lifeblood of Harbor’s Edge, and I’m not even sure myself what we’re doing.
“Are you worried about someone seeing us?” He’s smirking.
“I just... I don’t know what this is. And you know how this town is. Everyone will be talking.”
Ethan gives me a lopsided grin that makes my heart skip a beat. “Let them talk. I don’t care about that.”
Bandit barks as if in agreement, and we both laugh.
“I better get going.” I take a step back. “I’ll see you later?”
Ethan’s eyes linger on mine. “Definitely.”