Chapter 19
As Ethan,Bailey and Rose collected water and tested it, Ethan answered their questions patiently and thoughtfully. If something he said wasn’t age-appropriate, he’d rephrase it. Warmth spread through me as I watched them interact with each other.
Ethan was great with children. He was kind and patient. Why hadn’t he and his wife had any?
Ethan ruffled Bailey’s hair. “Thanks for helping.”
He turned to Rose and gave her a fist bump. “You did a good job.”
Rose grinned at me, and my heart swelled. She had always been confident with Bailey and me, confident as a team. Being recognised on her own for her own effort was rare. Ethan had done that for her.
I turned the boat for home. We’d tested the water in the bay and out deeper. I glanced back at Ethan. He was sitting with the children. None of them said a word, content with the silence. Had my determination not to fall into another relationship denied my children this?
Ethan and Max were such contrasts. Ethan was reserved, whereas Max forced himself into every situation, especially if he thought it benefited him. Ethan took his time teaching the children, whereas Max would have expected them to just do as they were told. Max would never have acknowledged their questions as Ethan had done, being patient and nurturing to their curiosity.
The children had never mattered to Max. He’d been the most important person in the world to himself. He always wanted to be the centre of attention and would change friends frequently to make sure he was. We were not important unless we elevated his position.
I could have lived with all of that if it was just me. But it wasn’t just me. And I hated the way he treated the children.
“Is there anything else we need to do today?” Ethan asked from beside me.
I jumped. I hadn’t heard him coming. “Just need to cancel the tours until Monday, but that’s it.”
“Is it OK if I leave that with you? I’d like to record all our findings from today.”
What a change. I doubt he would have asked back when he started.
“Of course. Why don’t you head back home to do that? I’ll take the kids with me to give you some peace.”
“Great. Thanks,” he said with a smile. When he smiled, his entire face brightened—his cheeks lifted and filled, his eyes crinkled. It was the type of smile you automatically returned.
He stayed beside me as we headed to the jetty, his warmth seeping into me, spreading through my body. It was delicious. I snuck a glance up at him. He was watching me with those vibrant hazel eyes. My stomach swirled, and I tore my gaze away.
I wasn’t attracted to Ethan. So why was my body saying otherwise?