Page 6 of Ethan

Now she had Mark, and I was thrilled for her. He was a great guy. A few years older than me. A retired contractor. And he treated Delores as if she was made of precious jewels.

I approved. Not that my opinion mattered but it made blending our families easier. Delores and I would always share the memories of our children growing up and rejoice in what adventures their current lives were bringing them. Together—as a family.

"I'm headed out to lunch with my girlfriends," Delores said. "Talk soon?"

"Sure. Sure. And congratulations on your engagement."

"Kisses."

Then she was gone. I stood and walked back over to the mirror. I'd known Delores since we were sixteen years old. Maybe it was time I moved on as well. I had a decision to make. I had never shared with anyone that I found men desirable. My bisexuality was a complete secret and because I had met Delores in high school, I'd never even had the opportunity to experiment.

Now, I was contemplating following my attraction toward a young man whom I found captivating. His exuberance for life was contagious. I wanted to surround myself with him.

Reckless.

I decided I didn't care. This weekend, today, I was going to drive to Ethan's coffee shop and see where it led. Maybe somewhere. Maybe nowhere. I wouldn't know unless I tried.

I went in search of my keys. As always, they were elusive. I finally found them in the pocket of some dress pants I had worn to work yesterday.

Twenty minutes later I was sitting in my car outside the coffee shop, looking in, wondering what had come over me. Then I caught a glimpse of Ethan, and it all made sense.

The whole damned world felt as though it was about to come into focus.

I just needed to get out of the car.

I half-hurried, and half felt as though my legs were wading through molasses. My pulse thundered in my ears and my throat became the Sahara, parched. I attempted to lick my lips as I approached the counter. A young person with pink hair and a lip ring bounced on their toes.

"Welcome to Salish Café. What can I start for you?"

Simple question … but—

Behind the pink hair was the man I had come to see. His sultry locks and chiseled jaw tipped forward, his eyes scanning through a binder filled with paper.

"I'm not sure yet," I muttered.

The sound of my voice must have caught Ethan's attention. I liked to imagine it had. As he raised his head to look at me, his smile was slow as if he didn't recognize me at first. Then sunbeams couldn't have outshone the warmth radiating from him toward me.

No one had ever looked at me that way.

My heart tumbled fast into my stomach.

"I'll take this one," Ethan said and stepped up to the till. His smile was broad, and his gaze mischievous. "Would you like your usual? Or are you here to be adventurous?"

I smiled and chuckled, captured in the purity of his intent. The teasing felt good. I deserved it. Six months was a long time to delay taking someone up on their invitation.

"What do you recommend?" I asked.

Ethan winked at me. "All depends on if you're running hot or cold."

I could feel the prickle of heat rise in my cheeks. The man was as gorgeous and sexy as I remembered. "Hot. Definitely hot." I had never in my life flirted with anyone so blatantly.

"Then I recommend cooling down with the help of some ice." Ethan leaned over the till and lowered his voice. "I could either put it in a drink or administer it to the affected areas."

I coughed, nearly choking on my tongue.

Ethan laughed, then sighed, his voice breathy and high. "I'll make you an iced coffee. And might I suggest one of my chocolate croissants? You'll be snagging the last delicious one."

I cleared my throat. "Sounds perfect." I opened my wallet and removed my debit card, holding it ready to tap the machine, but Ethan shooed my hand away.

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