Page 55 of Gone for You

“So tired. I don’t know why, either.”

“Probably because it’s midnight?” I chuckle.

“Could be. I woke up at like five this morning because the neighbor’s dog wouldn’t shut up,” she grumbles. “He’s so yappy and I don’t think they care that he’s being super obnoxious and annoying.” Her lips twist to the side, those beautiful golden brown eyes narrow, her pert little nose scrunches… even crabby she’s cute.

“You don’t like dogs?”

“I love dogs. I don’t like to be woken up to the sound of a dog’s constant barking, though. He does it every day so you’d think I’d be used to it by now.”

I scratch the back of my head. “Why don’t his owners do something about it?”

“Oh they do. They yell and holler and shout for him to shut up, which is worse, because then I feel bad for the little guy.”

Laughing, I tell her, “Well, I promise in a few days you’ll be able to sleep as late as you want and there won’t be dogs waking you up early.”

“No?” One eyebrow rises.

“You calling me a dog? Or suggesting that I’ll wake your sexy ass up early?”

“I didn’t say a word.”

“I guarantee if I wake you up early, you won’t be complaining.”

“Promises, promises.”

She yawns again, which causes me to yawn. “You’re tired, too.”

“I am. Haven’t slept good in over a month.”

Her eyes soften. It’s a risk, I know, to tell her how I feel. To lay it on the line and admit how hard I’m falling. But she’s worth the risk. I’m willing to put my heart on the line if it means easing her worries about taking a chance on me.

“I haven’t really, either.”

“Is it bad that I like hearing that?”

“No,” she says quietly, “because I like hearing it from you, too.” We’re quiet for a few minutes and then, even quieter she says, “I’m scared, Ethan.”

“I know you are. Push past it. I got you and won’t let you fall.”

“I’m already falling.”

“Thank fuck.”

Chapter 29

Olivia

I takea deep breath and look at myself in the rearview mirror one more time. I’m sitting in the nearly empty parking lot of The Flying Goat, grateful that it’s early enough in the evening that it’s not as busy as I’m sure it will be soon.

Ethan is everything I could want in a man. Kind, loving, generous, funny. Of course, he’s not hard on the eyes, either. After all, he’s myHotstuff.

I know how tonight will end — with me in his bed. I can’t deny the pull between us. Already, butterflies fill my stomach. I’m anxious to get inside and see him. It’s been too long. But first, there’s something I need to do.

“Hey there,” Owen’s booming voice comes through the phone. I hear a commotion in the background and he says, “Hang on a second, Livvy.” The background noises quiet and I hear a door shut. “Sorry, I’m working on the new cabins and it was loud as hell in there.”

“How’s it going?”

“Slow. I need more hands or hours in a day or something. So what’s up?”

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