Page 38 of Champagne Nights

“No. I’ll grab some coffee when I come down.”

I sat there with a heavy heart that he could treat me like he did after our night together. I was confused and wondered if I had done something wrong.

“Here’s your coffee, honey.”

“Thank you.”

“I make the best Belgian waffles, and they’re Ethan’s favorite. How about I whip up a batch, and I bet he’ll be down here the minute he smells them.”

“It’s your day off, Ingrid. I’m fine with just coffee. I’m not very hungry anyway.”

She placed her hand on mine. “Listen, honey. Don’t let that man get you down. I know he can be rude and angry and just an overall asshole ninety percent of the time, but deep down, he has a heart of gold. You just have to keep chipping away at all the stone around it before you get there.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Now, how about some of Ingrid’s Belgian waffles?”

“Sure.” I smiled.

As I was sitting there, my phone rang and alerted me that my Aunt Charlotte was calling.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Hello, sweetheart. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with the fire department, and we won’t be able to get back into the apartment until tomorrow. I’m going to stay an extra day and fly out in the morning. Where are you staying?”

“With a friend. I’m fine.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“I love you too, Aunt Charlotte.”

I sighed as I ended the call.

“Bad news?” Ingrid asked.

“They aren’t letting anyone back inside the building until tomorrow.”

“No worries. You can stay here another night.”

“Thanks, Ingrid, but I think I’ve stayed long enough. Ethan is going to his parents’ house today to celebrate Labor Day. After breakfast, I’m just going to grab my clothes and go.”

Chapter Fifteen

Ethan

I couldn’t shake the fact that I had another nightmare last night, and what made matters worse was that Aubrey was there. Now, she’d start asking questions, and I wasn’t about to discuss anything with her. I was angry. I was angry that the nightmares returned, and I had no idea why. I took in a deep breath as I ended my shower and got dressed. As I walked down the stairs and headed to the kitchen, the smell of Ingrid’s Belgian waffles smacked me in the face.Damn her.

“I told you I wasn’t hungry,” I spoke as I walked into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot for a cup of coffee.

“I made them for Aubrey, not you. So go take your coffee and enjoy it.”

Rolling my eyes, I leaned against the counter and sipped my coffee while staring at Aubrey, sitting at the island eating breakfast. Damn, those waffles smelled and looked so good.

“Fine, Ingrid. Give me some waffles.” I sighed as I sat down next to Aubrey. “As soon as we’re done eating, I’ll take you back to your apartment.”

“Okay,” she softly spoke.

I saw Ingrid glance over at her and then back at me.

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