Page 77 of Champagne Nights

“You don’t need any. I would prefer it if you didn’t wear any under that dress.”

“You’re a bad boy, Mr. Klein.”

“I know.” He kissed my forehead. “Okay, now you have fifteen minutes to do your hair so we can get out of here.”

After brushing out and blow drying my hair, I threw it up in a ponytail. Grabbing my sandals from the closet, I walked into the living room, where I heard Ethan talking.

“Who were you talking to?” I asked as I slipped on my shoes.

“Charles. Unfortunately, he and Lexi aren’t going to be able to make it. She’s sick.”

“Oh. I hope she’s okay.”

“She thinks it’s food poisoning. But we’re still going to go.”

“Just the two of us?” I grinned.

“Yes. Just the two of us. Charles rented the boat for the day, so I told him that I’d pay him for it since we were going to be using it. Are you ready?”

“I am.” I grabbed my purse and my cane.

Chapter Thirty

Ethan

Getting to spend the day with Aubrey was something I looked forward to doing. After dropping her off at her apartment yesterday afternoon and knowing that she was going out for the night, set me in a mood. I wanted to spend the rest of the day and evening with her. It was a feeling that completely took over me, and I couldn’t get her out of my head.

When Charles came over, we had a long talk, and he was pleasantly surprised that I told her about Sophia. He said that right there alone was a step in the right direction. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right. I told her that I couldn’t give her more of me. She seemed okay with it, but for me, it felt unsettled. I wanted to change the person I’d become.

We arrived at the marina, and I led her onto the boat.

“Good afternoon. I’m Jacque, and I’ll be your captain for the day.”

“Good afternoon. I’m Ethan Klein, and this is Aubrey Callahan. It will only be the two of us today. Charles and his fiancée were unable to make it.”

“Okay. If you’d like to explore the boat, be my guest. Up on the deck, you will find some champagne, a large cheese tray, and fresh fruit waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Jacque.”

Aubrey took hold of my arm, and I led her up to the sun deck, where she took a seat on the long blue and white striped couch.

“This is comfy.” She smiled.

“Would you like some champagne?” I asked.

“I’d love some.”

“Right in front of you, on the table, is the cheese and fruit tray,” I spoke.

“Thank you.”

I handed her a glass of champagne, sat down next to her, and pulled her into me as her legs sprawled out on the couch and her head pressed against my chest.

“You don’t get seasick, do you?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never been on a boat.”

“Well, if you do, let me know. They have medicine here you can take.”

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