Page 13 of Champagne Nights

“I’m sorry. Did you say, Ethan Klein?” Her voice became serious.

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“Personally, no. I’ve heard of him. He’s a very ruthless businessman, Aubrey, and I think it’s best you stay away fromhim. He’s a womanizer on top of it and has a whole slew of women at his beck and call. I’ve heard the talk around the city.”

“You heard talk? Talk is talk, Aunt Charlotte. I’ll decide for myself if I should stay away from him. In fact, he’s coming over for dinner tonight.”

“What? Oh, Aubrey. Please, for the love of God, listen to me. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Aunt Charlotte.” I sighed. “I’m twenty-five years old. I’m not a child. I can see who I want.”

“I know that, dear, but I don’t want you getting hurt again.”

“I can protect myself. Don’t worry about me.”

“Well, I do. I can’t help it.” She walked over to me and grabbed my hand.

“I’ll be fine. I promise.” I smiled.

“What are you going to cook for dinner?” she asked.

“Breaded chicken, baked potatoes, fresh green beans, and salad.”

“Sounds good. Mind if I join you?”

“Yes. Actually, I do mind.” I laughed.

She kissed my forehead. “I’m going to go. If you need any help, call me.”

“Thank you. I will.”

I loved my Aunt Charlotte more than anyone in the world, but sometimes, she didn’t know how to stop treating me like a child.

After returning homefrom the market down the street, I set the two bags of groceries down on the kitchen counter. When I pressed the button on my watch, it told me it was five o’clock. I had enough time to jump in the shower and prepare for dinner.

I kept thinking about what my Aunt Charlotte said about Ethan—about him being a ruthless businessman and a womanizer. I could sense that, but there was something else I sensed. I sensed a side to him that he kept hidden away. A part of himself that he didn’t want anyone to know. That was why I agreed to go out with him.

After my shower, I went into the kitchen and started to prepare dinner. Once the chicken and potatoes were in the oven, I gathered all the ingredients for the salad. As I was cutting up the lettuce, there was a knock on the door. My belly did a little flip, knowing that he was on the other side.

“Hello, Ethan.” I smiled as I opened the door.

“Hello, Aubrey. Were you one hundred percent sure that it was me before opening the door? I didn’t hear you ask who it was.”

“My watch told me that it was six fifty-nine, and I told you to be here at seven. So, I was pretty confident it was you. Come on in.”

Ethan

She looked as beautiful as she did this morning in her long floral spaghetti-strap dress. The way her hair fell over her shoulders with soft curls aroused me.

“You look incredible, but I’m still concerned that you didn’t ask who was at the door.”

She let out a light laugh. “I knew it was you. Trust me. But to put your mind at ease, I always ask.”

“I hope so.”

Her apartment looked nice. Her living area had a light gray color on the walls, accented with a dark gray couch, matchingchairs, and a glass coffee table and end tables. The kitchen was on the small side with dark cabinets, a black granite countertop, and all stainless-steel appliances. I was surprised at how nice it looked.

“It smells good in here,” I spoke as I followed her into the kitchen.

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