Page 39 of Champagne Nights

“Aubrey got a call, and they aren’t letting anyone back into the apartment building until tomorrow.”

“Is that true?” I asked her.

“Yes. My Aunt Charlotte called. Don’t worry. You’ve helped me enough, and I appreciate it.” She got up from her chair. “I’m going to go get dressed.” She headed towards the elevator.

As soon as the doors closed, Ingrid shot me a look and stood there shaking her head.

“What?”

“First of all, you didn’t tell me that the girl who made you dinner was blind. And second of all, you’re an asshole.”

“How am I an asshole?”

“First, it was your attitude towards her when you came back from your run. And, second, you are not going to sit there and tell me that you didn’t sleep with her last night. Because I know you, and you can’t keep your dick in your pants for nothing when a woman is around.”

“You know what? I should fire you right now.”

“Go ahead and see who else would put up with you and your bullshit every day.”

I rolled my eyes. She was right.

“In fact, you’re not worthy of my Belgian waffles.” She walked over and took the plate away from me.

“Jesus Christ, Ingrid. What the hell is your problem?”

“That poor girl up there is feeling like she’s not welcome here because of you and your attitude. She’s not like the others, Ethan.”

“Don’t you think I know that!” I slammed my fist on the counter. “She’s different, and she’s an incredible woman, and I like spending time with her, but it scares the hell out of me. I had another nightmare last night.”

“Then I suggest you call Dr. Perry and work it out. In the meantime, I think you owe Aubrey an apology.”

I sighed as I got up from my chair and went up to Aubrey’s room. Lightly knocking on the door, she told me to come in.

“I’m ready to go.” She sat on the edge of the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Penelope’s, I guess. I tried to call her again, but she didn’t answer. She’s probably still with that Leo guy.”

I sat down on the edge of the bed and took hold of her hand.

“I’m sorry about last night, and don’t want to discuss it. I shouldn’t have snapped at you the way I did or given you an attitude when I came in this morning. You have done nothing wrong, Aubrey. You’re staying here tonight. Okay?”

“Thank you, Ethan, but it’s best if I just go.”

“You may think it’s best, but I don’t. So, it’s settled. You’re staying here tonight.”

“You think so?” She cocked her head.

“I know so, and it’s no longer up for discussion.”

She laid her head on my shoulder. “Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome.” I kissed the top of her head as I closed my eyes.

My fist clenched at what I was about to ask her next. Was I making the right choice? I didn’t know. But what I did know was that it felt right.

“Would you like to come spend the day with me at my parents’ house?”

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