Page 71 of Champagne Nights

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I laid my head on his shoulder as his arms wrapped around me and held on tight. I prayed that he’d stay the night. I knew it was something he didn’t do, but in light of our recent conversation, I hoped he’d change his mind. He stood up, telling me to hold on as he carried me to the bedroom and set me on the edge of the bed. He pulled back the covers, and I climbed under them, pulling the sheet up over my naked body. I was a nervous wreck that he was getting ready to leave. But instead, he climbed in on the other side, wrapped his arm around me, and pulled me into him.

“You don’t mind if I stay the night, do you?”

My lips gave way to a delighted smile. “I don’t mind at all,” I replied, snuggling against him.

We lay there, his hand stroking my hair as my fingers trailed along his chest. I had never felt as safe as I did at that moment.

“How are you feeling?” I asked. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Aubrey. Thank you for listening to me.” His lips kissed the top of my head.

“You’re welcome. Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Why won’t you kiss me?”

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask me that.” He sighed. “I have a no-kissing rule. I can’t explain it. It’s just something I don’t do. I haven’t kissed anyone passionately since Sophia. I hope you can understand that.”

I lied and told him I did, even though I didn’t. There was something between us. I felt it, and I knew he did, too. I could feel and sense it. Maybe he just needed some time to adjust. After all, he just told me about her. I pressed my lips against his chest and then closed my eyes.

When I awoke the next morning, I was alone in bed but could smell the freshly brewed coffee coming from the kitchen and I could hear the opening and closing of cabinets. I let out a sigh of relief that he was still here.

“Good morning.” I smiled as I tied my robe and walked to the kitchen.

“Good morning. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, you didn’t. What are you doing?”

“I wanted to make us breakfast, but I can’t seem to find a pan to cook the eggs in.”

I gently smiled and walked over to the cabinet next to the stove. Reaching down, I pulled out the frying pan.

“Is this what you’re looking for?”

“Yes. But I swear I looked in that cabinet.”

“Go sit down. I’ll make breakfast.”

“Oh no, you don’t. I’m cooking. So go sit down, and I’ll get you a cup of coffee,” he insisted.

“Seriously, Ethan?—”

Before I knew it, his hands were grasping my shoulders.

“Go sit down. I’m cooking breakfast. End of discussion. Do you understand?” He led me to the barstool at the counter.

“Fine. I’ll sit down.”

“Thank you. Now, how do you like your eggs?”

“Scrambled is fine.”

He set a cup of coffee down in front of me and told me to be careful.

“It’s hot. Don’t burn yourself.”

“Yes, Ethan. I know it’s hot. But I will be extra careful for you,” I smirked.

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