Page 75 of Champagne Nights

“He wants to have a relationship with me, just not a dating one.”

“Well, you know that I find that extremely hot in a man. They secretly want you but can’t let you know because of their issues,” Penelope spoke. “Just fuck him and leave him hanging.”

“Penelope!” Aunt Charlotte exclaimed.

“What? He does it. In fact, a lot of men do it. So there’s no reason why my best friend can’t do it too. She’s not a damn doormat. Guys just can’t walk all over her, wipe their feet, walk away, and then come back when their shoes are dirty again.”

“What?” Aunt Charlotte sighed. “Listen, Aubrey. You know how I feel about that man.”

“I know, Aunt Charlotte, but you don’t have to worry. He is a good man. I knew it the minute I met him, to be honest. He just has some issues he needs to work out before he can move on with his life. Our conversation last night proved it.”

“So what did happen to his girlfriend?” Penelope asked.

“She drowned in the ocean, and he loved her very much. He’s still dealing with that loss.”

“I don’t know, Aubrey,” my Aunt Charlotte spoke.

“Trust me.” I reached over and grabbed her hand. “He’s a good man.”

The next morning,I was awoken by the sound of my phone letting me know that Ethan was calling.

“Hello,” I sleepily answered.

“Did I wake you?”

“Oh no. I was just lying here,” I lied. “What time is it anyway?”

“It’s eight o’clock, and I’m sorry. I did wake you.”

“I had to get up anyway.”

“How would you like to go with me to the Hamptons today?”

A smile crossed my face. “I’d like that.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d say yes. Charles and Lexi are heading there to spend the day on the boat. They invited me and asked me to ask you.”

“Sounds fun.”

“How fast can you be ready?”

“Umm. An hour? When did you want to come pick me up?”

“Well, I’m standing outside your door.”

“What?” I laughed. “I’m hanging up and will be there in a second to let you in.”

Climbing out of bed, I slipped on my robe, walked to the front door, unlocked it, and let him in.

“Good morning.” He kissed my forehead.

“Good morning.” I smiled.

“You go get ready, and I’ll make you some coffee.”

“Thank you. I won’t take too long. I promise.”

Making my way into the bathroom, I hopped into the shower and quickly washed my hair. Spending the day with Ethan was going to be perfect, and it made me happy that he asked. Climbing out of the shower, I wrapped my towel around me. I could hear his footsteps approaching the bathroom.

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