Page 46 of Accidental Dad's Best Friend

Izzy

Sun slices through the venetian blinds in my room casting slivers all across the bed, warming me deep inside. Then I realize it’s not the only reason I am warm. Ethan was here. Ethanishere. I roll over and see him sitting on the edge of the bed, checking his phone. He is already dressed in the clothes he had on the night before and there are two cups of coffee he must have taken the liberty of making sitting on the nightstand.

“That smells lovely,” I say and he turns to look at me.

A mischievous smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah? Let me see.” He leans down and nuzzles his face into my neck, kissing it.

“I meant the coffee,” I giggle.

“I know.” I can feel the smile against my skin and for a moment I think I could get used to this. All of this. But the smile fades a little. Because I know I can’t. It’s complicated. So very complicated.

I sit up and reach for my phone. I have a text from Rosilyn.

Ethan hands me my coffee and I respond to the text before setting my phone down and taking the mug. Caramel creamer swirls in the cup and I breathe. There’s a reason I will never be a size two. Also, I don’t care.

“How’s the kid?” He asks, nodding at my phone.

“They’re good. Making pancakes and watching Super Why it sounds like.”

“I don’t know what that is.”

“Count yourself lucky,” I wink at him and he smiles. There’s a moment of static between us as I take a sip and relish it. I can feel him watching me though, studying me. Part of me wonders if he is going to try to jump me again. That same part hopes he will. The other part of me is sore from last night. A good sore…

“I have an idea,” he says and I turn to look at him.

“Yeah? And what’s that?”

“There’s a festival today. In Golden. It’s a little drive. But from what I hear, it’ll be a good time. Food vendors, live music, crafts and things like that. Rides. I bet Jaxon would enjoy it.”

For a moment I am just hung up on hearing Ethan say the name Jaxon. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it. I never thought I’d hear it. I can’t decide how I feel about it. It tugs on both heartstrings of longing and sore nerves.

“Izzy?” His voice brings me back to the moment. “What do you think? We could go together, the three of us.”

“I mean, it sounds amazing but…don’t you worry?”

Ethan’s eyes meet mine, steady and sure. “Nope. It’s away from the city. And do you really think your dad or anyone he fraternizes with is going to go to a small town festival?”

“No,” I say flatly. Because my dad would have to be drugged and dragged to go to something like that.

“Great. Then let’s go.” Ethan shoves up to his feet. “I have some work things to take care of. But after that, I’ll swing by and grab you. If that’s okay.”

I chew my lip for a moment. Half of me is nervous. The other half of me wants out of the house. So I agree.

“Sure. Sounds good.”

“Good.” Ethan bends down and kisses me again, then disappears. Even after I heard the closing of the door, the sound of his car engine and then the silence to follow, there’s a hum in the air. Ethan Savage has a way of making me forget about what I should do or shouldn’t do. For the first time, all I can think about is doing what I want. And damn if it doesn’t feel liberating.

“Good morning!” I hear the front door open as I am combing through my wet hair. I took a quick shower and slipped into a white and blue floral sundress, just in time for Rosilyn and the boys to come walking inside.

“Good morning,” I call back, smiling as I enter the living room. Jax is bright eyed and bushy tailed which tells me I made the right call in letting him stay the night at their house. The protective mom in me wasn’t sure at first. But seeing that he is happy and fine warms my heart and I am able to tuck the memories of last night with Ethan into a secret safe place in the back of my mind.

“Look mommy! We made slime!” He holds up his hand and a lime green goo slips between his fingers.

“Oh wow. You did.” I grimace, looking up at Rosilyn.

“I’m sorry,” she laughs. “I know most moms hate the stuff but I find it a cheap and amusing way to keep kids happy.”

“And it smells like coconut!” Jax lifts it towards my nose.

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