Page 78 of Love Unavoidable
Chapter 21
sadie
My first thought isIsn’t that funny that lover-boy over here lied about having a date. But my second thought immediately after isI can’t freaking believe I am in an awkward situation again that Ethan is helping me out of. It’s thought number two that makes me want to die of embarrassment.
“Hey, Grace.” He crouches down next to me, even bigger and more imposing in all his turnout gear. I turn to look at him.
“Hey,” I wheeze.
“You want to tell me what happened?”
“I thought you had plans?” I make an air quote with my free hand at the word plans. Because only one arm made it out the window with me. The other is stuck inside trying to hold the lever of the window open more to make a bigger opening. That doesn’t work, in case you are wondering.
“This is it,” he says of his plans.
“You made it sound like a date.”
“I know.” He has the decency to look slightly ashamed at that. “Tell me what happened, how did you get stuck? Can you move at all?” As he asks, he is also feeling around my body and the window frame, probably determining what he’s dealing with.
“I saw Aaron come in. I didn’t want to deal with him, so I snuck in the bathroom. I saw the window and figured I’d make a run for it. And well, you can see how that went.”
“Why didn’t you use the back door?” he asks.
“Because I didn’t know there was a back door, obviously.”
My cheeks are flaming hot.
Ethan shakes his head and looks down.
“I’m so happy this is amusing for you,” I say.
“It’s not,” he says. “I’m sorry. It’s just ten years in the department and I’ve never seen anything like this.” He prods at my side and belly. “It’s like you are stuck at the perfect spot on your body, where your waist indents just enough to make it impossible to move in either direction. Getting your arm wedged in there didn’t really help things.”
“I’m aware of that,” I breathe.
“Can you move your fingers?” he asks.
I wiggle them at him.
“I mean on your other hand, the one that is stuck.”
“Oh, a little, they feel kind of funny. I think the circulation is being cut off, to be honest.”
“Okay, let me get Spence out here and we can figure out the best move for getting you loose. Try to keep your breathing regular if you can,” he says and steps away.
I hear the click of cell phones taking pictures and look up but can’t see anything.
“Kat? Is that you?”
“Is what me?”
“Are you taking pictures?”
“I am. Your ass looks amazing from this angle, you will be so pleased with these shots.”
“Well, do you mind?” I ask her.
“I don’t mind,” she says. I can hear the smile in her voice. “Hang on, I’ll come out and talk to you.”
