Page 136 of Catch
I can’t contain my laughter as we push away from the dock.
“This is so cool,” he remarks. “But it’s definitely more difficult than it looks.”
We’re in danger of tipping over a few times because Ethan keeps turning around to talk to me, throwing off our balance. It doesn’t matter. I’d gladly tip over and risk a dunk in the cold water rather than temper his enthusiasm. I’m distracted in the best way as I spend more time watching and listening to Ethan rather than teaching him to row.
We pause when we get to the middle of the lake, the sun climbing higher. I risk another tip and lean forward to kiss his neck. Ethan turns his head, and our lips meet in a languid kiss.
“We’re in danger of falling overboard again,” he teases.
“Not to worry. If it happens, I’ll rescue you.”
“I know. It’s one of the many reasons why I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He gives me another long, sweet kiss.
“But don’t go easy on me on the way back to the dock,” Ethan quips. “I want to learn so we can do this more often.”
Ethan’s been teaching me how to skate back at Sutton, so it’s only fair I return the favor.
The journey to the dock is surprisingly smooth. Ethan’s a fast learner, and when he puts his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. I’ll make a rower out of this hockey boy in no time.
An hour later, after a rest to enjoy the sunshine, we pack up the shell and head back to the ranch for breakfast. Cate, Harry, and my grandparents are gathered around the kitchen table, where platters of biscuits, fried eggs, and gravy are laid out.
“Mornin’,” Pops comments with a grin. “You boys were out early.”
“I took Ethan to Angel Lake.”
“I think I’ve found my second favorite sport,” Ethan announces and claps his hands when he looks at the breakfast spread. “Ooh, this smells incredible.”
“Eat up,” I encourage. “We’ve got chores to do.”
“We’ll help too,” Harry offers. “I can’t wait to see Ethan face off with a horse.”
Cate giggles, and I bite back a laugh as my boyfriend reaches for a biscuit. For a second it looks like he’s contemplating throwing it at Harry’s head, but then he shoves it in his mouth instead and makes a loud groan of approval.
“Your food is spoiling me,” Ethan admits to my nan. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed, honey, but it’s appreciated. Now, eat up before everything gets cold.”
We do as we’re told, and once our bellies are full, we head back to my room to change.
Ethan slides on his jeans and a denim button down with the sleeves rolled up. When he slips on a pair of my boots, he fits right in on the ranch.
“You look so fucking hot,” I admit and slide my finger into his belt loop, tugging him closer.
“No time for that, Sugar,” he teases me. “Chores first.”
I reluctantly let him go and reach for my favorite pair of worn denims and a green plaid button down. Then I pull on my oldest pair of cowboy boots and we head back through the living room to meet up with Cate and Harry.
Ethan reaches for my hand, and I notice it’s unusually clammy. He really is nervous about being around the horses. We’ve got cattle on the ranch too, but I think I’ll save that introduction for tomorrow.
“We’ll take this slowly,” I whisper to him. “You’ll be fine in no time. Trust me?”
Ethan looks at me with a tender smile.
“You know I do.”
