Page 459 of One More Kiss

“He was married,” I explain.

“Is he still?” Her inflection raises.

“No, no. It’s nothing like that. He’s a widower, and seriously Nora, I was bawling like a baby. Just think of the saddest movie you’ve ever seen times a million then put it on crack. Ethan’s wife was pregnant and had complications during the birth. The baby was premature and got really sick and didn’t make it. They both passed away within two weeks of each other.” My voice cracks and I realize I’m choking up.

“I don’t know what to say,” she mumbles. “That’s much heavier than I was expecting.”

“Believe me, I know.” I suck in a deep breath. “Still, the date was perfect though. The best date I’ve ever had.”

“Well, I’m happy for you.” Her tone is raw.

“Thanks, Nora,” I say with a smile. “Oh! So that brings me to the point of this call.” I look at my phone and realize the Uber is outside, so I rush across the yard and continue the conversation when I get in the car. “I’m going to call the airline and try to reschedule my flight. I’m staying another week. I’m getting ahead with this impending deadline, and I think it would be good for me to utilize the inspiration that’s coming to me now while I can.” I bite down on my lower lip, thinking of all the ways Ethan can inspire me for the next week. “So I hope you won’t mind taking care of Oliver for me for just a little bit longer?” I ask as sweetly as possible.

She sucks in a breath. “I guess.” Her tone is unamused, but I know she’s just giving me a hard time. She’s probably thinking the same thing I am. Inspiration equals Ethan’s cock.

“Thank you. I owe you. I’m on my way to watch Ethan do a live pottery demo at his studio, so I have to get going. I’ll snap some photos though and text them to you.”

“Good, because I need to see what this Prince Charming looks like.” Her tone perks up, and I know she’s not annoyed with watching Oliver another week like she pretends to be.

The Uber slows in front of Paris Pottery & Studio, and I hang up with Nora before thanking the driver. I stand outside and look up at the sign with a whole new perspective, and my heart lurches forward. It’s so beautiful that he named the studio after his daughter, knowing it would’ve made his wife happy. I take in a slow breath as I see all the people packed into the building and try to push my anxiety to the side as I enter.

I move through hordes of women who are all looking in the same direction. From the back of the room, I see Ethan at the wheel, with his hands on the clay, and I can’t help but admire him. Honestly, though, I think every woman in here is. He’s smiling and explaining his methods as all eyes stay glued to him. He looks so good wearing black dress slacks and a solid, dark gray button-up shirt. His sleeves are rolled up his arms, and his top buttons are undone. He looks business-professional, but I know what’s under all of that—eight-pack abs and a pierced cock that knows how to melt off panties.

Weaving my way through, I see Aunt Millie laughing and speaking loudly in the middle of the room while she brags about her nephew. As soon as she makes eye contact with me, she waves me over, and I feel slightly embarrassed, but I walk toward her anyway.

Ethan’s head lifts, and his entire face brightens when he sees me.

“Hi,” I mouth, and he winks at me. Women start searching around the room, trying to figure out who he’s openly flirting with, and that’s when heat hits my cheeks.

“There you are, Vada. Ethan told me you’d be showing up, and I’ve been waitin’ for you. Want you to meet someone,” Millie says, grabbing my hand and forcing her way past people.

“Vada, this is my sister, Mollie. Ethan’s mama.”

My mouth drops open when I see a spitting image of Millie standing in front of me. “I had no idea you were a twin; what a surprise!”

“Mollie, this is Vada, the girl I was telling you about who’s staying with Ethan.” Millie gives me a wink, and I instantly blush.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I tell her, and she gives me a hug, a customary southern greeting I’ve come to expect.

“You too, honey. I’ve heard so much about you,” she says, and I glance over her shoulder at Millie with a smile and can only imagine what she’s said about me.

“Really?” I try not to be too embarrassed.

“Yeah, Millie told me about your books, and I downloaded a few onto my Kindle.”

I instantly start stuttering. “I hope you enjoy them.” All I can think about are these sweet older ladies reading those raunchy sex scenes.

“I’m sure I will, sweetie,” she says, having no idea what she’s about to read.

Ethan grabs the bat out of the wheel with a brand-new mug he’s just made and hands it to one of the workers who sets it down on one of the shelves.

At that moment, I take a quick photo and send it to Nora. When I look back up, it’s like we’re the only two people in the crowded room. I can’t stop staring at him. It’s almost as if he can read my thoughts as his eyes meet mine. Swallowing hard, I snap out of it and feel like a room full of eyes are on me. I can almost feel the jealousy streaming off all the women who came here just to admire Ethan—and not necessarily his work. But it doesn’t hurt he’s sexy as sin, so I’m sure that’s good for business. Although he doesn’t need it. His work speaks for itself all on its own.

Once he finishes molding a few more mugs, he goes to the sink and rinses off his hands and arms, then makes a beeline toward me as interns clean up the area and restock his clay. My mouth goes dry when he dips down and gives me a kiss in front of everyone. I feel like I’m falling as he completely steals my breath away. Ethan brushes his fingers against my cheek, and before he pulls away, he whispers in my ear. “Hopefully all these thirsty women will get the hint.”

I burst out laughing, especially when I get eyerolls from a few ladies staring at us together. “Doubt it. Some look like they’re trying real hard and now want to murder me.”

He nods. “You have no idea. Oh, did you meet my mama?” Ethan asks, searching around for her. She and Millie are the life of the party on the opposite side of the room. It also helps the interns are serving wine, so many people are giggly and buying mugs like they’re shopping with a no limit credit card.

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