“I was going to bring this to you in bed,” she stammered as she held out the tray, unable to think of anything else to say. In retrospect, ‘Thank you for saving my life’ or even just ‘Good afternoon’ would’ve probably been appropriate, but, well, she thought that hopefully her mediocre breakfast would at least somewhat convey her gratitude.
“We can take it back there if you like,” Ethan suggested, but Chloe shook her head.
“If I go back to bed with you, I’ll probably never get back out again. And, as much as I’d like that, therearesome things we need to do.”
Ethan’s eyes glimmered at the suggestion, but he nodded, making his way over to the kitchen table and clearing a space for the plates.
Chloe dived into her breakfast, shoveling eggs into her mouth at lightning speed – she reallywashungry. She didn’t even care when Ethan huffed a gentle laugh. She thought that after everything she’d been through, she deserved to enjoy her food whole-heartedly.
“Mm. Food,” she muttered around a mouthful of toast, as her stomach showed its appreciation. “I love food.”
“I think I’m getting to like it, too,” Ethan said. “Amongst… other things. Like Girdwood Springs.”
When she raised an eyebrow at him, he clarified quickly, “And you, of course. I thought that went without saying.”
“Good save,” she said with mock seriousness, taking a sip of her coffee. While she’d partially been poking fun at him for its own sake, it also gave her a few seconds to think, while her stomach tightened in nervous anticipation.
Was Ethan seriously thinking about staying here, then? She barely dared to consider it.
“I was thinking…” Ethan said slowly, trailing off for a moment while he gathered his thoughts. Then he looked up and held her gaze with those piercing blue eyes.
“I was thinking that city life isn’t for me,” he said. “I’ve devoted my whole life toward something that I don’t even like, and I don’t think I ever even realized it until now. I need to get out for a while. Think about something other than what my family expects of me. Do whatIwant to do for a change – once I figure out what exactly that is.”
Chloe swallowed hard. Part of her was terrified of putting herself out there, of being too bold – but this was hermate. Even if she was still only just beginning to learn what that meant, sheknew she could trust him completely. Even if he rejected her offer, he would do it kindly.
“Well,” she said, clearing her throat, “this house certainly has room enough for an extra person. If you were looking for somewhere to stay for a while. Before you get your own place. If that’s what you wanted to do. Though you wouldn’t have to.”
A smile tugged at the corners of Ethan’s lips, and Chloe felt the nervous knot in her stomach melting away.
“How could I say no to such a tantalizing offer?” he said, and Chloe let out a relieved laugh.
“But there are ground rules,” she said. “Such as, you have to get some normal clothes. As nice as you look in a suit, I think you’ll stand out a bit too much.”
“You drive a hard bargain,” Ethan said seriously. “But, okay. Fine. I’ll bring my jeans with me.”
“You own jeans?!” she exclaimed, even as she knew she was being foolish. Of course he owned jeans. She really couldn’t judge his entire existence after having only spent a few days with him, one of which she was essentially unconscious for.
Chloe was spared his response by the buzzing of her phone.
She glanced down at it to see a message from Keisha, from the staffing agency.
Has she managed to find a receptionist for the clinic?
A strange feeling of dread rippled through her stomach. Shewanteda receptionist, and yet…
She opened the text.
Hi Chloe,
Sorry to bother you on a weekend!
I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that I’m still trying to find you a receptionist. I do apologize for the hassle. You’ll definitely have one on Monday, though – if all else fails, I’ll come in and fill the role myself until we can find someone permanent!
Regards,
Keisha.
Chloe stared at the message, feeling conflicted. She really did appreciate the offer – Keisha was going above and beyond, and it wasn’t her fault the original candidate had changed their mind at the last minute.
