Because I couldn't stop thinking about you.
"New place," I say instead. "I'm not used to sleeping anywhere but my apartment."
"Understandable." But he doesn't look convinced. "But Lily?"
"Yes?" I manage to squeak out.
"I don’t like being lied to, little girl." He takes a long drink of his coffee cup while I contemplate this moment. What should I do? What do I even say to that? "But, I’ll let it slip, just this once."
I take a sip of coffee to avoid his gaze. It's perfect. Strong, with just a hint of cream and sweetness, exactly like I imagine my potential Daddy will be.
What the hell is wrong with me?
"I should get going," I say. "I have a lot to do today."
"About that." Ethan sets down his mug. "I was thinking you could work from here."
I blink. "Here?"
"You'll need to make calls, coordinate with vendors. It's easier if you have space to spread out. Plus, I'll be around if you have questions."
"You don't have to work today?"
"I called and took the week off. There was only one surgery scheduled that I’ll need to run in for. Otherwise, it was a slow week anyway and one of my colleagues can do it."
"The whole week?"
"For the party," he pauses and looks me straight in the eyes. "And for you."
My heart does that stupid flip again.
"Ethan, that's not necessary. I can handle this on my own."
"I know you can. But I want to help." He steps closer. "Unless you'd prefer to work alone?"
I should say yes. I should create distance.Boundaries.
But the truth is, I don't want to.
"Okay," I hear myself say, and I’m pretty sure that once again my brain has separated from my physical body. "I'll stay."
His smile is warm and approving, and I feel it all the way to my toes. I like it. I like his approval, way more than I should like the approval of a man sixteen years older than me.
"Good. Why don’t you run home and pack a bag to stay for a few days and come back?" He suggests. I find myself nodding. I could use a shower and a change of clothes for sure.
The entire time I am at my place, I wonder if I’ve lost my mind completely. What am I doing? But, he feels safe. In my bones, I know Dr. Cross is anything but dangerous. That’s why, two hours later, I drove back through the gate and parked. I’ve barely rang the doorbell when he opens it.
"For a moment, I thought you might have changed your mind. Let me show you the office." He leads me down a hallway I didn't explore last night, past a library that makes my book-loving heart sing, and into a spacious office with floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive desk.
"You can use this," Ethan says. "The Wi-Fi password is on a sticky note by the computer. If you need to print anything, the printer is in the corner."
"This is... wow. Thank you."
"I'll be in the living room if you need me."
Once he's gone, I settle into the desk chair and pull out my laptop. Time to get to work.
First up: the necklace. I call the jeweler and confirm the design. They'll need the birthstone information by the end of the day to have it ready by Saturday.
