"We know," Maya says gently.
"Is it too soon to feel this way?"
"Feelings don't operate on timelines," Emily says. "When you know, you know. You feel what you feel when you feel it. The question is what you're going to do about it."
"The party is tomorrow. After that, the job is technically done."
"But the relationship doesn't have to be," Amber points out.
"We haven't talked about what happens after."
"Then talk about it," Chloe suggests. "Communication is sexy, remember?"
I finish my wine. "You're right and he is big on communication, I guess I need to talk to him."
"Tonight?" Holly asks hopefully.
"Tonight."
I show up at Ethan's house at ten p.m.
He opens the door looking surprised but pleased. "I thought you might stay at the meeting longer."
"I needed to see you."
Something shifts in his expression. Is he worried? "Come in."
I follow him to the living room, where a fire is crackling in the fireplace.
"Wine?" he offers.
"No. I need a clear head for this conversation."
He sits on the couch, watching me pace. "Should I be worried?"
"No. Maybe. I don't know." I force myself to stop moving. To look at him. "The party is tomorrow."
"It is."
"After that, the job is done."
"Technically, yes."
"So, what happens then?" The words rush out. "With us. Because there's an 'us' now, right? Or am I completely misreading this situation?"
Ethan stands, crossing to me. His hands settle on my shoulders.
"You're not misreading anything," he says quietly. "There's definitely an us."
"Okay. Good. But what does that mean?"
"What do you want it to mean?"
"I asked you first." I need him to take charge, to be Daddy.
His mouth quirks. "Fair enough." He guides me to the couch, sitting beside me. "Here's what I know. I'm forty-two years old. I've had relationships. Some serious, some not. None of them felt like this."
My heart hammers against my ribs.
