“I should let you sleep,” he said, looking under the sink for dishwashing soap. He found the tabs and put one in the washer for her. “You need to stay healthy, too.”
“You cleaned my kitchen,” Laura stated, still in awe.
“Of course I did. It wasn't hard,” Ethan said. “I don't know what setting you want your dishes run on, so you'll have to do that part.”
She crossed the kitchen and hugged him. He had made her load lighter. For the first time since her parents died, she didn't feel quite so overwhelmed and alone. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.” He rubbed her back. “Now, go get some rest. I don't want you catching the bug too.”
“Okay,” she agreed. “The last thing I want is a stomach bug. Then who would take care of me?”
“I would,” he replied. “That reminds me.”
He let her go and walked over to the DVD bag, pulling out one last item. It was a giant container of hand sanitizer. He handed it to her with a smile.
“You really did think of everything, didn't you?” Laura asked in amazement.
He grinned, looking rather pleased with himself. “Thank you for the wonderful date, Laura.”
She loved the way he said her name. It was feminine and beautiful when he said it. Special and unique. When he said her name, it didn't belong to anyone else in the world.
He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Call me if you need anything,” he said, pulling back. He went to pick up his jacket from the chair and gather his shoes.
“I will,” Laura promised. She put her hand to her cheek. She wanted more than just a small chaste kiss, even if the kids were in the other room. “Ethan? What are you doing tomorrow?”
He thought for a moment. “Just some paperwork. Why?”
“Would you like to go for a ride with me?” she asked. She wasn't sure why she was nervous, but she wanted him to say yes so badly she was afraid of any other answer. “The kids have school and their grandparents are picking them up from school. I have to work, but I want you to come and do it with me. I know it's weird, but-”
“I'd love to,” he said, stopping her flow of nervous chatter.
“Yeah?” She grinned as he nodded. “Awesome. Meet me at Carter's ranch at eleven.”
“I can't wait,” he told her, putting on his suit jacket. He frowned and then tugged his tie back over his shoulder and back into place. He gave her one last smile before opening the door and heading out into the night. “See you tomorrow, Laura.”
She stared out into the darkness as he walked down the path to the waiting car with Craig. She watched as he got into the car and drove off before she finally closed the front door and sighed with happiness. It was an incredible feeling.
She chuckled as she pushed off the door and headed to bed. Despite it all, this ended up feeling like a real date.
Chapter 13
Ethan
Ethan walked toward the familiar barn with both excitement and a little apprehension. He was excited because he was going to see Laura, and after last night she was the only thing he was able to think of. She had filled his dreams, and he had woken up needing a cold shower. He couldn't wait to see her.
However, horses were not his thing. He liked dogs and cats. Horses were too big and unpredictable. He had never been riding and had this terrible prediction that he was going to make a fool of himself.
He should have asked if they could go climbing. Or dancing. Or anything else besides horseback riding. He sighed and coughed as he took in a big mouthful of manure-smelling air. Laura loved horses. If he wanted to be with her, he was going to have to get comfortable around them.
She was worth it, so he stood up a little straighter and put a smile on his face as he entered the barn.
The smells of sunlight-warmed hay and horses, with the metallic tang of metal and leather for accent, filled his nose. He sneezed but kept walking into the barn.
“Ethan?” Laura asked, coming out of one of the stalls. Her face split into a big, beautiful grin as soon as she saw him. He loved that she nearly skipped as she ran out to greet him. “You're here!”
She slowed to a stop in front of him, unsure of how she should greet him. He reached out and brought