He shakes his head. “I couldn’t let you do that, Q. You’ve got a lot on your plate already. Between completing your list and the energy drink campaign, you don’t have time to do me a favor. Especially one this big.”
“Yes, I do. Besides, you and Brynn have done so much for me, and this is the only thing I have to offer in return. Please, let me do this. I really want to help.” I press my palms together, earnestly pleading my case, and I think it’s starting to work.
Ethan’s features soften. “You’re sure?”
“One thousand percent.” I dig my phone out of my pocket. “I’ll take a few notes and start brainstorming this afternoon.”
I pull up the Notes app, eager to get started, but my pulse lurches as he gently rests his hand on my forearm. My throat goes dry when I meet his gaze. He’s looking at me with such tenderness, I suddenly forget how to breathe.
“Thanks, Q. It means a lot to me.” His voice is thick and soft like a well-loved blanket when he adds, “And you have more to offer than you think.”
I mumble something incoherent, too flustered to form words.
For what feels like forever, neither of us moves.
A strange energy sizzles between us.
The room feels hot, and I wet my lips.
Ethan inches forward, a mere breath away.
Then my phone buzzes in my hand.
We both glance at the screen.
It’s a text from Javier.
CHAPTERTEN
“It’s from Javier,” I say unnecessarily. “Do you remember Wes, the musician who performed last night?”
“Sure. He was great.”
“Apparently, he’s offered to teach me the conga drum.” I still can’t believe it. Even though Javier said he’d arrange a lesson, I didn’t think it would actually happen.
“That’s amazing, Q. What a cool opportunity.”
“The thing is…” I trail off, rereading the text to make sure. “He says it would have to be this afternoon.” I glance from Ethan to the computer screen, then back to my phone, feeling torn.
“Go. We can do this anytime.” He smiles, but I notice it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
Part of me wants to stay and explore whatever almost happened between us. But the other part of me—the smarter, more sensible one—knows I need to extricate myself from the situation, and that whatever did ordidn’thappen is best forgotten.
“Thanks.” An emptiness creeps over me as I text Javier back, like I’d just closed the door on something potentially life-altering. But even having the thought makes me feel foolish. I’m infusing more meaning into the moment than I should. Time for a much-needed reality check.
“Well,” I say awkwardly, rising to my feet. “Guess I’d better get ready. Javier will be picking me up soon.”
“Have a good time.” Ethan turns back to the computer, as if he’s silently releasing me from any lingering obligation I might have to stay.
My conflicted emotions weigh down my movements as I freshen up my hair and add a touch of mascara and matte lipstick.
I’d asked Javier to pick me up at the curb, and when he sends a text letting me know his car is out front, I give Whiskers a quick kiss goodbye before slipping outside. For some reason, I’m grateful Ethan is still in his room and doesn’t see me leave.
When I step into the crisp, wintry air, I tug my Burberry scarf tighter around my neck to block out the cold and look toward the street.
Javier leans against a black town car with all the casual elegance of a cover model. And in his sleek onyx suit and calf-length wool coat, he could very easily be one.
He straightens when he sees me, and his entire face brightens in a near-blinding smile. How on earth does someone get their teeth so white? It doesn’t seem humanly possible.