Rachel watched as Ryan took a sip from his coffee, they were polishing off their hot beverages before calling it a night. It was nearing eleven in the evening and even though Rachel was having a great time together with Ryan she was longing to go home, kiss Ava goodnight and cuddle with Ethan in bed. The mere thought of being held by her fiancé caused a blush to spread across her face.
“So I assume things are going well between you two?”
Rachel trailed her eyes down in embarrassment, “Things are good between us.”
“What happened to his fiancée?”
“She is sitting in front of you.”
Ryan placed his cup down, a moment of silence following before he spoke up, “I didn’t expect that.”
Rachel clutched her cup with both hands, while she stared at the remaining hot liquid, “Me neither, but he more or less stated that we were getting married when we visited his parents. I accepted without being asked.”
Ryan laughed at that, the mood between them getting so much better because of his sincere laugh. He was leaning back in his chair, looking a lot more comfortable. It made her feel more at ease as well. She trailed her eyes up and met his gaze, a warm smile spreading across her face.
“You should do whatever makes you happy.” Ryan told her, “I’m glad you two worked things out. Not just for Ava’s sake.”
She reached across the table and held onto his hand, “Thanks.”
Ryan’s gaze softened. He let her pull away and let out a sigh, “Glad things are going so well for you, Rachel, things at my office, on the other hand, are a mess right now.”
“What happened?” She asked, switching to protective mama mode in a split second.
“My trusty assistant is retiring-”
Rachel couldn’t hide her surprise then, “She was that old?”
Ryan shrugged, “We worked well together. She was decent at her job and didn’t come onto me.”
“Yeah, because you might remind her of her own son!”
Ryan’s gaze heated, “Anyway, Mrs. Newman was in charge of finding a replacement and she hired this-” Ryan took his time as he tried to describe the woman his old assistant hired, “Girl.” He spat out like it hurt him, “Who prances around the office like she owns the place. Not to mention the annoying hair thing.” He gestured the hair flick pretty aggressively which made her laugh even louder, “I don’t understand what was going on in Mrs. Newman’s head.”
Rachel couldn’t stop her laughter, “It’s just so funny to me that you call your assistant Mrs. Newman. You have issues, Ryan. I’m being honest with you, as your friend, it’s my duty to let you know.”
“I’d choose Mrs. Newman over Miss hair flick every time.”
Rachel thought it through before she spoke up again, being as serious as she could while discussing Ryan’s office affairs.
“She might not be that bad, are you sure you even gave her a chance?”
Ryan’s silence said everything. He disapproved of the girl mainly because she wasn’t old enough to be his mother. Clearly Ryan had issues at the office. She was sure he wasn’t ready to discuss those issues yet. Instead she tried to reason with him. If things wouldn’t work out between him and the new girl he at least tried. That would make him a decent human being.
“Listen, give it a few weeks. If by the end of the month you still feel the same way about the new girl you can replace her. And when you do replace her you can honestly say that you gave it a shot.”
He didn’t look happy about it, but he agreed with her, “I suppose I should give it a shot.”
“You should, who knows maybe you’re not even her type.”
Ryan gave her a look which made her snort.
“Arrogant.” She muttered, she then glanced at her phone. She had no missed calls or texts but she figured it was the right time to call it a night, “I should head home.”
“You think Ethan will let me meet the little one?”
She met his gaze, “Yeah, he’s mellowing down a little.”
Ryan paid for their food and walked her to her car. He opened the door for her and gestured to her to climb in.
“Let me know when I can meet her.”
“Sure.” Rachel leaned in and hugged him, “Thanks for tonight, I had a great time.” She then pulled away and climbed into the backseat, “We’ll meet up soon.” She promised him.
Ryan closed the door and stepped back, watching her car drive away. She knew Ethan wouldn’t be opposed to letting Ryan meet Ava. He’d protest at first and insult Ryan a little, but in the end, he’d give in. With time maybe the two of them could even be friends. A girl could hope.
***
The room was pitch black, Rachel could barely see her fiancé’s face as she rode him. Their heavy breathing the only sound in the room. She had her hands pressed against his firm chest which was still clothed. The fabric getting damp with sweat as they quietly made love.
She was wearing a tee which belonged to her fiancé, the fabric bunched up at her hips while her panties were moved aside as they both enjoyed their quiet lovemaking. Her sexy lingerie was hidden beneath the big tee, but neither one of them cared. Ethan had a firm grip on her hips, helping her set a slow pace. They weren’t rushing. Ava would be asleep for another three hours so there was no need to rush.
“I missed you.” She admitted to Ethan.
He tightened his grip on her hips, “We’re good together, right, Rache?”
She nodded, but she was aware he couldn’t see it so she tried to voice out her agreement.
“Yeah.”
He sat up, their faces close together, “You almost there?”
She trailed her hands up, caressing his clothed skin along the way. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in, pressing her lips against his neck.
“Almost there.” She breathed.
She sucked onto his skin when she felt his hand disappear between her legs, rubbing her most sensitive spot to set her off sooner. The tight feeling in her core was building until it exploded, making her see stars. He laced his fingers through her hair and tightly held on, his whole body getting tense as he came inside of her. They stayed like that for a little while, just holding onto each other while they caught their breath again. Ethan then made her look at him. She could barely see his face, but she thought she saw him smiling at her.
“I’m not letting you go this time.” He promised her.
She cupped his face and brushed her thumbs over his cheeks, “You have to let go of me at some point so I can clean up.” She jokingly whispered to him.
He quietly laughed, “Cheeky girl, it must run in the family.”
She leaned in and kissed him, “I intend to stay beside you for a very long time, Ethan Hunter. So you’re stuck with me.”
He kissed her once more, she felt him smiling in the kiss, “Good.”
He let go of her when he was reassured about their future. She disappeared into the guest bathroom to clean up while Ethan checked on the sleeping Ava. When she crawled into bed, Ethan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. The uneasiness she felt whenever Ethan held her in the past was no longer there. They were both feeling more secure in their relationship this time. She dared to believe that her little family would be okay now.