I placed my hand on my chest, realizing who it was. He must have noticed because he stopped the car, got out quickly, and looked at me in concern.
“I’m so sorry I scared you,” he said, looking at me anxiously.
I avoided his gaze, staring off to the side. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“Can I give you a ride home? I’m not taking no for an answer,” Ethan asked, not giving me a chance to refuse.
“You’re not going my way, sir,” I said.
“Oh, please, stop with the ‘sir’ and just call me Ethan,” he replied with a smile.
“But you’re my boss,” I said.
“Hop in. You’re going to Oak Street, right? It’s just three streets away from here.” He asked as he opened the car door for me.
I glanced at his car, weighing my options.
The car was a sleek, black BMW 5 Series with shiny chrome details. Inside, the seats were deep brown leather, soft and inviting.
The dashboard has high-tech controls and a large touchscreen display, giving it a modern feel.
Soft lighting added a glow to the interior, with a pleasant leather scent. The car’s smooth and elegant design made it clear it was a high-end model.
Ethan stood beside the open door, with a smile. “Come on, it’ll be quick.”
I hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside. The seat was incredibly comfortable as Ethan started the car, and we drove off.
The car ride was quiet, and I noticed Ethan’s hand gripping the steering wheel tightly.
His eyes glanced at me occasionally, making the silence feel more uncomfortable.
I wondered how I could break the tension.
Ethan reached out, and I flinched, but then I saw he was just reaching for the radio.
After turning it on, he looked at me and said, “You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Nadine.”
Then he returned his hand to the steering wheel, gripping it firmly.
Being with Logan had left me feeling on edge. I wondered if I was overreacting, but something inside me told me that Ethan wouldn’t hurt me.
Still, I couldn’t ignore the part of me that wanted to guard my heart.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” I started to say, but he interrupted gently.
“Is it about your past that Zoey mentioned? Did someone hurt you?”
I shook my head slowly, not wanting to go into details.
“Th… we both said at the same time,” I managed to say.
Ethan smiled and looked at me. “After you,” he said, giving me the floor to speak.
“Thank you for earlier today,” I said. “The check and standing up for me. It’s something I already have under control, but I appreciate it.”
Ethan’s smile turned his face to me while he drove. “Sure, you had it under control. I just can’t stand by and watch one of my employees being disrespected.”
“Thanks anyway,” I said.
“You’re welcome,” he replied with a nod. He turned to me again, and since the traffic light was red, we had to stop. “Do you mind if I ask you something?”
Curious, I turned my attention to him. “O… okay,” I said, unsure what kind of question he might ask.
“Don’t mind me, I’m just concerned. I noticed you were startled both times-first at the cafe and then when I honked to get your attention.”
I relaxed a bit, realizing that his concern was genuine. It made sense now why he had asked if he could question me.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. He turned to me, clearly wanting to guard my emotions.
“Are you in some kind of trouble?” he asked gently.
I stiffened. Was it that obvious? I remembered how startled I was earlier at the cafe and when he honked to get my attention.
“You know, you can tell me what’s wrong if I can help,” he said softly.
I hesitated, weighing my options, I turned to face him again, and he glanced at me briefly before returning his attention to the road as the car started moving.
The dream I had about Logan stabbing Asher while I stood by helplessly had kept me on edge all day.
I wondered how Ethan intended to help me, knowing that Logan could be dangerous and might track me down here in Canada. I even worried about how he found me at the bar when I left the house.
The last thing I wanted was to put anyone else in danger. Sydney had reassured me that I had nothing to worry about, but I still felt uneasy about the situation.
“Thanks for your concern, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” I said. “Just stop at that house,” I added, pointing at Sydney’s place.
Ethan nodded and pulled up to the house. He got out of the car and opened the door for me.
As I stepped out, I could see the worry in his eyes. I smiled and said, “Thanks for the ride,” before walking toward the gate.
As I approached the gate, I noticed Sydney’s car pulling up. I glanced back at Ethan, who was still watching me. Then his attention was turned back to Sydney’s car as she stepped out.
I knew he’d probably lose interest in me once he saw her. Sydney looked stunning in her trousers and white blouse with polka dots. Her skin glowed in the evening sun.
Ethan’s smile grew as he walked closer to Sydney.
“Fancy seeing you here,” she said with a smile. My heart sank when I realized they knew each other.
I step closer to them, “So, you two know each other?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ethan looked between me and Sydney, with a questioning look, then he turned back to Sydney. “How are you?” he asked.
“Very well, Ethan. And how’s Mason doing?” she replied.
“You have his number, you know. You could have just called him,” Ethan said with a smile.
“Oh, please, Ethan. What’s between me and Mason is none of your business,” Sydney said with a dismissive wave. “Anyway, say hi to him for me.”
Ethan nodded, “Sure thing,” he said. Still looking a bit puzzled.
Sydney pulled me into a hug and said, “I hope you’re treating Nadine well.”
He ignored Sydney’s question, his attention now on me, then he smiled and asked, “I hope you’ll come to the party.”
“Yes, sir, I don’t think I have a choice.”
Ethan shook his head, still smiling, and walked back to his car. Before getting in, he looked back at me while Sydney and I watched.
As I walked through the gate and toward Sydney’s house, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story between Ethan and Sydney. For now, I pushed those thoughts aside.
I sighed in relief and turned to Sydney, giving her a look that said she had a lot of explaining to do. To my surprise, she said,
“I’m glad you’re here. We need to talk about something.”