Chapter 62 Closer
Finished
Richard was in high spirits and drank quite a bit. Melanie didn’t drink much, but by the time the gathering ended, Ethan suddenly swayed. I was standing right ne to him, and without thinking, I reached our to steady him.
“Sorry, I think I’ve had a little too much,” he said, his eyes tinged with red, his breath slightly heavy.
Richard was already passed out, and Melanie had to take care of him. Ethan and I were getting ready to leave as well.
“Tillany, can you keep an eye on Mr. Hayes? Make sure he doesn’t fall, Melanie said, looking worried
I nodded.
At the elevator, the voice–activated light suddenly went out, plunging us into darkness. The elevator was slow to arrive, leaving us standing there in the pitch–black hallway.
Ethan stood quietly beside me, tall and steady like a tree.
I felt a little nervous. I couldn’t help but wonder, was I too much of a coward to do what Shawn had done?
I couldn’t stand the thought of him flaunting his love for Queena right in front of me.
My eyes flickered toward the elevator–it was still on the third floor.
Ethan suddenly swayed again, pressing a hand against the wall for support. I instinctively reached our to steady his other arm. In the darkness, he turned to look at me, and I met his gaze head–on.
“Tiffany…” Ethan’s voice was hoarse, barely recognizable.
I answered softly, and then I felt his breath draw closer–only to stop just inches away from me.
It was obvious he was holding himself back. He wanted this.
I wasn’t naive–Ethan had never really hidden his feelings for me. He must have thought this was the perfect opportunity, but because I was married, he didn’t want to put me in a difficult position. More than that, he didn’t want to compromise his image as a decent man.
I waited for two seconds. The elevator was about to arrive. So, he was even more hesitant than I was.
Doubt gnawed at me, my mind consumed by the bitterness of my past. Tonight, I was going to make mistake.
Ethan reminded me of a well–trained, obedient dog, just waiting for me to make the first move. And, of course, I couldn’t let my dog down.
Just as I was about to close the distance between us, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. An stepped out, carrying a child in his arms.
Startled, I immediately shoved Ethan away and quickly moved to the side.
Ethan steadied himself with his palm against the wall. The elevator lights illuminated his face, and for the first time, I saw the flash of hurt and disappointment in his expression.
1/2
Chapter 62 Closer
“Sorry, are you okay?” I asked. I had acted on impulse pushing him away simply because I hadn’t expected anyone to be inside..
Finished
“I’m not okay.” Ethan admitted. His handsome face was flushed, and he leaned back against the elevator wall, closing his eyes. “Sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said, forcing a smile.
The elevator was dead silent. I thought that was the end of it, but when we reached the 13th floor, a group of six or seven people suddenly squeezed in. For a moment, I was caught off guard. Then, before I could react, a strong hand grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. I found myself standing right in front of
Ethan.
“Move in a little more, someone outside called.
Everyone shuffled backward, and in the process, I ended up pressed even closer to Ethan.
The scent of cedar from his body became more intense I wasn’t sure if it was because of my dress, but two men who had just entered seemed to be deliberately edging toward me. Thankfully, Ethan turned around and shielded me with his body, backing me into the comer of the elevator. No one else could get near me
-but now, Ethan was practically pressed up against me instead.
Standing this close, I realized just how tall he was–at least six foot two. Shawn was tall too, but he was only about six foot one.
As the elevator descended, I felt the man towering over me take a deep, slow breath. I felt embarrassed. My eyelashes fluttered, and I instinctively placed my hands between us as a barrier.
Seconds later, we reached the first floor. As soon as everyone stepped out, the elevator was empty again.
“Let’s go, I murmured, giving Ethan a gentle push. He finally snapped out of it, his deep, emotional gaze quickly fading into composure. He stepped aside, letting me exit first.
Once we were outside, I said, “I’ll head out now. See you
The night air was warm and stifling–summer was almost here.
That also meant Yuna’s summer vacation was just around the corner.
For the past few years, Shawn had always arranged trips for us during Yuna’s break. Sometime sometimes within the country. He never shortchanged Yuna, and I, of course, played the role of the ever- prepared babysitter, packing everything we needed.
abroad,
But this year, I’d decided Shawn could take care of Yuna on his own. Wherever he wanted to take her, he could.
I wasn’t going with them. Maybe without me, they’d have even more fun. After all, Queena would be there every step of the way–entertaining Yuna during the day and keeping Shawn company at night.
Today was Queena’s birthday. I figured Shawn and Yung would be out late celebrating.
