A Wonderful Kind of Love (Kinds of Love 2)

Craig shrugged. “I dated this girl who had a four-year-old daughter. The kid was great, the girl was great, but I was always second. The kid came first for everything. It didn't work out for other reasons, but kids definitely complicate things. You aren't committing to just her. You're committing to her and her kids.”

Ethan nodded. He had to agree with that. Dating with kids around was not what he was expecting. Just watching the movie at her house was different. If he were with a childless girl, he would have made out with her by scene two and had their clothes off by scene four. He'd watched the whole movie with barely a kiss.

He liked Dallas and Ivy a lot, but they did make things more complicated. In any other relationship, he would have jetted off to Fiji by now for several overnight trips, but they hadn't had a single one.

Yet, he loved getting to be domestic. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually had pizza and a movie, and he'd thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It felt more like a family, which was what he secretly craved. It was different than he was used to. Harder, but it seemed like it might be better.

“But other than the kid thing?” Ethan asked, returning to Craig.

“Other than her having a ton of responsibility that comes before you?” Craig asked. Something about the way he said it ruffled Ethan's feathers. He didn't like the tone.

“Yeah. Other than that,” Ethan said, crossing his arms.

“She makes you happy. If someone makes you happy, you don't let go of that.” Craig put his hands on either side of the chair and looked directly at his employer. “You keep them close to you. You fight for them. Even if it is harder. Even if it doesn't completely make sense.”

Ethan's irritation faded, and he sat back in his chair. It was harder, but Laura was worth it. He knew that.

“Why do you want to know what I think?” Craig asked. “I'm just your security.”

“You're more than just security,” Ethan said. The man was with him constantly and probably knew more of Ethan's secrets than Ethan did. He saw a hint of a smile cross Craig’s face that disappeared in just a moment.

Ethan sighed. “She's only seen the ocean once. And it was at a crappy city hotel. I want to make her happy.”

“Happy is good,” Craig agreed. “You sound like you're having trouble with a decision.”

“I got us tickets to the Caribbean. To give her the best experience of the ocean possible,” Ethan told him. He sighed again. “I”m just thinking it might be too fast.”

Craig thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. “No. It's not too fast. You two have history, right?”

Ethan nodded. “Yes.”

“And you know her through Carter, so you at least know she's not psycho or just after your money,” Craig continued. “I think you're good. It's definitely faster than most couples, but then you aren't most people. Neither of you are.”

“Thank you, Craig,” Ethan said.

“What about the kids?” Craig asked. “She won't want to leave without them.”

“They're coming out two days after us,” Ethan replied. “I got them a special kid-friendly flight plan. I have a professional princess and football player that will entertain them onboard. Plus, all the kid-friendly food and drinks I could find.”

Craig whistled. “Damn. I want to go on that flight. I'll date you for that kind of treatment.”

Ethan laughed. “I want them to have a good time.”

“I like it,” Craig told him with a nod. “You'll get your time with Laura, and you'll make her and the kids happy. If the kids are happy, she's happy.”

“That's the truth,” Ethan agreed. “She never stops thinking about them.”

“I think you have a recipe for success. So what is making you rethink this?” Craig asked. “I mean, I'll be there, so you've got the best security possible. What's the problem?”

Ethan chuckled. He sighed before answering. “She seems excited about it, but a little apprehensive too. Her parents died in a plane accident last year. She's still struggling with it. She's unsure of getting on a plane. If she's not sure, I don't know how the kids will handle the flight.”

Craig considered Ethan's words. “I am not a psychologist. I don't even play one on TV,” he told Ethan, getting another small chuckle. “She may balk. The kids may refuse, and she won't go without them. Planes are probably still the scariest thing in the world to her right now. Don't get your hopes up to high.”

“So what do I do?” Ethan asked. “Not fly? I'm not driving.”

“Come up with a backup plan,” Craig advised. “One that doesn't involve flying. Be creative. Chicks love creativity.”

“Creative, huh?” Ethan thought for a moment and then smiled as an idea came to him. It was crazy, but he had a feeling he could pull it off if Laura couldn't get on a plane. “Craig, you are a smart man.”