Dangerous Fling (Dangerous Noise 4)

It's obvious.

I knew it the day she told me. Deep down, I knew it, but I was scared and I pushed her away.

And I'm still fucking scared.

But I'm ready to get over it.

I've been a fucking fool.

I need to fix it.

It's past sunset and the house is full. Of sadness yeah, but also of joy and laughter.

Everyone is here but Dad. He had to bow out a little after lunch. He's still a wreck about losing Mom.

She was his life.

I don't even blame him for burying himself in their work. I'm not sure there's any other way he could get by.

I get up to fix another cup of tea and I catch Ethan's gaze. I motion come here.

He whispers some excuse to Violet then he pushes off the couch and makes his way to the kitchen.

His blue eyes are bright. He's up to something.

I set the water to boil. "The funeral is the day after tomorrow?"

He arches a brow. "You forget all of a sudden?"

"And Lacey—"

"Kit and Piper are picking her up on way. Around one, I think."

"That's sweet."

"Yeah, well, I have to make sure she shows or fuck knows how despondent you'll be."

I flip him off.

He laughs and returns the gesture. "She texted you."

"And?"

"Asked if you're okay. That kind of thing."

"And?"

He smiles, reveling in my anxiety. "Why do you care if you don't love her?"

"What the fuck did you tell her?"

He pulls my phone from his pocket and hands it over. "See for yourself."

I do. It's mostly one long note from Ethan, explaining that he has my phone, and that I'm miserable but getting better.

Then an invitation to the funeral.

Her insisting she'll be there.