Ethan and I learned I’m sometimes loud in bed, and even though our hotel room was rather big, it was still next to another room. Every time I would get loud, Ethan would cover my mouth, worried the neighbors would hear. He said he didn’t care if they complained, but that he didn’t want anyone else to hear me turned on—it’s only meant for his ears.
“I can smell the ocean,” I say, taking his hand and walking with him up the stairs to his three-story house.
“It’s behind the house,” he explains. “It’s a townhouse, so we have neighbors who are attached, but everyone has their own driveway, garage, and backyard.”
After he thanks Rosco and tells him he’ll see him tomorrow night at the club, we go inside. His home is beyond gorgeous and definitely more Ethan. Whereas the beach house was light with creams and blues, Ethan’s home is darker—red wine, dark wood, and black.
He gives me the grand tour, and even though he calls it a townhouse, the place is massive. Growing up, we lived in a townhouse and it wasn’t a fourth the size of this place. On the first floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen, and office as well as the laundry room and a bathroom.
On the second floor is the master bedroom and bathroom and a huge sitting area. Everything of mine has been put away neatly, and I push away the fact that Rosco might’ve seen and touched my undergarments. Not that he’s done anything inappropriate, it’s just weird to know someone else touched my stuff.
The third floor has two more rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Everything looks to be professionally decorated but still fits Ethan’s personality. When he shows me that every room has its own balcony overlooking the water, I feel like I’ve died and gone to beach-heaven.
“Why don’t we shower and then get ready for bed,” Ethan says, taking me in his arms and kissing me. “You have an appointment with Dr. Bromfield tomorrow morning at nine a.m.”
“Who?”
“Dr. Bromfield. He’s one of the top neurologists in the country and he has an office at Atlantic City Regional.”
“I already have a doctor.”
“And he’s good, but Dr. Bromfield is better and you’re going to be seen by the best. Nothing wrong with getting a second opinion, and if you have to have surgery, it should be done by the best doctor available.” Ethan pecks my lips.
I should probably be upset he’s taking over my care, but I’m not. For so long I’ve been worrying all by myself. I know it’s my fault for not sharing it with my family and Blaire, but it doesn’t change how I’ve felt—alone. It feels good to have someone in my corner, fighting alongside me. The fact he managed to research, find a doctor, and get me an appointment on such short notice shows me how much he cares.
“I love you,” I tell him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
His eyes lock with mine for a long beat before he nods once. “We’re going to get you through this, Angel. Whatever it takes. I promise.”
Moving out of his arms, I step up to the window that overlooks the water. The sun is setting and it’s starting to get darker, making the water look more black than blue. “Do you think the water is warm enough to swim in?”
Ethan comes up behind me and holds me tight, his chin resting on my shoulder.
“Maybe. Why? You want to go to the beach tomorrow after your appointment?” He pushes my hair to the side and kisses the spot just below my ear, eliciting a chill up my spine.
“Actually… I was thinking we could go swimming tonight.” Ethan stiffens behind me, but before he can argue, I add, “My head feels fine.”
“Nevaeh…”
“Please.” I turn slightly and bat my lashes playfully. When Ethan sighs, I know I’ve won. “Yay!”
Without waiting for him, I unlock and open the door and run off the back porch, through his small backyard and down the wooden path that leads straight to the beach. When I get close to the water, I look around, making sure no one is around, and when I’m sure we’re alone, I strip out of my clothes.
“Nevaeh!” Ethan barks, stalking after me. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Going skinny-dipping!” I unclasp my bra, which was the last piece of item on me, and shuck it to the side. “You coming?”
I’m about to sprint toward the water when Ethan grabs me by my waist and swings me around in a circle before putting me down. “Wait for me,” he growls into my ear.
After stripping out of his clothes, Ethan bends at the waist and nods his chin behind him. “Get on.”
Doing as he says, I hop onto his back and snake my arms around his neck to hold on. His arms link behind my knees and he carries me toward the ocean. When his feet hit the water, a boisterous laugh erupts from his chest. “You sure about this, baby? It’s more cold than warm.”