Page 38 of Lost Without You
“This is my spoiled best boy, Watson. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t come near you. He’s a bit shy around strangers.”
The cat strolled over and started winding around Rachel’s legs, rubbing up against them and purring loudly.
“You were saying?”
“I guess I’m not the only one enamored with your legs.” He winked at her.
Despite the attempt at levity, Rachel’s fears and emotions from the past week bubbled up and she couldn’t stop the tears that suddenly welled up and spilled down her cheeks.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not you. I’m just overwrought from everything and when I opened that email today, I got so frightened,” she wiped her tears away as Ethan moved in close.
Winding her arms around his neck, she pulled him in tight. She could finally breathe again and let herself sink into the moment, into Ethan’s arms. Until she felt something press against the back of her calf and looked down to find Watson batting her with his front paws. A smile curved her lips unheeded.
“Your cat’s as tenacious as you,” Rachel whispered.
He gently kissed her lips, her cheek, her forehead. God, when he kissed her forehead sweetly, all she wanted to do was stay in his arms.
“Let’s get you settled in. Then you can show me the email and I’ll call Dalton and Lane.”
Her body stiffened at the mention of the FBI, but she remembered her goal and swallowed down her fear. Ethan gave her a tour of the house and then they headed back to the kitchen. She passed her laptop over to Ethan so he could read her email. Then he got on the phone, sauntering out into the hallway.
While he was making calls, Rachel had a peek in his fridge and took out items to make them an omelet and salad. She was hungry, but her stomach was unsettled so a light meal was in order. Rummaging through the drawers and cupboards, she found a nonstick pan and a grater for the cheese. Admittedly, Rachel wasn’t the greatest cook, but she was glad to have a distraction.
She heated up the pan on the gas range and added a handful of chopped onions, mushrooms, and red pepper. After sauteing for a few minutes, she spooned the mixture onto a plate. Then she whisked the eggs, added some parmesan cheese, and dumped them into the pan. Watson padded into the kitchen and hopped up on the island to watch her.
She added grated cheddar cheese to the eggs and spooned the veggies back in, then flipped the edges over to form the omelet. Grabbing a bowl, she dumped the spring lettuce mix in, added cherry tomatoes and olive oil and vinegar. A bit of salt and pepper and dinner was ready. She was busy plating dinner when Ethan returned.
“Dalton arranged for his contact in the San Francisco office to pick up your laptop. They want to see what info they can glean from that email.”
“Sounds good. I made omelets, I hope that’s okay.”
“It smells amazing, but you didn’t have to do that.”
“Trust me, I did. Anything to keep busy so I don’t think about you know what,” She murmured.
Ethan walked around the island and slipped his arms around her waist. “I will be with you every step of the way. I promise.”
Ethan’s gaze was reverent, and Rachel’s heart began to beat faster. From the enormity of her feelings for this man. Oh god, she was falling. Willingly. Completely. She leaned up to kiss him, but they were interrupted by the doorbell ringing. They both jolted.
“I’ll go see who that is. Have your food before it gets cold.” Ethan murmured as he stepped away from her and down the hallway.
A minute later Rachel heard raised voices. What the hell was going on?
She rushed out of the kitchen to see what was happening and witnessed Ethan arguing with a blonde woman. He turned and motioned for her to come closer.
“Rachel, this is Lara. My ex-wife.”
There went Rachel’s appetite.
Chapter Seventeen
Ethan
Of all the goddamn times Lara had to show up.
He was fearful of what she might say to Rachel but then he remembered that his woman was more than capable of handling Lara’s verbal tantrums.