6

Ethan stares at Liam as he whisks Isabella away, feeling enraged. “What was so important that you had to cut in like that?” Liam heaved a sigh, massaging neck. “You looked like you could use a save. Because that dance seemed a little too intense for the public eye. Besides, making my brother upset is so fun.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “Liam, I can rescue myself. And I'm not some object you can use to irritate Ethan up!”

“Look, I don't know what’s going on between you two but whatever it is, it doesn't look fun and it has to stop!” Liam spins her around, then dips up suddenly. She smiled a little, rolling her eyes. “See, you’re having more fun already, and my brother knows it.” She resists the urge to glance back even though she can feel the heat of Ethan’s intense gaze on them.

After a few songs, everyone gathers around Madelyn and Ethan, for a toast. “Thank you for coming to our tremendous party. This night is a dream come true for me. Ethan is a dream come true for me.” Madelyn raises her champagne flute in his direction, batting her lashes at him. Isabella scoff under her breath, catching Liam’s attention but he decides to ignore it.

“Is she for real right now?” Isabella whispered to Liam. “Haha, yeah. This is serious for Madelyn. She even hired a ghostwriter for her toast. She's so weird.”

“A ghostwriter? That’s pathetic. How hard is it to write a loving toast about the person you’re engaged to?” Especially if that person is Ethan Grayson. “It’s only easy if you actually like him.” Liam spoke, eyes not leaving his brother’s sight.

“Ethan and I have only been officially dating for.....” She briskly checks the notes again. “About seven months, but we’ve been the best of friends for much longer than that.”

“I swear, she has ‘I love Ethan’ written down for her too. Imagine what we could've tricked her into saying if we swapped out her cards.” Isabella giggles at Liam’s words as she imagined if that happened. “I'm picturing it right now.”

As Madelyn drones on, Liam continues to provide her with a whispered commentary. She fights the urge to laugh and interrupt the whole toast.

Then finally, it was Ethan’s turn for the toast.

Isabella’s eyes trail after Ethan as he joins Madelyn, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Madelyn. And thanks so much to all of you for joining us as we celebrate our engagement.

“I think he means arrangement,” Liam whispers to her again.”Liam, keep it down. I'm not going to get in trouble cause of you.”

“But you wouldn't mind getting in trouble for other reasons.”

“Ha, maybe...”

Ethan’s eyes locks with Isabella as he spoke. “I feel as if I've never been so happier being with someone. I finally met someone who gets me. Someone I can’t stop thinking about. Someone who lights up the whole room with her passion.”

A chill ran down her spine as she looks away.

“Oh, I love you too!” Madelyn kisses him. “Passion is one word to describe Madelyn, but not the one I'd use.”

“Mhmm.” Isabella sighs, not wanting to speak about it again.

The longer Isabella stared at them tangled to each other the dizzier she gets. Her eyes darts on Madelyn’s dazzling diamond ring, she grimaced and turns her eyes away.

Does Ethan really thinks she can just sit back and watch him with someone he doesn't love? She was not that kind of grill!

She turns to Liam, who starts to make another snide remark but stops short when he sees the determined look on her face. “What? Can’t resist the gorgeous face?” She glances back at Ethan, who was still caught in Madelyn’s embrace. “Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you honey bear!” Adrenaline surges through Isabella’s veins as she comes up with a plan on the spot.

Maybe it’s time to show Ethan what it would be if she was with another man.

Ethan continues his toast as she forces her eyes away from him to fully focus on Liam. Reaching out, she fingers his lapel, and his eyes widen, fastening on her. “What do you say to topping the ante on your little game with Ethan? See how far we can really push him? Just for fun, of course.”

Liam gives her a thoughtful side eye while licking his plump, pink lips. Finally, he chuckles. “I like where this is going, Isabella.” He then wraps an arm around her waist, and she lean into him.

Ethan clears his throat, trying not to choke on his words. “As I was saying, Madelyn is an incredible woman...”

“Forget Madelyn, you're the easiest woman to fake-flirt with.” Liam remarked.

“Really? Kinda though you couldn't satisfy a woman like me. I'm a very demanding partner.”

“Mhmm! I like the sound of that.” Liam leans in closer, his lips grazing the rim of her ear as he whispers. “I will not be too proud to beg for it.” He turns her a bit, putting himself between her and Ethan. He smirks, liking the look on Ethan’s face. “Let’s take this up a notch, shall we?”

“Madelyn always makes the time fly by, like the most pleasant dream.”

Isabella giggles, slapping Liam’s shoulder playfully. Out of the corner of her eyes, she sees Ethan struggling to get a visual on what’s happening between them. “But... uh... what I like about Madelyn is.... Uhh she... wonderful...”

“What?” Madelyn snaps at him.

“Haha, whoops!” Liam grins.

“What I mean is, you’re such a wonderful person. Because you’d done so many wonderful things, not only for me but for others.” The crowd cheers a little as Liam shakes his head. “Always manages to escape.”

“I know I'm a lucky man for someone like Madelyn to choose me.” Ethan continues with his speech.

“Maybe, but we're just getting started.” Isabella stated.

“I like the sound of that. What do you have in mind?”

Ethan taps the mic, scowling in Liam’s direction. “Ahem! I know some of you are busy smooth talking your flavour of the week, but all eyes need to be up here, thanks!”

Liam raises a hand in apology as he shifts to face the couple again, but his lips finds her ear once more. “Uh oh, sounds like we’re making the CEO angry. But you know what would make Ethan really jealous?”

“Shoot!”

“Seeing us leave together!.” She pulls Liam drink out of his hand with a coy little smirk. “As much fun as that sounds, I think I got what I was looking for.” Liam reaches to take the glass, but she pulls it back. He’s so close, she smells his cologne all around her. Across the room, she catches Ethan glaring at her and Liam.

Her eyes dart back to Liam. “Kiss me,” she dares to say it. “Seriously? Now? Are you sure?”

“I thought that was on your top bucket list?” Liam grins from ear to ear. “Hell yeah.” Without skipping a beat, his arms pulls her against his body as he crashes his lips against hers.

“Liam, can you please focus for one moment? Is that too much to ask?” The anger surged through Ethan. “I was focused!” Liam defended himself. “Not on the right thing. Just try to behave yourself, alright?” Liam’s hand leaves her waist, and he turns to glare at his brother. “Yes, sorry.”

The crowd murmurs uneasily, glancing back and forth between the two brothers... and Isabella.

“Can we please get back to the toast? Honey bear, you were talking about all the things that you love about me?” Madelyn shoots a glare at Isabella then focus back on Ethan.

“Right. Madelyn has always been a friend... I mean a woman of utmost grace. And I only hope this night lives up to her high standards. To you, Madelyn.”

Everyone lifts their glasses to Madelyn, who glows as if the outburst at Liam never happened.

“To me!”

Isabella swipes a glass of champagne from the nearest serving tray and gulps everything down. “To the happy couple.” She stated. Liam laughs gently. “You mean the other happy couple?”

“You wish.”

She looks back across the room and saw Ethan’s eyes still trained on her. She set her empty glass of champagne down, harder than she intended. “Excuse me.” She attempted to walk away. Liam holds her arm, “hey, are you okay?” She nods her head, smiling a little. “Yeah, I just need to use the bathroom.” Shrugging his hand off, she slips out of the room to the rest room.

“Okay. Deep breath. In... out... everything is going to be fine.” She looks at herself in the mirror and really try to believe the words she’s saying...

She grabs her purse to look for her lipgloss when the door bangs open and Madelyn glides in. “Oh... it’s you.” She joins Isabella at the sink and begin touching her makeup without missing a beat. “So, have you been enjoying yourself tonight ? It certainly seemed like you and Liam were getting too comfortable.”

“Everything is going great.” Isabella gave her s straight answer, and continued with what she was doing.

“Hm! I'd be lying if I said that you didn't seem a little overwhelmed.”

“Must be something I ate.”

“You don’t have to form lies. I told honey bear this might be too much for you and your coworkers. I see they’ve left.”

Isabella drops the lipgloss fixing her direction towards Madelyn. “And what do you mean by that?”

“He wanted you here, but I told him he doesn't realize how hard it is to run in our circle. We’ve been training for nights like this out entire lives, but someone like you. Well, it’s just not fair to expect you to swim when you’ve been thrown to the sharks, even if you do clean up well.”

“Excuse me?” Isabella clearly knew what she meant. They were rich. She wasn't. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I've got your back, my dear. Once Ethan and I are married, there’s no way I'd allow him to invite the employees to events like this, so you can stay in your little apartment where you’re always comfortable.” She reaches out to Isabella, crinkling her nose and giving her arm a patronising squeeze. “Feel free to leave now if you want, Ethan wouldn't notice anyways. Tah tah!”

Madelyn ambles out of the restroom and Isabella slouch against the sink. “Urgh, I need some air.”

A few minuets later, she emerges onto the rooftop, taking a deep breath and bracing her hands on the ledge. She bows her head, relishing the cool night air caressing the back on her neck.

She has to pull herself together!

Behind her, the door creaks ajar. “Finally, there you are.” Liam joins her by the railing casually leaning beside her. She envy’s his casualness. “You okay? I’m not the most mindful man in the universe, but even I noticed Madelyn was getting to you back there.”

“Hey, if you want to talk about it, I'm always here for you.”

Isabella pulls him into a tight hug. He wraps his arms around her, rubbing her back soothingly. “Things will be alright, Isabella.”

She rests her head on his chest and closed her eyes. “You don’t know that!” She lamented. “Ah, but I know you. And you're a fighter. That is why I know you would be so good in bed.”

“Like I said before, you aren't getting me out of my clothes that easily.” She was about to step back out of his embrace when she hears the door creak open again.

“Seriously, Liam? What did I tell you about getting too close to Isabella?”

Isabella briskly steps away from Liam at the sound of Ethan’s irked voice. “She’s not one of your dates. I won't let you take advantage of her just because she’s unhappy.”

“Who said he was taking advantage of me?” Isabella snaps at Ethan. She was angry with him. “Yes, calm down. Mr. Big shot. I was cleaning up your mess.”

Ethan was perplexed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. It’s not a good look on you, Ethan.” Liam turns to her, his eyes softening. “Are you okay if I leave you two to talk? Or do you need me to kick his ass before leaving?” Despite the lack of happiness in her heart, she smiled. “I'll be fine. Thank you, Liam.”

“Don't mention, beautiful.”

Ethan huffs as Liam walks past him. Now with just the two of them alone, she turns to Ethan, unsure of what to say.

“Are you okay?” He asked, worriedly.

“I'm fine. It’s not your job to protect me. It’s a party, and I’m a young, single lady. I could be up here with anyone I want, doing anything I want, and it wouldn't be any of your business.”

“I know that, Isabella.”

“You hired me to be your supervisor, not your girlfriend. That’s Madelyn’s job.” Isabella shrieks, she couldn't hold the anger anymore. Ethan’s face shuts down, feeling remorseful. “I... I know that too.”

She steps forward and furiously jab a finger on Ethan’s chest. “One minute, you pull me into the dance floor, the next I'm watching your engagement speech, tangled with each other.” She jabbed him again. “I can't stop thinking about that dance,” he confesses but it didn't change how angry she was.

“You said we needed to talk, yeah? Well here’s your chance. Let me have it! Tell me all about how sorry you are and how wrong this is!” Yet another jab! “Why did you even invite me here? Did you want me to see her all over you?” Before she could jab him again, Ethan grabs her finger and holds it tightly. “No, of course not. I just... I just wanted you here. For once in my life I wasn't thinking straight.”

“Yeah well, maybe I should make it easy for you and quit.” She clamoured at him, forgetting that he’s her boss! He gapes at her, mouth agape. “Don’t do that, you can't do that to me!”

“Face the reality. It would be a lot easier for both of us if I quit and we don't see each other.” She lowers her voice as she spoke.

“I'm trying, Isabella. I really am.”

His touch runs down her arms, changing from hard restraint to a gentle caress. She feels herself start to wilt, wanting him to come closer, wanting him to touch her everywhere.

“Everyday, I'm fighting not to let myself get carried away. I'm fighting not to touch you. I'm fighting not to do this.” His fingers trail up to the back of her neck and tilt her head back. Her eyes closes in anticipation. Her lips part to take him in. Then she opens her eyes. “We can’t.” she pulls out of his arms. The two of them stare at each other, breathing hard. They're several feet apart now, but it feels like they’re miles away.

“Yes.. I know.” He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. He shakes his head. “Please accept my apologies. But at least, we’ve talked about it now. Even if it doesn't solve anything.

They hear Madelyn’s voice. “Honey bear, where’d you go?”

Isabella looks away, the tears threatening to fall. “You'd better leave.”

“Right, see you at work.”

A while later, Ethan emerges onto the sidewalk below. The sight of him brings a fresh cut to her chest. Madelyn puts her fingers beneath Ethan’s chin and tilts his gaze to her. She presses her lips against Ethan’s.

“I had a wonderful night, my love. I can't wait to spend even more time with you now that I’m back in Georgia for good.” She kisses him again. “Yes, me too.” He spoke, worried written all over his face but she doesn’t care to ask.

As they get into their limo together she realizes that’s the first time she has ever seen them kiss. That’s a sight she has to get used to. They are engaged. Even if she has to remind herself of it every moment of everyday.

She takes a deep breath and it surprisingly resolved.

Ethan stares at Liam as he whisks Isabella away, feeling enraged. “What was so important that you had to cut in like that?” Liam heaved a sigh, massaging neck. “You looked like you could use a save. Because that dance seemed a little too intense for the public eye. Besides, making my brother upset is so fun.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “Liam, I can rescue myself. And I'm not some object you can use to irritate Ethan up!”

“Look, I don't know what’s going on between you two but whatever it is, it doesn't look fun and it has to stop!” Liam spins her around, then dips up suddenly. She smiled a little, rolling her eyes. “See, you’re having more fun already, and my brother knows it.” She resists the urge to glance back even though she can feel the heat of Ethan’s intense gaze on them.

After a few songs, everyone gathers around Madelyn and Ethan, for a toast. “Thank you for coming to our tremendous party. This night is a dream come true for me. Ethan is a dream come true for me.” Madelyn raises her champagne flute in his direction, batting her lashes at him. Isabella scoff under her breath, catching Liam’s attention but he decides to ignore it.

“Is she for real right now?” Isabella whispered to Liam. “Haha, yeah. This is serious for Madelyn. She even hired a ghostwriter for her toast. She's so weird.”

“A ghostwriter? That’s pathetic. How hard is it to write a loving toast about the person you’re engaged to?” Especially if that person is Ethan Grayson. “It’s only easy if you actually like him.” Liam spoke, eyes not leaving his brother’s sight.

“Ethan and I have only been officially dating for.....” She briskly checks the notes again. “About seven months, but we’ve been the best of friends for much longer than that.”

“I swear, she has ‘I love Ethan’ written down for her too. Imagine what we could've tricked her into saying if we swapped out her cards.” Isabella giggles at Liam’s words as she imagined if that happened. “I'm picturing it right now.”

As Madelyn drones on, Liam continues to provide her with a whispered commentary. She fights the urge to laugh and interrupt the whole toast.

Then finally, it was Ethan’s turn for the toast.

Isabella’s eyes trail after Ethan as he joins Madelyn, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Madelyn. And thanks so much to all of you for joining us as we celebrate our engagement.

“I think he means arrangement,” Liam whispers to her again.”Liam, keep it down. I'm not going to get in trouble cause of you.”

“But you wouldn't mind getting in trouble for other reasons.”

“Ha, maybe...”

Ethan’s eyes locks with Isabella as he spoke. “I feel as if I've never been so happier being with someone. I finally met someone who gets me. Someone I can’t stop thinking about. Someone who lights up the whole room with her passion.”

A chill ran down her spine as she looks away.

“Oh, I love you too!” Madelyn kisses him. “Passion is one word to describe Madelyn, but not the one I'd use.”

“Mhmm.” Isabella sighs, not wanting to speak about it again.

The longer Isabella stared at them tangled to each other the dizzier she gets. Her eyes darts on Madelyn’s dazzling diamond ring, she grimaced and turns her eyes away.

Does Ethan really thinks she can just sit back and watch him with someone he doesn't love? She was not that kind of grill!

She turns to Liam, who starts to make another snide remark but stops short when he sees the determined look on her face. “What? Can’t resist the gorgeous face?” She glances back at Ethan, who was still caught in Madelyn’s embrace. “Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you honey bear!” Adrenaline surges through Isabella’s veins as she comes up with a plan on the spot.

Maybe it’s time to show Ethan what it would be if she was with another man.

Ethan continues his toast as she forces her eyes away from him to fully focus on Liam. Reaching out, she fingers his lapel, and his eyes widen, fastening on her. “What do you say to topping the ante on your little game with Ethan? See how far we can really push him? Just for fun, of course.”

Liam gives her a thoughtful side eye while licking his plump, pink lips. Finally, he chuckles. “I like where this is going, Isabella.” He then wraps an arm around her waist, and she lean into him.

Ethan clears his throat, trying not to choke on his words. “As I was saying, Madelyn is an incredible woman...”

“Forget Madelyn, you're the easiest woman to fake-flirt with.” Liam remarked.

“Really? Kinda though you couldn't satisfy a woman like me. I'm a very demanding partner.”

“Mhmm! I like the sound of that.” Liam leans in closer, his lips grazing the rim of her ear as he whispers. “I will not be too proud to beg for it.” He turns her a bit, putting himself between her and Ethan. He smirks, liking the look on Ethan’s face. “Let’s take this up a notch, shall we?”

“Madelyn always makes the time fly by, like the most pleasant dream.”

Isabella giggles, slapping Liam’s shoulder playfully. Out of the corner of her eyes, she sees Ethan struggling to get a visual on what’s happening between them. “But... uh... what I like about Madelyn is.... Uhh she... wonderful...”

“What?” Madelyn snaps at him.

“Haha, whoops!” Liam grins.

“What I mean is, you’re such a wonderful person. Because you’d done so many wonderful things, not only for me but for others.” The crowd cheers a little as Liam shakes his head. “Always manages to escape.”

“I know I'm a lucky man for someone like Madelyn to choose me.” Ethan continues with his speech.

“Maybe, but we're just getting started.” Isabella stated.

“I like the sound of that. What do you have in mind?”

Ethan taps the mic, scowling in Liam’s direction. “Ahem! I know some of you are busy smooth talking your flavour of the week, but all eyes need to be up here, thanks!”

Liam raises a hand in apology as he shifts to face the couple again, but his lips finds her ear once more. “Uh oh, sounds like we’re making the CEO angry. But you know what would make Ethan really jealous?”

“Shoot!”

“Seeing us leave together!.” She pulls Liam drink out of his hand with a coy little smirk. “As much fun as that sounds, I think I got what I was looking for.” Liam reaches to take the glass, but she pulls it back. He’s so close, she smells his cologne all around her. Across the room, she catches Ethan glaring at her and Liam.

Her eyes dart back to Liam. “Kiss me,” she dares to say it. “Seriously? Now? Are you sure?”

“I thought that was on your top bucket list?” Liam grins from ear to ear. “Hell yeah.” Without skipping a beat, his arms pulls her against his body as he crashes his lips against hers.

“Liam, can you please focus for one moment? Is that too much to ask?” The anger surged through Ethan. “I was focused!” Liam defended himself. “Not on the right thing. Just try to behave yourself, alright?” Liam’s hand leaves her waist, and he turns to glare at his brother. “Yes, sorry.”

The crowd murmurs uneasily, glancing back and forth between the two brothers... and Isabella.

“Can we please get back to the toast? Honey bear, you were talking about all the things that you love about me?” Madelyn shoots a glare at Isabella then focus back on Ethan.

“Right. Madelyn has always been a friend... I mean a woman of utmost grace. And I only hope this night lives up to her high standards. To you, Madelyn.”

Everyone lifts their glasses to Madelyn, who glows as if the outburst at Liam never happened.

“To me!”

Isabella swipes a glass of champagne from the nearest serving tray and gulps everything down. “To the happy couple.” She stated. Liam laughs gently. “You mean the other happy couple?”

“You wish.”

She looks back across the room and saw Ethan’s eyes still trained on her. She set her empty glass of champagne down, harder than she intended. “Excuse me.” She attempted to walk away. Liam holds her arm, “hey, are you okay?” She nods her head, smiling a little. “Yeah, I just need to use the bathroom.” Shrugging his hand off, she slips out of the room to the rest room.

“Okay. Deep breath. In... out... everything is going to be fine.” She looks at herself in the mirror and really try to believe the words she’s saying...

She grabs her purse to look for her lipgloss when the door bangs open and Madelyn glides in. “Oh... it’s you.” She joins Isabella at the sink and begin touching her makeup without missing a beat. “So, have you been enjoying yourself tonight ? It certainly seemed like you and Liam were getting too comfortable.”

“Everything is going great.” Isabella gave her s straight answer, and continued with what she was doing.

“Hm! I'd be lying if I said that you didn't seem a little overwhelmed.”

“Must be something I ate.”

“You don’t have to form lies. I told honey bear this might be too much for you and your coworkers. I see they’ve left.”

Isabella drops the lipgloss fixing her direction towards Madelyn. “And what do you mean by that?”

“He wanted you here, but I told him he doesn't realize how hard it is to run in our circle. We’ve been training for nights like this out entire lives, but someone like you. Well, it’s just not fair to expect you to swim when you’ve been thrown to the sharks, even if you do clean up well.”

“Excuse me?” Isabella clearly knew what she meant. They were rich. She wasn't. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I've got your back, my dear. Once Ethan and I are married, there’s no way I'd allow him to invite the employees to events like this, so you can stay in your little apartment where you’re always comfortable.” She reaches out to Isabella, crinkling her nose and giving her arm a patronising squeeze. “Feel free to leave now if you want, Ethan wouldn't notice anyways. Tah tah!”

Madelyn ambles out of the restroom and Isabella slouch against the sink. “Urgh, I need some air.”

A few minuets later, she emerges onto the rooftop, taking a deep breath and bracing her hands on the ledge. She bows her head, relishing the cool night air caressing the back on her neck.

She has to pull herself together!

Behind her, the door creaks ajar. “Finally, there you are.” Liam joins her by the railing casually leaning beside her. She envy’s his casualness. “You okay? I’m not the most mindful man in the universe, but even I noticed Madelyn was getting to you back there.”

“Hey, if you want to talk about it, I'm always here for you.”

Isabella pulls him into a tight hug. He wraps his arms around her, rubbing her back soothingly. “Things will be alright, Isabella.”

She rests her head on his chest and closed her eyes. “You don’t know that!” She lamented. “Ah, but I know you. And you're a fighter. That is why I know you would be so good in bed.”

“Like I said before, you aren't getting me out of my clothes that easily.” She was about to step back out of his embrace when she hears the door creak open again.

“Seriously, Liam? What did I tell you about getting too close to Isabella?”

Isabella briskly steps away from Liam at the sound of Ethan’s irked voice. “She’s not one of your dates. I won't let you take advantage of her just because she’s unhappy.”

“Who said he was taking advantage of me?” Isabella snaps at Ethan. She was angry with him. “Yes, calm down. Mr. Big shot. I was cleaning up your mess.”

Ethan was perplexed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. It’s not a good look on you, Ethan.” Liam turns to her, his eyes softening. “Are you okay if I leave you two to talk? Or do you need me to kick his ass before leaving?” Despite the lack of happiness in her heart, she smiled. “I'll be fine. Thank you, Liam.”

“Don't mention, beautiful.”

Ethan huffs as Liam walks past him. Now with just the two of them alone, she turns to Ethan, unsure of what to say.

“Are you okay?” He asked, worriedly.

“I'm fine. It’s not your job to protect me. It’s a party, and I’m a young, single lady. I could be up here with anyone I want, doing anything I want, and it wouldn't be any of your business.”

“I know that, Isabella.”

“You hired me to be your supervisor, not your girlfriend. That’s Madelyn’s job.” Isabella shrieks, she couldn't hold the anger anymore. Ethan’s face shuts down, feeling remorseful. “I... I know that too.”

She steps forward and furiously jab a finger on Ethan’s chest. “One minute, you pull me into the dance floor, the next I'm watching your engagement speech, tangled with each other.” She jabbed him again. “I can't stop thinking about that dance,” he confesses but it didn't change how angry she was.

“You said we needed to talk, yeah? Well here’s your chance. Let me have it! Tell me all about how sorry you are and how wrong this is!” Yet another jab! “Why did you even invite me here? Did you want me to see her all over you?” Before she could jab him again, Ethan grabs her finger and holds it tightly. “No, of course not. I just... I just wanted you here. For once in my life I wasn't thinking straight.”

“Yeah well, maybe I should make it easy for you and quit.” She clamoured at him, forgetting that he’s her boss! He gapes at her, mouth agape. “Don’t do that, you can't do that to me!”

“Face the reality. It would be a lot easier for both of us if I quit and we don't see each other.” She lowers her voice as she spoke.

“I'm trying, Isabella. I really am.”

His touch runs down her arms, changing from hard restraint to a gentle caress. She feels herself start to wilt, wanting him to come closer, wanting him to touch her everywhere.

“Everyday, I'm fighting not to let myself get carried away. I'm fighting not to touch you. I'm fighting not to do this.” His fingers trail up to the back of her neck and tilt her head back. Her eyes closes in anticipation. Her lips part to take him in. Then she opens her eyes. “We can’t.” she pulls out of his arms. The two of them stare at each other, breathing hard. They're several feet apart now, but it feels like they’re miles away.

“Yes.. I know.” He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. He shakes his head. “Please accept my apologies. But at least, we’ve talked about it now. Even if it doesn't solve anything.

They hear Madelyn’s voice. “Honey bear, where’d you go?”

Isabella looks away, the tears threatening to fall. “You'd better leave.”

“Right, see you at work.”

A while later, Ethan emerges onto the sidewalk below. The sight of him brings a fresh cut to her chest. Madelyn puts her fingers beneath Ethan’s chin and tilts his gaze to her. She presses her lips against Ethan’s.

“I had a wonderful night, my love. I can't wait to spend even more time with you now that I’m back in Georgia for good.” She kisses him again. “Yes, me too.” He spoke, worried written all over his face but she doesn’t care to ask.

As they get into their limo together she realizes that’s the first time she has ever seen them kiss. That’s a sight she has to get used to. They are engaged. Even if she has to remind herself of it every moment of everyday.

She takes a deep breath and it surprisingly resolved.