Chapter 24

Suddenly, a cacophony of barks and a mournful howl erupted from the adjacent room, shattering the tranquility. I turned my head towards the commotion, raising my voice to be heard over the uproar. "Better let him out before someone calls the cops for disturbing the peace," I chuckled. Ethan flashed a grin in response. "Eh, I'm sure he just needs to go outside," he replied as he brushed past me, heading towards the puppy's confinement.

Minutes later, Ethan emerged into the living room, the puppy yapping and nipping at his shoelaces. But as soon as the pup caught sight of me, his eyes gleamed with ecstatic delight, and he charged towards me. Dropping down to my knees, I gently stroked his wriggling body as he playfully placed his paws on my chest. A genuine laugh escaped my lips. "Well, hello to you, too." Leaning closer, I nuzzled my nose against his furry snout.

Afterward, I glanced towards Ethan. "What's his name?"

Ethan scowled at the mischievous pup. "Flanagan, stop that." Flanagan completely disregarded Ethan's command and showered my face with slobbery, wet kisses.

Grinning, I attempted to disentangle myself from his joyful embrace. "Is he always this friendly?" I asked.

"No, it seems you're an exception. He doesn't warm up to many people," Ethan replied, stepping forward and encircling his arms around Flanagan, lifting him away from me. He nodded towards an open door down the hallway. "I've already prepared something for you to sleep in, it’s on the bed in the spare room, just in case you agreed to stay." Flanagan whimpered, and Ethan reached for the door handle. "I better take him outside."

Making my way to the room he had shown me, I paused at the threshold, running my hand along the wall in search of the light switch. Finding it, I flicked it on, illuminating the room with a warm, soft glow. My gaze settled on the bed, where a neatly folded white button-up dress shirt and a pair of cutoff sweats lay. Picking up the shirt, I marveled at its seemingly endless fabric. Bringing it to my nose, I inhaled the lingering scent of Ethan. Yeah, I thought, my head may have its issues, but it has nothing to do with the injury I sustained. With a casual shrug, I undressed and slipped into the oversized shirt. As I pushed my arms through the sleeves, I observed how the shirt enveloped me in its loose folds, the tails cascading down to my mid-thigh, and the cuffs extending well past my fingertips.

Flapping my arms, I watched with delight as the soft fabric of my sleeves flopped up and down in a comical dance, tickling my fingertips. A burst of laughter bubbled from my lips, the sound echoing in the room. Still giggling at my moment of silly playfulness, I began folding the sleeves to my elbows, feeling the smoothness of the fabric against my skin.

After neatly folding the sleeves, I picked up the shorts. Sliding them up my legs and hips, I felt the coolness of the fabric against my skin, providing a refreshing sensation. Using the tie at the waist, I tightened the shorts, but as I pulled, I realized it wouldn't be enough. With a small shrug, I folded the waistband down several times, creating a snug fit that ensured the shorts wouldn't slip off.

Leaving the room, I made my way to the living room, scanning the space for any sign of Ethan or Flanagan. Not seeing them, I settled onto the couch, sinking into its plush cushions. Anchoring a throw pillow beneath my head, I inhaled the subtle scent of fabric softener that clung to it, adding a touch of comfort to the air. Smothering a yawn, I relaxed further, allowing the peacefulness of the room to envelop me.

As I closed my eyes, the heaviness of sleep began to wash over me. I could feel the weight of exhaustion pulling at my eyelids, as if inviting me to surrender to its embrace. Yielding to the tranquil ambiance and the gentle rhythm of my breath, I succumbed to the blissful slumber that awaited me.

ETHAN

Letting out a frustrated breath, I flopped over onto my back and stared blindly at the television. My mind wasn’t on the show, but rather on the woman asleep on my couch. Once again, I reached down, adjusting my hard-on, then with a snort, I shook my head, grumbling “What the hell am I supposed to do with you, you motherfucker?”

Pushing at my cock, which was threatening to climb out of my jeans, I jerked to my feet and stalked across the room. Bending over her, I brushed a strand of hair away from her face, watching her sleep peacefully. Her features were serene, her lips slightly parted, and her breathing steady. For a moment, I let myself just gaze at her, feeling a mix of desire and protectiveness wash over me.

As if sensing my presence, her eyes fluttered open. She blinked up at me, her expression softening into a smile. "Hey," she murmured.

I couldn't help but return her smile. "Hey, yourself. How are you feeling?"

She yawned, rubbing her eyes. "Better, thanks. What time is it?"

I glanced at the clock. "Almost three. You've been asleep for a few hours."

She stretched languidly, arching her back. "Oh. Guess I needed that."

I leaned against the coffee table, crossing my arms. "No headache?"

She waved her hand dismissively. "No, I’m fine."

"I should have helped you down that damn cliff," I hissed.

Her expression turned serious. "You took care of me afterward, that's what matters."

I didn't know what to say to that. She was right, of course. But it didn't change the fact that I felt like I'd failed her.I studied her face for a moment, taking in the familiar features, the freckles on her nose, her eyes that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. There was something about her that drew me in, some inexplicable connection other than just sexual.

Finally, I asked the question that had been nagging at me since I’d met her "How did you end up here, anyway?"

For a few minutes she was silent, as if considering her words carefully, then continued. "I'm running from something, I guess. Something I can't escape."

I frowned, not sure what to make of that. "You can talk to me about whatever it is. Maybe I can help you."

She gave me a sad smile. "You already are, you know. Just by being you."

I knew she was keeping whatever it was locked up inside, and I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever her story, it was something dark and dangerous.