Some Like It Charming - By Megan Bryce Page 0,49
a long pause, and then Cassandra said in a low voice, “Okay, that is bitchy.”
“Thank you.” Mackenzie had just been about to tell Ethan to stop torturing his mother when a Nordic goddess had descended on the table.
Mackenzie reluctantly said, “She was actually very sweet, and didn’t stay. But still.”
Sarah Milton had only come to tell Mackenzie that Ethan had never hit her, would never hit any woman. Mackenzie hadn’t even been sure Christine had invited her to crash the dinner except Ellen kept glaring at Christine. And Christine had kept trying to get Sarah to stay.
Cassandra said, “And you came home and slept with Ethan again? Because that would really show his mother.”
“No. I came home and called you.”
“That round might go to his mother. Is Ethan completely oblivious?”
Mackenzie thought of Ethan’s face when his ex-girlfriend had shown up halfway through dinner. He’d been happy to see Sarah Milton, and clearly found it hilarious that his mother was so blatant in her dislike of Mackenzie. Mackenzie was pretty sure he thought they were fighting for his entertainment. “He thinks it’s funny.”
“Maybe you should go show him it’s not. And record it for me.”
“No, not happening.”
“Then at least tell me it’s not all vanilla. That he’s got some moves on him.”
Mackenzie put her hand to her neck. She lifted her hair, looking at the red raised skin in the mirror.
“Not vanilla. There was chocolate involved.”
“Ooh, chocolate and sex.”
“And he did this thing where he. . . he bit my neck.”
There was silence, and then Cassandra screamed, “Oh. My. God. Why the hell are you calling me? Go and get back in bed with him.”
“A girl’s got to take a break sometime. You know what I’m saying?”
“No, I do not know what you’re saying. I am in love with a gay man. I will never have him bite my neck. Go get back in that fucking bed and take one for the team.”
Mackenzie touched the sensitive skin, flushing as she remembered him lifting her skirt and taking her from behind. Biting her.
No wonder his mother had taken one look at them and known what they’d been doing.
She hung up, turned out the light, and paused at the door.
She’d already slept with him, she could sleep with him. He’d told her he’d be waiting for her. It was just. . .
Sleeping with him was one thing. A fun one thing. That, really, she’d forgiven herself for as soon as she’d done it. There was only so much Ethan a woman could take before she melted into a puddle at his feet.
But sleeping with him felt like something else. Something softer. And more. . . dangerous. Something that real couples did. Not fake engaged couples who couldn’t keep their pants on.
She peeked out her door to find his still open. She tip-toed down the hall, craning her neck to look inside. He was laying on his back, his arms behind his head, watching the door.
When he saw her, he said, “Oh, good. I was afraid I was going to have to go get you.”
She crawled into his bed, lying down next to him and putting her head on his chest. He wrapped an arm around her and said, “Sarah is an old friend.”
Mackenzie nodded. “Your mother likes her.”
“Everyone thought she would be the girl. And she could have been. She’s fierce and loyal and she loves me.”
“You love her, too.” That had been plain for everyone to see. He had been delighted to see her. And with his arm around her, Mackenzie had seen why everyone thought Sarah Milton would be the one. They were perfect together. Beautiful and poised and. . . tabloid worthy.
Ethan nodded. “I do. But. . . I wasn’t sure if I loved her enough. I’m still not. I like her and I love her. And I still couldn’t take that last step.” He shook his head. “Even now I know I could choose her and she would never do anything to hurt the O’Connor name. I hurt her when I left and she still would defend me with her last breath.”
“It was nice of her to come tell me you were innocent of breaking her nose. Even if your mother invited her to.”
He was silent and she popped her head up to find him grinning. She narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t know why you think it’s funny that your mother hates me.”
He laughed. “I honestly thought I could bring home a showgirl and she would be