going to let them control what I do. They both can go to hell. I’m going back in.”
He nodded and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Okay then, let’s go.”
We walked back up the stairs and through the door. I felt a steely resolve and knew that Paul could no longer hurt me. While it killed me knowing I was right there when this baby was conceived, it turned out to be even more confirmation that I had made the right choice.
Ethan led me to our table where Paul and Missy were sitting. Paul’s head was resting on his arms over the table and Missy was rubbing circles over his back, obviously trying to comfort him in some way. She saw us approach and whispered something to Paul. He immediately lifted his head and saw me. He stood up and came over. Ethan held me close, obviously not allowing Paul to get too close. When Paul reached us, he reached for my hand, but Ethan stepped in front of me.
“Not a good idea, Pierce,” he told him.
Paul gazed at him, his eyes turning to anger. “I don’t care what you think, Baker. I need to talk to Aly.”
Ethan shook his head, pushing me behind his back even more. “She’s not really up to talking with you at the moment.”
Paul looked over his shoulder to me. “Aly, please. I can’t lose you.”
I looked at him, feeling nothing but rage. “I can’t talk to you right now,” I told him. “I know we need to discuss what just happened, and we will. Just not right now, Paul.”
His eyes closed in pain and he ran his hands down his face. “Please,” he whispered.
Ethan wrapped his arm around my waist, holding me tight. He knew I could break at any moment. “Paul, give her some space. She’ll talk to you when she’s ready.”
He looked at me as he put his hands back to his sides. “I’m not letting you go. I don’t care what Casey just said, I’m not letting you go.” He turned and walked to the exit, leaving Ethan and me standing there in the crowd.
“On second thought, just take me home, Ethan,” I said. He pulled me to him and nodded. He motioned to Missy to come over. She grabbed her purse and met us.
“What the hell is going on?” she asked.
“Not now, Missy,” Ethan responded. “I just need to get Aly home. I’ll drop you off at your hotel first.”
“Are you okay, Aly? I gathered a little bit from Paul, but I couldn’t understand him very well. And who was that bitch? They fought after you ran away, then she threw her drink in Paul’s face and stormed out.”
I sighed, not surprised. I didn’t even respond to her, I just let Ethan walk me to his car. I wondered where Paul had gone to, but then remembered I didn’t care.
Ethan opened my door and helped me inside. Ever the gentleman, he opened Missy’s door for her too. Once he got in he hurried and started the car, tearing out of the clubs parking lot.
Missy went on and on about the evening’s events and how she hoped I was okay. She would squeeze my shoulder off and on and I appreciated her attempt at comforting me. We pulled up to her hotel’s entrance and Ethan parked, getting out of the car to let her out.
“Aly, I’m here for you. I have to leave tomorrow, but I’m only a phone call away. I’m so sorry. Call me, okay?”
I nodded and thanked her. “I’m so sorry the night was ruined. Next time you’re in town I’ll make it up to you.”
“No need. But I do plan on taking you up on getting together. Take care, girl.” She gave my shoulder one last squeeze and got out of the car. She gave Ethan a hug and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and saw that she made it inside okay, and then got back in the car.
“How are you doing?” he asked me.
“I’ve been better, but I’m okay.”
He started driving towards my apartment building, covering my hand with his. He didn’t say anything to me the whole ride there, knowing I just needed time to process everything.
Looking at his profile, I smiled. This beautiful man was mine and I was never letting him go. I closed my eyes the rest of the ride to my apartment, thinking about everything that had happened.
I knew that this time I would have to resign and find