towards me more. “If that’s a challenge, Aly, I gladly accept.” His look sent jolts down my body and I had to look away. I heard him chuckle as he sat back down in his chair.
“So, may I ask what was wrong with the plans Paul was looking at?” Ethan asked.
I let out a breath as I shook away the uncomfortable feeling that Ethan’s silliness made me feel, and relaxed at the change of subject. “I’m not really sure. He said he couldn’t figure it out, but that something didn’t feel right. I know Paul, and even when he says it’s fine, it’s not. He won’t truly feel good about it until we figure out what’s troubling him.”
He contemplated this. “Well that’s what makes Pierce Homes so successful. His dedication to his clients, to his business.”
“I agree. I love working there. Once I finish helping Paul with whatever it is that’s bothering him, I need to start sending the invites out for the groundbreaking ceremony and securing Mr. Sheldon for the ribbon cutting. Paul thought it would be a nice touch to ask the oldest resident of the neighborhood to do this.”
Ethan nodded. “He told me and I agreed. It’s a very nice touch and I know the residents of the neighborhood will appreciate it.”
“I think so too. I’m excited.”
We finished our lunch and Ethan insisted on paying. “Put your wallet back in your purse, Aly. If I’m going to start courting you, there’s no way you are paying. That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me, now would it?” he asked, his hazel eyes filled with laughter. I shoved his arm as he took my hand to walk out the door.
When we got back to work, he walked me to my office, playing the gallant role to the hilt. Laughing at something hilarious he said, I didn’t notice Paul at first. Once I did, I was surprised to see such a serious look on his face.
“There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you’d decided to take the rest of the day off,” he said, clearly annoyed.
I felt confused, as Paul rarely acted this way with me. “I’m sorry, did I take too long? We were just discussing some things and I guess time got away from us.”
He shook his head as if to clear it. “No, you’re fine. I think the stress of trying to finalize everything for this project is making me cranky. How was lunch? Where did you go?”
Ethan piped up before I could answer. “I took her to Phil’s Cafe down the street. It’s really good. Have you been there?”
Paul turned to look at him. “A few times. It is good. Casey doesn’t care for it so I don’t get there much.”
Turning to Ethan, I put my hand on his arm. “Thank you again for lunch. It was just what I needed.”
He smiled at me. “Of course. You know I’m always here for you, especially now that I’ve accepted your challenge,” he teased with a wink.
“Oh get over yourself, Ethan,” I said with a laugh.
Ethan held his hand to his heart. “Ouch. You wound me, beautiful.”
I burst out laughing and gave him a hug. “I do love you, Ethan Baker. No matter what.”
Dipping his head to kiss me on the cheek, he whispered in my ear, “Pierce looks annoyed. Should I continue with the flirting? Maybe he should know he has competition?”
My eyes widened in shock and I hit his arm. “Don’t you dare,” I hissed.
He started laughing and pulled me tighter to him. “I love teasing you,” he whispered in my ear then nuzzled my neck. Lifting his head, he turned to leave.
“Have a great afternoon, Paul. Don’t work my girl too hard.” He didn’t wait for a response and was gone.
I turned around to find Paul scowling at me. I looked around. “Is something wrong?”
“What’s going on with you and Baker?” he asked out of the blue.
Stunned, I didn’t say anything for a minute. “What?”
“You heard me. What’s going on with you and Ethan?”
This was unusual. “What do you mean? We’re just friends, but I don’t see how this is any of your business,” I said sternly.
Paul shook his head. “Sorry, Aly. You’re right. It is none of my business. I just can’t figure him out sometimes.”
Feeling even more annoyed, I lifted my chin. “I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, but there’s not much to Ethan to figure out. What you see is what you get. He’s not difficult.”
Hearing my tone, his scowl