Shake The Frost (Crystal Lake #6) - Juliana Stone Page 0,53

said “bruh” at least twice.

Ethan gave Georgie a look that said, seriously? She shrugged, and he knew whatever it was she had with the guy wouldn’t last. He said as much to Emily.

“She doesn’t need it to last, Eth,” Emily said with a giggle. “She just wants sex, and he looks like he’s good at it.”

He pulled in for a kiss and growled against her mouth. “Is that so? And what does a walking sex machine look like these days?” He brushed a snowflake from her lashes as she gazed up at him.

“About six foot four, unshaved, with dark wavy hair and the kind of smile that melts my panties off.”

“Good,” he murmured. “I’ll do my best to melt more than just your panties.”

Someone cleared a throat, and he glanced over to his parents. Both of them watched him and Emily with indulgent looks.

“Keep that up and the two of you are going to melt all the snow in Crystal Lake,” Georgie said, shaking her head. “And there will be hell to pay if that happens. A Christmas with no snow, all because you can’t keep your hands off each other.” She looked from Ethan to Emily and back again. “I’m glad you guys are happy. I really am.”

Emily chuckled. “We’ll see how happy he is when I make him get up at three a.m. to change a diaper.” She cranked her head to the side. “Hold on, there’s Molly.” She pulled away and tugged Bilbo along with her. “I just want to show her how amazing Bilbo’s doing.” She flashed a smile. “I’ll be right back.” Her smile widened. “Maybe you can grab us some hot chocolate.”

“I think I can get that done.”

“With extra marshmallows.”

“Got it.”

“Oh, and some of those candy sprinkles.”

Emily disappeared through the crowd, and he followed her progress until he couldn’t see her anymore.

Georgie shook her head at him. “It’s a good look for you, brother.”

“What’s that?” He turned back to his sister.

“Love.”

He thought about that as he made his way through the crowd that had gathered around the food trucks. It was time he let Emily know exactly how he felt. It was time he pulled out the big guns and used the word: love.

Ethan patiently waited in line, aware some of the locals were pointing and staring. He ignored it for the most part, but when he spied Mrs. Murry heading his way, he wished like hell he could make himself invisible because she was coming at him like a straight arrow and he knew there was no hiding. He didn’t need another lecture on church attendance.

At her side was a man who looked to be about Ethan’s age. He was at least a foot taller than Mrs. Murry, and his hair was on the long side. Once he got closer, Ethan noticed a tattoo that snaked up his neck, just visible over the collar of his jacket, though it was too dark to make out what the design was.

“Ethan,” Mrs. Murry said warmly. “Nice to see you out for Light-Up Night. This is my grandson, Ryland Banks. He lived in Crystal Lake for a few years before his dad moved to the west coast. He’s back in town and was good enough to accompany this old woman downtown.”

“Hey,” Ethan said, shaking the man’s hand. “I don’t think we’ve met.” The guy had a firm grip and looked him straight in the eye.

“I was in diapers when I lived here, so probably not.”

“Ry, this is Ethan Caldwell. I used to teach him when he was nothing but full of beans and one hundred and one questions a day.”

“Caldwell?” The man arched an eyebrow. “You related to Georgianna?”

“She’s my sister.”

Ryland remained expressionless.

“How do you know Georgie?”

“I don’t exactly.” Ryland offered a smile and glanced at his grandmother. “I’ve got to head out soon.” He stepped back. “Shall we?”

Mrs. Murry surprised Ethan by grabbing his hands. “You take care of yourself, Ethan.” She winked. “And the little one on the way.”

After Ethan ordered his hot chocolates, he began to make his way back to the where he’d last seen Emily. He was nearly to the large display of animated carolers when he spotted a woman watching him from a few feet away. She was dressed in full-on winter gear, as if she was new to a Michigan winter night. Thick coat. Knee-high fur boots. Knit hat pulled low. He took a sip of his drink and ran his gaze over the crowd, looking for Emily. When