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I might be asleep before then because I can feel my exhaustion pulling at me, but I grin right back. I like the idea of us sleeping curled up in each other’s arms.
I think I’m really starting to care about this man, too.
37
ETHAN
The sun streamsthrough the windows, casting a warm glow across the bedroom covers as I slowly wake up. At first, I’m confused. Where the hell am I?
But then, I look over at the sleeping form next to me and remember exactly what happened between us last night. Madison’s eyes are still closed, and her mouth hangs slightly open. As I lean closer, I think I spot some drool on her pillow.
She’s cute. Everything about her is cute, and for the first time, it feels like there is no drama between us. Madison is clearly stressed about something. I could tell that from last night, but when she’s sleeping, she looks completely at peace.
As much as I want to stay in this little bubble of comfort, I can hear the dogs starting to stir in the other room. They’ll need to go out, and I don’t want Madison to have to wake up to do it. She looks exhausted.
She stirs a little as I slide out of bed, but dreamland is not about to let go of her easily. I smile, watching her for a moment longer before I head to the kitchen.
First things first—coffee.
As soon as I step out into the living room, the dogs all hop to their feet. They were clearly waiting for me. Even though I just met the two visitors last night, they already act like I’m their best friend.
As the coffee machine whirs to life, I reach for leashes, and all bets are off. The smallest one scrambles toward me, his claws scraping against the floor as he hurries to not be left behind.
“Okay, shortie, I’m coming. Hold on. Calm down.” But he doesn’t know how to calm down. He jumps up and down, his tiny claws scraping against my pants.
Finally, the two visitors are leashed. Samson is well-behaved enough not to run off anywhere. So, I let him out without a leash.
Everyone sniffs and barks excitedly in the cool winter air. I shiver as I walk the dogs to my backyard fence and let them go crazy. They are clearly excited to have access to such a doggie paradise.
Samson pauses for some pets before going off to explore.
I watch my breath come out in cold puffs, hoping Madison is still sleeping by the time I bring these dogs back. I want to surprise her with breakfast. She looks like she could use a good meal.
After ten minutes, I whistle for the dogs, and they come running.
Back inside, I dump food in their bowls, then head into the kitchen. I pause to listen for Madison, but I can’t hear anything over the excited nibbling at the food in their bowls. She must still be sleeping.
With the dogs handled, I focus on breakfast. The plan for breakfast is scrambled eggs, toast, and maybe some freshfruit. I’m not sure what Madison has available, but I want to make sure it’s more than just a bowl of cereal.
Samson watches me curiously between bites of his own food as I whisk the eggs together. When he finishes eating, he trots over as though he’s offering to help. But my thoughts are on Madison.
This situation with Aurora is clearly weighing on her. I could see the cracks in her smile. I know that she and Aurora have been good friends for a long time, and it hurts that Aurora is now choosing to try to manipulate Madison by saying who she can and can’t spend time with.
As Aurora’s father, I want to come out and tell her that she isn’t doing the right thing by approaching the situation this way. But Aurora and I still aren’t on good terms. We had a shaky conversation yesterday about Christmas and if she wanted to come over that day. Neither one of us mentioned Madison, but it was hanging over us the whole time.
I finish cooking and put together a tray, adding a cup of coffee for both of us. The brew she has fills my nose and makes my mouth water. I can’t wait to share this breakfast with her.
Taking a deep breath, I carry it back to the bedroom, where Madison is slowly waking up. She blinks at me sleepily, propping herself up on her elbows as I set the tray down on the bed.
“Good morning. I figured you could use breakfast in bed.” I settle onto the bed next to her as Madison smiles at the tray.
“You didn’t have to do all this, Ethan.”
“I wanted to.” I hand her a plate and a cup of coffee, then settle in beside her with my own. “I thought we could fuel up before going to check out the surf school space.”
Her face brightens a little at that, and for a moment, I see a glimpse of the old Madison. She looks happy, thrilled even with the prospect. The dogs start to surround the bed and make whining noises, so Ishoothem out and shut the door.
“It’s hard to get a little privacy around here,” I joke.