Page 151 of Beneath the Blue Moon

“We just don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not, Charlie.Best friends never intrude, andneither do ex-military heroes who run in and save the day.”

I grab his hand and begin to pull him toward the livingroom.Ethan clears his throat.

“Casey.”

I smile over at Charlie and give him a wink.“Uh-oh.Copvoice.”

I turn around with an innocent smile.His arms are foldedover his massive chest, and he’s giving me his alpha-male glare.

“Yes, Sheriff?”

“Clothes.”

I look down, and that’s when I realize I’m wearing nothingbut his T-shirt.My smile turns devious, and I snake my arm around Charlie’swaist.

“What’s the matter?Are you afraid one of your friends isgonna steal me away?”

The others chuckle but his eyes are fixed on the arm I havearound Charlie’s waist.Turning to Charlie, I trail my finger down his chest.

“What do you say, Charlie?That kiss was pretty hot.”

Playing along, he curls his arm around my waist.

“It was.Maybe we should try again, see if it was just afluke.”

Unable to contain my laughter, I double over, the othersjoining me.Ethan isnotamused.He grabs my hand and drags me up thestairs to our bedroom.

“You should see your face!”

“Casey.”

“Ooh, should I be scared?When are you going to learn thatyour big bad wolf voice doesn’t work on me?”

He stares at me for a moment, seemingly caught off guard, thenhe shakes it off, and his eyes harden once more.

“I know you were just joking around, but don’t.I mean it.”

I study his face, realizing how much it bothers him.Couldthere actually be something that scares Ethan McKenzie?To think the thought oflosing me would scare him pulls at my heartstrings.What am I saying?The manwas about to shoot himself in the head for me.I walk over to him, placing myhands on his cheeks.

“It’s you, Ethan,” I whisper.“Only you.”

“I know.”

He kisses my forehead, and I release him to rummage throughmy bag for something to wear.He grabs a T-shirt from his drawer, and I watchas he drags it over his head.

“Good.Now, set the table while I get dressed.”

Watching him leave the room, I notice his face is no longercreased with worry.It seems all he needed was a little reassurance.My pooralpha male.

***Ethan***

“That was delicious, honey.”

“Thank you,” she replies.

Words of agreement echo around the table, and she smiles proudly.Her smile is like the sun, brightening my world.