Our first encounter was pure accident. I needed to take some paperwork over to Sara’s apartment that she had forgotten to sign. At the time, Sara didn’t live that far from the office that she and her best friend, Rachel use to own. I could never be more thankful for Sara, she’s an amazing boss. I walked in the cool autumn air towards her place.
When I knocked on the door, I’m taken aback when Lucas, her boyfriend, and captain of the Chicago Eagles hockey team, opens the door. His smile is so welcoming.
“Hey, Charity,” he steps to the side letting me in. “Sara’s in the kitchen.”
I gave him a small smile, and walk through her enormous apartment. My whole place could fit in her living room, and kitchen.
“Hello Charity,” Sara gives me a small hug, as I make my way towards her.
“I’m sorry to bother you at home.” I softly say.
“Don’t worry about it.” Sara waves it off. Her light brown curly hair falls over her shoulders as she takes the document from me to review. “Oh, this is Marc Kane.” She points over to him. I didn’t even notice that anyone else was in the kitchen.
“Hello,” Marc’s thick accent made my heart stop. It was Marc Kane, and he’s Ethan, my son, favorite player on the Eagles.
I don’t say anything, just smile at him.
“Marc, this is Charity Drake, she’s my legal assistant. Her son is your number one fan.” Sara introduces us.
“It’s true, he really is,” I add on, my voice cracking a little bit.
“Well, thank you.” He keeps staring at me, and I feel a little uncomfortable, until he smiles. I’ve seen that expression on TV, when he’s doing his interviews, but never in real life. His midnight dark eyes, light up, as his white teeth gleam.
“Did you need anything else?” Sara asks me, breaking my connection with Marc’s dark eyes.
“Oh, no, thanks.” I collect the paperwork, and put it back into my bag.
“Charity, would you like to stay for a drink?” Lucas asks from behind me.
I turn to him, and shake my head. “Thank you, but I need to get Ethan, and the train leaves shortly. Maybe next time?” I gave him a polite smile, and adjust the bag on my shoulder.
“I could give you a lift?” Marc chimes in.
“No, no, no,” I quickly rattle off. “I’m clear over in Roscoe Village. I’m fine to take the train.” I feel the heat on my neck as everyone stares at me.
“You’ll be helping me out.” His French accent pours over me. “I need to learn more about the city.”
I suddenly look at Sara, in hopes that she will help me out of it, instead: “That’s a great idea.” She smiles brightly at me, and I thought she was my friend, but above all, she’s my boss.
“Yes, great.” I mumble. I say good-bye to everyone, and head towards the door. I hear Marc saying the same, and then he opens the door for me.
I follow him out to the street, unsure of what car is his, until he walks up to a black Lamborghini. I don’t think I’ve even seen one of these cars up close. My mouth goes dry as he opens the door that goes out and up. I ease myself into the ease, silently praying that I don’t touch anything, and ruin the million dollar paint job.
Marc shuts the door and then gets into the driver seat. “Okay, which way?”
I direct him to the fastest route to my house. Nothing is said between us right away.
“So, how old is your son?” He finally breaks the silence.
“He just turned five.” I answer him.
“He play hockey?”
“Oh, no, I mean, he can skate a little bit, but he isn’t on a team or anything. He loves to watch it though.” I explain to him.
“Maybe he should come to a game. Have you been to an Eagles game?”
“No, we’ve never been.” I shake my head looking out the window. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the tickets were too expensive and I could never afford to take Ethan.
“You should come, as my guest, I mean.” Marc’s choppy English sounds sexy as hell to me.
“That’s very nice of you, Marc.” I direct him to another street, and point to my building.
“Nice place,” Marc whistles.
“Thanks.” It’s sad to say that it’s nicer on the outside, than the inside. The only reason that I stay is because it’s rent-controlled.
“Your husband must like it here too.” I can tell that he’s fishing for information.
“No husband.” I say.
“Boyfriend?” Marc quickly asks.
I shake my head. “Only Ethan and I.”
Marc says nothing, as he pulls ups to the front of the building. “So, what do you do for fun?” He boldly asks, with a small smirk on his face.
“I’m a single mother; I don’t have time for fun. Thanks for the ride.” I pop the door open, and push myself up out of the very low car.
I walk into my building and up the squeaky stairs to the third floor. I knock on the door, and my dearest friend, Brittani answers.
“Your son, has had way too much chocolate at school.”
I sigh, as my five year old come bouncing around Brittani. “Mommy!” He shouts and jumps into my arms.
“Umpf,” I realize that he isn’t as little as he used to be. I ease him back down. “Hey, baby. Come say good bye Aunt Bit and let’s go home.” My son quickly hugs her, and runs to grab his bag.
“You got home fast tonight.” Brittani looks at me.
“Well, I had to run to Sara’s and then I got a lift home.” I omit the detail that it was the top NHL goalie of the league.
Ethan came back, with the same smile that Trey had shown me so many years ago. The only feature that he inherited from me was my black hair. His green eyes were brightly smiling up at me, and I reach for his hand. I tell Brittani that I will talk to her soon, and we head up one more flight of stairs to our apartment.
I unlock the two dead bolts, and shuffle Ethan into our tiny one bedroom apartment. The living room and kitchen is one big square room. I purchased a small table and placed it in between the rooms, to break it up a little bit. I have a large couch, which I bought from a closing sale several years ago, along with a small TV on a table.
The bathroom, if you can call it that, is off the living. There is a toilet, standup shower, and a very small sink. The white paint is now old looking, and peeling from the wall. I purchased some wicker baskets to put our stuff in, because there’s nowhere else to store anything.
Next to it is the bedroom, or lack thereof. It has a very small closet, which I use for Ethan clothes, while mine are in baskets and a small dresser. I use a small wooden divider to separate the room. While my full size bed lies on the floor, Ethan’s twin is on the other side. I know that Ethan needs his own room, and privacy. I’m hoping in a few years we can get a bigger place, but that’s not going to happen for a while
“What do want for dinner Ethan?” I ask opening the fridge. All that’s in there is a gallon of milk and a few condiments. Crap, I thought. I don’t get paid for another three days. I shut the door, and check the cabinet. Inside there is about six cans of soup, and a couple of boxes of pasta. I breathe a sigh of relive because I can make due until payday.
“Aunt Bit fed me.” Ethan climbs up to his seat at the table. I silently say a prayer of thanks, because I wouldn’t eat tonight, and I knew we could make it then.
“Well, let’s get some reading done, take a shower, and then off to bed little man.” I ruffle his hair, and pull his stuff from his bag.
We spend the evening together, making sure that everything is done and ready for school the next day. After his shower, and in clean pajamas, I tuck him into the bed.
When I know that he is asleep, I go back into the kitchen and get a glass of water. I turn off all the lights, and just listen to the noises outside. A single tear escapes my eye, as my stomach growls at me.
I thought once I graduated night school it would be easier. I’m paid well, but most of my money goes to bills and Ethan’s school tuition. Sure, he could go to a public school, but I want the best for him, and St. Mary’s Prep school is the best in the city.
I brush the tear away and focus on tomorrow because it’s a new day.
“My, my, my, someone got a package.” Rachel sashays over to my desk holding a white envelope in her hand.
I’ve always been jealous of Rachel. She’s so confident, stunningly beautiful, and knows exactly what she wants. On top of that she’s scary as hell.
“So, who’s the guy?” She bends over my desk, waiting for me to answer.
“I don’t know.” I shrink back in my chair.
“Let’s see then.” She goes to open it, when Sara saves me.
“It’s not yours.” Sara jerks it from her hands, and places it in mine.
“Gees, you take the fun out of everything.” Rachel mumbles, crossing her arms.
I open it, with shaky hands. No one sends me anything, and I have no clue who this would be. I pull out two Chicago Eagles tickets.
“Oh, that’s Marc’s box.” Sara points to the number on the ticket.
“Well, well, Charity, I guess that was a nice drive home he gave you.” Rachel teases, winking at me.
“It wasn’t like that.” I say. I notice the card inside, and pull that out too.
Charity,
Even a ‘mom’ needs a night off, and a little fun.
See you tonight,
Marc Kane
“Guess by that look on your face, someone is going to the game tonight.” It’s Sara’s turn to tease me.
I shrug, putting everything back into place. There is no way I can afford to get Ethan and I down to the Chicago Center and back home. Finally, everyone dispersed from my desk, and I sat there trying to figure out how I could get a message to Marc and let me know that I wouldn’t be there.
I got up and walk into Sara’s office.
“Um, do you have Marc’s number?” I ask her, closing the door.
“No, I don’t, but I can get it.” Sara looks up from her computer.
“Would you mind? I’d like to call him and tell me thanks, but no thanks.” I tell her honestly.
“What? Why?” She scrunches her face up in confusion.
“It’s such short notice; I don’t think Ethan and I could make it on time.” I lie to her, trying to sound like it’s the truth.
“Well, why don’t you let Rachel and I pick you up? Actually,” Sara’s face lights up. “Rachel!” She yells.
I’m not sure what she’s doing, as Rachel burst through the door. “What are you screaming about?”
“Hey, how about we cut out early to make sure Charity and Ethan can go to the game tonight? We can get them there, right?” Sara smiles at her best friend.
“Sure, I’m actually getting ready to leave. I’ll take you to grab Ethan, and then I’ll pick you up after I get Sara.” Rachel plots out the plan.
“No, it’s okay; I’ll just call Marc and tell him some other time would be better.” I quickly explain to her.
“Too late. I’m leaving in ten minutes.” Rachel swivels on her heels, and heads out of Sara’s office.
“How do you deal with her?” I whisper to Sara, hoping Rachel doesn’t hear me.
“She grows on you.” Sara smiles. “She isn’t joking about leaving; you better get your stuff.”
I nod, and head out, gathering my items. How am I going to get out of this? If I go I know that Ethan will want something and I can’t afford anything. Crap. I push my hand through my long, coal black hair. I hate telling him no.
“Let’s go, Charity.” Rachel announces, as she comes out of her office.
All the way to the car, I couldn’t come up with a single excuse on how to get out of this. I racked my brain, and had nothing.
Rachel drove me to Ethan’s school. We made small talk about work, and some new laws that were about to start. She parks in front of the old building that housed one of best schools in the city.
I saw Ethan heading to the van that takes him home, when I yell his name. My handsome son turns, and smiles, racing towards me. Everything I do is for that boy right there.
“Hi, Mom,” he wraps his arms around my hips.
“Hey, baby,” I kiss the top of his head. “I’ve got a big surprised for you. Come on.” I help him into Rachel’s car, and buckle him into the seat.
“Hi Miss Rachel,” Ethan waves to her in the front seat.
“Hey Little Man. How was school?”
“Eh, it’s okay.” He shrugs like it isn’t a big deal.
Rachel takes us to our apartment, and I thank her for the ride. She warns me that she’ll be back soon.
Ethan and I jog up the four flights of stairs to our tiny home.
“So, what’s the surprise Mom?” He puts his bag on the back of the chair, taking off his jacket.
“Well,” I bend down to his level. “The other night I was at Miss Sara’s and I got to meet Marc Kane.”
My son’s eyes grew wide. “You met Marc Kane?”
“I did, and tonight he invited us to a game.” I tell him.
He leaps into the air, wooing. “I’m going to a Chicago Eagles game.” He began to run in a circle around me.
“Baby,” I giggle, trying to get him to calm down. “Listen to me okay, I have a serious favor to ask you.”
“What is it?” He’s out of breath from running around.
“I’m going to ask you not to ask for anything extra tonight okay? I know that there’s going to be a lot of food and toys, but Mommy can’t afford it right now.” I felt the tears building behind my eyes. I could feel in my heart that I’m the worst mother in the whole world.
My amazing son hugs my neck. “I won’t Mom. I promise. I’m excited about the game.”
One tear trails down my face, because I can’t give him the world, and I’m trying too. “Hey go put on your Marc t-shirt, because Miss Rachel will be here soon to get us.” I patted his back, and he released my neck.
“Okay,” he dashes to the bedroom, as I wipe the tear. I feel like awful, because I can’t spend loads of money on him, like I wish I could. On top of that, Ethan acted like it isn’t a big deal, which is just as bad. I try to swallow back the tears. He’s going to remember this day for the rest of his life and the fact that his mom couldn’t buy him anything.
“How do I look?” Ethan asks. I turn and see my young son in his Marc Kane shirt and a pair of jeans. He tried to spike his hair, but looks more like he rolled out of bed.
“Wow, you’re so handsome.” I coo over my son, kissing his cheek loudly. “Have I told you you’re my favorite son?” He giggles hugging my neck.
“I love you Mom.”
It’s a sentence no mother can ever explain how much it means to her. Yes, Ethan has said it a hundred times, but each one is just as special as the next.
“I love you Ethan. Now, get your tennis shoes on, and I’m going to change.” I go into the bedroom, and shut the door.
I try to calm my nerves about seeing Marc tonight. Wait? I probably wouldn’t see him, I can’t think too much of this. He’s doing this for Ethan, and not me. I can’t stop thinking about his dark eyes, staring me down. I shake my head of the image, and get ready to change.
I didn’t own a Chicago Eagles t-shirt, so I chose a red shirt that I had, and pair it with jeans. I slip my tennis shoes, and put my hair in a ponytail. I walk out to the bathroom, double checking my makeup. When I hear my phone alerting me of a text, I figure that it’s Rachel telling us that she is back.
I tell Ethan to grab his coat, and I reach for mine. After I grab my purse and keys, we head out. We hop into Rachel’s car, and she already picked up Sara.
“Hi Miss Sara,” Ethan beams at her. Ever since the first time they had met, Ethan has always loved Sara.
“Well, hi Ethan. How are you?” With the question he went into a lengthy explanation, of how school was going. I didn’t even think my son could talk so much, but it’s Sara that brings it out of him. She has always been so attentive with Ethan.
Once we get into the arena, I realize that I have no clue where to go. The building is massive, as I hold tightly to Ethan’s hand. It’s Sara that helps direct me to the box seats, and informs me that they will be sitting with us. We walk up the stairs, and I show the guard our tickets. Ethan’s face is bright, as we walk into the room.
My breath is taken away, as I look around. It looks like a hotel room sans the beds. There’s a huge spread of food, and drinks, along the far side of the wall. Then in front, facing the ice, are leather chairs. This place is nicer than my own apartment.
“Mom, look,” Ethan’s excited voice breaks my observation of the room. He’s pointing out to the ice, where the Eagles are warming up.
“I see,” smiling at him.
“Hey Ethan, let’s eat.” Rachel grabs a small plate. He looks at me, unsure if he should or not. But I can’t deny him the food that is right under his nose, so I nod.
I sit in one of the chairs, looking out to the ice. I see Marc’s bright red jersey, as he stands in the net. The white twenty-nine gleams as the team shoots pucks at him.
“Get something to eat, Charity.” Sara bumps my shoulder.
I nod, getting up and look over abundance of food. I make a small plate, and sit next to Ethan at the table that’s on the other side of the room.
There is small talk all around, and when we are finished, we take our seats to watch the game. I can’t help the smile, as I watch Ethan. Rachel and he were the biggest fans. They shout at the players, cheering, and booing. I’m actually surprised of the intensity of the game. Marc is like magic on the ice. Left, right, head on, it doesn’t matter the shot, he protects the net, and nothing gets through it.
Every time he makes a big play Ethan leaps from his seat, shaking his arms in the air. Then turns to me asking me if I saw it. Of course I had, my eyes hadn’t left Marc since he hit the ice. His fluent movements, and cat like reflexes, are truly mesmerizing.
“I think he is having fun.” Sara leans in and whispers, talking about Ethan.
I turn to her and smile, nodding.
“How about Mom? I mean, I’ve known Marc for a little while and he never gives away tickets?” She perks an eyebrow at me, with a small smile on her face.
“He’s just being nice, because we told him that Ethan was a big fan.” I clarified to her.
“I don’t think so.” Her smile grew wider.
I hang my head, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks.
“Have fun Charity. Aren’t you always telling me that?” Sara whispers.
In a bout of honesty, I look at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever had fun.”
“Then it’s time too.” She pats my hand, and turns her attention back out on the ice.
I let her words linger in my head. When was the last time I had fun? I try to think that far back. When I was with Trey we did stuff together; go to the movies, dinner. I still remember his laugh, his light touches on my hips, and feathery kisses on my lips. That was six years ago, and since the moment he threw me out of that apartment I haven’t had fun.
I lived with Brittani for over a year. I worked at a local diner, until my feet were too swollen for me to stand on anymore. I never missed a class though. Then Ethan came. I was so scared because I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. But, I did it. He’s a healthy and happy little boy. After I graduated, I moved out of the apartment, and got the place we are in now.
It’s been a struggle. However, I’ve done it without my parents, or Trey. Thankfully I have Brittani and she’s a huge help. But, every sacrifice I’ve made, it’s for Ethan, and I’ll keep doing it.
The sound of the final buzzer brings me out of my flashback. I watch Ethan jump up and down, because the Eagles won. The smile on my face, is because of what happened on the ice, but that my son is happy and healthy.
“Are we leaving now?” He asks, almost out of breath from the excitement.
“Nope, you have to meet Marc first?” Rachel chimes in before I can say anything.
“I’m gonna meet Marc Kane?” My son’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Mom you didn’t tell me that.” His eyes are as large as a dinner plate.
“Um, I didn’t know that.” I look at Rachel.
“The guys will be up in here in a little bit.” Sara adds.
I feel my heart jump in my throat. I quietly take a deep breath. I hear Sara and Rachel talking, but I’m not really listening. Ethan is sitting next to me, swinging his legs. If I didn’t know better I would think that he’s nervous.
Time seems to fly by, and within no time, Lucas and Max walk into the room.
“Mr. Lucas,” Ethan flies from the chair, and wraps himself around Lucas’ massive thighs.
“Hey, Ethan,” He bends down to him, giving him a proper hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good. You did great tonight.” He informs Lucas.
“Thanks for letting me know buddy.” He smiles at him.
“Hi, Mr. Max.” Ethan jumps into his arms.
“How’s Monkey doing?” Max flips him over, as Ethan’s head faces the ground. Since the first day they met, Ethan climbs all over Max, and he lets him do it.
Ethan squeals with laughter, as Max flips him again, putting his feet on the ground. I know that they’re just rough housing, and Max wouldn’t drop Ethan, but it still makes my stomach drop.
“I’m starving, Marc better hurry up.” Lucas says. Just then Marc walks through the door. He has a gray, perfectly ironed, suit on. The pristine white dress shirt glows against the red tie.
“I’m here, stop whining.” Marc’s thick accent fills the room, and I jump when Ethan yells his name.
“Marc!” He runs to him. “Hi Marc, I’m Ethan Drake.” He sticks his hand out to shake it. “I’m your biggest fan.”
“Nice to meet you Ethan and your mom told me that you’re my number one fan.” He shakes his hand. “Now, who’s hungry?” He looks right into my eyes, and I’m sure I stop breathing.
“Let’s go,” Max puts his arm around Rachel.
It hits me then. “I’m sorry, we can’t, and it’s getting, um, late.” I lie, to get out of dinner.
“You do know that it’s Friday right?” Rachel tells me. “I know that you don’t work tomorrow, and I’m pretty sure Ethan doesn’t have school.”
“Um,” I stammer. I need to think of something and quick. Darn it! Why aren’t I a better liar?
“Dinner’s on me, let’s go.” Marc declares grabbing my son’s hand, and heads out the door.
Everyone begins to leave, and I follow, but I’m trying to rack my brain on how I could pay for dinner. We get down to the parking garage, when Lucas splits up with Sara to his car, Max and Rachel head to hers, and I watch Marc heading with Ethan in another direction. I follow Marc to a large SUV, with shiny bright tire rims.
He lifts Ethan up into the vehicle and tells him to get to the middle and buckle up. He then opens the door for me. I feel like I’m in a dream. Marc’s taking care of my son, me, and I barely know him.
I step up into the car, and when he shuts the door I turn to Ethan. “Are you having fun?”
“Yes, Mom, this is great.” His face is so bright.
Marc jumps into the SUV, and grins at me. I gave him a small smile back. I’m still trying to figure out how to pay for this dinner. I know that they’re going to somewhere expensive.
Ethan begins to talk about the game, and Marc listens to his every word. It’s nice to see someone pay attention to him, so well. Occasionally, I caught a glimpse at Marc. His strong jaw, and shaggy coal, black hair, that falls over his ears.
Marc pulls up to a restaurant with a valet. I silently want to cry, what am I going to do? The valet helps me out of the SUV and Ethan jumps out too. Marc comes around the car, taking the ticket, and paying the gentleman. He automatically reaches for my son’s hand, and together, we all three walk into the place.
I finally grasp that we’re at a very expensive steakhouse. I want to grab Ethan and run away. This is going to be an embarrassing disaster. I know Marc said he would pay, but I can’t let that happen. How rude is that?
Of course, the second the hostesses sees us, we are seated. They take all seven of us, to the far back room, with a curtain to keep it private. I can see the dollar signs floating all around me as we sit down.
“Mom, why are there so many forks?” Ethan says loudly and everyone chuckles.
I lean over and whisper to him. “Each fork is for a different course of food.” Which translate into a bounced check for me. I can feel the walls closing in on me. “Um, where’s the ladies room?” I ask politely.
“Oh, I need to go too. I’ll show you.” Rachel hops up, as does Sara.
“You behave, and I’ll be right back.” I whisper into Ethan’s ear. He nods, still staring at all the items on the table.
I follow the girls to the bathroom, before I have a major panic attack. I grab a paper towel, and wet it with cold water. I lay it on the back of my neck, and take some deep breaths.
“What’s wrong with you? Are you sick?” Sara asks, standing next to me.
Sick? Yes! “I’m not feeling well. I think I need to grab Ethan and leave.” That’s a perfect excuse.
“You’re lying.” Rachel crosses her arms, and stares me down. Even though I’m three inches taller than her, she scares me to death. “What’s the problem? Is Marc being a jerk?”
“What? No. Marc is very nice. I just,” I stop because I can’t say the words.
“Charity, what is it? You can tell us.” Sara kindly places her hand on my shoulder.
I protectively cross my arms, against my body. “Nothing, I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be, Marc’s a good guy.” Sara gently hugs me, as we head back into the room.
When I walk in, I see that Ethan and Marc have their napkins tucked in the neck of their shirts.
“What are you two doing?” I sit next to Ethan.
“Marc got us steaks Mom, and he said this is how you don’t get anything on your shirt.” Ethan points proudly at his white napkin. Everyone laughs at them, but all I heard is steaks. Yep, I’m going to have to wash dishes in a five star restaurant to pay for our food.
“Hope that’s okay? We didn’t want to wait.” Marc smiles at me.
I nod, trying to hide the sheer panic on my face.
The guys begin to talk about hockey, as the rest of us, just chime in when we can. Soon, after that, our first course comes; a simple house salad. I show Ethan which fork to use and I eat a few bites of mine, as Rachel tells everyone the details of a case that she is working. I could never deny that she has a brilliant legal mind.
Marc begins to interact with Ethan. They’re asking each other questions about school, hockey, and even their favorite foods. Marc keeps a smile on his face the whole time, and I notice that he has one small dimple on his left cheek. It’s sexy.
Our steaks come, and I can clearly see this is costing over one hundred dollars. Not to mention that Ethan has the exact same order as the adults. I help Ethan cut his steak, and I’m sure we can eat this for a whole week. I took several bits, and it’s truly the best meal I think I’ve ever had.
For a while I forget everything as we were all laughing and having a great time, but then the bill came, and my heart drops. Okay, I’m going to have to fess up, and just tell the truth. As I’m about to open my mouth, Marc hands a credit card to the waitress, and no one says anything else.
We get up to leave, when she bring Marc the receipt. Again, he takes Ethan’s hand, and we walk outside. We say our good-byes and climb into our respective cars.
“Thank you for the game and dinner Marc, that’s very nice of you.” I tell him honestly, and I’m beyond thankful that I didn’t have to wash dishes, or tell anyone how broke I truly am.
“You’re welcome.” His dark eyes shine, as he stares at him. “How about I take you two home?”
“That would be nice.” I smile at him.
The drive is quiet, and when I look into the backseat Ethan is asleep.
“I think the excitement wore off.” Marc peaks at him through the mirror.
“It was an exciting game.”
Not much more is said, as Marc finds a parking spot, and gets out. He opens the backdoor, and gathers Ethan into his arms.
“Marc I can get him.” I inform him.
“I’ve got him. Lead the way.” I stare at him, as my son’s head is on Marc’s shoulder. It’s sweet. I nod, and we head to the building.
After four flights of stairs, we make it to my front door. I unlock it, turning to Marc. “I’ll take him.” My arms out stretched.
“Just point me to his room. I’ve got it.” He smiles at me, and I nod. I really hate that he wants to come into my apartment, but I don’t argue.
“His room is over here, behind the divider.” I point quietly, as Marc takes Ethan, and lays him on the bed, covering him up.
I walk Marc back to the door. “Thanks, again. I’m not sure why you did it though.” I lift my head, to look deep into his eyes. All I see is kindness coming from them.
“I would like to take you out on a date. Just us two.” His tone is serious, and extremely sexy, ignoring my question.
“Oh, um,” I look down at the ground. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“Why?” I hear the hurt in his voice.
“Ethan takes up a lot of my time. I’m sorry.”
“Well,” he clears his throat, bringing my attention back to his dark eyes. “I’ll have to try harder then.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.