Chapter 27 Please Don't Leave

• I was content to sit with him and listen to his work business while he smoothed a hand up and down my back. Ethan made me feel glad I had stopped by even though this would be no social lunch for us. The timing was crazy for him and me. I can't imagine his job could be any more complicated than at the moment with the Olympics looming and London hosting the whole thing. He should have just sent me a note that said, "I just bought your portrait and I'd really like to get to know you sometime in mid-August."
• He kept his phone on speaker and we managed a few quick kisses in between calls and bites, but soon it was hard to justify as a lunch hour anymore. "I should get going, Ethan." I kissed him and started to get up. "No." He held me on his lap. "I don't want you to go yet. I like having you here with me. You soothe me, baby." He rested his head on top of mine. "You are my ray of light in a fog of ignorance and frustration."
• "Really? You like that I came and complicated your day and forced food on you?" I fiddled with his tie clip and smoothed his tie. "You're so busy with your work, and I'm interrupting."