Chapter 8

• They both gasped as he gave Nathalie a moment to adjust to him inside her. She was accustomed to men who rushed, eager to satisfy their own needs. Ethan, however, was different. He was older and clearly more mindful, unlike Daniel had been at that age. Their kisses were gentle, savoring the moment rather than rushing through it.
• "Feels. So. Good," Ethan murmured, breathing heavily as he moved slowly.
• "Yes," Nathalie whispered, lacking any words beyond that. She grasped his shoulders, urging him to quicken his pace. He complied, pressing his weight into her with a grunt. As he neared his climax, he paused, gripping her tightly and flipping them over so she was on top. They adjusted seamlessly, and she reveled in the sensation of him inside her as she straddled him. His hands grasped her breasts, and she arched her back, eliciting a gasp from both of them.
• Their eyes locked, and she knew he was close to losing control. She quickened her movements, rotating her hips to tease him further. Ethan closed his eyes, holding her hips to guide her until he couldn't hold back any longer. He steadied her as he released, her name escaping his lips in a fervent whisper.
• When Ethan opened his eyes again, Nathalie rolled off him and snuggled against his side. He deftly removed the condom and immediately wrapped his arms around her once more.
• "Nathalie," he sighed, "thank you for coming over."
• "You're welcome," she replied.
• They kissed softly until fatigue began to pull them under. Nathalie reluctantly got out of bed and dressed again, despite Ethan's complaints. She had to return to her own place before Shina realized she was gone, hoping her absence wouldn't be discovered before dawn.
• "Text me when she leaves," Ethan instructed, still lounging in bed, his green eyes heavy with tiredness yet focused solely on her as she dressed.
• "How about I just come over the moment she drives off?" she suggested.
• "Even better," he agreed with a smile. "We still have ninety-nine condoms, after all."
• Shina took her sweet time leaving, and Nathalie eventually shared the previous night's events with her. Shina was a mix of worried, shocked, and proud, but Nathalie managed to dissuade her from paying Ethan a visit out of curiosity.
• After promising Shina a follow-up call later in the week to share any new developments, she bid her friend farewell with a smile. Although grateful for Shina's help in reclaiming her apartment, Nathalie was undeniably relieved to see her go. She made sure to pocket her keys before stepping out.
• Ethan must have been observing from inside because as Nathalie kneeled to retrieve the spare key, she discovered it missing. Looking up, she saw his smug face looming over her.
• "Looking for this?" he teased, dangling the key. "I like you in this position."
• "Shut up," she laughed, accepting his hand to help her up and following him inside. It seemed he'd been busy packing all morning; boxes filled the living room, and the furniture was marked with yellow, red, and green stickers.
• "The green ones are for my sister," he explained, noting her curiosity. "I've been on video calls with her and my mom. It'd be easier if they came up here, but it's too hard on Mom right now emotionally."
• "What about the yellow?" Nathalie asked, touched by the emotion in his voice.
• "Storage. My sister and I don't want it, but Mom can't bear for anyone else to have it. It's mainly stuff Dad loved—his nightstand, his chair. We'll store it in my garage for now."
• "And red is for you?"
• He shook his head. "No, I'm not keeping anything. I picked what I wanted when my parents sold my childhood home. The red items are for donation."
• "Really?" Nathalie asked, glancing around. "Even the table?"
• "Seriously?" Nathalie thought as she scanned the room to see what Ethan was getting rid of. "Even the table?"
• "Are we really going to discuss the table?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He wore blue sweatpants today, looking as good in them as he did in the gray ones. His thin white shirt gave a glimpse of some of his tattoos.
• "What else do you have in mind?" she asked, attempting to sound seductive. She wouldn't mind him taking her on that table right now, to be honest.
• "I want to see your place," he decided.
• That wasn't quite where she thought things were headed.
• Ethan followed Nathalie as she led the way outside and took out her keys to let them in. Just as she inserted the key into the lock, she heard a door slam nearby. She glanced over to see the woman from yesterday emerging from her apartment.
• "Hi Anna," Ethan called out, smiling warmly at her. "Great to see you again."
• "Ethan!" Anna replied, just as delighted to see him. Her expression changed when she noticed Nathalie. "I heard about your mom moving," she said, regaining her composure. "I'm really sorry for what you're going through."
• "Thank you," he said, gesturing toward Nathalie. "Have you met your new neighbor yet? This is Nathalie Swan. She's been helping me pack up since I only have a week to clear out the place."
• "Packing?" Anna repeated, looking skeptical. "How nice of her."
• Nathalie left the keys in the door and approached Anna, extending her hand. "I meant to introduce myself yesterday," she said with a friendly smile. "I'm Nathalie Swan. I moved in three days ago. I rang your doorbell the first day to say hi, but you weren't home. I apologize if my move has caused any inconvenience. Please let me know if I'm ever too loud."
• "I will," Anna said, now smiling. "Nice to meet you. I'm Anna Wilson. I was on vacation and just got back yesterday. Feel free to stop by for a cup of tea sometime soon."
• Anna waved at Ethan before heading off, casting one last glance at the two of them, shaking her head slightly.
• "You really want her to tell you if you're too loud?" Ethan teased as he turned Nathalie's keys to open the door. "Planning on screaming my name all night or something?"
• "I meant if my music gets too loud," Nathalie replied, feeling a little foolish. Did Anna assume she was talking about sex? She seemed to be on to them. Nathalie wasn't sure how she felt about that. "Although..." she bit her lip and looked at him. "I'm not opposed to the idea of you making me yell your name."
• Ethan didn't reply because he had reached her living room and was looking around in wonder. "Where's all your stuff?" he asked, frowning at the plants on the floor and the three lonely chairs. "Aren't you finished moving?"
• "I am; I just don't own much more than this," she explained.
• "What the heck?" He didn't even ask permission as he wandered through her place, opening every door and growing more confused as he realized she wasn't joking. "This is everything you own? Why not buy more stuff?"