Ethan’s POV Cartwright glanced in the direction of the hidden camera and smirked before he climbed up the stairs to the house.“Long time no see, Cartwright.” Bethany greeted as he walked in. He smacked the door “Babes, missed ya.” I heard him answer through the intercom.I had a good reason to be possessive i assurred myself. Cartwright was an airhead who flirted and fucked anything in a skirt, if he was here trying to charm my wife. It would not bode well for him, or my fake relationship for that matter.Ignoring the crack I heard when the tablet connected to the desk, i kicked off from my chair, forcing air out of my lungs evenly.Just as i breezed into the living room I heard the last parts of Cartwright’s conversation.“…have lunch with me.” He asked MY fiancée. My jaw ticked when she chewed on her lip as if she was considering it. She had a warm smile on her face, one that she managed to turn off whenever she noticed I was in the room. I was the one saving her little town

We drove in silence because I did not want to ask Ethan where we were going, I wouldn't know if he told me anyway."We're late, you know." he said his eyes still focused on the road.“You should have called to tell me you wanted to take me out. ""But we already had plans.""Plans that were canceled because you were being an ass." He glanced at me, "I'm trying to rectify that." "You're doing great.” I told him with a grin.I felt euphoric. I did not realize I was looking forward to spending time with Ethan so much.He pulled up to the Malroy art museum and my mouth fell open. It looked even more fancier that evening, with garlands and other decorations hanging on the walls adding to the beautiful aesthetic of the timeless art pieces in the room. I looked at him for answers.“Julia Mackintosh does a spring show every year, celebrating her favorite time of the year, spring.” Did he just say Julia Makintosh?My head was spinning.“I was expecting some fancy dinner Ethan I didn't

The drive home was the same. I shivered in the passenger seat, as he sped through LA. We marched up the stairs together till we stooped by my room.“I had a good time at dinner.” I told him as I searched his eyes for the kinder Ethan. The one who had a soul behind his eyes.“I’m glad.” He responded shutting me out.Desperate for some kind of connection, i pressed my body flush against his and kissed him, waiting for him to respond. He remained frozen for a second, and then he gripped me tightly against his body.I wasn’t sure i wanted to make love to Ethan that night. I felt alone, even with him.“My new favorite thing is you kissing me.” He said hoarsely against my lips while I trembled at the ferocity of our kiss.He groaned as he pulled away from me.“I need to leave. I have a work emergency I need to attend to.”Discomfort snaked it’s way through my chest and found it’s home in my heart. All evening I hadn’t seen Ethan touch his phone. How did he hear of an emergency then?

Ethan’s grandfather made sure I was in riding gear, complete with an helmet before he let me mount one of his horses, Sage.I tried to stay calm as the horse bristled underneath me and he spoke to it like a kid.“Does baby talk usually work on horses?” I asked, amusement in my voice. He gave my horse final pats on it bottom before he mounted his in one fluid motion. His age had not limited his agility.“Oh yes, they’re basically oversize puppies. They can be cheeky as well. Which is why I told you. You gotta stay calm. If she senses your fear, she’ll react to it.”“It’s hard to stay calm when you’re on a self operating beast.”He chuckled. “You remind me of Ethan’s first rides. His father let him come with me after he turned fourteen. He refused to get on until I swore, the horse would not move an inch while he was on.”“How did that work out?”“Oh the usual, the horse made a run for it and your fiancé screamed to high heavens as he fell behind.” I cracked up at the picture of

“I bless my stars that your Fiancé decided to unveil you to the rest of us.” Anna spoke as she made her way to me. “You. You will wear the dress.”“But it’s a statement piece!” Ava protested as she battled her way through the women. “It was literally the last thing Saskia’s hands touched before she chucked herself off the roof.” I winced at her wording. ”a more experienced model should wear it.” She finished.“That dress highlights the suddenness of her death, as it is incomplete…” Anna explained her eyes burning into mine. “You showed up into our world unannounced, it’s so perfect I could cry.” “That’s ridiculous.” Ava scoffed in disbelief and looked around for support. “I think the dress should be removed from the show-to honor her family.” She said finally. A few women murmured in agreement.“That’s a bunch of crap.” Wynona shot back. “The first sighting of this collection since Saskia’s passing and you think the right thing to do is hide the dress? Stick to modeling Ava, not ha