Falling for Sarah Read Online Free PDF Page A

date.”
    Her inflection changed on the word ‘date’. He stopped walking and captured her arm when they approached the door to her beachside suite. “Is that why you’re upset, because I brought a date?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.” She turned away, swiped her keycard in the slot. The light flashed green, and she twisted the knob. “You’re rarely without one. Why would it suddenly bother me? It’s really getting late. I should take Kylee and say goodnight.”
    Surprised by her scoffing tone, Ethan took her arm again. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?”
    “It’s been a long day. I’m tired.” She held out her hands for Kylee. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s time for your bath.”
    Ethan had seen Sarah tired before, exhausted, and she never failed to be anything but sweet.
    “No, Mama, Ethan.”
    “Ethan has to get back to the party, and you have to go to bed.” Sarah wrapped her hands around Kylee’s waist to take her.
    Kylee wrapped her arms around his neck, rested her head on his shoulder again. “Ethan read to me.”
    He stared down into pleading, sleepy blue eyes and his heart melted. “Jesus, Sarah, how can you say no to that? It’s just one book.”
    Sarah let out a quiet sigh. “One book.” She stepped through the door, let him in the spacious room. Light blue knick knacks accented bright yellow walls. Pale green furnishings gave the room a tropical paradise feel.
    “Bath time first, Kylee.” Sarah took Kylee, walked to the bathroom, filled the tub.
    While a reenergized Kylee sang and splashed in the water, Ethan stood by the window, staring out at ocean waves kissing the sandy shore. Sarah’s voice chimed in to Itsy Bitsy Spider, making him smile.
    His smile disappeared as he thought of the way she’d looked at him. Her eyes had been full of disdain. He’d always played by his own rules, cared little for what others thought, but the mockery in her voice tonight bothered him. Something was eating at her. He wasn’t leaving until they figured everything out. Sarah was a vital part of his life. That wasn’t going to change.
    Kylee ran from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. “I ready for my story.”
    “You look like you’re missing something to me, kiddo. Where’re your PJs?”
    “Over der.” Kylee pointed to the pink polka dot pajama-set lying on the bed. “I have to det dressed. I tan do it myself.”
    He smiled. “Well, go for it then. I’ll get your book and wait in the other room. Call me if you need help.”
    “O-tay.” Her angelic face beamed up at him, and for a flash, he saw Jake’s smile.
    Sadness warred with the comfort that a piece of him was still here.
    Minutes later, Kylee crawled into Ethan’s lap, soft and warm, smelling of baby shampoo. She nestled herself against him, hugging Mr. Ruff, the stuffed brown dog he’d bought her at a toy store in Germany the year before.
    Ethan covered Kylee with the small patchwork quilt Jake’s mother had made for her second birthday and settled against the couch.
    She looked up at him. “Mama be out soon. She getting her bath too.”
    As Kylee spoke, the spray hit the tub behind the closed bathroom door. Ethan knew Sarah was avoiding him. He could wait. He was patient when it suited him. “Let’s read this story, Sleepy Marie.”
    She put her hands on his cheeks. “I not Seepy Marie. I Kylee.”
    Her eyes were so solemn as they stared into his; he couldn’t help but grin. “Okay, Sleepy Kylee, let’s read this story.”
    Ethan opened to the first page, and she rested her head against his chest again. By the time he made it to the third page, the water in the bathroom shut off and Kylee’s eyes drooped. He continued on until Sarah stood in the doorway, wrapped in her pale blue robe.
    She stepped further into the room, bringing along her floral scent. The hem of her robe brushed her knees as she walked. “Kylee’s asleep.”
    “Yeah, I know. I don’t think she made it past the tea party.”
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