Page 63 of Lovestrung

His eyes gentled. “Go on, you can tell me anything. That part of our relationship will never change.”

“All right.” I squared my shoulders as I met his gaze dead-on. “Whatever we’re starting, or started a couple days ago, I guess? I won’t share you with others while you’re with me. That’s a deal breaker to me. Always has been.”

His eyes warmed. “Do you honestly think I’d want another woman now that I have you?”

My skin tingled underneath his fingers and I felt a blush creep up on my neck. Sighing, I deflated and rested my head on his chest.

“You really know how to say the right things to a girl, don’t you?”

He chuckled. “Not exactly, but I’m glad you think so.”

I opened my mouth to answer him, but the moment was broken for the second time today when a waitress came over to take our order.

“Hi. My name is Shannon, and I’ll be your server today.” She gave us both a friendly smile. “Are you ready to order?”

Startled, I realized how famished I was and quickly sat back down on my chair and scanned the menu in front of me. Ethan moved to his seat and leaned back, calm as could be.

“Yes, please. Two eggs, sunny side up, some hash browns, bacon, sausages and a bowl of mixed fruits. Oh, and a cappuccino and orange juice, please.”

She nodded as she scribbled away before turning her attention to Ethan.

“The same for me, but black coffee, and I’d also like some pancakes with maple syrup, please.”

“You’ve got it.”

“Thanks.”

I let out a small smile as the waitress grabbed the menus and went away. My thoughts were scrambling, and I placed my head on my palm and looked out the window again.

“Want to hear a secret?”

My lips quirked in amusement.

“What secret?”

“I’ve always wanted you, Penelope.”

My eyes snapped back to meet his.

“You have?”

He nodded.

“Yes. I lied when you were eighteen. When I told you that you were like a little sister to me, I lied.”

My throat contracted with unshed tears as the memory of that night assaulted my senses.

“Why? You promised me a long time ago you’d never lie to me.”

“I lied to protect you,” he sighed. “To protect myself, I guess.”

“I don’t understand.”

He lifted his hand and ran a palm over his scruff. His eyes met mine, and the sadness in them took my breath away.

“Because I never wanted you to realize that I was unworthy of you. That I didn’t belong with someone so gentle, kind, and funny like yourself.”

I felt my eyes dry even before the words left his lips.