Mending Heart |18+|

Chapter 37

Nothing But the Best

"So, I close my eyes to old ends and open my heart to new beginnings." – Nick Frederickson

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"We're going on a road trip." I declared, plopping down on the bed next to Ethan. He looked up from his computer screen, setting down the notepad he was scribbling on, and closed the laptop. "What?" His eyebrows furrowed.

"It's Zoey's last week of college, and I'm going to visit her and help her move her stuff out of the dorm and into a storage unit for next fall," I said rolling over onto my stomach, my arms propped under my chin. "And you're coming with me."

"Babe," He chuckled, shaking his head. "I can't just up and leave like that."

"Yes you can, your name's on the door – you can do whatever you want." I pouted. "Plus, if you really have to, you can work from the hotel. Although, it would be greatly appreciated if you didn't make me lift all of the heavy boxes."

"McKenzie..." He sighed, rubbing his face.

"Please!" I tilted my head, sticking my bottom lip out. His eyes lowered to my mouth, and he lifted his hand, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. Rolling his eyes, he said, "That's not fair. You know I can never say no to you."

"Exactly," I smirked, rolling on my back so that I was staring up at the ceiling. "There are perks to you loving me."

"Is that so?" He asked, amusement seeping through his tone.

"Yes." I shut my eyes and brought my hands up above my head.

"You know the other perks of me loving you?" He said casually, ignoring the way my eyes snapped open as I gaped at his words. I didn't have time to reply because his hands made their way to my sides, and he began ticking me.

"Stop it!" I shrieked, a string of laughter erupting from my lips as I tried to kick and escape. However, despite my kicking and screaming, Ethan was stronger than me and he had crawled on top of me – pinning me down.

"Nope," Ethan smirked condescendingly, which only made me glare at him harder.

"Ethan, stop it." I tried to be stern, but in between giggles, I doubt it came off as anything but stern. "Please – I'm on my period, and all the laughing is not helpful." He stilled immediately, and I took this as an opportunity to push him off me and straddle his waist.

"You Mr. –" I scolded, one hand resting on his chest and the other pointing my index finger at him. "Are in trouble. You know I hate being tickled."

"Sorry babe." He gave a small shrug while a sheepish smile made its way onto his face.

"Mhmm." I hummed, rolling off of him. "I was thinking we'd leave tomorrow morning, but I'm assuming you're going to have a problem with that so I'll compromise. We can leave around noon instead."

"You're going to be the death of me." I heard him mumble under his breath. Turning around, I innocently asked, "What was that?"

"Oh, nothing." He sarcastically replied, propping up on his elbows. "What could I have possibly said."

"That's what I thought." I smiled triumphantly, letting him finish his paperwork for the night.

.........

The next morning, Ethan grudgingly called the office and told them he was taking a few personal days off and only to contact him if it was an emergency.