Fighting the Inevitable

Chapter 6: Date Night

Copyright 2019 © Rosesareforever 

Fighting the Inevitable

Chapter 6

Date Night

Barely able to keep her eyes open from exhaustion, Rachelle hauled the steering wheel to the right, successfully pulling into the driveway of a fancy looking townhouse located on the edge of the city limits. The neighborhood was quiet, surrounded by trees with a small park in the center, the perfect place to raise a bunch of kids. It surprised her that Ethan didn't live in a condo. Somehow she found it strange to imagine him living in such a tranquil place. It didn't match his vivacious personality.

After a sleepless night of pondering, chewing over the decision she had to make, weighing up the pros and cons, she'd finally made up her mind. When she'd texted Ethan to tell him she wanted to meet, he'd instantly replied with his address. He seemed to be eager to hear her answer. She couldn't blame him. The business arrangement he'd proposed wasn't exactly a common one.

As she turned off the engine of the car and unfastened her seat belt, Rachelle noticed movement at the front of the house. Moments later, Ethan stepped outside and casually leaned against the porch, dressed impeccably in a dark grey suit and fancy shoes. It was eight in the morning. How was he awake and dressed to perfection that early? Rachelle still had trouble keeping her eyes open. Clearly, he was a morning person.

Ethan watched her from a distance as she got out of the car and locked the vehicle, his posture relaxed. His presence was intimidating, his gaze impenetrable. Rachelle felt her heart skip a beat, her hands growing clammy. The man oozed confidence and dominance. She'd never met someone quite like him.

"Good morning," he greeted as she halted in front of him.

Rachelle nodded, afraid that her voice might falter if she tried to speak, and entered the townhouse with Ethan following close behind her. Looking around the hallway in amazement, her eyes locked on the beautiful white oak staircase in the center of the room. She felt her eyes widen. It was breathtaking. The house looked even better from the inside, and the outside had already been stunning. The view awakened a curiosity. She'd love a tour of the house, but would never dare to ask.

"Lovely place," she mumbled, totally downplaying the truth as she slowed down, looking over her shoulder.

Ethan was right behind her and almost bumped into her when she suddenly stopped walking. "It was love at first sight," he told her, his face only inches away from hers.

Her breathing quickened as Rachelle became aware of their proximity, and she muttered a soft, "Hmm?"

"The house," Ethan clarified, smirking. "The moment I set foot inside I decided to buy it. I couldn't imagine myself living anywhere else."

Oh. Right, they were talking about the house. "It's not what I had in mind when I imagined the place where you'd live," she admitted, still thrown off her game by his presence.

The man chuckled. "What were you imagining?" Ethan wondered. "A bachelor pad?"

"Something like that," she agreed. Definitely not a perfect family home, white picket fence included.

Ethan led her down the hall towards the living area of the house, a large room with oak hardwood floors, a high ceiling and an authentic fireplace in the center. The room was well-decorated, the windows covered by ivory velvet curtains that reached the floor and the furniture stylish but practical. It honestly looked like a picture from a magazine.

"I grew up in a very cozy townhouse. When I moved out, I did move to a typical bachelor pad, but I soon realized that wasn't what I wanted. If I'm home, I want to feel at home. This house made me feel that way, so I bought it," he explained as he sat down on a large sofa.