Secrets In The Sunset | KTH 18+ ✔️

Chapter Seventy-Four

My head is throbbing as I sit up to make my way towards his en-suite bathroom. Holding onto the dresser, the wall and eventually plopping down on the toilet with the door wide open. I don't even care if he walks in and sees me peeing and I drunkenly laugh as I realize he and I have reached that level of intimacy.

"Yeah, dad, Ava got really bad food poisoning last night. I'm going to stay here with her." I hear Ethan lie over the phone while still laying in his plush bed. "No, it wasn't my cooking." He huffs and I can visualize him rolling his eyes. "Okay, I'll let her know you wish her well. See you tomorrow."

I finish letting the equivalent of Niagra Falls flow out of me and wipe myself clean before pulling up my panties and washing my hands thoroughly. Thankfully, I wasn't drunk enough to vomit, but I'm definitely hung over this morning.

After brushing my teeth, I shuffle my way back into the bedroom. Ethan smiles over at me and pulls back the bedspread so that I can snuggle into his arms again. "You look like shit in the most adorable way."

"Thanks asshole." I chuckle while nuzzling into his neck. "I take it your dad wasn't mad we called in?"

"He's just happy we're dating." He laughs and turns to face me, wiggling his nose on mine. Sometimes he can seem much smaller than he actually is. "And so am I."

"Mmhmm...me too." I sleepily reply before falling back into what I can only describe as an alcoholic coma.

Hours later I feel soft kisses along my forehead and temple and the sweet smell of vanilla filling my nose. I'm still sleepily disoriented but I could recognize that scent anywhere. As my eyes flutter open, I see a candle lit on the other end of the room and Ethan hovering over me while continuing to slowly pepper kisses on my face to wake me.

"How long did I sleep and why is there a candle?" I ask through a groggy voice and rubbing my eyes roughly.

"Three hours and I know you like vanilla candles so I bought some for my place to help you feel more comfortable here." He smiles against my forehead before standing upright again. "Come with me. I made you pancakes."

"Have you been up this whole time?" I make my way towards the kitchen with Ethan wrapping his arms around my waist while he walks behind me.

"I got some work done and did some other things." He mentions as I look up and see the cute breakfast for two proudly spread out at the kitchen island.

Smiling at his thoughtfulness, I wiggle my way on to the tall bar stool and take a large drink of water along with the Asprin he had placed by my glass. He refills my drink before taking his seat next to me and pouring the syrup over his stack of fluffy golden pancakes.

"Thank you for all of this." I crane my neck to offer one small kiss of gratitude.

"You'rewelcomebaby." He mumbles through a mouthful of pancakes, making his cheeks puff out adorably. "So since we're playing hooky today, would you be up to doing something together? If you're not feeling too bad."

"Likewhat?" I mutter before swallowing my bite of food and internally scold myself for speaking with a mouth full of food in the first place. Even if I feel like I could eat an entire IHOP right now.

"Well," He takes a sip of water before continuing, "I was thinking we could use the free day to go look at those potential places for your art gallery. My friend sent me all of their addresses and gave me the codes to go check them out whenever we had time. We can go pretend we're on an HGTV show." He chuckles.

"I'd love to!" I beam with excitement, slightly bouncing in my chair before stopping and pouting. "But I don't have any clothes over here."

"We'll go by your place so you can shower and change. I love you, but you smell like alcohol." He chuckles with a wink.