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Chapter 26

The morning sun shined through the slightly parted curtains on to my face. With a groan I rubbed my eyes and sat up except I couldn't.

My eyes snapped open to see Ethan's bare chest. He had me wrapped in both his arms with my face bared in his perfect six pack.

I tried to squirm out of his arms without waking him but Ethan just tightened his hold.

"Ethan." I whispered

He moaned and turned over pulling me with him. I gasped as Ethan laid on top of me dropping the covers.

I could see he had nothing on but his tight grey boxers. I couldn't help but look his body over, I'm such a pervert.

Speaking of perverts, Ethan's... err friend was poking me through his boxers. I shut my eyes trying to get my crazed hormones on check.

Ethan shifted on top of me causing his friend to get more aroused. Oh my god, my eyes snapped open.

"Ethan." I whispered huskily

He lowered his head to my neck. I felt his nose rub my neck but he was still asleep. Freeing my hands I meant to shake his shoulders but it turned into a caress.

I ran my hands down the length of his back feeling his muscles. His smooth, toned, hard body didn't help either. My hands traveled down to his torso where I ran my fingers lightly over his abs.

Ethan moaned against my skin causing a hot wave of need to run through my body.

"Now that definitely woke me up." he said groggily

He lifted his head up to me a wide smile on his face. His hair was sticking up in all directions. I ran my hands through his hair pushing it back.

"Good morning." I smiled

"It sure is." he said as he bent down and pressed his lips to mine

I weaved my fingers into his chocolatey hair tugging him lower to me. Ethan smiled and grabbed me by the waist turning us over again.

"So you were awake." I said between kisses

He chuckled against my mouth answering my question. The little sneak. With my legs at his side I was straddling him.

Ethan held me firmly by the waist as he nibbled my bottom lip. I pulled away panting.

"Not this time babe." I said with a teasing smile

He groaned and sat up with me on his lap. Ethan ran a hand through his hair his eyes still thick with lust. Judging by the dark shade of red in his cheeks he noticed his friend.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his crimson cheek. "Your cute when you blush." I cooed pressing another kiss to his jaw

His friend stirred as I peppered kisses down his neck. With moist lips I kissed under his jaw. Ethan let out a deep throaty moan.

"Lily are you awake?"

I stiffened at Jake's voice. Lifting my head up I stared at Ethan wide eyed. I mouthed 'what do I do?' Being the wonderful boyfriend he is he shrugged.

"Now is a good time to tell him we're together."

Climbing off his lap I smacked his shoulder.

"Yeah Jake I'm just.. going to take a shower." I replied hoping he doesn't just pop in

"Alright breakfast is ready." he said before I heard his footsteps down the stairs

Sighing in relief I covered my face with my hands. How am I suppose to get him out without anyone seeing him?

The bed squeaked as Ethan came up behind me. "Shouldn't we go take that shower." he joked

I slapped his chest earning a deep chuckle. Pulling out a random pair of dark jeans and a plain tee I ran to the bathroom.

After a relaxing shower I came out dressed to find Ethan laying on my bed. He was wearing a pair of black sweats and a red angry bird tee shirt with the birds on them.

"Where did you get that?" I asked

He closed his eyes and put his hands behind his back a small smirk on his face.

"Just found it." he shrugged

Found it my butt. I tossed my wet towel at him.

"Don't move I'll bring you up breakfast." I said as I turned for the door

Tip toeing downstairs I peeked my head into the kitchen to check who was there.

"Good morning sweetie." dad said from the door way

He handed me a cup of coffee a small smile on his face. Reaching forward I took the cup.

"Morning dad." I said and pecked his cheek for the first time in days

Annabelle came running up to me trapping me in a hug. Feeling uncomfortable I just stood there. She pulled away a smile on her face.

"I'm glad your okay Lily." she said her mascara encrusted lashes pressing together as she smiled strangely at me

"Holy crap look at your face." Melissa laughed

Yeah my left cheek had a rather small purple bruise courtesy of Tim.

Ignoring Melissa I walked over to the counter and piled a plate full of eggs, and turkey bacon. Annabelle wanted us all to watch our figures.

"Whoa you can't eat all of that." Jake said from the table

He was still in his pajamas as usual. I smiled and grabbed my mug heading back upstairs.

"Wait Lily can we talk about yesterday?"

I froze at dad's words. Yesterday. Turning around I nodded my head. It was going to be brought up some time.

Dad sat down beside Jake looking uncomfortable. "Did that man.. before we arrived did he.."

"No." I replied stiffly

The memory of his hands running over my body ran through my mind sending a chill down my spine.

"What exactly were you doing at the apartment?" dad asked looking a bit more at ease

I'm not sure whether I should tell him the truth or not. Dad could be the one hiding something here. Maybe he knows the truth. I mean there were love letters and a picture of him with my mom.

Maybe he is the one who gave those pills to my mom. But I can't picture my dad doing something like that. Besides they looked so in love in the photo.

"A few unsettled things. Don't worry I'm not going back." I said

Dad rose a genuine smile on his face. He kissed my forehead. "Why don't we eat breakfast as a family?" he said patting the seat between him and Jake

With a nod I sat down. Oh crap what about Ethan? Looking up at the ceiling I hoped he was keeping out of trouble. Annabelle and Melissa joined us as well.

Jake grabbed a hand full of bacon stuffing them in his mouth. Annabelle sent him a dark look from across the table.

Melissa leaned over the table and scooped up some eggs. Her low cut floral blouse dipped revealing way too much cleavage.

My eyes dropped to the full plate in front of me. This was definitely too much for me to eat.

"Isn't this nice." Annabelle said looking up with a smile

She sure is acting cheery today. Bringing the mug up to my mouth I took a sip of coffee as Jake took some more bacon from my plate. I guess Ethan is getting toast and coffee.

"About as nice as a root canal." Melissa said sarcastically

"Melissa." dad said giving her a warning glance

She rolled her eyes and put a forkful of eggs in her mouth. What's up with her?

We ate in an awkward silence that seemed to happen a lot now a days. A meal together was always filled with laughter and fun but now it turns into an argument.

There was a knock at the back door followed by an all too familiar voice. My eyes widened as Jake stood up and opened the door.

"Hey Andy." Jake said and did that weird guy handshake

Ethan stepped in a slight smirk playing on his lips. What the hell is he doing here? He was still in the same clothes he 'found'.

"Andrew what a pleasant surprise." Annabelle beamed

Translation what do you want?

Why is she all happy today? Ethan's brows knitted together and forced a polite smile.

"I just came by to see how Lily is doing." he said turning his emerald eyes to me

"Of course." Melissa mumbled as she scraped her fork against her plate

"I'm fine thank you for coming all this way but you should have called." I said straining the last words

Annabelle stood up and got a chair from the dinning room. "Now that your here you should join us." she chirped

Ethan said a polite thank you and took the seat Annabelle shoved between dad and me. She could have put the chair by Melissa there was more room.

Both Ethan and Jake stole bacon from my plate each flashing me a pearly smile. Annabelle scooped up eggs, bacon and a few pieces of toast for Ethan.

"Richard told me how you helped them find Lily. Your bravery is admirable." Annabelle said her voice laced with mischief

"I did nothing more than the others." Ethan replied before taking a bite of his toast

Raising my mug up to my mouth I tried to cover the huge smirk behind it. Haha take that. Annabelle was obviously digging into the situation but why?

She shook her head that same goofy smile still planted on her face.

"Don't be so modest. You were the one who found Lily in time and stopped that awful man before he hurt anyone."

Jake snorted as he tried swallowing the toast he shoved in his mouth. "Andy is the one we had to stop."

Dad slapped Ethan's shoulder a proud smile on his face. "I owe you son."

"Like I said before Lily is important to me." Ethan said in a serious tone

My cheeks heated up at his words. When did he tell my dad that I'm important to him? From across the table I could see Melissa giving me a dirty look.

If looks could kill I'd be a goner.

"Important? How so?" Annabelle said cocking her perfectly straightened head to the side

"Lily is not just my best friend's sister, she's my friend too." he answered before grabbing my cup of coffee and taking a long gulp

I stared at Ethan with adoring eyes. Could he get any sweeter.

"Oh please." Melissa scoffed

Everyone heard her but ignored her grumpy comment. If she isn't the center of attention she's not happy.

"Hey I have the same shirt upstairs." Jake said pointing at Ethan's shirt

I sent a dark glare to a smirking Ethan. Leaning towards him I extended my hand to look like I was trying to reach the salt.

"You snuck in his room." I hissed angrily

Ethan passed me the salt grinning like the Cheshire cat. Muttering a stiff thank you I pretended to eat my food.

Like the dinner a few days ago Ethan helped fill the awkward silence we seemed to fall into. Melissa would make a snotty comment that stopped our flowing conversation.

Ethan somehow turned the situation around. I couldn't help but sneak looks at him. Here is this amazing guy that is beyond sweet, funny, caring and one good kisser.

"Well I should get to work." dad said as he stood up

Standing up I pecked his cheek earning a warm smile. Annabelle's chair scraped against the ground as she ran up to his side.

"Bye honey." she said before kissing him on the lips

"Ewww I'm out of here." Melissa said as she ran upstairs

Turning my back to them I could still hear them kissing. Jake made gagging noises.

"See you two later." dad said as he walked out

Annabelle clapped her hands together startling me. "Well you kids should get going too."

"Not Lily isn't going anywhere." Jake said standing up

Rolling my eyes I collected the empty plates to the sink. "I'm not a child Jake, I'll be fine."

Rinsing the plates I put them in the dishwasher.

"No, he's right Lily you need a day off." Ethan agreed

Turning around I placed my hands on my hips forcing my face to go hard.

"Lily." Jake groaned

I pouted my bottom lip out and narrowed my eyes. Ethan walked over to me and caught my lip with his fingers. Stepping away I smacked his hand down.

"Stop being stubborn." Ethan chuckled

She patted my shoulder a tight smile plastered on her face. "I'll stay with you. Let me just go call my boss."

Annabelle went upstairs without waiting for my reply. Amazing how they just ignore me.

Jake gave me a playful nudge before heading upstairs to change. As soon as I heard his door shut I whipped my head to Ethan.

"I thought I told you to stay put." I whispered

He reached his arms out and caught me by the waist. His hard toned chest was pressed against my back. It's hard to stay mad at him when he's so close.

"I'm sorry love I just couldn't stay up there knowing you were below me. Besides you guys seemed lacking in the conversation area."

Yeah he had a point there. If Ethan weren't here we wouldn't have spoken or worse argued.

Leaning my head back against his shoulder I couldn't help but feel that same adoration from before.

"Thank you for that."

"Anything for you." he said before kissing my neck

He ran his large hands over my waist and down to my hips. Lowering his head he brushed his lips to my neck again.

"You smell so good." he mumbled against my neck

Bringing my hand up to the back of his neck grabbing a his hair as he kissed down my neck. I tilted my head further back giving him better access.

Ethan ran his tongue over the hallow spot where my shoulder and neck met. I bit my lip stifling the moan of pleasure.

"All those years of wanting to have you close were worth it." he groaned as he nibbled my neck

Wait what? Clearing my head from the cloud of lust I pulled away slightly.

Ethan turned me to face him a mixture of concern and regret on his face.

"What do you mean years?" I asked

His arms tightened around my waist like he was afraid I'd disappear.

"Remember how I said I've been waiting a long time for you." he said his eyes searching my face

I nodded, trying to read his face. He pressed his lips together and looked up at the ceiling. The fear in his expression was unmistakeable.

With a sigh he continued "I've liked you since the first day we met. The day I hit Jake for teasing you about your name."

My eyes widened. Did I hear him right? Ethan Andrew the local bad boy has liked me since we were young. All this time I thought he was just flirting, it was real.

"But you never told me and you were with other girls." I said shaking my head

This had to be a joke. Ethan is the kind of guy to go from girl to girl and now he's telling me he has liked me for years?

Ethan grabbed the side of my face his eyes pleading for me to try to understand.

"I thought you didn't feel the same. Than you began to push me away. Lily I was scared if I told you you'd completely ignore me and I couldn't bare that."

He pressed his forehead to mine. "I can't lose you."

"You won't." I whispered

His face brightened, he grinned and pulled me tightly against him.

Ethan's chest rumbled with laughter. I smiled feeling happier now in a long time.

"I thought you'd freak out." he admitted

Shaking my head I kissed his cheek. I didn't want to admit it but I don't think I'd ever want to leave Ethan. This strange new feelings I have for him. This need to want him, all of him.

Pushing the fearful feelings away I pulled away from him.

"Let's not forget we aren't alone." I said raising a finger up

"Okay but one last kiss before I go." he said

Nodding I pressed my lips to his quickly and began to pull away when Ethan grabbed my face. He brushed his lips gently against mine.

It was so soft and sensual I almost melted. The sound of footsteps caused us to part.

"Alright lets go Andy." Jake said

He pressed a small kiss to my forehead and turned for the door.

"Bye Lilz, I'll see you later."

When Jake's back was turned Ethan pecked my lips. "Bye Lily." he said giving me a wink

With my eyes wide with shock I managed to mumble a goodbye. Ethan Andrew will be the death of me.

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Okay this was a playful chapter hope you enjoyed it.

So what do you guys think is going on? Who is behind Lily's mom's death? Is anyone behind it?

Tell me what you think :)

~LovelyDove43~