Mia clicked off her phone and groaned at the stack of notes in front of her.
One week left.
How had she managed to fall in love in just a few weeks?
Of course, Ethan Bishop was no ordinary man. She remembered Priscilla’s words and fought the urge to text her with an “SOS” sign. Since the night they’d confessed their feelings, they hadn’t talked about it. It was as if both of them were afraid to bring in reality and the obstacles between them.
She lived in the city. He belonged here.
Yes, they could do long distance, but would it eventually break them? With her demanding schedule, could they make it work? And more important, Ethan might not be thinking of a future between them. Saying you loved someone didn’t guarantee anything.
She had learned that hard lesson a while ago.
Tonight, she’d insist they have a long talk about their expectations and if there was something more for them past the summer. And of course, Jonathan would arrive tomorrow. After he heard about Chloe’s problems with her so-called friends, the vandalism, and running out on the check, he’d flipped. He’d informed his daughter he’d enrolled her at NYU and would be picking her up to come home.
She had refused.
Mia was stuck in the middle. She wasn’t part of the family, but her gut drove her to back up Chloe and help get her a second chance. Once her father got elected, her world was going to change yet again. She didn’t think it would be fair to the girl to start new again when she’d just begun to blossom.
Well, it was no good brooding about it until Jonathan arrived. She left the comfort of air-conditioning, deciding to head to the stables. Time was running out, and she wanted to enjoy every moment with both Chloe and Ethan. She had just reached the front porch when a familiar black sports car careened into the parking lot, spitting out gravel in its wake.
Ah, crap.
She watched them approach. Practically vibrating with hostility, they stopped a few feet from her. “Chloe here?” the pink-haired girl asked.
“No. She’s working.”
The kids shared a glance. One of the boys sneered. “You been keeping her locked up for slave labor?” he challenged, puffing up his scrawny chest. His tank proclaimed FUCK OFF.
Real nice.
“Actually, Chloe doesn’t want to hang out with you any longer. You probably knew that since she hasn’t been texting you back.”
“You’re lying. We’re her friends. We protect her from bullshit, like adults who don’t know a thing.”
“Friends, huh? Must be nice to have someone in your group who takes the blame when you screw up. I know about the vandalism of the professor’s car. I know about the diner. And I know you had the gall to deface this property. My advice to you is take off, don’t look back, and leave Chloe alone.”
The taller guy—she thought it was Anthony—smirked and shook his head. His gaze dragged over her body, setting off creepy vibes. “You can’t tell us what to do, bitch. Mind your own business, and let Chloe make her own decisions.”
Holy hell, they were only around twenty-one, twenty-two years old. If no one intervened, who knows what they’d be doing next? The girl with the pink hair looked back and forth, a touch of nervousness emanating from her figure. Mia tried to direct her next words at the young girl, who still had a shot to break from the assholes. What was her name? Yes. Theresa.
“Why are you with them, Theresa?” she asked softly. The girl’s dark eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. “They’re using you, too, and they won’t think twice about throwing you up for bait when shit goes down.”
“No, they wouldn’t,” she said shakily. “You don’t know them.”
“Yes, I do. Because at one point, we’ve all been vulnerable, looking for acceptance or someone who makes you feel decent about yourself. But these guys are a mirage. You’re stronger than that.”
“Bitch, you got a mouth on you!” the other guy growled, moving forward. “I think you need to be taught a lesson. Easy enough to shut you up.”
She kept talking. “You committed a crime. We haven’t pressed charges yet, but that will come next if you show your face around here or bother Chloe again. Understand?”
“The only thing you’re gonna understand is how loud you’re gonna beg for mercy.”
“Not as loud as you are, asshole.”
Ethan stepped behind him, his phone casually held in his hand. Chloe was behind him, face pale and sickly.
“Chloe! About time, girl, now tell them you’re with us,” Anthony yelled.
Chloe shook her head and stayed by Ethan’s side. “Not anymore,” she managed to say in a firm tone. “I don’t want to hang out with you. I told you by text and on the phone, I don’t want you bothering me anymore.”
“After all we done for you?” the pink-haired girl asked. “You ditching us?”
“Theresa, you vandalized my professor’s car and let me take the blame! You threatened me at Bea’s Diner and trashed the barn where I work. I’m done. You’ve never been my friends, and I want you out of here.”
Ethan closed the distance until he loomed over the group. They tried to stand their ground, but it was obvious from the flicker of fear on their faces they knew they’d gone too far.
“Here’s how it’s gonna be,” Ethan said in a soft, menacing whisper. “I don’t beat the shit out of you today, and you do me a few favors: One, you never try to speak to or see Chloe again. Two, you stay out of my town and the local businesses here, or I’ll know about it. I just got your threats on video, and we have you on camera for destruction of property. I’ll keep both of these gems handy if I hear of you making any further trouble. Now, nod if you understand me.”
Eyes wide, bravado temporarily forgotten under the leashed rage of the man before them, all three nodded.
“And don’t think after a few beers and bruised egos you can come back to my place and try to wreak revenge. ’Cause I will bury you, and you’ll spend the next few years making real intimate friends with your prison mates. Now get the hell off my land.”
Without a word, they shot off into the car and disappeared. Ethan turned toward Chloe and gripped her arms. The girl’s body shook. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”
Chloe nodded. “Yes. Thank you. I’ve never seen anyone stand up for me like that.”
Mia walked toward the girl and gave her a hug. “That’s what real friends do for each other,” she said. “I think they wet their pants once Ethan threatened them.”
Chloe laughed. “Yeah, that was pretty badass. And I heard you, too, Mia. Thanks for believing in me. Thanks for everything this summer.”
The words were sweet to her ears, and she shared a smile with Ethan over the girl’s head. “You’re welcome.”
“Why don’t you head inside and take a break, Chloe?”
“Okay.” With a last squeeze, she disappeared into the house.
“Think they’ll be back?” Mia asked.
“Doubt it. They’re true bullies. Once someone stands up to them, they go away looking for another victim. I don’t think they’ll bother Chloe again.”
“Good. I must say on a personal note, all that male assertiveness was quite sexy.”
His blue eyes darkened with intention. In seconds, his mouth was inches from hers, that delicious smirk resting on his full lips. “Sexy enough to get naked with me tonight?”
“Maybe.” She licked her lips with anticipation.
“How do I up my odds to one hundred percent?”
She whispered the words against his mouth. “Bring a cupcake with you and feed it to me. Naked.”
He growled, lowered his head, and kissed her.
And everything was suddenly perfect.
Mia leaned forward, pressing the blanket against her mouth in a feeble attempt to smother her cry of anguish. Her gaze was trained on the television. Her fingers gripped Ethan’s as she silently prayed it wouldn’t happen. It couldn’t. It would be too horrible to witness. After all, this was a children’s movie.
That’s when Mufasa—the lion father—tumbled down the cliffs to his violent death.
“No!” she cried out, jumping up from the couch. Ophelia fumbled for the remote and hit the “Pause” button. Mia gazed at her in furious betrayal, even as she noted the woman’s tears. “This is wrong on too many levels. Tell me he didn’t die. Tell me he’s hiding and will appear later in the movie, or I refuse to watch another second.”
Chloe giggled. How could she possibly have such a casual attitude after such a tragedy? “He’s dead, Mia. But you have to watch the rest. Simba gets revenge and justice is served and it’s all about the circle of life.”
“I don’t like the circle of life, and I hate this movie. Moana was so much better! No one died except the grandmother, and that’s totally acceptable due to her age!”
Ethan’s lips twitched, but he squeezed her hand in sympathy. “I know, sweetheart. I warned you, but you were insistent you wanted to see The Lion King. Will more popcorn help? Another glass of wine?”
“I can’t do it. I’m never going to sleep tonight after that scene. How is this a fun family night?”
Harper laughed, unfolding her lean length from her position on the floor. “Ah, the poetry of pain and pleasure, life and death, good and bad. It’s epic, ain’t it?”
“Stop making fun of her,” Ophelia said. “Maybe you forgot how you bawled so hard over Bambi, Mom had to call the doctor to see if she could give you half a sedative?”
Harper stuck out her tongue and disappeared into the kitchen.
“I can turn it off,” Ethan offered. “Just say the word, and we’ll be watching Miss Sloane or Our Brand Is Crisis.”
Her heart melted a bit. Two movies about strong women in the PR and political environment fighting for their clients. He really did get her.
“No, I can do this.” Mia blinked, trying to get herself back in control. If they could watch Disney movies without losing it, she’d rise to the challenge. Besides, she really did have to see Scar brought to justice. “I want that damn lion to pay for what he did.”
“There’s my girl.” Ethan tucked her back into his shoulder, his arm around her in an almost protective gesture.
“You’ll like how Simba gets revenge,” Chloe said. Jumping up from her post next to Harper, she resettled next to Mia on her other side. The scent of watermelon Sour Patch Gummies drifted around her in odd comfort. The girl stretched out, crossed her ankles, and pressed against her shoulder. “But I think you’ll still get upset at this particular scene later. I can get more tissues if you need it.”
A lump settled in her throat. A rush of fierce emotions shook through her at the innate care the girl showed her. Snuggled between Ethan and Chloe, she realized how important they had both become to her—how treasured she felt in their presence.
God, how she loved them.
She squeezed both of their hands. “I’m ready now. Hit the ‘Play’ button, Ophelia.”
The movie began to play again, but this time she knew it would all be okay.