Regret Came Too Late

Grace woke up in the car, went home, and slept straight through to the next day. When she woke up, she took a bath, looked in the mirror, and saw herself with a refreshed and energized look. Finally, she made a phone call to Ethan.

"Mr. Henderson, are you free tonight? I want to treat you to a meal."

Last night, she made a reservation at a restaurant and even checked the dishes they served there. There was no seafood, so she figured it would suit his taste.

Ethan held onto his phone, not saying a single word.

Grace thought he might be busy. Just as she was about to say something else, she heard him say, "My dad set me up on another blind date."

Grace froze for a second. If Jordan had heard her words from the previous time, he should have thought by now that she and Ethan were a couple. Despite all that, Jordan was still trying to set Ethan up with someone, and that could only mean one thing-the Hendersons didn't approve of her.

She had promised to help Ethan by shielding him from other romantic interests, so, of course, she would have to step up now.

"Where are you meeting up with her? I'll come look for you."

Ethan paused for a moment with a fountain pen in his hand, a small blot of ink spreading on the paper.

He told her the name of the hotel, his tone sounding casual and nonchalant. Then, he heard Grace respond from the other end.

be there

she spoke, Ethan let out a

embarrassed and

sent a text message. "I want to see

could make time for Ed to cheer him up and then leave

went to the mall and picked out a men's scarf. She also bought a matching one for herself from the same couple's collection. She had already noticed that

parked in the rundown house, once again seeing the solitary gravestone standing there. This time, she got out of the car and walked toward the grave. But just before she could make out the words carved into it, her phone buzzed.

"Come in."

he would be upset, Grace quickly grabbed the gift box with the scarf

wasn't greeted with a kiss but a hug. He buried his face in

hand and gently patted his back. "Sorry,

out the scarf, caressed his neck,

pleasantly

heart melt a little

neck, but it was not too forceful. He just repeatedly sucked and nibbled. His voice was full

was just like a Golden Retriever that was only ever sweet

feel the warmth and sincerity radiating from