Read Online Ethans Fal by Dee Palmer - Free Book Online Page A

didn’t fuck with her. Is that clear enough or would you like that in a fucking spreadsheet too?”
    I bark out a laugh and hold my hands up in surrender. “Whoa, okay, Buddy, I get it. And as I said before, I don’t want any complications. If you’re right about her being so bright, I’m sure she will find another job. You can even have a call around for her on my time. But she is not my responsibility. This business, however, is.” I swing my legs round to sit upright. “So don’t try and guilt me, Buddy, I don’t need that shit. I’ve had enough guilt to last a fucking life time and I kinda came here to–”
    Buddy interrupts my rant. “Look, I’m sorry Ethan, that’s not what I meant. You’re the boss and I respect that. I don’t agree, but your decision is your decision. It’s done and dusted. All I’m saying is she’s …she’s….” He runs his hands roughly through his long thick mane with obvious agitation and it’s my turn to interrupt.
    “I get it. You don’t need to worry. I have no intention of fucking with her. No complications, remember? Besides, I have too much to do.” I grab my towel, keys, and turn to leave. His smile and relaxed shoulders surprise me. It’s not like Buddy to be so protective; I mean he cares for his staff, but he is way too relaxed to get involved in their lives. “I do, however, have every intention of having some fun, and Ada is definitely at the top of my to do list.” I let the door snap shut before I can see the full scowl, which looks wholly unfamiliar on Buddy’s face. I don’t quite make it to the bar when I hear him shout something about fucking women with children, maybe mother fucker. Yeah definitely motherfucker.
    I am not remotely pissed that Ada had managed to transform my entire travelling wardrobe into something only Barbie would wear in both size and colour. But when I return to the bar a few hours later with my sack of laundry, I am more than happy to not let her know this. It’s playtime; let the games begin. I had called Buddy to make sure I didn’t make a wasted trip and by the look on his face, he still isn’t happy with me. It’s not in my nature to hurt a woman, so I really don’t see what his problem is. It’s in my nature to have a little fun though, and I plan to have a great deal of fun this whole summer. I nod over to Buddy and ask for my usual to be sent over to the corner booth, where a crowd of my old friends are drinking. Ada is squished in between Jake and Cathy, polishing cutlery, and folding it into neatly parcelled napkins. There is a raucous, cheery greeting when I approach, much back slapping, shoulder-bumping, and full on sloppy kisses, even some from the girls in the gathering. These are a great group of friends. There is an easy, instant connection and familiarity that instills an uncommonly good feeling of belonging, deep inside. It’s good to be back.
    “Sweet!” Jake calls over to Buddy. “Celebration, Buddy, the prodigal son is back! The next round is on Ethan!” I tip a nod over to Buddy in agreement, and there is a deafening cheer of approval. Sky is serving behind the bar, but rushes round and bumps against me in a friendly hug. Then pulls back and full-on punches me in the arm. She’s scowling, but her lips are creeping into the faintest smile all the same.
    “Fuck, Sky. I’m sorry, okay? Really sweetheart, I am sorry for how I acted. You know last time. It won’t happen again.” I raise a cheeky brow, but my apology is sincere.
    “Aw, don’t say that, Ethan.” She pouts and I laugh out loud. She is the least likely person I know to bear a grudge, and her earnest smile says as much. “And I’m sorry I broke into your apartment. That, I promise, won’t happen again. What went on in your apartment, on the other hand….” Her unfinished sentence is left hanging, but her meaning is clarified when she pushes her tongue hard into her cheek several times, her mime attempt of a blowjob. She