The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 37: Jane Calls a Lifeline

Jane

I can’t recall ever wanting to strangle anyone as much as I want to strangle Ethan right now.

The truth is that I’m not sure I can make it three months working alongside him every day, but I’m equally afraid of the romantic schemes he might try to pull if I agree to date him. Three dates a week is simply too many, and the word date is a minefield all on its own.

Yet when he calls me that damned fake name and basically accuses me of being a chicken, I can’t help but rise to the challenge. “Define date?” | huff.

“You and I, spending quality time together in the evening or on weekends.” He shrugs, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Surely you’ve been on a date before?”

Rolling my eyes heavenward, I waver back and forth. Five boring days a week for three months, or a few heated hours? In the end I feel much more confident in my ability to rebuff him for a short period than day in and day out, and I know the sly wolf will take every advantage he can, working or not. Finally I suggest, “Two dates a week, no more than two hours long – and no funny business.”

His white teeth flash against his bronze skin, “Don’t worry little wolf, I won’t lay a hand on you until you ask me to.”

“That is never going to happen.” i grind out, giving him my best scowl.

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” He informs me huskily, his lips mere centimeters from my own, “do you?”

“No.” | insist, stubbornly tilting my chin up. “I don’t.”

“Then we have a deal.” Ethan offers me a predatory grin, and the triumph in his eyes makes me wonder if I haven’t made a terrible mistake. “Seal it with a kiss?” He suggests.

“You’re unbelievable.” I remark dryly, slipping out of his hold.

“Tomorrow then?” He says to my back, “Around noon? I’ll pick you and the pups up from Linda’s.”

“The pups?” I repeat in surprise. “Why should they come?”

“I thought we could take them on a picnic.” Ethan explains, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

date implies…” I struggle to find the right words. “I thought it

I’ve never seen anyone who looks less sorry than my ex-husband in this moment. “Would you prefer a more

mumble sulkily, “I

date will be a family picnic.” Ethan proclaims. “That way Paisley and your pups

I stalk away down the hall, I have to amend my earlier thinking. If I wanted to strangle Ethan before, it’s nothing compared to how I’m

get home, my pups are clamoring at the door

darlings after only a few hours apart, it makes being separated from Paisley for so long seem nearly

They announce in unison, “come

miniature paws guide me to our temporary room, and I’ m delighted to find every last surface covered in blankets and pillows. We crawl inside together and lie down beneath the arched cotton ceiling, the boys cuddling up against my right side,

answer honestly. “His little

“Paisley?” Ryder asks.

you know her name?” I question, struck nearly dumb by the sound of her name on her brother’s

that Parker is currently elbowing his brother’s side, as if

with relief. It’s just like my pups, to care so much about a stranger’s wellbeing. They might have gotten Ethan’s knack for mischief, but I like to think they

deep breath, “you might I get to meet her very

My pups exclaim, “Can we

As much as I want to see all four of my pups together, the last thing I need is for Ethan to be there witnessing it. I’m going to have to do a better job

balance by everything going

to!”

I laugh, cuddling their small, warm bodies

and Linda and I are sharing a bottle of wine, I’m finally free to share all my chaotic feelings. “I think I’m in over my head, Linda.” | admit.

thinks he knows. He doesn’t have

it.” I whisper nervously. “I know that’s why he’s suggested this deal. He’s going to

stopped letting Ethan control you. Don’t change that now. Don’t move backwards. Show him

truly defeated, “the pups want to be with him. Paisley adores him.

compete?”

rather have you any day. I’m sure of it.” Linda states firmly.

last few days… they all need a male