Chapter 9 Mia's Pov

“I didn't mean what I said the other day.”

I leaned forward, perched on my doorframe.

“Come again?”

He found my eyes, his expression grim like someone had die. 

“I'm sorry if I came up as rude. I'm just not use to… to people having my daughter’s attention. I apologize.”

His apology was brief. Better than nothing actually.

I studied him for a while, my mouth wounded in-between two teeth. Ethan looked away, his lips parted like the rest of the words lingered somewhere inside.

“I'm not trying to take your daughter away.” I started. “I think Lily is a lovely girl and she's a great child, I would never do anything to take her away from you. You have to know that, please.”

“I apologize.” He insisted and when I nodded, a sign of acceptance, he walked away without any more words.

I slept that night better than I did the hours before. I settled into bed with my pajamas feeling cozy and calm in this stranger’s bed.

It was a nice feeling, being apologized to, especially from a man as rigid as Ethan. I felt like I had won a jackpot.

My eyelids lowered lightly when the sleep came, I stretched in-between two pillows, cuddling the bed while the chilly air that escaped from the window above my bed, touched my face.

“Good job, Mia.” I whispered before sleep took over. “Good job for keeping calm.”

***

The very next morning, I awoke to the sound of cracking wood. Ethan sat by the fire place with what I took as a plier, splitting wood into smaller pieces.

“You're awake.” He said without lifting his face.

“Yes. Good morning. How was your night?” My lips moved before I could think.

“Fine. Yours.”

“Fine… also.”

“Alright.”

The air was quiet like it carried tension. I thought we had just cleared our ill feelings the night so why did he have to act like—

“Mia!”

Lily stormed into the living room wearing her coat, winter boots and some mittens.

“Lily!” She ran into my arms with full speed, thudding me backwards as I staggered. I missed enough steps to shift but I caught myself quickly before I could fall.

“Ive been waiting all morning for you to come out of your dad, I thought you wouldn't come because you were upset with Daddy.”

Dang it! I thought, she picked that up, didn't she? Could anything get past her.

“I took a little extra time sleeping, as a princess like you, I need my beauty sleep too, you know that right?” I joked.

She giggled, her cheeks turned red quickly. “You're right. I have my beauty sleep as often as I can too.”

“That's good!”I wheezed. High Five!" 

Our palms clasped together loud enough to catch her father’s attention, he turned in my direction finally, his eyes were bright and wide open, curiosity piqued in him.

“That's my girl—” he cornered his brow. “I mean… that's our girl”.

Even worse. He winced like he was physically in pain. 

“I mean… that's your girl. I'm sorry. Your girl.”

I lowered to Lily's level when I grabbed a seat for myself by the fireplace, the heat from the fireplace was reassuring and soothing, enough to make me feel I wasn't alone, I was wrapped around by its warmth.

“So… has our pretty little princess had what to eat this morning?”

“No. She hasn't.” Ethan interrupted. 

He spoke to me twice. It seemed this day was getting better.

“Why?”

“I was just about splitting the wood, the heating system isn't working anymore, the power is out so we need to keep warm in the ways we can.”

“And daddy said he'll make me a plate when he's done.”

“Oh.” Escaped my lips slowly. “In that case, I should be of some kind of help.” I said skeptically, half expecting Ehan to decline my offer.

He stayed quiet and busy, ripping the wood with his bare hands like it was just paper.

A muscle flexed in his biceps and my throat went dry for that second.

‘Stop embarrassing yourself, Mia.’ I begged my insides. He ripped a few others, I pressed my eyes tight for a few seconds, anything to avoid being turned on by the very man who acted like I was repulsive.

“Can you cook?” He finally spoke, panting in between words.

“Yes…” I coughed. “If I say so myself.”

“That's not a guarantee.”

“I can cook.” I straightened my spine. “I can actually cook if I wanted to.” I said again, this time my voice leveled, more confident that I was before.

“I'm going to believe you and I'm going to let you handle the kitchen while I get these done and clear the back house. I need to find some equipment and it might take a while. Lily needs to eat something before she takes her medications, that's why I'm asking.”

Asking? More like he was letting me offer myself up by myself.

“I can cook and I can help. I'm sure I can make something before you're done fixing what you need to fix.”

“Alright.”

The last piece of wood cracked gently, Ethan set it down before he looked at his daughter. “Sit with Mia, if she needs something, let her know where to find it and if you don't know where it is, come ask me, okay?”

His tone was much softer with me but when his gaze lifted to mine, his smile had disappeared. 

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” I answered. Lily slid down my lap, I got off the chair and rolled it back in place. One last look at Ethan like I was saying my last good-byes before I walked into the kitchen.

Lily joined me afterwards, she climbed onto the counter before she sat with her legs dangling over the floor.

“Mia.” She called.

I was too busy wrestling with the basket of vegetables and provisions in the freezer to hear her.

She called again. When I turned, she smiled at me evilly.

“I think my dad likes you.” She giggled.

“Really?” My eyes widened, wondering how she could have gotten that…

Kids say the darnest things, see? Even she knew he liked me and I stood there having doubts.