Chapter 12

Twelve

Ethan

"Welcome home, Mr. Sterling!" Millie's voice, warm and familiar, echoed through the grand foyer as I stepped inside. The scent of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the polished wood and fresh flowers that filled the air.

I grinned, dropping my bag by the door. "Millie, how many times do I have to tell you? It's just Ethan."

"Oh, hush," she replied with a wave of her hand, her eyes twinkling. "You will always be Mr. Sterling to me. Now, come on, I've fixed your favorite stew for dinner. You must be starving after your trip."

As I stepped into the foyer, the marble floors and designer furnishings reminded me of the life I had built, but it was Millie's cooking that truly made this place feel like home. The smell of her dishes filled the air and created an ambiance that the ornate decorations and elegant furniture never could. Millie had been more than just a housekeeper—she was like a second mother to me, and her kindness filled every corner of this house, making it feel less like a mansion and more like the home I needed.

The kitchen was always filled with mouth-watering aromas as Millie worked her magic, crafting delicious meals with ease. Through all of life's ups and downs, Millie's unwavering presence brought a sense of comfort and familiarity that made everything feel right in the world. This house wasn't just a luxurious space; it was a sanctuary filled with love, thanks to Millie's culinary talents and caring nature.

"Smells amazing, as always," I said, leaning against the counter while she ladled out a generous portion into a bowl.

"I figured I'd spoil you a bit after cooking for yourself," Millie teased, sliding the bowl in front of me. "How was Cedar Cove? Did it work its charm on you?"

I chuckled, taking a bite of the stew. "It was...different. Peaceful, in a way. But you know, it's good to be back."

Millie watched me with a knowing look. "Different, huh? That sounds like there's more to the story."

I met her gaze, hesitating for a moment before I shrugged. "Met someone there. She's not like the usual crowd I'm around."

"Ah, so that's what's got you all intrigued," Millie said with a smile. "This someone must be special."

"She is," I admitted, my voice softening. "But I'm not sure how she'd fit into all this." I gestured vaguely around the kitchen. "My life here is... a lot."

Millie set down the dish she was drying and crossed her arms, giving me that look she'd perfected over the years—the one that said she was about to dispense some wisdom. "Listen, if she likes you for who you are, the rest will fall into place. And if she doesn't, well, maybe she's not the right one."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I just don't want to mess this up."

"You won't," Millie said firmly. "But you have to be honest with her and with yourself. Now, go on, enjoy your evening. I know you'll be up to something."

After finishing my stew, I felt the pull of my old routines. It was too early to call it a night, and the familiar comfort of my Dallas life beckoned me. As I walked through the hallway, I couldn't help but glance at the framed photos on the wall—snapshots of a life lived in luxury but also of the people who mattered most to me. I paused at one, a picture of my mother, feeling that familiar pang of loss mixed with a sense of purpose.

When I reached my room, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my messages. To make sure Natalie wouldn't question where I really was, I quickly downloaded a photo of a "Welcome to Dallas" sign and attached it to a text. I prayed that would be enough to convince her I was back in Dallas, just as I'd said.

ETHAN: Made it back. Miss you already!

I hesitated for a moment before hitting ‘Send.' But I didn't have to wait long for a response. My phone buzzed, and I smiled.

NATALIE: Miss you too.

The reality of the situation quickly tempered the feeling in my chest. I'd kept my real life in Dallas hidden from Natalie, and for now, that was how it needed to stay. But I couldn't shake the growing attachment I felt for her despite the distance and the secrets.

Just as I was about to tuck my phone away, it buzzed again—this time with a call. Liam's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, man," I answered, leaning back against the doorframe.

"Ethan! Heard you were back in town," Liam's voice came through, cheerful as ever. "How about a poker game at my place tonight? The usual suspects are coming over."

I smiled, feeling the pull of familiarity. "Sounds good. I'll be there in an hour."

After ending the call, I changed into casual but stylish clothes, easily slipping back into the rhythm of my old life. I grabbed my keys and wallet, then paused for a moment as I remembered the watch Natalie had found, still in my bag. I ran my thumb over the sleek metal, a reminder of the complexities of my situation. With a deep breath, I slipped it on, grabbed my jacket, and headed out.

The drive through Dallas was smooth, the city lights flickering against the sleek lines of my Lamborghini. The car felt like an extension of myself—luxurious, powerful, and perfectly controlled. But as I approached Liam's penthouse apartment, I couldn't help but think about how different this life was from the one I'd left behind in Cedar Cove.

Parking my Lamborghini in Liam's designated guest spot, I ascended to his penthouse. The city skyline painted a familiar backdrop beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a sight that echoed the world I'd grown up in. Entering, I was enveloped by the buzz of conversation and the melodic clinking of glasses, signaling the start of another evening in Liam's luxurious and modern abode designed for entertaining.

As I stepped through the doorway, a wave of longing crashed over me. The usual suspects were gathered—Liam, as always, surrounded by his entourage of scantily clad gals and well-dressed guys from our inner circle.

The poker table took center stage, with stacks of chips and overflowing glasses adorning its surface. This was the kind of night that used to consume my every thought—indulgent, filled with laughter, and a welcomed escape from the mundane grind of my job.

"Ethan!" Liam called out, raising a glass in my direction. "Get over here and take a seat. We've been missing for you."

I grinned and made my way over, sliding into a chair between Liam and another friend, Jason. The table was surrounded by a mix of guys I'd known for years and a few women who were clearly enjoying the attention. The atmosphere was light and playful, the kind of evening that used to make me feel right at home.

But as the game went on, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. The conversations were all too familiar—discussions of business deals that seemed to revolve around dollar signs, exotic vacations to far-off places, and flashy new cars that served as status symbols.

I tried to participate and act interested, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Cedar Cove, to Natalie's affectionate smile and the simplicity of life there. Suddenly, this lavish lifestyle that I had so effortlessly slipped back into felt empty and shallow compared to the genuine connections and contentment I had found in a small lakeside town.

"Come on, Ethan," Liam taunted as I hesitated over a bet. "Where's your game face? Don't tell me Cedar Cove turned you into a softy." He dealt the cards. "And, what's up with snubbing me that day on the lake?"

I chuckled and picked up my cards to shake off the unease. "Just taking my time, that's all. Wouldn't want to take all your fucking money too quickly." I rubbed the back of my neck. "To answer your question, I made some friends in Ceder Cove who aren't aware of my background."

Liam let out a loud snort, and his eyes glinted with mischief. "I see." He knew something was up, but before he could pry, the door flew open, and Gina walked in.

Gina's presence always added a chaotic energy to game nights. She oozed seduction and held the room captive with her confident demeanor. As she sauntered towards our table, my eyes couldn't help but follow her every move. Memories of our intense interactions rushed through my mind. We may have pretended to just be friends, but there was an undeniable attraction that kept drawing me to her every time we gathered with our peers. Just like how each guy had their own chosen woman in the group, Gina was the one I couldn't resist.

"Ethan," she purred as she climbed onto my lap—as if this were completely normal for us. "Missed you 'round here."

I struggled to concentrate on the cards spread out in front of me, but Gina's touch was a persistent distraction. Her nails grazed teasingly over my shirt buttons, her voice a sultry whisper in my ear. "You've ditched us for a boring small town? You must be itching to get back to normal."

I could sense Liam's stare scorching my skin, along with the stares of a few others seated at the table. This was the type of scenario that I used to revel in, but now it simply felt...inappropriate. Gina's flirtatious actions, once thrilling and alluring, now seemed like an unwelcome intrusion into my transformed life.

"Gina," I said, gently but firmly lifting her off my lap. "Not tonight."

She looked up at me, surprised and a little hurt. "What's wrong? You're not in the mood for me anymore? I was hoping we could break our record of…"

I met her gaze, trying to find the right words. "It's not that. I'm just...not in the mood for this anymore."

Gina gave me a long look, trying to figure out what had changed. Eventually, she shrugged and stood up, clearly disappointed but not willing to push it. "Suit yourself, Ethan."

She wandered off to join another group of guys, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stared at my cards, barely seeing them, my mind already far away from the poker table. The noise, the laughter, the flirtation—all of it seemed so distant, so disconnected from the life I was starting to imagine with Natalie.

The rest of the game passed in a blur. I played the hands I was dealt and laughed at the jokes, but my heart wasn't in it. All I could think about was how different things had become. This was my old life—one of privilege, excitement, and easy distractions—but it no longer felt like enough.

Finally, as the night wound down, I made my excuses and left. Liam gave me a curious look as I headed for the door, but he didn't say anything. Maybe he could sense that something had shifted, or maybe he just figured I was tired from the trip. Either way, I didn't have the energy to explain.

The drive home was quiet, the streetlights casting shadows across the opulent interior of the Lamborghini. I gripped the steering wheel, my thoughts a jumble of contradictions. On the surface, everything was the same—the same car, the same city, the same friends—but beneath it all, I could feel the change.

I hadn't been back in Dallas long, but already I was seeing things differently. The distractions, the temptations, the ease with which I'd once navigated this world—it all seemed less important now. Natalie had changed that. She'd changed me.

As I pulled into the driveway of the mini ranch, I couldn't help but think about the choices ahead. Balancing these two lives was going to be harder than I'd thought. But for the first time, I was starting to see what really mattered.

I turned off the car and sat there for a moment, staring out at the darkened house. The night had been a reminder of the life I'd left behind, but it had also shown me how much I'd grown. The distractions that once held my attention now seemed shallow, and the thought of Natalie waiting for me in Cedar Cove felt like the only thing that mattered.

But I needed to focus on the real reason I was back in Dallas—business. There were deals to close, clients to meet, and responsibilities I couldn't ignore. This was the world I'd built for myself, the one I was so good at navigating. Yet, even with all that lay ahead, it was hard to shake the feeling that it wasn't enough anymore.

With a sigh, I grabbed my keys and headed inside. The house was quiet, the night still, but my mind was anything but. I had a lot to think about and even more to figure out. But for now, I knew one thing for sure—my old life, the one I'd slipped back into so easily tonight, wasn't where my heart was anymore.

And that, more than anything, was what scared me the most.