When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 137

Amelia

"Here you go, Mr. CEO," Noah announced cheerfully, placing the plate in front of Ethan. "Premium cuts, medium rare, just how you like it."

Ethan's jaw tightened slightly as he looked at the food, too proud to admit his predicament. The sharp knife and fork seemed to mock him as he awkwardly tried to position them with his left hand.

Without thinking, I slid onto the bench beside him, close enough that our shoulders touched. I picked up his fork, stabbed a piece of perfectly grilled steak, and held it up to his mouth.

"Need a hand?" I asked softly, meeting his surprised gaze.

Ethan hesitated for just a moment, a flash of vulnerability crossing his face before he recovered with a small nod.

"Thank you," he murmured, leaning forward to accept the bite of food.

We looked at each other as he chewed, and I could feel something—maybe gratitude, understanding, or even something more—pass between us. A warmth spread through my chest.

James, never one to miss an opportunity for teasing, let out a low whistle from across the table. "Well, well. The mighty Ethan Black needs to be hand-fed now. What a sight for sore eyes."

"Shut up, James," Ethan muttered, but there was no real annoyance in his voice. He leaned closer to me, his breath warm against my ear. "I was planning to showcase my impressive one-handed eating skills, but it turns out it's harder than I thought."

I couldn't help but smile as I offered him another bite. "Doctor's orders: injured patients should accept help, not try to be heroes."

"Is that official medical advice?" His lips quirked into that half-smile that still made my heart skip.

"Absolutely," I nodded seriously. "It's in the Hippocratic Oath. 'First, do no harm. Second, don't let stubborn men struggle with cutlery.'"

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Lucas watching us. His little brow furrowed as he observed our interaction, then deliberately looked back down at his handheld game, pressing the buttons with unnecessary force. My heart squeezed. We'd need to address his feelings about Ethan.

"Mommy!" Ella's voice broke through my thoughts as she bounded over, her curls bouncing with each step. "I want to help Daddy too! Can I help him drink his juice?"

"Sure, sweetheart," I handed her Ethan's glass, which was thankfully only half full. "Be careful, okay? Hold it steady."

Ella's face scrunched in concentration as she gripped the glass with both hands, bringing it to Ethan's lips with exaggerated care. Despite her best efforts, she tilted it too quickly, causing Ethan to choke and splutter as juice dribbled down his chin.

"Sorry, Daddy!" Ella looked mortified.

Ethan recovered quickly, coughing and laughing at the same time. "It's okay, princess. Just a little enthusiastic with your nursing skills."

The table erupted in laughter, even Lucas cracking a reluctant smile behind his game.

"This is how a family should be," Noah said, not quite quietly enough.

Olivia nodded, a wistful look in her eyes. "Yeah, it is."

I reached for a napkin and gently wiped the juice from Ethan's chin, our fingers brushing accidentally. The contact sent an electric current up my arm, and I felt my cheeks flush as I quickly pulled my hand away. Ethan's eyes darkened slightly, and I knew he'd felt it too.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. I turned to see Daniel striding toward our gathering, and behind him, his ever-present bodyguard Frank followed at a respectful distance.

Sophie spotted her brother and squealed with delight, leaping up from her seat and running to him. She practically tackled him, wrapping her arms around his legs like a koala bear.

"Danny! You finally made it!" she exclaimed, looking up at him adoringly. "Everyone's almost done eating! What took you so long?"

Daniel's stern expression softened as he gently ruffled Sophie's hair. "Sorry, little one. The meeting ran longer than expected." He gestured to his suit with a rueful smile. "See? I didn't even have time to change. Came straight here."

I felt Ethan tense beside me as Daniel approached. Their last encounter had been intense, to say the least, and I wasn't sure how this reunion would play out. I squeezed Ethan's knee reassuringly under the table before standing to greet my cousin.

"Daniel," I said warmly, stepping forward to give him a quick hug. "I'm glad you could make it."

Daniel returned the embrace, his eyes scanning the gathering over my shoulder, lingering momentarily on Ethan. "Wouldn't miss it. Especially since Sophie has been texting me every five minutes to hurry up."

"I only texted three times!" Sophie protested with a pout.

Daniel chuckled, then turned his attention to Lucas, who had set down his game and was watching Daniel with interest. In one smooth movement, Daniel scooped Lucas up, balancing him on his hip.

"Hey, buddy," he said, then turned to Ethan. "The injury looks painful. How's recovery going? You seem to be in good spirits, at least."

The question hung in the air, loaded with more meaning than the casual words suggested. Everyone at the table seemed to hold their breath, waiting for Ethan's response.

Ethan met Daniel's gaze steadily. "Better than expected," he replied, his voice sincere. "The doctors say I'll make a full recovery, thanks to prompt medical attention."

I could hear the careful note in Ethan's voice—he was testing the waters, unsure of Daniel's current stance toward him.

Daniel nodded thoughtfully, then said something that surprised me: "I hope from now on you'll be the one taking care of Amelia, rather than her constantly worrying about you."

The statement was both a blessing and a warning, and I could see Ethan understood it perfectly. He nodded once, solemnly.

"That's the plan," he answered simply.

Daniel turned to James, extending his hand. "James Hayes, right? I've heard your bar is quite successful. Like father, like son, though perhaps you've surpassed the original."

James accepted the handshake with his usual lazy grace. "The old man taught me everything I know," he replied with a casual nod. "Though he'd never admit it."

Sophie bustled around, filling a glass with wine for her brother and pulling out a chair. "Sit here, Danny," she insisted, her devotion to her older brother plainly evident. "I saved you the best seat."

As everyone settled back into conversation, I returned to my place beside Ethan. Under the table, he reached for my hand, lacing our fingers together. His palm was slightly damp with sweat, betraying the nervousness he was hiding behind his composed exterior.

A warm current flooded my heart—he truly cared about Daniel's approval. He wanted this relationship to work, wanted my family to accept him.

I squeezed his hand gently, offering reassurance.