His Revenge (Power Play #1)

Chapter 20

                       
Ethan watched his mother's expression change to pure astonishment as she took in his announcement.

She stood frozen, kettle in hand and stared at her youngest son, the words still slowly sinking into her brain. From Ethan's expression, she could almost swear her son was just as stunned at the announcement he'd just made if the look on his face was anything to go by.

"You're bringing someone?" Martha finally recovered enough to repeat Ethan's words. She set the kettle down, tea forgotten and pinned Ethan with a searching look.

Ethan looked dazed, as though he couldn't believe he'd told her that. Then he straightened his shoulders in that way that Martha knew all too well and returned her look with an implacable one of his own.

"Yeah, I am." Ethan replied, a stubborn glint entering his eyes as the idea sank in.

Christ Lord Almighty on a stick! What had possessed him to say that? Now he had to show up with a date to the bake sale or his mother would never let him hear the end of it. But the thought of having to play nice to some woman his mother thought would make a good girlfriend had been too much to bear and he'd blurted the words out before thinking.

"Really?" Martha narrowed her eyes at him, trying to find out if he was telling the truth but Ethan had slipped on his 'game face' and was revealing nothing. "Well, that's...great news Ethan, I'm glad to hear there's a woman you think worthy enough to meet the family."

She grinned at the sudden panicked expression on Ethan's face as that sank in. "So, does this 'date' have a name?"

Damn and double damn. Ethan swore silently, though careful to keep his expression neutral even as his mind frantically ran through a list of possible women he could ask and discarding each one just as fast. Ironically, one name kept popping in his head though there was no way in hell -

"You’ll meet her on Saturday mum, don’t push it.” He heard himself say, crossing his arms over his chest and giving his mother an exasperated look.

Martha's eyebrows rose. "And have you two been dating long?"

Ethan sighed, rubbing at his eyebrows. "That's not important. Look mum, we'll be at the bake sale alright?"

Martha smiled fondly at her son. She poured the tea into a mug and took a sip. "I can't wait to meet this mystery woman. She must be a really spectacular woman to make you invite her along."

Yeah, Erin was...one spectacularly crazy woman. Ethan muttered another curse under his breath, not at all relishing the thought of asking Erin out. He wouldn't put it past the little minx to spit in his face and call him a few choice names...then of course, he'd have to teach her another lesson in humility and...

He sighed, raking a hand through his head as another thought occurred to him. His siblings were bound to give him hell if he showed up with his ex-fiancee's cousin...man, what the hell had he gotten himself into?

Martha studied Ethan over the steam rising from her mug. He appeared in deep contemplation over something, his forehead creased, mouth set in a thin line. He didn't look particularly thrilled with his decision to bring a date, and she was intrigued and worried at the same time. Still, the mere fact that Ethan was willing to bring this mystery woman along was enough to give Martha hope.

She took another sip and set the mug down. "Well, I'd best be off then darling."

Drawn from his thoughts, Ethan looked at his mother in surprise. "You're leaving already?"

Martha nodded and smiled. "I have a few arrangements to make for the bake sale." She stepped close and gave him a hug. "Do remember to ask her before Saturday huh?"