“Sorry, guys,” Laura said. “Ethan and I have had these plans for a while now.”
“But, Laura, you promised that we'd get to watch the movie,” Dallas said, crossing his arms.
“You're going to watch the movie, though, kiddo,” Laura said, ruffling up Dallas' hair. “You just can't watch it with Ethan. He's mine tonight, okay?”
“Tell you what,” Ethan said, placing one hand onto each of the kid's shoulders. “H
ow about next time we go see a superhero movie? There's one in theaters right now, and it looks really cool. Have you guys seen it yet?.”
Ivy and Dallas shook their heads.
“Oh, man, it looks so good!” Ethan's smile and the way he spoke to the kids made Laura's heart melt out of her chest. “There's a man in a cape who flies around the city and takes out bad guys. Now I can't guarantee that it will have a catchy song like the Lego movie, but I can promise you'll love it. I mean who doesn't like superhero movies?”
“That does sound cool!” Dallas said, thinking about it.
“Yeah, I guess that sounds pretty good,” Ivy said with just a hint of a pout.
“Then next time, I'm taking both of you to go see it,” Ethan said. “I suppose your sister shouldn't be the only one who has all the fun with me.”
The kid's both turned their frowns upside down, grinning as they stepped forward to give Ethan a hug.
“You're the best,” Dallas said, his arms wrapped around Ethan's neck. Laura's heart melted a little bit. She hadn't seen anyone get that reaction out of Dallas in a long time.
Ivy and Dallas then turned and scurried toward the living room where they took a seat on the couch.
“Thanks again, Elena,” Laura said. “I owe you big time. I shouldn't be out too late, but as always, you're welcome to sleep on the couch. You know where the pillows and blankets are.”
“Sure do,” Elena said, flashing a wink. “Don't rush your evening for me, though. Take your time. You guys enjoy your night out. Besides, Laura, your couch is actually more comfy than my bed. I've slept on it many times.”
Ethan stood next to Laura, with his hand pressed gently against the small of her back. “You ready, gorgeous?”
Laura nodded. “Yes, definitely. Thanks again, Elena. See you in a little while.”
“You guys have fun and be safe,” Elena said. “I'm going to go get the Lego movie song stuck in my head.”
“I don't envy you,” Laura replied, laughing.
She slipped her hand into Ethan's elbow and walked beside him to the front of the house.
“Sorry about the kids,” she murmured.
Ethan looked over at her. “What's there to be sorry about? They're great.”
“They just get really excited and energetic around you. They like you a lot,” she said. “And that says something. They don't really bond to everybody. It's good to see that they have a connection with you. I just feel sorry that they bombard you every time they see you.”
Ethan chuckled. “They're just kids. We were probably like that, too. Besides, I'd give anything to have even one tenth of their energy. I'd be unstoppable.”
Laura laughed as Ethan led her outside and down the driveway. She immediately did a double take as soon as she saw the car that was parked in front of her house.
“Whoa,” she said, stopping in her tracks. “Is that yours?”
Parked in front of her was a car that was likely worth almost as much as her home. It was a sleek, black Lamborghini.
“I have one, but I'm just renting this one,” he explained. “I thought you might enjoy a different kind of horsepower tonight.”
Laura's expression must have shown her surprise. She'd never see anything like it, though, except in her dad's car magazines and on the occasional TV show. “It looks like the Bat Mobile.”
“It does.” Ethan laughed. “I had them take out the ejection seat, so it should be safer.”