“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Is there something we can get you?”
Ethan’s heart ached, but there was nothing anyone could do at this point, so he simply shook his head and focused back on his brother.
Dane wore his typical flannel and jeans, which looked extremely out of place at a tropical resort.
“You do know you’re in Southern California, right?” Ethan asked.
“We hopped on my plane and came straight here,” Dane growled. “I didn’t take time for a wardrobe change because I was worried about my brother.”
Ethan hadn’t seen Dane in too long, and knowing he’d rushed here to see him during the most difficult time of his life had Ethan feeling so damn thankful. At least there was one relationship he hadn’t destroyed completely.
“How did you know where I was?”
“I know my way around here, too,” Dane replied. “But I overheard one of the staff members talking to a cleaning lady, and they said there was a man asleep in the back office. I figured it was you or another guy who was kicked out of his room.”
Ethan rolled his eyes and pushed away from the desk to come to his feet. “I’m sorry I’m not making a better impression,” he told Stella. “It’s been a rough twenty-four hours.”
That megawatt smile widened, and he could see how his brother fell so hard.
“No need to apologize,” she told him.
Dane crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door. “So, where do things stand now?”
Ethan raked a hand through his hair and tried to organize his thoughts. “They stand in a mess.”
“I’ll put Robert aside for a second,” his brother said. “How’s Harper?”
Ethan swallowed and refused to be overcome by emotion. He would not break down, damn it. He certainly
wouldn’t lose it in front of Dane and Stella. He needed to get a grip, hold it together and focus on how to fix this disaster instead of wallowing in self-pity.
“I haven’t spoken to her since last night.”
Ethan had wanted to stay, he’d wanted to demand she hear him and understand, but he respected her enough to walk away. She was smart, and he could only pray she came to the conclusion that, despite his mistakes, he’d never meant to cause her pain.
“I told her to stay in the penthouse and I’d leave,” he added. “There were no rooms, so I ended up here.”
“Is she worth fighting for?” Dane asked.
“She’s worth everything.”
Ethan didn’t even have to think of his response. Harper had come into his life like a whirlwind of freshness and had breathed new life into his heart, actually managing to fill that dark void.
“Then why are you down here sulking?” Dane demanded. “Go do something.”
“I was giving her some space,” Ethan muttered. “She doesn’t want to see me right now.”
“Then let’s go deal with Robert.” Dane cursed beneath his breath. “Not that I want to see the old bastard, but he deserves justice.”
“You know I completely agree,” Ethan replied. “But I haven’t pressed on that just yet.”
“Because of Harper,” Dane guessed.
Ethan swallowed, but that lump of guilt hadn’t moved since yesterday. He simply nodded, unable to go into more detail for fear of being too overcome with emotions. He didn’t recall the last time he’d been so consumed by so many feelings.
“I’m going to let you two talk,” Stella chimed in. “This is such a beautiful resort, and I haven’t been to the beach in ages. I’m going to take a walk.”
She went up on her toes and kissed Dane’s cheek before slipping away. Dane stepped into the office and closed the door, leaning back against it.