Jenna kept her eyes on the road, her tone calm. "He probably likes me, but I'm not sure. Now that you've made our relationship clear, he should back off."

She sighed inwardly. If Liam truly gave up, she wouldn't be able to ask for his help when in trouble again.

Oh well. She couldn't keep taking advantage of his feelings.

That would be unfair.

From now on, she'd keep things strictly professional.

Ethan gazed out the window at the blur of pedestrians rushing past.

Suddenly, he spoke. "If you meet a better man than me someday, would you leave?"

Jenna burst out laughing. "Don't be ridiculous! We've known each other so long that I've memorized all your quirks. Starting over with someone new would be exhausting!"

"Besides, what man could possibly outshine you? I'm not some naive girl who falls for sweet talk. I prefer substance—someone strong, reliable, responsible, financially stable, and actually helpful when it counts."

"Hmm?" Ethan arched a brow, the tension in his face easing into a smirk. "Substance? So I'm just a tool to you?"

Jenna shot him a glare. "Don't twist my words! Marriage is about mutual support. Good looks alone are useless. Kindness needs to translate into action."

"I'm both kind and committed to this family," Ethan stated bluntly.

"So you've got nothing to worry about. I'd never leave."

Jenna maintained steady control of the wheel. When another driver cut her off, she rolled down the window and cursed. The offender swallowed his anger upon seeing a woman behind the wheel.

Back home, Jenna said, "Rest up. I'll do the dishes."

"Okay." Ethan obediently settled on the sofa.

After cleaning the kitchen, she found him watching TV. "I'm going to shower."

"Okay." His tone remained gentle.

Fresh from her bath and skincare routine, Jenna approached him. "Your turn."

Ethan raised his bandaged right hand with a roguish grin. "Doctor's orders—no water contact."

"Oh." Jenna deadpanned. "Then wait till it heals."

He frowned. "We share a bed. Won't you mind the stink?"

She blinked innocently. "I like your natural musk."

Ethan was rendered speechless.

He tried again. "I shower daily. Can't sleep otherwise. Get my drift?"

Jenna dropped the act and nodded sweetly. "Got it. You want me to take you to a public bathhouse, right?"