Ethan Roscente's gaze fixed on her face, his brows furrowing. "Why is he living here now?"

Jenna Roland quickly turned off the TV, afraid Ryan Watson might overhear. She pulled Ethan into the bedroom.

She locked the door behind them and dragged him to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Releasing his wrist, Jenna took a deep breath. "Ryan's parents divorced. Neither wants him. His father sold their house. He has nowhere to go."

Ethan arched an eyebrow. "That bad?" His tone held no trace of sympathy.

"His grandparents passed away." Jenna twisted her fingers. "He's closest to Milo, and he's been helping me..."

She'd been trying to bring this up for days but didn't know how.

Suddenly Ethan gripped her shoulders, his gaze intense. "This is your home. You decide who stays."

Jenna's eyes grew moist. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me between husband and wife." He tapped her nose playfully. "I'm going to shower."

She nodded with a smile.

Once Ethan entered the bathroom, she headed to Milo's room.

The two boys were sprawled on the bed playing video games.

"Sis!" Milo immediately dropped his phone.

"Your brother-in-law agreed." Jenna looked at Ryan. "But there's one condition."

Ryan sat up straight. "Name it."

"Protect Milo at school."

"Obviously!" Ryan grinned.

Back in the bedroom, Jenna scrolled through her phone searching for fruit distributors.

With the orchard reclaimed, harvest season approached. Buyers needed securing.

She sent a private message to a produce wholesaler.

As she browsed listings, the bathroom door opened.

Ethan emerged with a towel around his waist, water droplets trailing down his abs.

"Did I gain weight?" He stood by the bed.

Jenna's ears burned. "Put some clothes on first."

"I was afraid you'd say I'm fat." His voice held mock hurt.

"You're not!" She covered her eyes. "Go get dressed."

Peeking through her fingers, she stole another glance.

One day, when she felt bold enough, she'd run her hands over those muscles herself.