Free Run to You by Rachel Lacey

said.
    “Chemistry’s not the problem. She’s messed up after her last relationship, I think.”
    “She doesn’t seem like your type anyway. She’s the type to put down roots, not jump into bed with a jerk like you.”
    Ethan had been very careful not to put down roots with a woman. He never let his relationships get that serious or that complicated. He’d seen the statistics. Children of domestic abusers were more likely to someday become one, and Ethan had been in enough fistfights to know he had at least some of his dad’s temper in him. There was no way in hell he’d ever allow himself to become the monster his dad had been.
    But Ryan was right. Everything about Gabby was serious. And complicated. Up until now, Ethan had been thinking about their relationship in terms of what it meant for him and Gram, but he hadn’t really thought about what it might mean for Gabby, too. “No worries. It’s hands off behind closed doors. Her rules.”
    “Fuck, man. You’re dating the hottest girl in town, and you’re still not getting laid.”
    A fact he was painfully aware of. “Oh yeah, when’s the last time you got any?”
    Ryan’s face turned smug, and Ethan realized he was going to regret that question. “I’ve been out with Tina a few times since I got to town. We don’t do much sleeping.”
    “You’re an asshole.”
    “I’m an asshole who’s getting lucky.” The rock face came into view ahead of them, and Ryan picked up the pace. “Yo, that is sweet.”
    “I heard a rumor the property next door might be going up for sale at the end of the year,” Ethan said as he tested out his footing at the base of the rock. “It would make a great addition. There are some wicked hills over there for a mountain biking course.”
    “Always been fond of mountain biking.” Ryan hooked his right hand in a crevice and began to climb. He was halfway to the top before Ethan had gotten both feet off the ground.
    He enjoyed rock climbing, but he was an amateur. Ryan was a pro.
    Ryan looked down at him. “This place is great, you know. I’m really glad you convinced Mark and me to come back home and make a go of it together.”
    Ethan drew a deep breath and lunged upward to grab a small ledge above his head. He knew what Ryan meant. It had been a long, hard road for all three of them, and it was pretty epically awesome that they were making this happen together. “Me, too, man. Me, too.”
    *  *  *
    Gabby had no idea what to wear for a date that wasn’t really a date. She finally settled on a long turquoise skirt paired with a slinky navy top. She ditched the Doc Martens in favor of matching strappy navy sandals.
    She hadn’t seen Brad since their run-in at Off-the-Grid yesterday, but she was under no illusions that he’d left town. He’d made it pretty clear that he wanted a second chance with her, and he’d never been very good at taking no for an answer.
    She squeezed her eyes shut and pushed thoughts of him out of her mind. Better that she faced him now. Sooner or later he’d get the message and slink back to Charlotte. Then when she was ready to go home, she wouldn’t have to dread running into him there.
    Ethan knocked on her front door promptly at six thirty. Lance pinned his ears and ran for the pantry. Coward.
    Gabby took a deep breath, unbolted the lock, and opened the door. Ethan stood on the other side, wearing khaki slacks, a blue button-down shirt that matched his eyes, and his usual panty-melting smile. He looked even more handsome all dressed up, and holy moly, she was in over her head even fake-dating him.
    “Wow.” His gaze slid from her face to her toes and back up. “You look gorgeous.”
    “Thank you.” She felt herself blushing because the way he was looking at her made her feel gorgeous. And sexy. And she hadn’t thought of herself that way in a long time. Under Ethan’s heated gaze, she felt bold and daring.
    Maybe a fake boyfriend had its benefits after all.
    “So how do you