Taking His Son To Back Her Up novel Chapter 5

"Jos stayed up an extra hour waiting for you," Ethan said, diffusing the awkwardness.

Kylie felt a pang in her heart. She pursed her lips and said, "Actually, you can explain to Jos that I'm not his mommy."

Ethan's dark eyes fixated on her. His sudden silence made Kylie doubt if she had misspoken.

Without much consideration, she continued, "The fire was an accident, Mr. Hayden. You didn't need to bring meals specifically for me, nor did I need two caregivers. Also, how much did that phone cost? I'll transfer the money to you."

"Miss Stafford, I thought you were smarter," Ethan said.

Ethan's words made Kylie furrow her brow in silence. She didn't understand why Ethan would say that. She didn't think she had done anything foolish.

"Jos needs a mother," Ethan stated matter-of-factly with a magnetic voice.

"And?" Kylie raised an eyebrow.

Ethan's deep gaze lingered on her. After a moment, in a somewhat subdued voice, he said, "He likes you. So, Miss Stafford, I think you should be able to tell, I'm pursuing you."

His words caught her off guard. She genuinely hadn't noticed. She just felt his actions were affecting her life.

"Miss Stafford, you don't have to give me an immediate answer. After all, we're not..." Ethan paused as if searching for the right words and added, "...that close yet."

Kylie didn't feel "not that close" accurately described their current relationship. They were clearly two strangers who had just met each other.

Taking a deep breath to keep herself composed, Kylie said, "Mr. Hayden, aren't you too hasty with relationships?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. He wasn't the easiest person to hang out with, and he seemed more distant now.

"Your son likes me, so you pursue me? Am I just a nanny to take care of your child for you? And if your son stops liking me, if he likes someone else, Mr. Hayden, would you pursue someone else?" Kylie's tone turned a bit unfriendly, and then she softened. "I'm sorry, I can't accept your values."

"Me pursuing you has nothing to do with my son. It just happens that my son and I both like you," Ethan stated plainly.

Kylie thought she misheard. She hadn't expected such a sudden confession and felt Ethan was just joking, considering they had only met a few hours ago.

"Miss Stafford, you don't need to worry about my son liking someone else," Ethan said slowly. "We, in my family, are very faithful when it comes to relationships. It's in our blood."

After hearing Ethan's words, Kylie stayed silent for a while. She couldn't understand if Ethan was praising his son or himself. Yet, it felt like he was giving her some kind of assurance.

Kylie felt she shouldn't let Ethan lead her on. She couldn't respond emotionally to someone she had just met. "Mr. Hayden, regardless of your intentions, I'll make it clear, I refuse your pursuit," Kylie said firmly.

Ethan's dark eyes fixed on her.

"Please refrain from disturbing me in the future. I got injured in your hall, and you need to compensate for my loss. Other than that, there's no further involvement between us," Kylie continued.

"Miss Stafford, you reject my pursuit, and I reject your rejection." Ethan interrupted Kylie's words, his tone quite authoritative.

A hint of anger flickered in Kylie's eyes as she exclaimed, "Do you know what kind of past I have? I'm far from what you think."

"I never doubt my judgment, nor do I care about so-called pasts," said Ethan.