After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 225

Isabella leaned in, teasing him, clearly enjoying every second. Ethan’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. He swatted her hand away and stepped back, putting a little more space between them. “Isabella, cut it out,” he warned, sounding both annoyed and flustered.

She just grinned. “How am I out of line? You said it yourself. We’re married. Isn’t it totally normal for a husband and wife to get a little close?”

The more nervous Ethan got, the more thrilled Isabella seemed. She took a step forward, reaching for him again. “Come on, honey, let me kiss you,” she teased, her voice playful. “I’ll be gentle this time. I promise, no biting like last time.”

Ethan’s eyes went wide. “Isabella!”

She rolled her eyes. “Why are you yelling? If you shout any louder, everyone’s going to come watch. You’re thirty and still haven’t had any real kissing experience. If people found out, they’d probably think you’re hopeless.”

His expression darkened. “You’re the hopeless one. I’m perfectly fine.”

She laughed and shrugged. “Oh, I know I’m fine. It’s you I’m not so sure about. You can say you’re great all you want, but unless someone actually proves it, who’s going to believe you?”

Just as she reached for him again, Ethan snapped. He caught her wrist, pulling her close in one smooth move. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held the back of her head with his other hand, then kissed her, stopping her teasing with his lips.

But that was all he did. He just stood there, lips pressed to hers, not moving.

Isabella stared at him, surprised by how close he was. So that’s it? she thought. All talk, no experience. He kissed her but didn’t know what to do next.

She bit him.

Ethan jerked back, pushing her away. “Isabella, are you part dog? You bit me again!”

Jennifer frowned. “Why are you running like something’s chasing you? Where’s your composure? You really don’t act like a lady sometimes.”

“Isabella, come back—Mom,” Ethan said, arriving at the top of the stairs, a little out of breath.

As soon as he saw Jennifer, Ethan composed himself, putting on a calm face. He walked over and slipped his arm around Isabella’s shoulders, acting casual. “Mom, we were just having some fun,” he said smoothly.

Jennifer shot Isabella a look, but when she turned to Ethan, her tone softened. “Don’t chase each other on the stairs. Someone could get hurt.”

Ethan nodded. “We get it. It won’t happen again. Mom, go ahead and have breakfast. Isabella and I are just going to change.”

He guided Isabella past Jennifer, and they headed upstairs together. Jennifer watched them for a moment, shook her head, and continued down to the kitchen.