by E. L. Todd
His hands slid down my arms, making my skin prickle. I felt like a muse from a painting, the star of the picture. Every touch felt like he was worshipping me. We weren’t having sex or even kissing, but I felt like we were making love in a way, just touching each other, staring at each other. If Ethan ever left me, I wouldn’t be able to go on. My obsession was him was becoming paramount. Without him, I didn’t even have myself.
The doors opened but neither one of us moved. His blue eyes were still glued to mine. He leaned into me, kissing me gently as a couple walked inside the elevator. When he was finished kissing my lips, he pulled away and guided me from the elevator. The couple in the elevator was clearly uncomfortable by the intense affection, but Ethan and I didn’t care for their opinion.
When we reached the street, he hooked his arm around me. “What’s your favorite book?”
“That’s a horrible question.”
“I told you mine.”
“I don’t have one.”
“How is that possible?”
“I love them all.”
“Let me rephrase my question. What is one of your favorite novels?”
“That’s better.”
He kissed me then pulled away, not breaking his stride. “Tell me.”
“Why?”
“I want to know everything about you.”
She smiled, feeling the redness tint her cheeks. “The Hobbit.”
“What?” he asked, surprised.
“It’s a perfect children’s book. It has great action and adventure. My dad used to read it to me before bedtime.”
“I never expected that.”
“Why?”
“It just seems like a masculine book. I wouldn’t expect a beautiful young girl to be interested in that.”
“Well, there was a dragon at the end, a hoarder of treasure. That was my favorite part.”
He smiled at her. “You are so adorable.”
“Thanks.”
“You are sexy, shy, and adorable. It’s a killer combination.”
I wasn’t sure about the first one. I had never been sexy in her life. When I tried, I just looked horrible. When I took a zumba class in college, trying to dance sexy, I just made an idiot out of myself. “Why do you love the Odyssey?”
He sighed. “That’s a tough question. I guess I like the loyalty in it, that his wife still waited for him even though she wasn’t sure if he would ever return. Everyone said he was dead but she chose to wait. Love like that doesn’t exist anymore.”
“I think it does.”
“You do?”
She nodded.
“Let’s bring it back together.”
“Okay,” I said with a smile.
They walked a few blocks before they reached the bar. I didn’t care for alcohol much, but Ethan suggested the place. As long as I was with him I didn’t care what we did. Ethan led me to a table.
“What would you like?”
“I’ll have a chardonnay.”
“Okay.” He kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll be right back.” He turned around and walked to the bar. I eyed his ass for a long time, seeing it hug his slacks. I wanted to bite it because it looked so tasty.
“Sadie?”
She turned around. “Billy?”
“Hey,” he said, hugging her. “How are you?”
“Good. I heard you were working for Esquire.”
“Guilty,” he said with a smile.
“That’s so great, “I said as I patted his shoulder. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. I was just the mail guy forever until they finally let me move up.”
“I had no idea writing was so competitive until I started looking for jobs.”
“Neither did I. My wife was bringing home the bacon for the longest time.”
“You got married?”
“Yeah.”
I hugged him again. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” he said as he returned her embrace. “So, are you seeing anyone?”
I pulled away and saw Ethan walk toward us. He looked angry but I couldn’t imagine why he would be. He placed the drinks on the table then stepped up to Billy, his anger flashing in his eyes.
“This one is mine. Get your own.”
My mouth dropped when I listened to him. Did he just say that?
“Now go,” Ethan threatened.
Billy glanced at me, confusion on his face.
“Ethan, this is my friend, Billy. We went to school together.”
Ethan glared at him but said nothing.
“He’s married,” I added. That seemed to release the tension from his shoulders.
Billy looked at me. “Well, it was nice seeing you, Sadie. Good luck with everything.” He turned and walked away.
I covered my face, mortified by Ethan’s behavior. “What the hell was that?”
He sat across from me. “Sorry. I thought he was hitting on you.”
“And what if he was?” she snapped. “You can’t just talk to people like that.”
“Yes I can.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Not if you want to be with me.”
He looked at her. “I don’t like it when you talk to guys at bars. I know what they are thinking. They are here just to pick up some stupid bimbo then get their dicks wet.”
“He’s married.”
“So? How was I supposed to know that?”
“If you didn’t threaten him right away you would have figured it out. Or if you just looked at his ring finger. That’s always a good indicator.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“I just don’t want you talking to guys when you are at a bar dressed like that.”
“Dressed like what?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I really don’t.”
He ran his hands through his hair. “You don’t know how guys think. I just don’t want anyone to bother you.”
“I can take care of myself, Ethan. When you tried to sleep with me, I said no, didn’t I?”
“You are lucky that I was a gentleman.”
“A sexist gentleman.”
“I just don’t like it when people look at what belongs to me.”
“I don’t belong to you,” I snapped. I had enough of this bullshit from him. Ethan was a living paradox. He was such a sweet and sexy man, but he could be totally psychotic just a single instant later. I picked up my clutch then walked away from him.
“Where the hell are you going?”
“This is over.”
His eyes widened in panic. “Wait.”
“No.”
He grabbed my arm. “Please don’t go. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
“For what exactly?”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve never been in a relationship before. I admit that I’m pretty ignorant to how it works. I really like you, Sadie—a lot. I just—don’t want anyone to take you from me.”
“And the best way to do that is to threaten every man with a penis?”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just care about you so much. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You will if you keep acting this way.”
“I’ll stop,” he said quickly.
“I won’t be with someone who tells me what to do or dictates who I talk to. If you want to be with someone that you can control, then I’m not your girl.” I hoped that wasn’t the route we had to take. I really liked Ethan—loved him. I definitely didn’t want to lose him. But if I was going to be bossed around all the time then it wasn’t worth it.
“It won’t happen again.”
I looked at Billy across the room. “Go apologize to him.”
The annoyance in his eyes told me everything that he was feeling. He was never going to do that. “Ethan?”
He sighed then walked away, heading over to Billy. I was shocked that he actually did it. They spoke for a few moments. When the conversation ended, they shook hands. Ethan came bac
k over with his hands in his pockets. “I did as you asked.”
“Okay.”
“Can we continue with our date?”
“Yes.”
He guided me back to the table. We were quiet for a long time, neither one of us saying anything. It was still awkward from the fight we just had. Ethan looked genuinely apologetic about his behavior.
“So, what’s the line for you?”
I had no idea what he was talking about. “What?”
“The line that I can’t cross. I can be very protective of the people that I care about. What am I not allowed to do?”
“You can’t tell me what to do, where to go, or approve who I can and can’t talk to you.”
He nodded. “Okay.”
“Is that going to be a problem?”
He was quiet for a long time. “No.”
“Good.”
“Would you like another?” he asked, eyeing my glass.
“No.”
“Would you like to leave?”
“Yes.”
He grabbed my hand and led me outside. His arm hooked around my waist and held me close to him. Even though that bar smelled like booze, he still smelled fresh and clean, like he just took a shower.
“Is this our last date?” he asked sadly.
I looked at him. “No, of course not.”
“I didn’t ruin this?”
I stopped and stepped in front of him, wrapping my arm around his neck. My breasts were pressed against his chest. He hands grabbed my waist, squeezing me. “No, Ethan. I still want to see you.”
He rubbed his nose against mine. “Thank you for putting up with me.”
“You’re lucky you are so sexy. That ass saved your skin.”
He smiled, a quiet laugh escaping. “That thing always comes in handy.”
“As long as you understand what kind of girl I am, we shouldn’t have any problems.”
“I do know what of girl you are.”
“Then everything will be okay.”
He rubbed his nose against mine then kissed me. “Thank you.”
I pulled away. “Let’s go back to my apartment. I have to feed Koku.”
“We should stop by and get him more treats.”
“No,” I said quickly. “He’s already getting chunky.”
“You’re a horrible mother, talking about your son like that.”
I laughed. “I love that little dog.”
“I love him too.”
We arrived back to the apartment building and made it back to my place. I unclasped the gold bracelet around my wrist then set it on the counter.
“You look good in gold,” he said.
“Thanks.”
He laughed. “You respond to compliments as long as they aren’t commenting on your beauty or looks.”
I said nothing, knowing he was right. I just wasn’t sure how to respond to comments like that. If I accepted the compliment, didn’t it mean that I agreed with it? And if I did agree, wouldn’t that make me conceited? I just stayed clear of those words.
Ethan sat on the couch then Koku sat on his lap. I walked to him then pushed my dog away, straddling Ethan’s hips. My dress moved up slightly but Ethan didn’t pull it up all the way, which disappointed me.
Ethan leaned back and brought my lips to his, kissing me gently. His breath filled my mouth, exciting me so fast it blew my mind. I was instantly hot when he touched me. His fingers glided through my hair, softly pulled the different strands. His other hand moved up my side, feeling the flesh around my torso. When his tongue entered my mouth, I tasted the beer he had been drinking. It was strong and tasty. As the passion between us became more intense, I felt my nails dig into his skin. The area between my legs was on fire and I wanted him.
I grabbed his shirt and started to unbutton it. He grabbed me and stopped me. “No,” he said into my mouth.
Instead, I grabbed his pants and undid the zipper.
“Sadie,” he said, grabbing me again.
“Come on, Ethan.”
“I want to kiss you all night.”
My lips were on his again, devouring him. “Make love to me.”
He ignored me and kept kissing me.
“Come on.”
He broke the embrace, kissing me gently on the corners of my mouth. “Why do you want to sleep with me?”
“Because you’re hot. Why else?”
“Well, I want more than that.”
“Ethan,” I begged.
“You aren’t logical right now. It’s not going to happen.”
“I think you are sweet and sexy. Sometimes you are insane, but you are still a gentleman. You make me feel safe. When you kiss me, I feel like you care about me, would die for me. Even though I met you in a bar, I don’t think you are like other guys. You are different, amazing.”
He looked into my eyes, saying nothing. Suddenly, he picked me up and carried me into my bedroom, laying me on the surface. I reached for his clothes again, trying to take them off but he wouldn’t let me. He pinned my hands back.
“We aren’t having sex tonight. But I do want to kiss you, taste your skin, and be with you. That’s the most you are getting out of me.”
“Okay.”
He released my hands and crawled on top of me, kicking of his shoes. His hands glided across my skin but he didn’t touch my breasts or the area between my legs. Every touch was gently and loving, like he praised my every feature. When his lips kissed me, every movement was precise. Ethan would break apart and look me in the eyes, staring at me for a moment before he kissed me again, loving me with this tongue. His erection was constantly against my thigh, reminding me how much he wanted me. It took all his strength to resist my begging and pleas. It made me respect him even more. He could have me whenever he wanted me, but instead, he wanted to kiss me, running his fingers through my hair. I wanted to feel his bare chest against my hands but I didn’t reach for his shirt. When I imagined him naked, I felt my body betray me, preparing me for an orgasm that wouldn’t take place. I wanted to come but I knew Ethan wouldn’t touch me there.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling my dress pull up. He didn’t pull it down as he moved against me, his erection pressed against my clitoris. That was exactly where I wanted it. When Ethan felt my breathing change and my grip become tighter, he broke our kiss and looked down at me. He pressed his forehead against mine as he rocked into me, wanting to watch me come.
His gentle thrusts were enough to spark the tip of my dynamite. I was almost there and every thrust brought me closer. The memory of his naked body in combination with his delicious kiss had me burning. After another rock I was lost. I breathed into his mouth, practically gasping as it hit me like a bolt of lightning. My fingertips burned as my body shook, enjoying every ounce of pleasure. It exploded and made me weak, leaving me writing on the bed as he moved against me. Ethan just watched me, fascinated by my bout of exhilaration. When I was finished, he kissed me again, lightly pressing his tongue against mine.
Ethan continued to kiss me with passion, making me breathless and weak. He was the only man that could make me feel so satisfied and content. I already had an orgasm but my desire for sex wasn’t quenched. I wanted him to be inside me, to feel his skin slid past mine. I wanted Ethan.
Sometime late into the night, Ethan stopped kissing me and lay beside me, his arms wrapped around me. I fell asleep then felt my clothes being torn from my body. When I opened my eyes, I was tucked under the covers.
Ethan kissed me on the forehead. “Good night.”
I moaned, too tired to speak.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He closed the bedroom door then left my apartment, sliding the key under the door.
6
“Honey, how are the books?”
I looked at the inventory on my computer. “Good. It seems like people aren’t really buying classics anymore. We sell more romance and young adult novels than anything else.”
My dad nodded. “Maybe we should ca
rry more and have a promotion.”
I nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.” I glanced at my computer on the counter and looked through the novels. We weren’t doing extremely well, but good enough to support us from paycheck to paycheck. My mom and dad opened this store before I was even alive. Even though it was a lot of work, my dad refused to give it up.
“Did you see your brother yesterday?”
“Yeah.”
“How’s he?”
“Good. Thinks he might break up with Suzie.”
He sighed in relief. “Good. That young lady is a little far-fetched.”
“Yeah. I didn’t care for her much either.”
“I didn’t even meet the girl and I already don’t like her.” He grabbed a box from the floor and started stacking the books on the shelf. The store was pretty small, but it had to be that way so we could afford rent. Anything bigger was inconceivable.
“Yeah. She’s different.”
My dad walked to the window and stared at the glass. “We need to clean this.”
I stared at it. It looked fine to me. My dad always had a weird obsession with everything being ridiculously clean—spotless. I think he got it from my mom.
“So how was your weekend?”
I smiled. “Good.”
He caught the look. “And what did you do?”
I tried to hide my smile but it wouldn’t disappear. “I went out with the girls.”
“And? I doubt that’s the only reason why you’re smiling.”
I shook my head. “No, that’s it.” I felt bad for lying to my dad about Ethan but I wasn’t ready to talk about it. He didn’t call me the day after our date, and I wasn’t sure where that left us. We just met but I felt like I was already in love with him. I just didn’t want to pressure him into meeting my family. I wasn’t sure what he wanted. He said he wanted something more, but he didn’t say when so I didn’t want to push it. And he wouldn’t have sex with me. I knew there was a reason why.
My dad stared at me for a moment then looked back at the window. “Okay.” He was tall like Jared and had the same dark hair. He had a little weight around his stomach, but he was fairly thin and in decent shape. He wore glasses that made him look a little older than he really was.
