I sigh contentedly heading back into my room to take a shower. I wonder if Katie’s asleep or if Tristan is still here. I’ll have to wait to talk to her.
I slip out of my clothes and turn the shower on, making sure the water is warm. I feel like I’ve entered a dream, or back in time, where Ethan and I are happy again. Where we can love each other without the obstacles that got in our way.
We have other issues to deal with, but the fact that he was here, holding onto me, calms me. It pacifies me to know that we have hope. Hope. What a foreign concept it was for me for so many years.
After washing the bird’s nest I had on my head from all the hair spray and teasing Katie did to my hair the night before, I feel more relaxed. I fell asleep immediately last night, so I didn’t get a chance to shower or talk to Ethan. I was exhausted from the party and everything that occurred during it.
Now, I feel invigorated and ready for what lies ahead. Katie is going to flip when I tell her everything. Well, maybe not everything. I think I’ll keep our photo booth escapade to myself.
I need an outfit for tonight. Ethan said to dress comfortably, so I’ll need to figure out the perfect combination of chic and comfort.
First, I need to eat something. My stomach is shouting to feed it. I walk into the kitchen after dressing in comfy sweats and prepare lunch, or breakfast, depending on how you see it. I make a grilled cheese and have some chips with it. Perfect comfort food for me.
I settle on the couch, watching some mindless TV and enjoying my lunch. I have no idea where Ethan is taking me tonight, but I’m looking forward to it more than I imagined I would. He was always great at coming up with amazing date ideas.
Footsteps creep on the wood floors of our apartment, and I see Katie peek her head into the living room.
“So... Ethan slept over, huh?” She smiles wickedly. I roll my eyes knowing what she’s insinuating. After she gets some coffee, she sits on the couch with me, and I proceed to tell her about the gift, our kiss, this morning, and our argument.
“I heard you two arguing. Wasn’t sure what it was about, but I think it’s understandable that you need to talk things out.”
“Yeah, we’ve got a lot to work through, but we’re going out tonight. I’m happy. Is that wrong?”
“No sweetie, that isn’t wrong. You deserve to be happy. I’ve already told you this. He makes you happy, and you make him happy. You know I’m not into that whole couples thing, but you two have always had something special.”
I nod in agreement. As she mentions couples, I remember she came home with Tristan. “Where is Tristan?”
Katie shrugs her shoulders. “He left about an hour after you guys came home.”
“Oh.” I kind of expected to see him here this morning. Katie says she isn’t into monogamous relationships, and Ethan told me Tristan feels the same way, but I feel like they would be really great together if they gave it a chance.
“Don’t get any ideas. We just hook up every once in a while,” she warns, reading my mind.
I drop the subject because I know Katie is set in her ways, but I do think they’d make a fabulous couple.
“The party was a success right?” I change subjects.
“It was amazing!” Katie bounces on the couch. “Everyone had a blast! Susan put everything together perfectly.”
“She really did. I loved the arcade games… and those Martinis. I wish I had more time to enjoy it all.”
“Well, you were busy enjoying something else. Or shall I say someone else.”
I blush furiously, knowing she is right. I was busy getting reacquainted with Ethan. That kiss we shared hidden away in the foyer was wonderful, but when we danced and he kissed me publicly, staking his claim, that was insanely amazing. Normally, I wouldn’t agree with that possessive reaction, but knowing he wasn’t hiding me and letting everyone know that we were both off limits gave me reassurance. I am his, and he is mine.
“I won’t apologize for it, either.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to. No sex, then?” Katie sounds disappointed. No one is more disappointed about that than I am.
“No. You know Ethan. He wants it to be perfect and make up for his actions.”
“I agree with him. You aren’t just a one-night stand he found at a bar. Let him spoil you and work his way back into your panties.”
I giggle at her expression, and tell her about Ethan’s tattoo. Katie didn’t know about it, either.
It’s romantic in a way, but he got so upset not wanting to discuss me being away. I saw the raw emotions in his eyes, storm clouds fogging the bright emerald green that usually lights his eyes, an angry ocean crashing without direction. I think, at that moment, I clearly understood that he was also pained.
“Is the tattoo hot?” Katie asks enthusiastically. I had never put thought into tattoos before, but knowing what it represents makes it hot.
“It’s coordinates on the inside of his bicep. Honestly, you need to look for it to notice he even has it, but I think the reason he got it is hot.”
“Of course you would think that. If a guy got a tattoo for me, I’d jump in his bed without a second thought.”
“I don’t think it takes a symbolic tattoo to get you in bed. And this coming from the girl who doesn’t do the couples thing.”
“Hey! I’m not a whore. I just enjoy having fun. I don’t do the couple thing, but someone getting permanent ink tattooed for you is a turn on.”
“Yeah, it is. Now, if only he’d do something about it.” I sigh in frustration. Katie laughs at my dissatisfaction and pats my arm. “Soon, you’ll be released of your chastity belt.”
“Screw you.” I stand up and leave my plate in the sink before heading to my room. Ethan will be here in a few hours, and I need to dry my hair and find an outfit. Maybe I’ll take a nap so the time will pass faster. I’m anxious to see how this date will go, and horny.
“I’m going to take a nap. Maybe it will help calm me.”
“Or you can use a vibrator,” Katie yells from the living room.
“Nope. I want the real thing,” I reply, closing the door behind me. We got home late last night, and although I slept through the night, I woke up earlier than planned.
Lying on my bed, thinking of outfit options, I see a stack of photos on my nightstand next to where Ethan slept. I reach over and grab them. They’re the Polaroid photos from last night.
I look through them, reliving the fun we had, and how great it felt to be back with my friends, new and old. Europe was wonderful, but it was lonely despite meeting all different kinds of people. I was traveling all throughout, temporarily staying in cities and towns, so the people I met were more welcomed strangers to pass the time with than true friends that stayed with me throughout my trip.
I see the pictures of all of us together, the one where I’m looking up at Ethan as he entered the booth. There’s a picture of us kissing after everyone left, and one of me laughing at his squirrels comment.
As I continue to sort through them, I come across evidence of our heated encounter. The first photos taken of our passionate kiss, then darker photos. These must have been after Ethan shut off the camera; except he didn’t turn it off, he turned off the flash.
I see the shadows of our bodies pressed together, lips on skin, but you wouldn’t really know what is going on unless you were in there. Then, I see the pictures of my leg up on the bench and Ethan kneeled on the floor devouring me. I squirm, remembering how good it felt to have him touch and lick me until I came undone all over. These pictures are hot and secretive. I grab my phone and type out a quick text to him.
I just saw the pictures from last night. You didn’t turn off the camera. Now I’m reliving the feel of your mouth on me. Be on your A game tonight. ;)
That will let him know I’m serious, and hopefully get him horny enough to actually act on it. I look at the photos again, this time analyzing them more carefully until sleep washes over me like a tidal wave, and I close my eyes, t
hinking that I want our date to be flawless.
I’m going to focus on us right now and forget what happened. We can’t change it or let it control our happiness at the present moment. And right now, I’m happy with him.
Chapter 23
Ethan
God, I love that woman. I can’t wrap my head around all the emotions I felt waking up next to her. She let me in. She asked me to stay. Last night was incredible, but this morning was out of this world, obstacles and all. We went from hot to cold in 3.2 seconds, but it’s part of our journey now.
I meant it when I said I didn’t expect things to go back to normal, but I’m going to work on proving to her that she’s the only one for me. I think she knows, but I understand how she may think I enjoyed fucking different women. I didn’t. It’s simple; I used them like a drug.
It would drive me crazy having to imagine her with other men or coming across a possible fuck if I were in her situation. We both need time to work through it, her to trust me again, and me to release the guilt I feel every time I look at her.
I love her, but her seeing my tattoo reminded me of the damage I’ve done. That’s why I shut down. Not because I didn’t want her to see it, but because I had to relive the pain I felt when we’re finally getting to a good place. I didn’t get the tattoo to show it off to the world. It’s private, for me, that is why it’s on the inside of my left bicep. Close to my heart, where I’ve always had Ava.
I can’t wait to have her all to myself again this evening. I need to grab a few things for our date, but first, I need to go home, shower and change. Not sure people will appreciate me walking around the city in a pilot suit. That would definitely raise some questions, especially if I run into someone who was at the party last night. The last thing we need are rumors about me spending the night with someone. Lord knows I’ve been gossiped about enough.
I jump in the shower, quickly washing my body and getting lost in the feel of Ava’s lips on mine, her body crushed against mine, and how she tasted. My cock twitches at the memory, but I won’t relieve it today. I have other plans, and they involve getting deep inside Ava and making love until we’re unable to move from exhaustion and pleasure.
I turn the water cold during the last five minutes of my shower, so I can shock my body and get rid of my erection. I need to concentrate on my plan for the date, and it needs to be perfect.
I get dressed and head out the door, noticing I have a missed call on my phone. I call my mom back, and she answers on the first ring.
“Ethan, darling! I’m so happy you called me back. How are you?” I wonder with suspicion if she’s spoken to Elise already.
“I’m good, mom. How are you?”
We exchange pleasantries, and I notice her hesitate before asking about the party.
“It was great. Everything looked fantastic. You know Susan is a wonderful party planner. Everyone had fun.” I purposefully avoid bringing up Ava.
“How about Ava?” I know she isn’t asking if Ava had fun. She’s asking how things went with her. “Did she like her gift?”
“Yes. She loved it. Things are good with Ava. We talked, worked through some things. I’m taking her out tonight.” I try to give as little information away as possible. I don’t want our parents discussing my sleepover and getting the wrong impression.
“I’m so happy you had the chance to work things out with her. We want you both to be happy. I know how much she means to you, and I have faith everything will work out. Elise told me she saw you two dancing. That’s great, son.” So they did talk. Those two women are worse than teenage girls. I wouldn’t be surprised if Elise called my mom and gave her a play by play of what she observed. They had already gone out to dinner before, wasn’t that enough gossiping for one night?
I’m trying to drive through Sunday traffic and focus on this conversation. “You two are horrible, you know that. Did she tell you she had the band play “My Best Friend” while Ava and I were dancing?”
“Yes, she did. Sneaky one, that Elise. She also told me you drove Ava home.” I hear the question in her voice.
“I did. Nothing happened. Stop trying to pry. I don’t want to talk to my mother about what I do or do not do with Ava, or anyone else.”
“There better not be anyone else!” My mother chastises.
“There isn’t. Just Ava.” I park my car in front of the gourmet market and walk out into the warm sun. It’s finally warmed up in Chicago, and it’s perfect weather for a picnic.
“Well, once you work things out, bring her over for dinner. I miss seeing the two of you together. Be kind to her. I’ve raised you to be a gentleman, I expect to you be nothing less to her.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I laugh.
“Very funny. Where are you taking her tonight?”
“I’m planning a picnic on the shore of Lake Michigan during sunset. It should still be fairly empty this time of year, so we’ll have some privacy, and the weather’s nice today.”
“That sounds lovely, son. Make it special. She deserves the best.”
“I will. I gotta go. Just walked into the market to buy what I need. I’ll talk to you later, mom.”
“Bye. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” I hang up, sighing in relief. She’s such a nosy woman. I know she means well and loves Ava, but our parents need to give us time to fix our own problems. We’re not in high school anymore.
I walk into the market, going through a mental checklist of what I need for the picnic. The weather is actually nice today, so I figured we can take advantage of that and enjoy the outdoors. I plan to make it perfect. I’ll buy Ava’s favorite foods, Moet champagne and dessert. Although, I wouldn’t mind having her for dessert.
I walk through the aisles, grabbing olives, crackers, French goat cheese and prosciutto from the deli, and a green bean and tomato salad with garlic vinaigrette. I get an assortment of macarons for dessert. After gathering everything I need, I make my way to the check out line feeling confident and excited about tonight.
I spot beautiful white hydrangeas near the register and grab a bundle. I usually go for the roses, but I want to do something different. These flowers are actually gorgeous, and I think Ava will love them. I add them to my basket and make my way to the line. I want to create a new memory tonight. I don’t want anything from the past, so the flowers are a good choice.
Ava and I have great memories, but today I want to focus on us now in the present. I don’t want to be reliving an old experience, instead creating something new for us to remember.
I check the time on my phone and notice I have a text message from Ava. I read it quickly. Shit. So much for not being distracted by her. My cock hardens against my jeans, feeling the restraint, as I read about her looking through the pictures. The camera caught us in the middle of our passionate tryst, despite trying to turn it off, and I want to see them.
I type back quickly, trying to think of squirrels again before I can’t stand the pressure of my cock against the roughness of the fabric.
How does it feel to have my mouth on you? Are you wet thinking about it? I can’t wait to relive it in person. Bring the pictures tonight, I want to see them.
I’m hopeless right about now. I pay for my things, and drive back home to pack the basket. I have two hours before I need to pick her up, and I don’t think anything is going to help relieve me of the pressure in my pants today. I want the real thing. I want to feel her bare skin on mine, her warm breath breathing life into me again, to connect with her on an intimate level that’s just for her.
After packing what I can into the basket, I decide to grab something to eat, seeing that I haven’t eaten since last night. Oh, but what a delicious treat I indulged in. Snap out of it, Ethan.
Maybe a workout will help release some of the tension. I can’t pack the refrigerated items until right before I leave anyway, and if I just sit here thinking about Ava’s naked body on mine, I’m going to explode. Literally, explode in my pants.
&nb
sp; A workout will definitely help. Ava hasn’t responded to my text, so at least I won’t have her tempting me on the other side. If she continues to tease me, I’m going to act on it, although I don’t think she’s teasing on purpose. She was always impatient, and now I understand her impatience even more. It’s been years since she’s been with someone, and that someone was me.
It gets me excited as fuck that no one else has touched her the way I have. Call me a hypocrite, I know it’s fucked up, but I’m happy about it.
Since I’m short on time, I head to the gym in my apartment building instead of the gym I frequent. This will help keep my mind focused on something and burn some energy for tonight. I’m wired with anticipation and stressed that something will go wrong. I’m a perfectionist by nature, and this is one important date. You only get one second chance.
Chapter 24
Ava
Knock…knock… I stir in my bed to the soft sounds of knocking on my bedroom door.
“Ava, it’s four. You need to get ready for your date,” Katie’s muffled voice swims around me, bringing me back from dreamland.
“Hmm… okay…” I shift in my bed, stretching in my unconscious state.
“Ava, wake up. Ethan will be here in an hour to pick you up.” Katie has now entered my room and is shaking me.
My eyes open quickly. “Oh, shit!” I sit up on my bed, looking for my phone to confirm she’s right about the time.
“What are these?” I notice Katie is looking through the photo booth pictures spread out on my bed. I quickly grab them from her.
“Nothing. They’re from last night.” She cocks an eyebrow, letting me know she is aware they aren’t just regular photos.
“What are you going to wear?”
“I don’t know yet,” I say, finally checking the time on my phone and noticing a text message from Ethan.
How does it feel to have my mouth on you? Are you wet thinking about it? I can’t wait to relive it in person. Bring the pictures tonight, I want to see them.
I squirm, my mind running rampant with thoughts and memories of exactly how wet he can get me. Katie has begun a search and rescue for the perfect outfit. She’s throwing dresses, skirts and heels my way.
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