“No, actually. I didn’t forget. I wasn’t going to introduce you to my friend.” Scott is serious and Olivia is dumbfounded by his behavior.
“Well that’s a shame. I think you should.” He’s not one to give up easily especially where a beautiful woman is involved.
“Why?” Scott is flippant now.
“Well… because I think she’s lovely.” He reaches in the window and extends his hand to her. “Ethan O’Connell.” He offers. “Football player extraordinaire and rescuer of pretty girls.” Scott’s jaw clenches in anger as Ethan leans across him through the window.
Still unimpressed by his arrogance she takes his hand and gives it a shake, pulling away quickly in an attempt to ignore the feelings that ripple through her when he touches her skin. “Olivia James… pretty girl who can look after herself.”
Scott gives her a sideways glance and smirks. He’s pleased at her rebuttal, despite the unspoken words that seem to pass between them.
“All right then.” He smiles capturing her attention with his eyes. In the fading sunlight they are the color of jade with vivid yellow highlights that trail off into thin jagged lines like lightening, warning her that there is something dangerous there. “Make that, rescuer of pretty girls, fallen victim to vicious, unprovoked chair attacks.”
Does he really think that every girl will fall for his cheesy flirting just because he has an Irish accent? She’s just about to put him in his place when a car pulls up behind them and honks the horn. The bleach blonde with fake boobs behind the wheel yells out. “Ethan! Let’s go!”
He turns and acknowledges her. “All right, I’m coming.”
He looks back in through the window. “Will I see you at the bar, Olivia James?”
She looks at Scott who shakes his head NO. “Sorry, Mr. O’Connell. I’m afraid you won’t.” She answers politely.
“Well then another time soon, I hope.”
Scott starts to roll up the window while Ethan is still talking.
“Seriously, Scott?” She scolds.
Ethan jumps into the car behind them and they disappear. Backing out and heading towards the road, the silence between them is driving her crazy and she can’t take the suspense any longer. “So are you going to tell me what that was all about?”
“Nope.” Scott stares out the window avoiding eye contact with her.
“Did I do something wrong?” She hopes he gives her something to explain his behavior.
“Nope.”
This isn’t going so well. Let’s change direction. “So… how do you know Ethan?”
Scott finally looks at her, his jaw clenched. “Olivia, let it go please.”
Oh, that struck a nerve. “Let what go? I’m just curious. What’s wrong with you anyways?”
Scott’s expression is dark and his tone serious. “Forget about him, Olivia. He’s trouble.”
Having learned how to avoid conflict as a necessary survival skill, Olivia says nothing the rest of the way, until she pulls into Scott’s driveway and puts the car in park. “Do you want me to come in and make you some dinner?”
“No thanks, I ate before the game.” Swinging open the door, he gets out of the car and grabs his stuff from the back seat.
“Oh, ok.” She frowns, wondering what it is about Ethan that has upset him. He’s obviously not going to tell her and she’s sure not going to push him for information when he’s in this mood.
Scott waits for her to back out of the driveway and waves to her from the porch steps. He feels guilty about his behavior since Olivia didn’t seem to like Ethan anyways, but he doesn’t want to take any chances. Once she’s out of sight, he slams the door closed behind him and digs his cell phone out of his soccer bag. Looking briefly at the number of missed calls he dials his wife’s number.
“Hello!” She answers cheerfully. “Do you miss me?” Sitting at the desk in her hotel room she runs her hairbrush through her recently coiffed hair. Admiring the new strawberry blonde color in the mirror, she thinks it suits her pale complexion and dark blue eyes perfectly.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were going out of town?” He makes no effort to hide how annoyed he is with her.
“It was a last minute thing. I’m sorry. I left you a message. Didn’t Olivia come to the game?”
“Yes, she was there.” He tugs off his soccer shoes and tosses them in the front hall cupboard. His footsteps are heavy on the hardwood as he heads down the hallway and into the kitchen.
“Awesome!”
“What do you mean awesome? What were you thinking?” His voice is a low angry growl.
Rachel wrinkles her nose. Rats! He figured it out. There’s no point in even trying to hide her intentions from her husband. She takes a breath and comes clean. “I was thinking that she and Ethan might hit it off.”
“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?” He blurts out in anger. “Rachel... Ethan is my BOSS!”
“He’s ALSO your friend. Why are you so upset about this?” Flipping the channels on the TV she remains unaffected by his angry tone. Climbing into the oversize bed she falls back against the abundant pile of pillows, trying not to be swallowed by them.
Scott tries to calm his voice. “Do you remember what happened the last time I introduced Olivia to someone?
Now she understands his concern. “I hardly think that will be an issue. Is that why you didn’t want me to tell Olivia that he was going to be staying with us?“
“Rachel, you don’t know him at all.” The conversation is really starting to stress him out and he is almost yelling again.
“Seriously, Scott? I think you need to relax.”
Scott rakes his fingers through his short, black hair. “Rachel, honey. Please stay out of it. She doesn’t even like him.”
Despite his efforts, she’s only paying half attention to him. “So, did you introduce them?”
“Did I introduce them?” He repeats her question shocked and annoyed that she is still pursuing this conversation. “NO! I didn’t introduce them… I didn’t have to! The minute she stepped out of the car he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame.” He shakes his head.
“Really?” Rachel sounds excited. “What was she wearing?”
“Are you kidding me? Are you listening to me at all?” He paces back and forth in frustration, his footsteps thumping heavily on the ceramic kitchen floor.
“Stop with all the negative thoughts.” She snaps. “You’re going to undo all the positive energy I got at the spa this afternoon!” She dismisses his concerns as a moment of over exaggerated drama.
Scott has heard rumors about Ethan’s indiscretions in his personal life. He was sent to the Canadian office to avoid the press and publicity. “Rachel, please trust me.” He pleads. “I don’t want him anywhere near Olivia.“
“Scott, I have to go. I have another call. She hangs up before he figures out that she’s lying. The truth is that she just doesn’t want to talk about it anymore.
“Rachel?” The dial tone hums loudly, making him hold the phone away from his ear and look at the receiver in frustration.
Olivia is happy to be home and finally get off her feet. Her thoughts race back and forth between the sexy men outside her office window and the evenings events at the field. Taking out her cell phone, she sends Rachel a text.
From Olivia: There is something wrong with Scott
From Rachel: That’s not a secret lol
From Olivia: I mean he’s angry about something
From Rachel: I know. Just ignore him
That’s it? That’s all she’s going to say? Needing a distraction she looks around the living room and decides a tidy up is in order. Noticing a piece of fluff on the area rug, she makes her way towards it. She loves this carpet, mostly because she got it on sale marked down to only $40. The square patterned designs in pastel greens and blues on a background of creamy beige make her feel calm and centered. She decorated the rest of the room around it, painting the walls in a warm earthy tone and choosing cur
tains and accents in the same green and blue hues. This is the room she goes to when she’s feeling anxious... it makes her feel like Mother Nature herself envelopes her in a soothing embrace.
Heading to the kitchen with the dirty dishes from a few lonely dinners in front of the TV, she grimaces as she smashes her foot on a box of paperwork that she left on the floor in the hall. On her way back, she picks it up and tries to push the box back onto the shelf in the cupboard. Stretching as far as she can on her tippy toes, she’s reminded by the searing pain, about the cut on her thigh. With one final push, the box twists sideways knocking an old photo album off the edge and making it crash to the floor. Jumping, she tries to avoid it from hitting her toes and looks down to see that the front cover has fallen open, revealing a picture of her and Sam.
Despite the sadness that stirs inside her, she picks up the album and makes her way into the living room, studying the picture as she walks. Sitting down in the oversized chair, she rests the album open on the armrest and sits sideways, tucking her legs underneath her and making sure that she puts no pressure on the injured thigh. She sighs as she turns the first few pages and stops at a picture of her and Sam together with Rachel and Scott on the night of her 27th birthday. Everyone looked so happy posing for the camera and holding up their beer.
That was the night that he told her that he loved her for the first time. Emotions start to bubble and churn inside her as she continues to turn the pages. At first they it’s a reminder of a happier time and she manages a slight smile. In every picture his arms are wrapped around her, holding her close. She likes those memories, but flipping forward in the album her smile fades. Birthdays, barbeques, concerts. Pictures taken later in the year show a noticeable change in his body language. His eyes are dark and serious and he no longer looks at her with adoration. His expression is often stony and troubled. She wonders why she didn’t notice it at the time. Maybe it was because she thought she was in love with him. She’s often troubled by the thought that she will likely never know what happened to cause such a drastic change in his behavior.
Her thoughts are interrupted by an incoming phone call. Leaving the album open on the arm of the chair, she answers the phone.
“Hello.”
“Hi! Is everything ok? I’ve had the strangest feeling all day, that I should call.”
Olivia’s eyes start to well up with tears. Only a sister would pick up a distress signal from half way across the country. Her sister Megan has always had a very strong connection with her; similar to the bond between twins even though Megan is 3 years older. Hearing her voice gives those emotions the encouragement they need to finally bubble to the surface. She tries to hide them from her sister but her sniffling gives her away.
“Olivia? Are you ok?“
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ve just been feeling really emotional these past few days.” She wipes her nose with a tissue. “Hormones I guess.”
“Maybe you should go see a doctor?”
“No, that’s not necessary.” She starts to laugh through the tears. “I know what’s wrong with me and it’s nothing a doctor can help with.”
“Ah… I see. Sounds like it’s time to get out of that house and start dating again.”
“Geez, you sound like Rachel.”
“Well Rachel is right. You need to start looking after YOU. When you start getting out and doing things again, your soul will start to heal. You need to start increasing your vibrations in the universe.”
Olivia smiles. She’s all about her logical mind. Her sister is all about the Universe and self-healing. Sometimes she finds it hard not to tease Megan about her spiritual side, even though she does adore her for it.
“Yes. You’re right, Megan… I need to increase my vibrations, all right. Now would be a good time to buy stock in Duracell.” She smiles at her joke knowing that her sister is probably speechless.
Ignoring it all together, Megan’s tone turns serious. “Olivia? Have you been with a man since Sam?”
“No.” Her answer is void of emotion.
“Sweetheart, why not?”
Her voice is soft and maternal.
“How could I possibly?” The tears welling up in her eyes are threatening to flow again.
Hearing the anguish in her voice makes her heart ache for her little sister. Megan’s husband was transferred to the East Coast forcing her to leave town, and her only sister, to start a new life hundreds of miles away. She misses her dearly and she’ll never forgive herself for not being there the night she needed her most.
“Olivia, I know that it’s hard to trust again. Is there someone you feel safe with that you could be with? Someone to help ease you back into the game?”
“You mean someone to have sex with?” Olivia wipes away her tears.
“Yes, someone you’re comfortable with. Someone that you could have an intimate relationship with, where you can control the limits?“
“I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought.”
“What about your friend Noah?”
“Noah? He’s a dear friend but we don’t have that kind of relationship. I mean, we have had a few naughty conversations over email but we have never taken it past that.”
“Do you trust him?”
“Yes, I’ve known him for a very long time. He would never hurt me if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not sure he would be interested in more.”
“How do you know for sure? Maybe he’s totally in to you. Call him. Offer him more. You control what you want and don’t want, until you feel comfortable. It’s a chance to look after your needs, both emotional and physical, in a safe and caring environment.”
Only her sister, with many years of counseling experience and the desire to solve all the world’s problems, would think of it that way. Olivia likes the idea because it’s a logical solution. It’s brilliant in fact, and it sounds much more appealing than Rachel’s advice to find a fuck buddy. There is only one problem…
“I’m not sure if I can bring myself to talk to him about that.” She confesses.
“Why not? You’re a strong, confident woman. Since when are you afraid to ask for something that you want?”
Olivia stares down at the album and traces the edges of the photo of her and Sam with her finger. “I used to be that woman. I’m not anymore.” Her words are solemn.
“Oh Olivia, I’m so sorry…”
Olivia cuts her off there. “I know.”
“I wish I could…”
“Megan, STOP!”
There is a brief silence on the phone and then a muffled voice. Mumbling a few words to someone else in the room, Megan puts her hand over the phone to prevent her sister from hearing what’s being said. “Sweetie I have to go. Come visit me soon! That’s an order, not a request.”
“OK, I’ll try to get there soon. I promise.”
“Promise me something else?”
She hesitates, knowing better than to make promises before she even knows what they are. Especially to her sister. “Ummm, maybe… tell me first.” She laughs.
“Promise me that you’ll call Noah as soon as I hang up. Ask him over for dinner. Talk to him about your needs.”
“Ok, I’ll call him.” The thought of making that call makes her nervous.
“I’ll call you later in the week when things aren’t so crazy around here. Sending big hugs!”
“Hugs and kisses back.” She prepares to hang up when she suddenly begins to feel a huge wave of anxiety. “Megan?”
“Yes?”
She’s relieved that she hasn’t hung up yet. “Megan, I miss you sooooo much!” Her voice cracks.
“I miss you too! Baby sister, please believe me… you did absolutely nothing to deserve what happened to you.” She says it with conviction hoping that Olivia will eventually believe that too.
“I know. I love you.” Giving her sister the answer that she needs to hear, she hangs up the phone.
Keeping her promise, she dials Noah’s number, and holds he
r breath when it starts to ring. She has no idea what she’s going to say to him. Hey, do you want to fuck? Just doesn’t sound very appropriate. On the third ring, he answers…
Chapter 2
“Ello… Darling.” Noah puts on his most exaggerated British accent, just to make her laugh.
“Hi.” Olivia tries to sound happy but she doesn’t do a very good job of hiding her emotional exhaustion.
Sensing something in her voice, he drops the accent, concerned. “Olivia, what’s wrong?”
Beginning to feel a little unnerved by dialing his number without a plan, she tries to pull herself together quickly. How exactly is she going to approach the subject? Pacing nervously back to the kitchen, she bangs her leg on the door frame. “Ouch!” She had forgotten about the gash on her thigh.
“Olivia?”
“Sorry.” She panics and starts to ramble. “The chair fell, and my leg is cut and it’s bleeding.”
“Are you ok? Do you need to go to the hospital? I’ll be right there.”
“No, I don’t need to go to the hospital.” Brilliantly, a plan unfolds. “It’s not life threatening but you know me and blood. I hate to ask but could you pop over and help me get it cleaned up and bandaged?” She closes her eyes in shame. How desperate was that?
“Sure, I’ll be right there.”
“Ummm. Noah?“ Knowing of her lack of first-aid supplies, she starts to laugh.
“What?”
“Can you bring some bandages? I don’t have any.”
Hanging up the phone, she walks over to the door and unlocks it. Noah lives on the next street over so when he says he’ll be right there he’s not kidding. She can already see him coming up the street, his silhouette unmistakably tall and broad through the shoulders. When he passes under the gentle glow of the streetlight, she can see his short, jet-black hair.
She sighs, thinking about the crush she had on him when they first met. Noah has that kind of charisma that makes all the girls swoon. In fact, beautiful women are his specialty. Olivia considers herself a small town girl, lacking the style and polish of the women that keep Noah Thompson company. She thinks she’s average looking at best, with short little legs and way too many curves for her liking. She begins to wonder if this is a bad idea. He has never offered her anything other than a little dirty talk on the phone or by email. What makes her think he’s in any way interested in adding benefits to the friendship?
Intractable Souls : Book 1 of the Bound for Ireland Series Page 3
