When Love Ignites

by Neideffer, Tara

  “Come on, handsome, let’s go,” Brooke said, as she motioned for him to hurry.

  They headed down an old limestone pathway towards an older restaurant that had once been a house, and he squinted his eyes as he looked inside one of the windows and saw people laughing and playing music.

  “This is it? It looks like someone’s house,” he asked as he squinted at the single-story house in front of them.

  “Well, I’m sure it used to be a house but now it’s a restaurant,” Brooke stated as she took the steps.

  “Oh, is there a band playing here?” he asked, thinking that sounded nice.

  “Something like that,” Brooke said with a hint of a smile.

  Frowning, he opened the door for her and they headed inside. Soft music played from the back and he looked around, noticing the place had an earthy look to it. People sat around small, round tables and there were numerous plants situated around the place. Some placed on tables, others hanging from the ceiling, their long leaves dangling close to people’s heads as they ate. He realized why she said he was dressed a little too nice, because everyone else was dressed very casually.

  “A table for two, please,” he heard Brooke say to the waiter.

  They followed the guy to a small table that was crammed in the back of the restaurant, just a few spots over from where the group of people were playing music. He watched them for a moment. It definitely wasn’t a band, but more like a small group of locals who were just having fun. Their music wasn’t bad at all, but definitely acoustic rather than electronic, and very different from what he’d ever heard before. He couldn’t really put his finger on what exactly it was.

  As he slid into his seat, his knees bumped the small table, spilling some water. Brooke laughed and he hurried to clean up the mess. “Damn, these seats are small,” he said.

  “The food is amazing, so don’t worry,” she said, putting her menu off to the side.”

  Ethan studied her. “You already know what you want?” he asked.

  “Yep, my usual,” she said, bobbing her head to the music.

  He watched her for a minute, loving the carefree way about her. She fit right into anywhere she went. Here, she seemed at ease and free spirited, like there wasn’t a thing in her life to worry about, like she could get up at any moment and start belly dancing to the music that was now playing. He laughed at the thought and saw her eyes lift to his. “Just laughing at myself. I’m a little overdressed, I think.”

  “Who cares, though, you look nice... in an uppity way,” she teased, giving him a smirk. “Do you know what you want? The chicken and rice meal is fantastic.”

  He closed the menu and said, “Then, I’ll go with that tonight.”

  Her eyes lit up and she said, “But it could suck tonight, too, it just depends on who’s cooking.”

  “You’re awful,” he teased. “But, I’ll take my chance anyway.”

  They placed their orders with the waiter and sat listening to the music. “So, who are these people playing? They’re obviously not a band that’s playing here tonight. I mean, the music is great, very rustic, but they look a little mismatched,” Ethan noted.

  Brooke turned to watch the group of people playing and then said, “No, they probably don’t even know each other.”

  Ethan’s eyebrows pinched together as he took that comment in. “Really?” he asked, bewildered.

  “Really,” Brooke said. “Anyone who comes in can pick up an instrument and join in. It’s actually really fun.” She studied him for a moment and then turned back to watch the customers play.

  “Huh,” Ethan said, not quite sure what else to say to that. After thinking about it for a minute, he asked, “So, I take it you’ve played here before?”

  She gave him a quick look over her shoulder and said, “Maybe,” before turning back to the music.

  The waiter set their plates in front of them, bringing Ethan out of his thoughts. He was dying to know what instrument Brooke played. He looked up at her, intrigued by how much he still had to learn about this woman. She was chock full of surprises and talents and hard telling what else she had up her sleeve.

  Ten minutes later, Brooke’s voice startled him away from his food. He looked up at her, confused for a brief second. “What?”

  She laughed and said, “I said, how’s your food, you haven’t spoken a word in a while.”

  Wiping his mouth on a napkin, he smiled and said, “The food is amazing.”

  She laughed and said, “Good, I figured you’d like it. It’s hard to pick a bad meal here.”

  He watched her take a long sip of her wine and then scoot her chair back. Frowning, he saw a devious look shine in her eyes as she turned, walked to the table, and grabbed an instrument. He pushed his plate back, suddenly more interested in what she was about to do rather than the last few bites left on his plate. Resting one leg across his knee, he watched her settle into a chair, a guitar sitting on her lap. They all flipped the book to a certain page, and as she situated the guitar into a comfortable spot, she gave him a wink. He smiled, loving this different side of her. Her fingers strummed a few chords and she nodded to the four other people sitting around her. Suddenly, the small restaurant was filled with beautiful music, the notes forming a song he’d never heard before. It was so melodic that it instantly made his muscles relax. Brooke looked up at him and smiled, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of emotions he hadn’t seen from her, yet. The look sparked a different kind of fire inside his soul, and it was in that moment that he knew he was starting to fall for her. There was no denying it. He was teetering on the side of the cliff, one foot dangling off the edge. It wouldn’t take much for him to slip and completely free fall into the depths of love. But for now, it was best if he kept one foot planted on solid ground. He didn’t want to slip into love; when he was ready, he wanted to jump with both arms fully outstretched as he soared.

  He watched her delicate fingers strum each chord with an ease he’d never have guessed she had for a guitar. Her long blonde hair fell across one shoulder in a mess of loose waves, and the dim lighting hit her lips, showing just a hint of shine from the lip gloss she was wearing. He sucked in a breath when he watched her pull her bottom lip in with her teeth, wanting his mouth there more than anything.

  He wasn’t sure how much longer he would be able to control himself. He wanted to take her on the table she was at right now.

  As their song came winding down to a close, he found himself clapping, despite how small the restaurant was. He saw her laugh and look down, looking slightly embarrassed. Several other people joined in and began clapping as well, and he laughed as she stood and took a bow, the other four people following her lead. A few people cheered and Ethan let out a whistle.

  “Stop it,” she said, as she took a seat across from him, pulling her hair back off her shoulder.

  “Wow, you were amazing,” he said. “I had no idea you played.”

  “I took lessons when I was young and just kept playing here and there. I love it, though,” Brooke said, as she took a sip of wine.

  “Well, you are always surprising me.”

  “I do hear that a lot from people,” she said with a laugh.

  Ethan took a sip of his wine and suddenly cheers erupted throughout the small restaurant. They both turned around at the sound of a popular song the new group began to play. Their eyes lit up, both obviously knowing the song.

  “Ah, I love this song,” Ethan said.

  “Really? I never would’ve guessed,” Brooke said.

  Ethan watched her push her chair back, again, and walk up to the table and grab something. With a mic held to her lips, she began singing the song, clapping her hands to the beat of the music. People started clapping along with her, everyone smiling and loving the show. Brooke caught his eye and he shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. He couldn’t believe her. As he watched
her stand there in front of a restaurant full of strangers, tossing her head back as she sang and casually swaying her hips from side to side to the music, he couldn’t help but admire how much of an open book she truly was.

  He narrowed his eyes as he watched Brooke head towards him, not sure what she had up her sleeve now. She came up beside him and leaned down close, her low, sultry voice now echoing into his ear, and her breath hot and fruity from the wine, brushed against his cheek.

  Holding the mic towards him, she said, “Come on, Ethan, sing with me. You love this song.”

  His eyes widened in panic and he looked around to see everyone staring at them. Sing? He was a horrible singer. But she had put him on the spot and had to do something. He now realized what she meant when she said she was going to get him to loosen up. He could do this. Rolling up his sleeves, he cleared his throat and began singing along with Brooke. He heard a few people whistle in the distance and couldn’t believe what she was having him do. He didn’t do karaoke. This was completely out of his element. But as he watched her sing along beside him, her eyes twinkling with such enthusiasm, her voice hitting every note perfectly, and filled with a sexy undertone that gave him chills, he felt himself begin to relax and enjoy the moment. Had a woman ever brought him out of his shell like this before? No, and he knew she was the only one who had the audacity to.

  The song finally ended and they looked at each other and laughed. Brooke gave him a kiss on the cheek before she darted to the table and returned the mic. She plopped down in her seat, her face flushed from all the excitement, and said, “Thanks for being such a good sport.”

  Ethan laughed and said, “I didn’t really have a choice, since you kinda put me on the spot, but it was actually a little fun, after I got past the initial shock of it.”

  “Well, you did great, you have a nice voice,” she said.

  “I’d have to say that yours is better.” Ethan tossed back the last of his wine, not able to take his eyes off her.

  “I doubt, but thank you.” Her eyes scanned the restaurant and she said, “Well, I’m ready whenever you are. Unless, you want to go for round two of karaoke?” Her eyebrows arched up in question as she waited for his answer.

  Ethan laughed and held his hands up. “No, I think that’s enough excitement for me for one night. But, this place was really cool, I’m glad you picked it.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. It would’ve been kind of awkward if you hated the place AND I made you sing like that.” She gave him a wink and they stood to leave.

  As they stepped out of the restaurant, the air was cooler than he’d expected. He wrapped his arm around Brooke and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head as they began walking to his car. He didn’t mean to do it, it just felt natural, but she didn’t tense or pull away. Instead, he felt her arm wrap around his waist and her head fall to his shoulder. He smiled. She felt good against him and he hoped he would have more moments like this in the future.

  Once they pulled into her apartment complex, Ethan got out, opened her car door, and proceeded to walk her to her door, ignoring her protests. Making their way up the stairs, Ethan said, “I have to say, that food was good, but it didn’t compare to yours.”

  She leaned her back against her door as she turned to face him. “Thank you, you don’t know how much it means to me to hear you compliment my cooking,” she said.

  “Well, I mean it,” he said, as he leaned against the door.

  “Maybe I’ll cook for you again, sometime,” she said with a shrug, running her hand nervously through her hair.

  “I would like that,” Ethan stated thoughtfully, as he reached up and gently took her hand in his. He kissed it softly before releasing it.

  “I would like that, too,” she said, and leaned in, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for dinner.”

  “Thanks for inviting me,” Ethan said. He paused for a moment, debating on whether he should or not, and then leaned in and gently kissed her lips. It was innocent, just a small peck, nothing more. But there was something about the moment that sparked his soul.

  Just inches from his face, she reached up and brushed her thumb across the stubble of his cheek and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gave him a wink and then slid her key into the lock.

  As he watched her open the door and disappear inside, he had never been more grateful for second chances.

  Chapter 17

  ETHAN

  “Good morning, Mrs. Butcher.” Ethan smiled, enjoying the annoyed look on her face. She hated to see people happy, for some reason. He couldn’t help reflect on the thought that she fit perfectly in the despondent atmosphere of the hospital. With so many sick or dying people, the place was rarely an upbeat place of employment. Knowing her, she probably picked this job for that very reason. But, Ethan wasn’t going to give up on getting a smile out of her. One day it would happen.

  “There’s nothing good about it, but morning,” she replied sharply.

  “Now, Mrs. Butcher, there’s always a reason to smile,” Ethan said.

  She looked him up and down, as if the reason was embedded in his black slacks or baby blue dress shirt. Evidently not finding her answer, she simply said with a shrug, “Maybe for you,” and then turned on her heel and headed down the hall to unit 3South.

  Snickering, Ethan headed the opposite way to his office on 3North. He couldn’t help it, he was in a good mood and it was probably oozing from every pore in his body. It obviously annoyed Mrs. Butcher, but he figured there wasn’t much that didn’t irritate her. The past couple of nights with Brooke had been amazing. He was still shocked that she had decided to give him another chance, but he was running full force with it and wasn’t looking back. He was going to make sure not to give her any reason to question him again. He wanted this chance with her more than he’d wanted anything at all in the last three years. It was refreshing. He never thought this day would come, and he wasn’t going to ruin it, again.

  He tossed his bag on his desk and turned on his computer. Every day was long, but as he logged into the hospital program, he noticed three new admits. He opened up the word of the day app on his phone and frowned. Alow. Obviously, he’d have to use the other meaning for it since there were no ships in the hospital.

  Ethan thought about dinner at Brooke’s the other night. The meal had been amazing and she seemed to always add new reasons to keep him enthralled. Knowing how her days at the hospital had been lately, he decided to send her a quick text.

  Ethan: Hope you have a good day! And thanks again for the crazy dinner last night.

  He stared at his phone, waiting patiently for her to reply. She was probably in the middle of getting reports right now. He turned his attention back to his patients. The three new admits were all in their eighties, heart problems, among many other issues. A few seconds later his phone vibrated. He opened up the text from Brooke and smiled.

  Brooke: Thanks for the sweet text. Hopefully the worst that will happen today will be getting peed on

  Ethan: It’s nice to have goals

  Brooke: I try to keep it real

  Ethan: Maybe I’ll run into you today

  Brooke: I’m hoping

  Ethan: I’d better get to work. Three new admits last night

  Brooke: Get busy so you can get out at a decent time. Are you still coming with me tonight?

  Ethan: Of course, I wouldn’t miss a chance to see you

  Brooke: I promise I won’t have you singing karaoke again

  Ethan: I can only imagine what you’ll have me doing at this Broken Spur place

  Brooke: lol, you crack me up. You’ll just have to wait and see

  Ethan: I’m oddly looking forward to what craziness you have planned

  Brooke: I’m glad

  Slipping his phone into his pocket with a smile, he gathered his things and proceeded out the door and t
owards room 4505.

  The first two new admits had gone very well and extremely fast. As he pushed the button for the elevator, he hoped the last one would be as smooth, because it would put him on track to get out of here at a decent time. For the past couple of days, he now had a reason to leave work. He enjoyed his job, but he also looked forward to seeing Brooke after work.

  As he stepped onto the elevator, he looked up and saw Stacey slide in. He straightened, his muscles tensing. “What floor?” he asked.

  “Oh, hey, Ethan. I’m going to the fourth floor, too,” she said, and her bright red lips flashed into a flirty smile as she shamelessly let her eyes wander over his body.

  The button was already lit up since that was where he was headed, so he shoved his hands into his pockets and kept his eyes straight ahead, not wanting to ignite any conversation with her.

  “So, how have you been, Ethan?” She leaned in towards him, letting her shoulder brush up against his as she looked expectantly up at him. She batted her eyes and flicked her hair to the side as she waited for his answer.

  Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he said, a little more tersely than he had intended, “I’m good. And you?” The last thing he wanted was for her to get the wrong idea; and with Stacey, it was too easy for her to read into an innocent ‘how are you.’ She thought everyone wanted her.

  “I’m doing great. I’ve been hoping for date #2, though,” she said, and he couldn’t help but notice how her face brightened with hope.

  “Look, Stacey, I’m kind of seeing someone, so I don’t think we’ll have date #2. I’m sorry,” Ethan stated, and before she could reply, the elevator door opened. “I’ll see you around.” He rushed out and hurried down the hall to his next patient, leaving Stacey scowling in the elevator.

  He came to his patient’s door and knocked lightly, hearing a faint, “Come in.” As he pushed the door open, he saw an elderly gentleman lying in bed.