In the Blink of an Eye

by S J Batsford

  Mason: Just wondered if you remembered her is all.

  Ethan: Why does she remember me?

  “What shall I tell him?”

  “You may as well tell him everything now. You’ve told him everything else,” I snap angrily.

  Mason: Yeah, she does. I just figured out it was my brother she was talking about. Weirded me out.

  Ethan: Why? What did she say about me?

  “This is just embarrassing,” I groan into my hands.

  “Don’t worry, I got this” he says cryptically, I peek through my fingers.

  Mason: I can’t tell you that.

  I roll my eyes, wow, genius.

  Ethan: You can’t just not tell me.

  Mason: She won’t let me.

  “Mace.” I thump him in the arm.

  “Ow. What was that for?” He yelps rubbing his arm.

  Ethan: Okay…?

  Mason: She’s my friend.

  Ethan: Hang on, I’m going to call you. All this texting is killing my fingers.

  I leave him to it not wanting to hear anymore, and head into the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea.

  Holding my streaming mug, I wonder back towards the living room. Mason’s hushed voice and stop, listening.

  “Listen, it’s not my place to tell you the details, but her mom died and she was a mess. I’m keeping her mind off it as much as I can. That’s why I’m spending a lot of time here,” he whispers.

  I doubt I was meant to hear that. He’s right. I have been a mess and I only just about coped because of him. He’s been my rock. God, I love him.

  Silence. “I can’t give you that, but if you want to talk to her you can on my phone,” Mace whispers nodding.

  “Okay. Yeah, hang on,” he comes out the living room, grinning from ear to ear holding the phone out to me. I look at it as though it’s a snake.

  “He wants to talk to you,” he urges me to take the phone. I shake my head.

  “I can’t talk to him. This is your fault, you arse. What am I supposed to say?” I hiss at him.

  “Just take it and say hi. I’m going out. I’ll have your phone if you need me. See you in a few,” he sings, handing me his phone before taking off laughing.

  I take a deep breath, put the phone to my ear.

  “Hello?” I say, sinking into the sofa.

  “Hi, Lily. This is weird huh?” he asks chuckling.

  “Yeah. You could say that. Small world too. I can’t believe you’re my best friend’s brother,” I snicker relaxing a little.

  “Yeah. Who’d have thought it. Mason said you’ve had a shitty few weeks?” he asks hesitantly.

  “Yeah…. my Mom died a few weeks ago,” I say, breathing through the blast of pain.

  “I don’t know what to say, I suppose I should say I’m sorry, but I know that’s not enough, from the way you spoke about her, you must be hurting.” I feel warmth swathe me at his understanding

  “I didn’t think I would see or speak to you again and here we are,” he adds happily.

  “It’s okay. Mace has been amazing to me and Nan. How have you been?” I ask, excitement taking over with every word he says.

  “Oh, same shit, different day,” he blurts, I laugh at the bluntness of his statement. Hearing his husky laugh, makes me tingle, mmm, still there.

  “Would you like to go on a date with me?” His question breaks me out of my girly episode.

  “Yes. I’d love to.” I cringe at my eagerness. “You just want to talk my ear off again, don’t ya?” I add trying to cover my awkwardness and laugh.

  He chuckles. “Damn, you got me! Has anyone ever told you, you’re mouthy?” he jokes.

  “Yeah, actually. Your brother. He calls me names, obviously, you two share a lot of traits.”

  “So, can I get your number so I can text and call you instead of my brother?” There’s hesitance in his voice, nerves maybe?

  I rattle off my number. “Okay. I’ll text you later on tonight then? I’m glad we reconnected. I’ve been thinking about you a lot since we met,” he admits, making me grin like an idiot.

  “Me too, but don’t tell Mace that. I wouldn’t hear the end of it. He’s a pain in the arse,” I blurt laughing.

  “He is that, always was. So, what did you say about me to my brother, that weirded him out?” his voice lowers.

  God, his voice, it makes goose-bumps race up my arms. Clearing my throat, I try to speak normally.

  “Oh, that would be telling.” I’m flirting

  “I know he won’t tell you, before you say you’re going ask him. You’ll have to use your imagination,” I say, my voice lowering.

  “Okay…. I think we’ll have this conversation when I can see your face. See, if you blush it means I’m on the right track,” he breathes heavily through the phone.

  I see Mason come through the door. “I better go. Your brother just got back and I’ve got to kick his arse for sticking his nose into my business,” I say loud enough so Mace can hear me, and I hear him chuckle.

  “Okay. You go deal with him. Give him an extra kick for me and I’ll speak to you later?” I look down to hide my face from Mason.

  “Yeah, speak to you later, bye.” Clicking the phone off. I take a deep breath and let Mason have it.

  ~*~

  The following day we arrange our first date for tomorrow at seven, I have no idea where, but I want to look my best. So, I go for a dress which is rare for me, but it’s a special occasion.

  I’m a bag of nerves all morning Tuesday and the day is passing so slowly, it’s painful. So, to pass the time I decide to go through the box of photographs from home.

  There are endless pictures of me as a baby, growing up, birthdays some with me with teeth missing. Wearing a tiara and princess dress. Some of dance classes and us camping.

  When the box is empty and I’m surrounded by pictures and memories. My face is wet with tears seeing years of precious moments.

  By five-thirty I’m showered, shaved and moisturised.

  Drying my hair, I leave it in soft waves down my back. I go subtle on my makeup, adding a light green eye shadow to go with my dress since it’s still warm and I don’t want to be sweating it off. My dress is simple; a flowing, soft green knee length material, it highlights my eyes.

  Since I’m already tall I pick flat black ballet shoes and a leather jacket. I look more like a girl than I have in years.

  “Wow, look at you. You look beautiful.” Nan smiles at me.

  “Thanks, I was a bit worried I’d overdone it. I’m so nervous with this being the first date and not knowing where we’re going… I haven’t dressed like this voluntarily since I was little,” I joke checking the time. It’s six-forty-five, he should be here in fifteen minutes.

  “Take a breath honey. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so jumpy,” she chuckles as I blow out a breath still chewing my cheek anxiously.

  I jump when the doorbell chimes and rush to open it.

  And there he stands looking sexy in black pants, the fit does amazing things to his hips. A white shirt, open at the collar and a black leather jacket. His hair is rumpled making him look even more gorgeous. My belly flutters when I meet his eyes, they’re exactly as I remember them.

  “Hi,” he says, his eyes sweeping over my outfit and widening a little at my legs. “Wow. You look amazing,” he breathes swallowing hard.

  The look in his eyes flusters me so much, my brain-to-mouth filter falters and I blurt my first thought.

  “You look hot!” I cover my face as Nan and Ethan chuckle. I’d forgot Nan was present.

  “Erm, thank you.” His voice is soft and breathless.

  Looking through my fingers I see his face is slightly flushed and realise I may have embarrassed him in front of Nan.

  “Nan, you remember Ethan, right?” I ask pushing through my embarrassment.

  “Yes, how could I forget? Good to see you again, Ethan.”

  “Nan!” I warn.

  “You too, Mrs Carter,�
� Ethan smirks. “Are you ready to go?” he asks. I nod grabbing my bag.

  “See you later, Nan. I have my phone if you need me” I give her a kiss bye and step up next to Ethan who smells phenomenal, taking his offered arm.

  “Bye, Mrs Carter,” he says politely.

  “Bye. Have a lovely time you two,” she cackles, making me blush again.

  “You know, I’m glad I talked Mace out of coming here before our date. He would have been worse than my Nan” I huff, making Ethan chuckle.

  “You know they only do it because they get a rise out of you,” his breath tickles my ear and I lose my footing.

  He catches me to him, taking a deep breath. “You smell so good… Like coconut...” His purr sends a shiver through me.

  Thankfully, we reach the car without another accident on my part. Sliding into his car I try to calm my breathing, but having him that close has wrought havoc on my senses.

  “So, where are we going?” I ask looking over at him.

  “Well, you said your favourite food was Mexican, right?” I nod, forgetting that he has to concentrate on the road.

  “Yes, it is,” I say surprised he remembers.

  “Well, a friend of mine and his parents own one of the best Mexican restaurants around here and since it’s your favourite, I wanted to take you there.”

  ~*~

  The restaurant is beautiful. Red walls and dark wood everywhere. Beautiful tables and chairs with deep red velvet cushioning.

  We’re seated at a table in a corner, extremely romantic and private. Tiny candles are lit in a bed of red roses, set along the middle of the table to create atmosphere.

  “Wow. Ethan, this is beautiful.” I smile blown away, he reaches for my hand.

  “I wanted it to be special with it being our first date.”

  I squeeze his hand. “It is special, this is my first, first date… So, this tops anything I could ever imagine.” I smile loving the feel of his hand in mine.

  “Seriously? You’ve never been on a date before?” he asks, surprised as his thumb caresses my hand gently. I shake my head, staring at his thumb, my belly tightening.

  “Well, I’m glad to be the first,” he says softly as our waiter arrives to take our orders.

  We share a big plate of cheesy nachos for a starter and end up choosing the same main of chicken enchiladas, rice with a sweet and spice pepper salad.

  “Wow. That was fantastic,” I say, wiping my mouth.

  Ethan smiles, taking a sip of his beer. “Told you it was amazing here, but I’ve never had a more amazing meal than this one,” his tone implying that it has nothing to do with the food.

  Finishing up, we leave the restaurant, I feel a pang of disappointment that the night is ending so soon.

  “I’m not ready for our date to end yet,” he whispers, I turn to meet his eyes taking in my reaction.

  “Me neither,” I whisper back chewing my cheek.

  “What would you like to do?” His voice lowers as he reaches for my hand, interlocking our fingers.

  “I don’t mind” I’m breathless wanting him to kiss me. My eyes drop to his mouth, plump kissable lips. Wet from the last of his beer. My heart rate spikes imagining what he would taste like.

  “Lily?” His tone pulling me out of my trance, I look up. His eyes are dark, dilated, he’s right there in front of me as if he was reading my mind and agreeing.

  Slowly his lips touch mine. They’re like soft pillows and I sink into them, his scent enveloping me. His taste bursting over my taste buds as I lick his bottom lip.

  ~*~

  Chapter Six

  Two weeks later

  We’re in my room talking and laughing about how I met Mason. Leaning into me, his big hand glides up my arm. Resting on the back of my neck. Looking into my eyes, his dark and smouldering. Lips parted, red and wet as he licks them.

  “Lily,” he sighs his breath fanning my face.

  Please kiss me.

  “Ethan,” I grip his thigh. His muscles bunch under my hand and gasps at the touch. Leaning in the rest of the way, his plump lips touch mine making me shiver. I slide my other hand through his soft hair, gripping it tightly as I kiss him back.

  His kiss is hungry and the next thing I know, I’m astride his lap, both hands in his hair kissing him desperately.

  Our tongues gliding into the others mouth, tasting, he tastes amazing. Mmm, peppermint. I moan into his mouth.

  Gripping my hips, squeezing repeatedly. “God, you’re sexy, I’ve wanted to touch you for so long,” he growls into my ear kissing along my neck.

  Shivering, I dig my nails into his shoulders. My lips gliding up his neck, licking behind his ear, he groans pulling me closer. Oh god, I can feel him, he’s hard. Grinding on him I moan.

  I bite into muscle where his shoulder meets his neck, making him shudder and grunt.

  He twists us with me still in his arms. I’m pressed into my quilt as Ethan settles on top of me, holding himself up on one of his arms. Feeling cold with the space between us, I pull him into me.

  “Mmm,” I moan, bringing his mouth back to mine. The man can kiss. I’m wet and tingling for him.

  “I love your hair. It’s perfect to hold onto.” His voice gruff as he tugs my hair deepening the kiss.

  My hands exploring his torso gliding over his bare, well defined pecs. When did he lose his shirt?

  His body is gorgeous. My hand wonders across tight abs and lower. Sliding my fingers under the waistband of his trousers.

  “Ah,” he groans into my neck. I run a hand up his back over his bare skin. Soft, warm and toned. Delicious.

  “Ethan? I need...” I stutter breathing heavily into his neck, nipping and sucking on his skin. Not sure what the hell I need, I feel like I’m burning up. Gripping his ribs, my nails digging in.

  He hisses, sucking my neck harder. I feel his hand coasting up my rib cage.

  Moaning, I push my chest into his hands. I feel electric sizzling through me. My breathing stutters out.

  “Ethan, please?” I plead. His hand glides back down to my thigh hitching it around his hip.

  “Yes!” I groan, I want. No, need more. He’s torturing me, his hand slowly gliding up the back of my thigh. Leaving my leg shaking and tingling with his slow progression. Everything’s intensified, I groan the closer he gets.

  ~*~

  I’m rudely awoken by my phone alarm. Sitting up, I feel sweat clinging to my heated skin. Rubbing my face, I try to calm my breathing.

  My phone beeps on my night stand. Blowing out a breath I grab it.

  A grin kicks up the side of my mouth on reading it.

  Ethan: Morning. Did you sleep well?

  Me: Morning. I slept amazingly, thanks.

  My body heats thinking about my steamy dream.

  Ethan: That sounds interesting. Want to tell me about it?

  Me: Tell you about what?

  Ethan: The dream that made it amazing. Was it a naughty dream about me? ;)

  Me: You were one of the starring roles. ;)

  Ethan: Really? Well, this conversation just got interesting. What was I doing to you?

  Me: What lead you to think you were doing anything to me?

  Ethan: Well, you said I was one of the starring roles. So, I know you were the other and you’re rather reluctant to tell me what happened in this dream.

  Me: Okay, you got me there. What do you want to know?

  Ethan: If it was as hot as mine?

  Staring at the phone, mouth open. He dreamed about me… A hot dream?

  All the flirting via texts and that kiss… Got me so, hot.

  Me: What was yours about?

  Ethan: Mine was probably a lot more, lewd than yours and I wouldn't want to scare you off.

  Shit. I’m in trouble. I’m hot and wet just from texting.

  Me: Don’t know how to reply to that one, but mine was amazing…

  Ethan: Lily Carter! Don’t play with me. When can I see you again?

  Me: I’m not
playing. It was the best dream I’ve ever had… Soon, I hope. I have leave from school for a few months, to sort stuff out so whenever you're free.

  Ethan: Good. I know we need to get to know each other, but I want to see you and shit… It’s been too long since I kissed you. You make me hot!!

  Fanning my face, I kick the quilts off. I’m hot, and in need of a cold shower, but opt for a cold drink instead, I jog downstairs in my jammies and get some water from the fridge.

  Looking at the clock I see it’s only seven-thirty, Nan must be out already. I smile as I read her note. I get one every time she leaves the house and I love them.

  I gulp down half the bottle thinking how everything’s changed in a matter of weeks. Nan’s coping better, I think. I still cry every morning missing her. Life seems empty without her, there’s so much I want to share with her… Like my feelings for Ethan. I shake off my gloomy thoughts. Collapsing onto the sofa and switch to the music channels.

  Another ping makes me jump. Shit. I didn’t text back.

  Ethan: Did I scare you off?

  Me: No. Sorry was getting a cold drink. I needed a cold drink, you made me hot. I want to see you too. That kiss was amazing…