Impatiently Patient

by Amelia Shea

  Emory rolled her eyes. He squeezed her fingers and she gave him those wide blue eyes again.

  “Thank you!”

  “I read your featured article in the Journal. The start-up of your new venture? How exciting! I’ve heard about your success this past year, very impressive. It was the talk of the club.”

  The club being the Highland Manor Country Club that the rest of his family had adamantly declined to join. Even his dad refused, saying, “Life is too short to surround yourself with people that don’t interest you.” His dad had been a businessman until he retired but chose to stay away from the politics. Whereas, Ethan, jumped in.

  Ethan chuckled. “Thank you, it has been an amazing year for us.”

  Emory huffed a breath, obviously annoyed with her mother and him carrying on. He pulled the phone down to her side, leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. She gasped, pulling back but he went forward, sliding his tongue over her tight lips, stroking until she opened.

  His lips moved over hers, demanding she open up for him. She retreated but he pushed forward, grasping her hips. His tongue glided over her thick bottom lip until they parted, giving him just enough to delve into her mouth.

  She tasted like sweet coffee, a flavor he couldn’t get enough of. He pulled her into his chest, feeling her rapid heartbeat. His own matching the pace of Emory’s. Sliding her hand around his neck, swirling her tongue against his, she moaned.

  The moment was ruined when her mother’s uptight voice rang through his ears. “Hello?”

  Emory pulled back as if she was bitten and muttered, “Shit.” She glared at Ethan but she couldn’t hide the smoldering heat.

  He grinned and winked at her, not releasing her, his grip tightening on her waist.

  “Mom, I’m sorry, there was a…mishap in the kitchen.”

  “That’s fine, sweetheart.”

  Emory’s disgusted face twisted. Now that her mom had an audience that included Ethan, she was playing Mom of the Year.

  “How about we meet for breakfast? Is an hour enough time for you to get ready?”

  Emory squeezed her eyes closed, scrunched her face and covered it with her hand. Ethan had moved his hands back down to her waist and started to caress her with his thumbs. Her hand flew away from her face and she smirked.

  “Actually, I already had plans. Ethan is taking me out. Sorry, Mom, maybe on my next visit.” Emory smiled triumphantly. He knew she was handing her mom a bullshit story or so she thought. Ethan was going to take advantage of this opportunity to be with her. Anyway he could get her. Although he knew Emory wouldn’t go to breakfast with him. He could tell by her previous actions she was going to do everything possible to avoid him. There was only one way he could be guaranteed time with Emory. She was probably going to kill him for it but he did it anyway.

  “Why don’t you join us, Mrs. Kern?”

  Emory gasped in horror and scowled at Ethan, covering the phone. “What the hell are you doing? Are you crazy?”

  Ethan casually shrugged.

  “That would be lovely, Ethan. Thank you! An hour? At the club.”

  Ethan held Emory’s hateful glare. “Perfect. See you then!

  Chapter 4

  SLITTING his throat would be too messy. Poison might be her best bet. No clean up and if she was lucky, she’d even get to watch him suffer. Emory tapped her finger against her mouth. Yeah, definitely poison. During the ride to the country club, Emory had started to plot his death. Originally, she thought of cutting off his balls but she knew one look at his package would probably win her over and she’d let him live.

  “You seem deep in thought. Should I be concerned?” Ethan teased from the driver’s side. She didn’t bother looking over, her anger would only turn to absolute rage at his amused face. How on earth did this happen? The two people she was hoping to avoid on her visit, she would now be spending at least two hours with. She tried to find the small ounce of good in this situation. Her dad wouldn’t be there, that was a plus.

  “Emory?” His voice was soft which aggravated her even more. No way was he allowed to be sweet or nice. He just completely fucked up her trip.

  She folded her arms and continued staring out the window. She may have to be there but she didn’t have to talk to him.

  She heard his heavy sigh and felt his warm finger glide over her arm. She jerked her head toward him and glared. No touching, asshole. He looked at the road, not meeting her eyes. He had the most amazing profile. High cheekbones, long straight nose and a perfect chin. Emory turned back to her window staring out. Who the hell had a perfect chin?

  “I see that you’re angry with me, and since I’m well aware of your ability to hold a grudge, I don’t expect you talk to me. However, I think I’ll take this opportunity to apologize for my behavior last summer.”

  Emory gripped her arms tightly, squeezing her nails into her forearms. She was trying to forget last summer. His words were imbedded in her head forever, although she tried relentlessly to block them. There was no way in hell they were discussing this, now or ever.

  Shifting her body to face him, she watched his mouth open.

  “No,” she blurted out, drawing Ethan’s attention from the road. He raised his eye brows.

  “No?”

  “I don’t want to talk about last summer. It’s over and done with, let’s just move on.”

  “Emory, I owe you…”

  “You owe me nothing! Now, if we have to talk, pick something else.”

  “Em…”

  “No!” She shouted louder than she intended. She took a breath. “New subject.”

  “Emory, I need to…”

  She cut him off, holding up her hand, “Okay, fine, I’ll pick the new subject.” Her anger growing with his insistence on talking about that night, she decided to turn the tables on him. She narrowed her eyes. “Still fucking Nina?”

  She watched him flinch slightly at her words, his hands gripping the wheel tighter but he never lost control. His face was tense and Emory imagined him counting to a hundred to keep from losing his shit. It was a bitch move. She knew it, she owned it. Back a woman into a corner, she’ll come out like a dog guarding a fucking bone.

  The tension in the car was evident and suffocating but it served its purpose. He shut his mouth. Looking at the entrance to the club, she started to bob her foot up and down. It was a nervous awkward tick. She hated the club, everything it embodied. Rich pompous people pissed her off, especially the one sitting next to her.

  Ethan passed by the valet and continued through the parking lot. She dared a glance at him through her lashes. His face was hard, his brows cast down, his eyes focused as he pulled into an empty spot by the pool. The car came to a stop and immediately, Emory opened the door. She had one foot on the pavement when his hand gripped her wrist.

  Twisting to the side, she was met with his tense glare.

  “The incident with Nina…it’s not what you think.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I think the bitch was on her knees sucking your dick. You can fuck whoever you want Ethan, I don’t care. But don’t sit there and tell me I don’t know what I saw with my own eyes.” She pulled on her wrist but he refused to release her.

  His grip tightened and he pulled her. Her face landed inches away from him. She had seen Ethan angry before but this was somehow different. He was making a great effort not to lose his cool. He leaned into her space and snarled, “I’m not fucking Nina. I’m not fucking anyone. Yet.”

  Her heart skipped a beat on his last word. Yet. She felt her face heat and she watched his scowl set deeper on his face. He sat back in his seat, releasing her wrist and keeping her gaze locked on his.

  Her head was telling her to get the hell out of the car but she couldn’t. It was as though he had some friggin’ Houdini hold on her and she couldn’t move. She tried to gulp back a breath but she couldn’t. She had massive cotton mouth from her heavy breathing.

  His f
ace was intense, his blue eyes searing into hers. He cocked his head to the side. “Emory, I am sorry for what I said. You are very much a part of our family, always have been, sometimes, even more than some of us.” His face remained stern but his voice lowered, “What I said was cruel, hurtful, and uncalled for. I wish I could take it back. I hope you know how sorry I truly am.”

  Motherfucker! He did what she least expected, when she wasn’t ready or prepared. He sucked her in with that Barrett fucking charm and apologized before she could stop him. That motherfucking conniving asshole prick jerkoff of a man. Motherfucker!

  “You’re such an asshole.” She jumped out of the car, not even bothering to adjust her dress. If it was tucked up in her panties, then so be it, and if the club didn’t like it then they could all suck it! She slammed the door hard in hopes the window would crack. It didn’t, which made her angrier. She wobbled a bit from the gravel on the lot and her fury.

  How dare he apologize to her! He said it, he meant it, and now he had to own it. He couldn’t just say sorry and it was over. To make matters worse, if he apologized then she would have to also.

  “Jesus Christ, Emory!” Ethan muttered under his breath as he got closer to her. He put his hand on her elbow and she instantly yanked it away.

  “Don’t touch me, Ethan.” She stopped and stepped into his space, pointing her finger in his face. “You don’t get to touch me.” She glared at him and watched his blue eyes darken. His eyes shifted to her finger in warning.

  They stared at one another in the parking lot of the club, neither one looking away. It was a battle for control, and Emory was not about to give up any control to Ethan. Last time she gave up her heart, he broke it. Lesson learned. His eyes simmered with heat and turned from angry to sensual. She kept her eyes on him, determined to not look away.

  She shifted from one leg to another, his eyes going through her, her heart racing, and she started to feel her own heat in her panties. She locked her thighs together, trying to block the tingling sensation that was rocking her pussy.

  He cocked his eyebrow while the corner of his mouth curled up. Smug bastard, how the hell did he do that? Her chest rose and she could feel her nipples peak. Holy shit, Ethan Barrett had friggin’ superpowers over her pussy.

  His mouth formed a conquering grin and he chuckled. What the fuck? Could he smell her arousal?

  “There you are.” Her mother’s voice had her raising a shoulder in a cringing motion. Her voice had that effect for as long as Emory could remember. She broke away from Ethan’s hypnotic stare and turned to face her mom.

  There she was, completely put together in her baby blue pant suit and cream heels. Her look screamed, “I have money!” It was professional chic, the polar opposite of Emory, who rocked her old style, pin-up girl fabulous. Her mother’s pinched face had Emory looking over her shoulder and glaring at Ethan who stood calm and reserved behind her.

  He looked at her and she mouthed, “You did this and for that, you must die.”

  Ethan smiled and winked at Emory before passing her and walking over to her mom, reaching out to shake her hand. Her mom looked like she might cream her panties too. Were all women alive susceptible to Ethan Barrett and all his charms? Fuck her.

  Chapter 5

  ETHAN rested his forearms on the edge of the table and smiled at Mrs. Kern. They were seated in the back of the dining room. It was set in the corner of the room. Some would consider it the best table in the room. It was the prefect view to be seen. It was also set apart from the others, making it appear intimate. Emory’s mom had chosen the table.

  He had spent the last hour sipping his coffee and listening to Mrs. Kern talk about her practice, her success, and everything that had to do with her. When she wasn’t consuming the conversation with herself, she turned her focus to Ethan. Praising him, again, for his success. She never once engaged with Emory. Never inquired about her job or if she enjoyed where she was living. It was as if she wasn’t even at the table sitting next to him, getting hammered on Mimosas.

  Ethan turned his head to watch Emory chug the last of her drink and raise her hand to the waitress passing by. She pointed her finger in the air and the waitress nodded with an amused smile.

  “Isn’t that your third?” her mother asked from across the table, her tone streamed with disapproval. Apparently she was aware of Emory.

  Emory looked over at her mother as if she just realized she was at the table with them.

  “Yeah, that would be number three, Mom.” Emory forced a grin.

  “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

  Ethan watched Emory glance to the ceiling, crinkle her eyes as if she was thinking about her answer. Seconds later, she looked back to her mother, shook her head and laughed. “Nope.”

  Ethan turned back to his coffee, tightening his lips in a line, suppressing a laugh of his own. Taking a sip of coffee, he checked his burner phone that vibrated against his leg.

  Bad timing. He moved his napkin to the table and stood up, drawing their attention.

  Emory immediately stood up also. “Time to go?”

  Her eyes looked so eager to get the hell out of there, he could actually see the relief draining from her face. His intention was to leave about fifteen minutes ago but her mom dominated the conversation and didn’t leave an opening for him to wrap up the brunch. Emory barely looked at him in the last hour. She was obviously harboring anger. Now, he was about to make it worse. Fuck!

  “Actually, I have to take a call.” He looked over to her mom. “I apologize, it’s business. I should only be a few minutes.”

  “Of course. Business comes first.”

  Emory sat back in her chair, slumping low and muttered, “It’s like I’m being punished.”

  He looked down at her with understanding. This was the most time he’d ever spent with her mother and he, too, had had enough. He slid his hand over her shoulder causing her to look up at him. Without being too obvious in front of her mother, he gave her a small smile, letting her know he’d be quick with his call.

  She scowled and turned her head back to the table. Yes, an hour later, Emory was still harboring her anger.

  Ethan walked out of the dining room, down the hall to the study. The room was empty. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and dialed back the last caller. She answered on the second ring.

  “Hello?” Her voice was quiet and unsure.

  “I’m sorry I missed your call, I was in the middle of something.”

  “No problem, I just…is everything…” she stuttered, unable to get the words out. Her voice was laced with emotion.

  “Everything is set for tonight. You have the address and the time. We will be waiting for you.”

  Ethan could hear her sniffle. He looked down at the ground, waiting for her to speak again. This was a hard day for her, extremely emotional. He waited patiently, not rushing her. Her voice over the line was whispered. “It’s been two years.”

  Ethan waited, knowing she wasn’t done. She just needed her time, and he would give it to her.

  “Two years of living without him, two years without any justice for him.” Her sobs were muffled.

  Ethan spoke in a low even tone. “Tonight that ends, sweetheart.”

  “Yeah.” She whimpered.

  “It’s a very emotional time. Everything you’re feeling is natural. I hope tonight brings you closure and lifts the weight off your shoulders. Justice is very freeing. It gives you the ability to move forward. However, let me make this very clear, you can change your mind. And if you do decide you can’t do this, it’s okay. Doesn’t diminish your love for him. You understand that, sweetheart?”

  “Yes.” She sighed, followed by silence.

  “Thank you.” Her voice was a little lighter. “I’m sorry to bother you.”

  Ethan turned around and smiled. “You are no bother at all, sweetheart. If you need me, you call, I’ll be here.”

  “Okay. Bye.�
��

  “Goodbye.” Ethan closed his phone and was sliding it back in his pocket when he looked to the doorway. Emory stood with her arms crossed and a scowl deeply imbedded in her forehead. Beyond the anger, he saw her hurt. He opened his mouth but she turned fast, the bottom of her dress swirled, and she was gone.

  *

  Emory had excused herself from the trenches of her mother, who barely noticed. As soon as Ethan left the table, she turned around, gaining the attention from one of her friends and ignored Emory. Story of her life.

  She had just come out of the bathroom, not wanting to go back to the table just yet. She made her way down the long hall and stopped in the doorway to peek into the room. She saw Ethan by the bookcase, looking down at the floor with the phone to his ear.

  Watching Ethan Barrett had been a hobby for so long that she didn’t even realize she was doing it now. Even if she wanted to turn away, she couldn’t. Why would she? He stood tall and lean. His defined biceps stretched against the sleeves of his shirt. He didn’t have bulging muscles but his body was defined and cut in a way that most men would have to spend every waking moment at the gym to get that kind of definition.

  His head was bowed down and she stared at his profile. Her eyes were drawn to his lips that were moving. His voice was low and she couldn’t hear what he was saying but she was mesmerized by the movement of his mouth. God, even watching him talk was sexy.

  She stood in the doorway as he turned around and smiled down at the floor, his voice a bit louder so she could hear him.

  “You are no bother at all, sweetheart. If you need me, you call, I’ll be here.”

  Emory could feel her face hardening. He left her, with her mom, to go talk to a woman? This was his business. Her leg tapped uncontrollably against the floor and she folded her arms. She felt the rage building inside of her.

  “Goodbye,” he said, and ended his call. He looked up at Emory, unfazed that he had just been a complete dick, leaving her at a table with her mom, at a brunch she didn’t even want to be at. Hell, if he had just kept his goddamn mouth shut in his dad’s kitchen she would have thought of a way to blow off her mom.