by Amelia Shea
His chest came over her back and he rocked slowly to the sound of their panting in unison.
“Love you, Em.”
“Love you, too. Ethan?”
“Yes.”
“Is this what I get every time I get fired?”
He burst out laughing, twisting her neck to face him and kissing her through his laugh. God he loved this woman.
He had left her to clean up and walked back into her small office to see her curled up on the small couch. He made his way over, noticing she watched his every move with a small smile curling on her lips. She sat up in the corner of the couch, bringing her knees to her chest when he sat next to her.
He draped his arm over the back of the couch, staring at her. She was beautiful, her long red hair messy, her lips puffy from their kisses. His hand swiped her hair off her shoulder. “You okay?”
She winked. “I just had a mind blowing orgasm with the hottest guy on the planet, I’m better than okay.”
He chuckled. “Hottest man on the planet?”
She smirked and tilted her head. “Do you even get how gorgeous you are?”
He raised his eyebrows. “Do you get how gorgeous you are?”
Emory rolled her eyes. “I’m pretty but I wouldn’t say gorgeous.”
He leaned in bringing his face close to hers and whispered, “I would.” His lips moved to her ear. “Hottest woman on the planet.”
Emory laughed, cupping his jaw and kissing his lips before settling back into the corner of the couch.
“I’ll ask again, are you okay?”
Her smile faltered and she took a deep breath. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, I hate that I got fired and it sucks that I won’t be working with Calvin anymore but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t working out.”
“Well, I’m sure they aren’t the only agency in the area. You can get your resume together. I’d be happy to take a look at it, if you’d like.”
“You’re not going to try and talk me into moving back to Houston?”
“Em, I’ll go wherever you go.”
He watched her look down at her lap, her lip twitching as she bit on the inside of her mouth. Ethan tightened his lips, fighting back a smile. She was cute when she did that.
Peering up to him through her lashes, “Does it make me a quitter if I want to go home?”
Ethan smiled, shaking his head. “No.”
Emory leaned forward, bracing her hands around his neck and squeezing him into her body. His hands immediately wrapped around her waist hugging her closer.
“I wanna go back home,” she whispered.
“Then we’ll go home.”
Chapter 13
EMORY taped the last box of her things and placed it on the pile she had in her living room. Ethan had contacted a moving company, who was picking them up in an hour. Her boxes would be shipped to his place by the weekend. She had packed her clothes earlier in the day, along with everything she was taking in her suitcase for their flight back to Texas. Ethan was able to book her a seat on his flight.
He had left earlier to pack up from the B&B and check out. Glancing down at her phone, she bit her lip; he should have been back by now. Checking her ignored text messages, she typed quickly to Roxanne. Her best friend had resorted to threats when Emory hadn’t responded to her. She chuckled reading her last text. “You better be dead if you’re not answering this.”
She decided to not tell Roxanne over the phone about coming back and more importantly, everything with Ethan. This was not a conversation that could happen via text. It had to happen, face to face, with a shit ton of liquor. She hit send to her message.
Emory: Sorry, girl, been so busy, I’ll talk to you tomorrow, I promise. Love you!
Her phone immediately pinged.
Roxanne: You better! Don’t make me hunt you down, Em! Love you too but I will kill you if you don’t call me tomorrow.
Emory laughed and put down the phone. She was on her way to the kitchen when her doorbell chimed. She turned back, opening the door and released a sad laugh.
Standing in her doorway was Calvin, teary eyed but looking fabulous in his red skinny jeans, black leather shirt, and scarf. He pushed a bouquet of flowers into her face. She gripped them quickly before being thrown back by the weight of his body.
His smothering hug was crushing her flowers. She pulled out her hands wrapping them around him. “It’s okay, Calvin, I’m fine. Really.”
His sobs grew louder and she hugged him tighter.
“It’s a tragedy, Emory.”
She rolled her eyes smiling. She was going to miss Calvin and his theatrics. Out of all the assistants she could have been paired up with she was thankful she got him. Some other agents looked down at his eccentrics but that was what she loved so much about him. Dare to be different.
Emory rubbed his back, giving him a few seconds to pull himself together. He pulled back from her hug and she frowned at his sad tearstained face.
“You okay?”
“No, I am not okay.” He swiped his tears, pouting. He looked down at the boxes piled up and sulked. “You’re leaving? I thought you’d stay, find somewhere else to work.”
Emory shook her head. “No, it’s time I went home.”
His face fell.
“But I’ll be back to visit.”
He sighed. “Will you bring Roxanne?”
Emory smiled. He had gone out with them last time Roxanne had come for a visit and the two of them had instantly formed a friendship.
“Of course.”
Calvin smiled, walking into the living room.
Placing his hands on his hips, he exhaled an exasperated breath. “So, I quit!”
“What?” Emory’s eyes widened.
“Girl, I was not going to work with any one of those fools at the agency. Truthfully, I only stayed as long as I did because of you.” He shook his head. “They don’t deserve me, and they never did appreciate my potential. I mean, really, I’ve had my license for over a year and they still have me as an assistant? Please.” He waved his hand. “I have an interview tomorrow. I’ll be outselling Bunny before she makes it to husband number four.”
Emory laughed. “Good for you. You are going to do fabulous and sell a shit ton of houses, Calvin, I just know it. And you’re right, they don’t deserve you.”
Calvin grinned and giggled. “Shit ton?”
Emory shrugged.
The door opened and Ethan, dressed casually in jeans and a collared shirt, walked through. He dropped his bag and looked at Emory, then to Calvin.
“Hi Calvin,” he said, reaching out his hand.
Emory snickered at Calvin’s face. Apparently, women weren’t the only species susceptible to Ethan. Calvin stepped forward, grasping his hand, shaking vigorously.
“So nice to see you again, Mr. Barrett.”
“Please, call me Ethan.”
Calvin turned to Emory, grinning and opening his mouth in faux surprise. She had given him the back story about who Ethan was Saturday morning.
Emory laughed. “You can let go of his hand now.”
Calvin let go and waved his hands in a heel motion. “Down, girl, I know he’s taken.” He winked at her. “Well, I should run, gotta find something fabulous for my interview tomorrow.”
“Interview?” Ethan questioned.
“Yeah, Calvin here quit the agency. He’s got an interview lined up for tomorrow.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulders. “He’s going to make an incredible agent.”
Ethan cocked his head to the side. “I didn’t know you were a real estate agent?”
“Yes, sir. I got my license last year. I took the assistant position to gain some experience, learn the ropes. Now, I’m ready.”
Ethan stared at Calvin in thought. When he looked over to her, she asked, “What?”
Ethan smiled and shook his head. “Nothing.” He turned to Calvin and said, “Best of luck.”
�
��Thank you, Mr. Barrett, oh, I mean, Ethan. You take care of my girl, okay? And make sure she visits.”
“Will do.”
She hugged Calvin and walked him to the door. He walked out, looking over his shoulder to Emory and smirking. “Never underestimate the power of prayer.”
Emory laughed as she closed the door and leaned back against it.
Ethan stood in her living room, hands in his pockets, with a closed mouth smile.
“Well, we’ve got a few hours before we go. What do you want to do?”
He stalked over to her, bowing his head to her ear and whispered, “You.”
*
“I can’t believe I missed everything?” Emory pouted from the passenger seat of his Porsche. They were about five minutes from his apartment. She had spent the last thirty minutes complaining and upset with him.
“Em, there’s really nothing to miss.”
“Says the guy who flies first class all the time. I can’t believe my very first time in first class I fall asleep. How could you let me sleep through it, Ethan?”
Ethan laughed. “Baby, you were beat. We weren’t even at full altitude and your head was on my shoulder passed out.” Reaching out for her hand, he brought it up to his lips. “Next time I’ll wake you, I promise.”
She muttered, “Missed the hot towels, dammit.”
Ethan shook his head and pulled into the garage of his apartment. There hadn’t been any discussion about where she would stay once they got home. She no longer had her apartment and he knew her parents’ house wasn’t an option. He thought she would insist on staying at his dad’s with Roxanne but she never mentioned it.
It saved him from a fight because the only place she was staying was with him, at his place, in his bed. He parked in his reserved spot and they grabbed their bags from the trunk. She was quiet during the elevator ride to his floor. She followed close behind when he reached his door, unlocking it and ushering her in.
He watched her drop her bag and walk into his living room, eyes scanning around. He closed the door, heading to the kitchen for a drink. He grabbed two glasses and a bottle of wine, pouring them a drink.
She continued to walk around his place. His curiosity was piqued from the way she inspected his surroundings. If he had to guess, he’d say she didn’t like his place. She’d probably want to change almost everything, just like Roxanne wanted to do. Unlike his sister, he would let her. His goal was to make his place exactly what Emory wanted, so she wouldn’t leave.
She stalked back to the kitchen, resting her elbows on the counter, opposite of him.
“I hate your place.”
“Please, Emory, don’t sugarcoat it, tell me how you really feel,” he mocked.
She chuckled. “It’s not you, E.”
“Well, considering I chose the apartment and everything in it is mine, I’d say it is very much me.”
She quirked her head, rolling her eyes. “You know what I mean. Where are your pictures? Your college diploma? Where’s all your stuff?”
“My room at my dad’s.”
“Why?”
Ethan shrugged passing her the glass of wine. His phone rang and he checked the name. Looking up at her, he said, “I’ve got to take this, it shouldn’t take long. Make yourself at home, bedroom is at the end of the hall.”
She sighed. “All right, I’ll make myself at home but don’t take too long. I might decide to redecorate while you’re gone.”
Ethan leaned over the counter, grasping her neck and pulling her in for a kiss. He withdrew, knowing he had to answer the call. “I’ll be quick.”
He strode down to his office, answering the phone, “Hello.”
“You home?” T asked in a hushed tone.
“Just got in.” Ethan closed the door behind him.
“Alone?”
“Emory’s here.”
“Well done, brother. It’s about fucking time.”
He ignored T’s comment. Although he’d never discussed it with any of his brothers except briefly with Bogs at his party, T was good at reading people, almost as good as Ethan. He knew the struggle he had of wanting Emory.
“Where are we at with the meeting?”
“We’re driving up tomorrow, leaving at seven. You want me to pick you up or you gonna meet us there? Bogs emailed directions, just in case.”
Ethan looked at the clock, it was just after midnight.
“I’ll drive up myself. T, did Trent give you anything else, what it was in regards to?”
“No, just needed to meet with us and he insisted it be at their cabin.” T paused. Ethan heard a muffled female voice, then a soft giggle
“Tomorrow.” T ended the call abruptly.
Ethan smirked. “See you then.”
“Hey, E?”
Surprised that T hadn’t hung up, he questioned, “Yes?”
“I know you ain’t asking but I’m gonna give it to ya, anyway.”
“What’s that?”
“Same advice I gave Stone. Don’t fuck this up. You got a girl like Em, don’t lose that.”
“I don’t plan on it.”
T snorted. “Later.” The phone clicked before Ethan could say bye. That was T, the conversation was over when he was done.
Ethan walked out of the office, turning toward the living room but stopped when he heard rustling from his room. He walked to the doorway to see Emory throw her pants on the floor, wearing only her panties and a small shirt that clung to her breasts. She flopped down on the bed spreading her arms wide, oblivious to him watching her.
“You may not like my decorating choices but I see you like my bed.”
She popped up, smiling. “Love your bed, it’s huge. You could almost fit another person in here.” She glared at him and pointed. “Don’t get any ideas.”
He laughed walking into his room, pulling off his shirt and sitting on the bed to take off his shoes.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Ask away.”
“How come for some business calls you leave the room and others you stay and let me blow you?”
He slowly turned, scowling at her. “Emory.”
She laughed. “What? It’s true.” She sat up on her knees. “Seriously though, how come some are private and others aren’t? Will it always be that way?”
His face took in her expression. Behind her eyes, which had lost a little playfulness, she was curious and serious. Ethan shifted his body, bringing his leg onto the bed to face her. “Do you want to know about my business?”
“I just don’t want any secrets,” she whispered.
He reached out, pulling her into his chest. His hands grazed her neck and cupped her face. “Some of the business I deal with is private, it’s imperative that it stays that way. But I won’t keep secrets from you. In time, you’ll get it all. Everything in my life, every aspect of it, I want you a part of that. But there are things that I don’t want to interfere with what we have here, our home.” He kissed her and pulled back. “But no secrets, Em. That I can promise.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“I have a meeting tomorrow, early, and it will take up most of the day.” He sneered. “Think you’ll be able to amuse yourself?”
“Hell yeah, I’m gonna go surprise your sister. Then I’ll be taking the mental beating she’s going to dish out all over my ass for keeping us a secret. Then I’ll wrestle her to the ground when she tries to call you and interrupt your meeting to tell you you’re an asshole. Then, she’ll yell some more, probably punch me once or twice, and we’ll be good. It’ll be good times, if she lets me live.”
“Sorry I’m going to miss it. I’ll pick you up from my dad’s when I’m done. I’ll call you.”
She nodded and kissed him.
They settled into bed, Emory snuggled up close on his chest. She fell asleep before he did. His mind wandered to telling her about his other business with his brothers. He wanted to tell her ev
erything—he needed to. He just wasn’t sure how she’d take it. Kissing her head, he closed his eyes, pulling her deeper into his hold.
Chapter 14
ETHAN had left early in the morning. With a kiss to her mouth, he was gone.
She had texted Roxanne when she got up.
Emory: You got time for me today?
Roxanne: Shut up, what kind of question is that?
Emory: Haha…what’s a good time to talk?
Roxanne: How about 11?
Emory: You in the office?
Roxanne: Yeah! Paperwork hell. Ugh!
Emory: Catch up with you at 11
Emory made her way around his apartment, snooping a bit. She didn’t go through his drawers or look on his computer. Not that she was opposed to that kind of prying but she wasn’t looking for anything specific. His place was very tidy, orderly. He must have a cleaning lady because there was no way Ethan Barrett mopped floors. Or maybe he did; he seemed to be full of surprises.
She walked into his office, checking out his space. The walls were cream colored, much like the whole apartment. A large desk sat next to the window with a leather couch on the opposite wall. It was clutter free. She walked over to the desk and sat in his soft, high back chair, swiveling side to side. His desk had a calendar, a few files, and a lamp. She swiveled her seat around, looking out the window. He had an amazing view of the city.
She was spinning around when she saw it, on the ledge of the window, propped up in the corner. There it was, the bronze metal plaque, “On this site in 1897, Nothing Happened.” Emory beamed, staring at the gift she had gotten him. When she saw it in the store, it made her laugh, thinking it was clever.
She had been wrong about his place, it did have a personal touch. Hers.
She had showered and grabbed a banana for breakfast before leaving the apartment. Ethan had left his keys for his Audi but there was no way she was driving his fifty-thousand-dollar car. She was a bad driver, she knew it, she owned it, she had multiple accidents to prove it. Therefore, she cabbed it to Roxanne’s office.
The ride to Roxanne’s office was about ten minutes from the apartment. Walking in, she stopped and felt pride as she looked around. Rox did it! The lobby was set up with floral arrangements and a beautiful seating area. She had left town before the office had been decorated. She had seen pictures but they didn’t do it any justice. It was gorgeous.