by Owen, L
“She was really rude to me in the coffee shop. I wanted to get something to eat, and she wouldn’t serve me. Then she told me to leave you alone; that you’re her boyfriend not mine. I thought we were working towards something ourselves!”
Something doesn’t seem right. The Caitlin I’m getting to know isn’t going to refuse to serve a customer, even if that customer is Nicola. She wasn’t keen on me at first, but she was always professional. As for saying I’m her boyfriend, there’s no way. I can’t see that happening at all. She is really shy and private, especially when it comes to me. I’ll bring it up when I call her later, but if I tell Nicola I don’t believe her, she’ll never leave me in peace. I decide to appease her.
“Look, I’ll talk to her later, but I’m away at the moment helping a friend. I really have to deal with this because it’s important.”
“What? Are you saying this is not important? That I’m not important?” Her voice raises to a glass-shattering high pitch. I pull the phone away from my ear.
Taking in a deep breath, I try to muster all the patience I can gather. “No, that’s not what I’m saying, but the quicker I can help my friend, the quicker I can get home, ok? As for us working towards something, you know that’s not true. We’ve gone over this. I’m sorry it’s not what you want to hear, but I’m trying to be honest.” She’s silent now, but I can hear her whimper again. “I’m sorry, Nicola. I’ll talk to Caitlin. I have to go now.” There’s no reply from her. Hanging up the phone is her reply.
Simon doesn’t respond when I knock on the door, so I slowly open it, repeating his name, and I go in. He’s lying on his bed, turned away from me so I can’t see his face.
“Simon,” I repeat again, but this time I get a grunt in response. “That’s how you’re going to greet an old friend after all this time?” I challenge.
Still facing the other way he mumbles, “Did Wendy call you? She shouldn’t have bothered you. I’m fine.”
“Yes, you look fine.”
“Fuck off. I’ll deal with this however I want,” he snaps, turning to face me for the first time. I can now see the mottled scaring down the left side of his face.
It’s not in my nature to sugar coat things. “Be angry, but not with me and certainly not with Wendy. Be angry with the bastards who laid that bomb,” I say, trying to control my anger. Anger that is not directed at him, but at the senseless violence people feel they need to inflict on each other in the name of religion. I can hear his sobbing now. It’s soul crushing to see such a strong man utterly destroyed.
I sit on the edge of his bed. “Simon, I know what a dark place you’re in right now, but I promise if you let us in, we can help you.” I hope I’m getting through to my old friend. “Please, let us in so you can get your life back, for Wendy, but mostly yourself. Neither of you deserves to live like this.”
Looking at my hand on his shoulder, he whispers in defeat. “I don’t know how.”
“I do. There’s a rehabilitation center I went to; they saved my life. If you’re interested, I’ll give them a call, and maybe we can take a drive down there in the next couple of days to have a look around?”
He thinks this over for a short time. Turning away from me again, he rests his head back down on his arm. “Give them a call. I’ll go and have a look around, but I’m not promising anything.” Well, that’s as good as it’s going to get, and I’ll take it—for now.
I leave Simon in his room with the promise to make the call. Once I open the door, there is Wendy anxiously biting at her finger nails. Quietly closing the door, I say, “Don’t get too excited yet. He has agreed to go and have a look, but he’s not promising anything.”
The look of shock on her face has me smiling before she grips me in a tight embrace. “Thank you. It’s a start,” she whispers.
I make the call, and they have a place ready for Simon if he wants it, but it won’t be ready until Friday. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. I decide to take him tomorrow to look around and get used to it. I tell Simon the news, and he seems resolved with the idea, so fingers crossed.
After a lovely home-cooked meal, I excuse myself to my room so I can call my girl.
After two rings she picks up.
“Hey,” she says, but her tone is anxious.
“You ok?” I ask, slightly worried Nicola has caused trouble between us.
“Yes, but um, have you spoken to Nicola?”
“Yes, I did. She said you refused to serve her and warned her to stay away from your boyfriend.”
“WHAT?” she shouts in my ear. What is it with women trying to deafen me today? “That’s not what happened at all! She refused to let me serve her as she didn’t know where my hands had been. Her words. But, she soon took off when I implied my hands had been on you. I’m really sorry, and I know it was childish. She just brings out the worst in me. But I never implied you’re my boyfriend… just that we might have... you know.”
I’m laughing so hard, it takes a minute to compose myself. “Caitlin, she has that effect on most people, and I didn’t believe her. But I like knowing you want your hands all over me!” I say before I think it through. As the words come out, I want to take them back because I’m apprehensive about what her reaction will be.
“Ethan!” she snaps. There’s my shy girl. “Stop it.” She chuckles. “How’s your friend doing?”
“Not great to be honest, but he’s agreed to take a look at The Center, that’s where I healed after my injuries. We’re going tomorrow. If he likes it, I’ll take him back on Friday. I’m sorry, but either way I won’t be back this week.”
“Do you mind telling me what happened to him?”
“He was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. It’s too common a story.”
“Is that what happened to you, too?”
“Yes,” I don’t really feel like talking about that right now, so I skip me and go back to Simon. “Simon lost his arm and was burned severely all down his left side, his face, too.”
I hear a gasp. “That’s terrible. I’m glad you’re there to help him.”
“Me too, babe.” The difference between Caitlin and Nicola is huge. Here’s Caitlin sad and genuinely upset for someone she doesn’t even know, whereas Nicola only cares about herself.
Once we say our goodbyes, I head to bed. Today has been long and tiring. I really hope the week goes quickly, though; I can’t wait to get home and back to Caitlin.
Nine
Caitlin
Ethan’s only been gone a couple of days, and I’m not enjoying the emptiness I’ve felt since. I’m missing him like crazy. These last few weeks of finally getting to know him, once I decided to stop avoiding him that is, have been the best few weeks of my life.
It’s been a long day. I had a full day of work then immediately on to Roman’s class. Once I’m home, I put my culinary skills to good use with my microwave as I run myself a bath. In super quick time, I’m snuggled up in my bed. My phone beeps, making my heart skip a beat. I hope it’s who I think it is.
E: Hey. Hope you’re ok. It’s been a long day.
Me: Mine too. I’ve not been home long from training with Roman. How did it go?
E: Really good. Simon’s agreed to go!
Me: That’s great news! I’m so happy for him.
E: Me, too. Missing you though.
Me: Ha! It’s only been two days.
E: So you’re not missing me?
Do I lie?
Me: Nope
I lied!
E: Really? Not even a little bit?
Me: Well, maybe a little. ;)
E: Enough to want me to come and see you now?
Now? I’m confused. Is he here? But isn’t he at Simon’s?
E: Go to your front door. X
Extreme excitement has me pulling back my covers and running to my door. Looking through the peephole, I see Ethan, and he looks so good. My heartbeat speeds up. I can’t believe he’s here!
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nbsp; I fling the door open and wait for a kiss, a hug, or any type of greeting. Even a simple hello would do, but he’s frozen. What I do hear is his increasingly heavy breathing. Ethan’s gaze hasn’t left my body. What’s wrong? Shit, now I realize why! After my bath, I’d put on a super soft t-shirt I love to sleep in. It might be a little bit see-through because it’s so old and worn. I don’t know what should be done in this highly embarrassing situation, but I choose to slam the door in his face. Instantly he’s knocking.
“Caitlin!” Ethan yells. “Too late. I’ve already seen— Look, let’s just say you better let me in or so help me I’m kicking this door down.”
I snatch my coat from the hook, quickly fastening the zipper, toggles, and belt. He won’t be getting through this sucker! I’m fraught with nervous energy but still excited he’s really here. I open the door, and Ethan immediately barrels in, holding my gaze while slamming the door behind him.
He takes one look at my coat and lifts his brow asking, “That’s supposed to stop me from wanting you?”
I bite on my nail, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. “That’s the plan.” I’m secretly hopeful he doesn’t give up that easily.
“That’s a weak plan.” He smirks, taking a step towards me. I, in turn, take a step back. It’s strange, a few days ago I wasn’t ready for anything physical, but having him before me changes things. Wrapped in my stupid coat, I couldn’t be more turned on. Beth’s idea about sleeping with Ethan to get him out of my system seems like a bloody good idea. Genius even!
“I’ll have you know I’ve given the plan much thought, and I’m convinced it’s fool-proof.”
He takes another step towards me, but this time I don’t retreat. With the gap between us closed, I feel the heat radiating from his muscular body. God, he smells so good. Testing the waters, he reaches his hand to cup my cheek, and when I don’t flinch, he grows more brazen with his advances. With a devious glint in his eye, he moves so his lips are mere inches from mine.
“Why don’t you take off that coat and get on the bed before I rip it off from your hot body?”
I can’t help myself. My lips crush upon his in a hard, but short, kiss. Leaving him stunned, I take off running. Ethan snaps out of it quickly and is right on my heels. Once in my room, my fumbling fingers desperately try to undo my belt. He stops me by placing one of his large hands over mine while slowly shaking his head.
He turns me so my back is to him, and his strong arms wrap around my body to undo my belt. He even makes light work of the toggles. His warm tongue traces the outer edge of my ear just before he whispers, “Let me help you out of this.”
My arms drop, and I lean my head to one side as he begins to kiss and nip at my neck. Once the toggles are undone, he slowly unzips my coat. He steps back, and the coat now slides down my shoulders. I’m left in my see-through t-shirt once again. Nerves assault me, but I want this so badly. I crave a gentle touch. A non-abusive touch. Ethan’s touch. Taking in a deep breath, I turn around to face him before I chicken out. His gaze drifts down my body again, and this time a groan escapes his lips.
“You. Are. Beautiful.” He softly moans when stepping towards me, and I tremble when he speaks again. “Lift your arms, Caitlin.” I step a little closer and do as he’s requested. I hold my breath as he slides my shirt off, and now I’m completely exposed to him. Lustful eyes roam my body, and the thought of how much he wants me leaves my heart racing.
Peeling off his hoodie, he reveals a perfectly muscular torso, and now I can clearly see the tattoos that cover both arms. I’m so mesmerized by the way his defined muscles ripple and move, I don’t even notice he’s stripped off his jeans and underwear. Ethan’s heated gaze meets mine, and his mouth lingers above, barely grazing my lips. After a few painful seconds of waiting, the kiss connects, and it’s frenzied and all-consuming. He’s only been gone two days, but I can’t control my desire for this man. What has Ethan Kendricks done to me?
We walk to the bed as the kiss continues. Gradually, he lowers me, our kiss never disconnecting. Ethan leans over me when he pulls away, but his lips remain near mine.
“Turn over.” With a slightly uncertain smile, I turn onto my stomach. The bed dips on either side of me as Ethan lowers himself to pepper kisses along my spine. It’s been so long since a man’s touch has been so tender, yet so commanding. I crave more; I can’t get enough. He grips my hips lifting them in the air, exposing me to him, but I’m too turned on to be self-conscious right now. Leaning forward, he tweaks my nipple. “Don’t move,” he murmurs in my ear.
He leans back, and I don’t move but wonder what he’ll do next. The bed dips again as he moves away, and then I feel his fingers travel up the inside of my thigh. I squirm.
“Don’t move!” he tells me again, more firmly this time. His hand glides painfully slowly up my thigh once again. He reaches my clit and starts to rub; I can’t help but lift my body just a bit higher as I moan out in pleasure. His finger plunges inside of me, and my moans become louder. Kneeling behind me he asks, “You ready for me, baby? Shit, I nearly forgot, please tell me you have condoms.”
“It’s ok; I’m on the pill.”
“Yes, but what about other the stuff?”
“Well, I’m clean; is there something I need to be worried about?”
“No, babe, of course not.”
“Well, then let’s stop talking about this. Please, Ethan, I need you now.”
“Aw, baby, that’s what I want to hear.” His hand is replaced by his hard cock, and he enters me with one powerful thrust.
The shock and power of it has me shouting his name. “Ethan! Again,” I beg.
He gives me what I want, this time without stopping. His movements grow harder and faster, and I’m left grasping the sheets to keep myself upright. With his relentless thrusting, I feel my orgasm building.
“Fuck, Caitlin. I’m not going to last much longer. You feel so good.” He brings his fingers to my clit, and it’s not long before I’m screaming his name. I come harder than ever before. Only a few more thrusts and Ethan joins me. We collapse onto the bed and lie there a few moments unmoving, just trying to catch our breath.
Finally Ethan says, “Come here, babe.” Gripping my sides and pulling my back into his front, he wraps his arms around me. I’m glad Ethan has the strength to help me, as I don’t have an ounce of it left in my body. There has never been a time in my life I have felt this content. There are no words spoken between us, yet I’m overcome with emotion.
We stay wrapped in each other for a short time before Ethan whispers, “When I saw you in the doorway, I needed you. I’m sorry.”
“Ethan.” I turn in his arms, and I can tell he’s nervous. “If I hadn’t wanted you, I would’ve said no. I wanted it. I wanted it with you.”
He smiles and kisses the top of my head. ”You’re mine, right?”
I look down feeling shy.
“Hey.” He lifts my chin. “Don’t do that. There’s no need to do that with me.”
“I’m yours,” I whisper with a small smile.
He rests his forehead on mine. “That’s settled. You’re mine, and I’m yours,” he declares. It’s odd; when Stephen said I was his, I felt nothing but terror. With Ethan, I feel nothing but pride.
We fall asleep in each other arms, and it’s perfect. In the night, I’m woken by Ethan placing soft kisses to my breasts. He takes his time, making love to me slowly, but it’s just as intense as before.
I wake in the morning, and in my confusion I believe I hear the light fall of rain, but it’s just the sound of the shower. Visions of last night play back in my head. The initial feeling to run hits, but I push it back down.
I still have time before I need to be at work, so I decide to busy myself making breakfast. Being English, I settle on a good old fashioned fry up. Ten minutes later I’m joined by Ethan, and he’s never looked sexier. His jeans rest low on his hips so I can see his well-defined abs. His hair is wet, and he’s drying it with a towel
.
“Morning, gorgeous,” he says as he comes round behind me and places a kiss the top of my head. Looking over my shoulder at the bacon in the frying pan, he asks sounding hopeful, “You’re cooking me breakfast?”
I turn my head to the side. “Yes, I hope you like bacon and eggs?”
He wraps his arm around my mid-section. “Who doesn’t like bacon and eggs, babe?”
“My friend, Beth. She says it’s too greasy.”
He chuckles. “Well, I love it, and you can cook this for me anytime.”
I bring his breakfast over to where he’s taken a seat at the table, but as I’m about to walk off, he grabs my arm and pulls me into his lap.
“Thanks, babe,” he says, kissing me. I could really get used to this.
We begin to eat our breakfast in contented silence before I ask, “So why are you here? Not that I mind. I just thought you were taking your friend to the center on Friday.”
He swallows his mouthful. “Yeah, I am. I have to go back today, but I needed to see you.” He winks at me, and with that, my heart turns to mush.
After I take my own shower, Ethan drives me to work. Kiaya gives me a knowing smile when I enter. I would normally become shy and walk away, but this time I wink and go behind the counter to tie on my apron while Kiaya bursts out into laughter.
“Someone’s happy,” she states once she calms down.
“You have no idea!”
The problem is, my happiness doesn’t last. Once I’m on my own, fears dominate my mind. I probably shouldn’t have had sex with Ethan or even be thinking of starting any type of relationship with him. After fighting against it for so long, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I’d give in, but was it the right thing to do? All day at work I stew over it. I shouldn’t have done it. Why did I do it? Questions like these plague me. Once I get home I’m a real mess, so I phone Beth. She’ll be here in a couple of weeks, but I really wish she were here now.
“Hey,” she says when answering.
“Hi, Beth. I think I fucked up,” I blurt out.