Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1)

by Owen, L

  “You want to talk about this?” I challenge.

  “Yes! I want all the gossip.”

  “Okay fine, but first you have to tell me how’s Asher?” Kiaya squirms. It’s great to watch, and I know I’ve won.

  “Um,” she says looking guilty as hell. “Fine, we won’t talk about it then.” By the look on her face you’d think I’d confiscated her favorite toy.

  Laughing at her expression, I say, “Look, nothing happened just a few kisses. A few really, really hot kisses.” I don’t feel the need to tell her we’ve already slept together. Some things I like to keep private.

  Kiaya’s smile returns bigger than ever. “And?” she probes.

  “And nothing, honestly. We kissed, stayed up yesterday evening chatting, and got to know each other better. This morning he brought me here and kissed me, as you just witnessed. He’s giving me a lift home tonight, so we might do something later, too.”

  “You like him!” she exclaims, holding her hands to her chest with a dreamy look in her eye.

  “Yes, I like him. Fine, I admit it. But it’s early days, okay? Please don’t get ahead of yourself. There’s no label on this yet; we’re just seeing how it goes.”

  “Well, I’m really happy for you. He’s hot. I mean that kiss looked HOT. If he kisses like that, just imagine what the sex is going to be like,” she whisper shouts.

  “Kiaya!” I fuss as I burst out laughing. “I don’t believe you just said that!” I’m thankful I don’t need to imagine, as I already know how hot it is.

  She winks then the smile slips. “So really, tell me the truth, how are you doing?”

  I walk around the counter and start tying up my apron. “Honestly,” I say while putting my hand on her shoulder. “I’m fine. I was shaken up, but I’ve been through worse. And, I didn’t have you to help me get over those things.”

  “Smooth.” She laughs.

  “Caitlin, can I have a word please?” Len calls across the shop. I swing my head back to Kiaya, who looks guilty as hell.

  “Did you tell him?” I don’t really need to ask the question because the guilty look on her face says it all.

  “Great,” I mumble. Just another person to fuss over me.

  “Take a seat,” he says, not looking up, but instead studying his paper.

  “Yes, Len, how can I help you?” I try to act as if I don’t know anything.

  He looks up. “Kiaya told me about Saturday night. Apart from that bruise on your face, you look pretty good. So, the fact you’re here and a grown woman, I’ll leave it at that.”

  “Okay, Len, thanks.” I’m relieved. When I move to slide out of the booth, his attention reverts back to racing, but he puts his hand up to stall me.

  “So, Ethan, huh? I should’ve bet money on that; it was a sure win.” Len never has much expression on his face, but one side of his mouth is drawn up in his best effort to smile.

  “Very funny, Len,” I say, trying to hide my amusement.

  This time he lets me out of the booth before he looks up, his face serious again. “Caitlin, I know you don’t have family here. Hell, I’m pretty sure you don’t have family anywhere.” He looks back down. “Just so you know, you do now. Me. You just say the word, and I’m there.” I’m certain he looked away because he knew I’d well up.

  “Thanks, Len. I appreciate it more than you know.” He waves me away, saying nothing else.

  I meet Ethan at the end of the day as promised. We make our way to his truck, and I slide into the front seat. Once I’m buckled, Ethan turns to me and says, “I got you something.”

  “You got me something? Really, you didn’t need to do that.”

  “Well, it’s for me, also.”

  He passes me a bag with a good sized box inside. It’s a DVD player. “Ah, thanks, Ethan. This is really nice, but I don’t have any DVDs.”

  He leans into the back of his truck. “I thought of that, so here. I hope you like them.” He passes me the boxed set of all the Rocky films.

  “Ethan, I love them. I can’t believe you bought them for me.” I’m turning into a big cry baby. Everyone seems to be making me emotional today.

  “Anything for you.” He leans over and gives me a quick kiss before we pull away, heading for my apartment.

  Ethan sets up the DVD player that night, and we decide to watch one Rocky each night. Ethan doesn’t stay overnight at all that week, but he does pick me up from work every evening. We have dinner together then make our way through the films. It’s really nice spending this time with him. If this continues the way it’s going, I can see myself completely falling for this amazing man.

  Friday morning, Ethan drops me to work. We’re rushed off our feet, and it’s been so busy I decide to kill two birds with one stone and take Ethan’s coffee during my break. Walking into the gym, I see Asher and Roman at the reception. “Hi Caitlin, how are you doing today?” inquires Asher.

  “Good, thanks. Is Ethan around?”

  “Well yes, he is, Caitlin, but are you sure you’re not really here to see me?” asks Roman, wiggling his brow.

  I can’t help but laugh at the stupid look on his face. “I’m sure. I did bring you coffee, though.” I wave the container under his nose.

  “That smells good. Thanks, Caitlin. Ethan’s in his office. Go on up.” Roman takes a sip of his drink, teasing Asher by running it under his nose first.

  “Thanks,” I say, walking off.

  “Hey, what about mine? Are you ever going to forgive me?” Asher asks.

  As I ascend the stairs, I call back, “Asher, I’ll make sure I knock this time.” He can’t see it, but I have a massive grin plastered across my face. Serves him bloody right! I know it was a while ago, but I like to prove a point. I don’t know Asher’s reaction, but Roman’s laughing loudly.

  Doing as promised, I knock, not having to wait long before I hear Ethan’s deep voice saying, “Come in.” Turning the handle and going in, I find Ethan sitting at his desk. He puts his phone back in its cradle.

  A smile crosses his handsome face. “Hi, I’m beginning to look forward to this time every morning.” He stands as I walk over to him and he places a kiss on my cheek.

  I get so flustered in this man’s presence, all I can manage out is, “Coffee?” I push the container in his direction.

  Taking the drink from me, he says, “Thanks, babe.”

  “No problem,” I say feeling shy. I really hope my bashfulness evaporates soon; it’s so embarrassing.

  “I’m glad you came over; I was missing you.” He pulls me so I’m standing between his legs, as he sits back in his chair.

  “It’s only been a couple of hours since you brought me to work.” I giggle.

  “And your point?” He grins up at me, and I forget the question.

  “Okay,” I mumble, content being this close to him. I’ve never been forward with men, and with Stephen I never made the first move; he’d never allow it. But in this moment, feeling Ethan’s impressive length digging into my thigh, I can’t help it. Before I lose my new found confidence, I drop to my knees.

  “Caitlin, what are you doing?” His voice is strained. I meet his gaze and bring my hands to his zipper. I don’t move to unzip his pants because I need to make sure he won’t reject me.

  “This is something I want to do. Can I?”

  “You’re on your knees asking to suck my cock?” He chuckles. “I’m not about to say no.”

  As I slide the zipper down, his hard cock juts forward. Holy shit, I don’t know if it’ll fit in my mouth, but I’ll give it my best shot. Wrapping my hand around the base, I give a few teasing strokes before bringing my lips to the head and circling my tongue around the tip. I hear Ethan draw in a sharp breath. Slowly, I pull him into my mouth, sucking in as much of his length as I can take. His hand grips my hair, and he moves my head up and down. “Fuck, Caitlin. That’s so good,” he hisses. This spurs me on, and I continue, quickening the pace.

  “Babe, it’s not going to be long before I
come,” he eventually rasps out. With my free hand, I cup his balls. “Shit,” he gasps. “Babe, pull off. I’m going to come.” I don’t pull off because I’ve heard men think it’s sexy for a woman to go all the way, so to speak. Wanting to be sexy, I suck even harder. Ethan’s moans increase, and by the way he’s wriggling, I know it’s not going to be long. It’s then, right as I’m kneeled in front of him, I realize something—I don’t want to swallow that! It’s not going to be long, and I panic! Pulling back suddenly, my timing is not perfect at all. Something warm hits my eye, and it’s a few seconds before I realize what ‘it’ is. Now my eye is stinging! Crap!

  “Oh shit, babe. I’m so sorry, hold on,” Ethan insists, his voice a mix between a laugh and concern.

  Hold on? HOLD ON! I’m in freaking pain. Jumping up, I run into Ethan’s bathroom. Thank God he has one in his office. There’s no way I could live this down if Roman or Asher caught me like this!

  My shoulder bangs into the door frame as I try to enter because of my panic and one working eye, but that’s the least of my worries right now. Sticking my head under the tap, I let the cold water run into my eye to soothe it.

  Ethan who’s still flustered, comes running into the room. “Babe, here, I have an eye bath.”

  He rams the cup onto my eye while my head’s still under the tap. “That’s not helping.” I snap, pushing his hand away. “I’m blind and will likely need to go to the hospital. How am I supposed to explain this? We’re NEVER doing that again!”

  I take a look in the mirror, and my eyeball is bright red. The pain is subsiding, and it finally registers that Ethan is in hysterical laughter. I had been trying to prove to Ethan I could be sexy; now I couldn’t look any less sexy if I tried. I’m mortified. I need to get out of here!

  “Come here,” he says, pulling me towards him.

  I glance towards the door. “No, I need to go.” I start to back away.

  “What? Is your eye still hurting?”

  “No, it’s finally getting better,” I mumble, really not wanting to have a discussion about it.

  “Okay, good, but you can’t go. You gave me the best damn blow job of my life. You can’t leave before I get to thank you,” he says, moving towards me.

  Holding my hands up, I say, “No thanks necessary. I have to go back to work.” Feeling timid and extremely embarrassed, I can’t believe what just happened. With downcast eyes, I rush out the door, but not before a quick goodbye to Asher and Roman. Hurrying back to Betty’s, I know no one knows what has just happened, but I can’t help acting guilty.

  “You okay?” Kiaya asks. “You’re looking a bit flushed, and why is your eye so red? Have you and Ethan had a quickie or something?”

  It’s meant as a joke, and although it’s not exactly the truth, it’s close enough. I’ve never been a good liar. I must have turned red, as I’m feeling flush all of a sudden.

  “WHAT!” she shrieks. “You did!” Oh my goodness, I can’t seem to speak! I’m just standing there gaping at her instead of defending myself.

  She bursts out laughing. “Looks like he isn’t finished.” She motions towards the door.

  What the hell? I turn around to see Ethan coming through the entrance. Now I’m gaping at him. Can this situation get any worse?

  “We need to talk.” He takes my hand and marches me to the back room, while Kiaya calls back, “I’m waiting for an explanation about that red eye of yours!” Len laughs. Yep, it got worse!

  “I thought you said if I needed help you’d be there for me,” I direct to Len as I’m led past him. Len laughs louder. Great!

  “What the fuck was that?” Ethan asks through gritted teeth. “First, you suck my cock, run off, and then tell Len you need help getting away from me?”

  “Um… well, when you put it like that…” I can’t help the giggle that slips out. Ethan looks angry, but it’s not long before he’s shaking his head and chuckling, too. He opens his arms.

  “Come here,” he says as I walk into his embrace.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I panicked because I was embarrassed. I’m not normally that brazen, and it backfired on me.”

  “Boy, did it,” he says, laughing even harder. My cheeks flush again, but I admit his quip is pretty damned funny. He grows serious, and his hands surround my face. I’m looking into his beautiful brown eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry or embarrassed about.” Lowering his head to mine so our foreheads touch, he makes me sigh. “Please, don’t run from me.”

  “Okay. Just know I wanted to do that. I just… Sorry.”

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s me who should be sorry for…” I cut him off by putting my hand over his mouth. He smiles under my fingers and mumbles under them, “You don’t want to talk about this?”

  “Nope, let’s never mention this again, ever. Please.”

  “We okay now?” he mumbles again, and I quickly remove my hand. He takes my nodding as a yes. “Good. I really need to be going now, but I’ll pick you up after work, okay?” After a quick kiss to my cheek he leaves. I can’t help it; I miss him already.

  SIXTEEN

  Caitlin

  “When’s your friend’s flight getting in tomorrow?” Len asks me after the lunchtime rush.

  “It’s due in at two, and Roman said he will collect her for me,” I reply. Ethan was going to pick up Beth, but Simon hasn’t been doing so well. His wife called worried he wasn’t settling into the facility, so Ethan being Ethan, has dropped everything and gone for an impromptu visit.

  “Well, that’s good then, but I’ll get the afternoon covered so you can go with him.”

  “Really, you sure that’s okay?” I jump forward wrapping Len in an awkward hug.

  He shakes me off, his face turning red, “Of course it’ll be hard with you working while she’s here, so I may be able to cover another one of your shifts in the week, as well. One of the weekend girls is happy to pick up extra.”

  “You really are the best boss ever!” I try to throw my arms around him again, but Len puts his hand up to stop me.

  “No need.” Len’s looking flustered, so trying to subdue my laughter, I walk back to the counter to serve some customers who walked in.

  ***

  I can’t breathe. Have my lungs deflated? “Roman you’re an evil, evil man,” I try to say as I draw in much needed oxygen. That was a tough training session. I had agreed to train with Roman tonight straight after work. Now I’m regretting it after a full day on my feet.

  “Suck it up. That’s nothing.” I can’t believe Roman’s not even broken a sweat. “Look, in all seriousness, I don’t want you to worry about your fitness too much. It will come. I was more interested in your ability. I have to say, I’m impressed, and it takes a lot to impress me.”

  Finally, I straighten up and after that last comment, I’m proud of myself—even if I feel as though I’m dying and my respiratory system has disintegrated. “Thanks Roman, but I don’t think my legs will move. Can you take me home, please?” I whine, trying my best to bat my lashes; even they ache.

  Roman laughs when I grimace trying to move my legs. “Do you need me to pick you up like my brother does?”

  Remembering how Ethan lifted me over his shoulder has me missing him even more. I haven’t heard from him since he left. I don’t want to bother him because I know he’s busy with Simon. “I’ll manage.” I grumble as I pack up my stuff.

  As we drive home, I suddenly remember something I need to tell him. “Oh, good news! Len has covered my shift tomorrow so I can go with you to get Beth.”

  “That’s great.”

  “Roman, are you sure you don’t mind? I mean, I can make my own way there. I really don’t want to put you out.”

  “I don’t want to get into this again. When have you ever known me to do something I don’t want to do?” he says, trying to give me a hard stare, but only succeeding in looking constipated. It’s only after I’ve finished laughing that I tell him why I am so amused.

&
nbsp; Arriving home, I drag my aching legs up the flight of stairs that lead to my apartment. We really need an elevator. I will suggest it to management first thing in the morning. Once inside, I drop my arse to the comfy, if not a little tattered sofa, and refuse to move until the feeling returns to my weary legs. I may be here a while. I’ve never been happier in my life to own a cordless phone because it’s already next to me when Ethan phones me later that night. “Hi, babe. It went well with Simon. I think seeing me lifted his spirits, but I’m going back to see him tomorrow just to put Wendy’s mind at ease.”

  “I’m so glad, Ethan, but I think your sergeant major brother has crippled me.”

  Booming laughter sounds through the receiver. “That bad, huh?”

  “Yes, I need a cuddle.”

  “Ah, poor baby. I wish I could. Tomorrow, I promise.” I’ll be looking forward to it.

  I’m so excited when he promises to pick me up the following evening. He says he’s planning a whole evening for Beth and me. I can’t wait! Ethan will be home, and Beth will be here. At last I can truthfully say life is good.

  ***

  The next morning at work drags on, but I’m glad the feeling in my legs has returned. I’m like a kid on a sugar rush; I feel so high. My best friend is finally coming to visit! I met Beth when I was in nursery school, but if I’m honest, I hadn’t started off liking her. Beth is beautiful. When I say beautiful, I mean model beautiful. She could never be a model due to the fact she is only five foot two, though; she’s far too short. Girls always envy her golden blonde hair that hangs in waves half way down her back. Her face is almost symmetrical with full lips, a straight nose, and eyes a deep shade of blue.

  So at the age of three, when a boy named Jack, who followed me around like a lost puppy dog, wanted to play with her instead of me, I wasn’t a happy camper. I didn’t like her one bit. Apparently, I would walk into a room and slam the door shut just so she couldn’t follow. I was a bit of a diva back then.

  One day, Jack was playing with some boys, and they wouldn’t include me because I was a girl. I started to cry when one of the boys pushed me over. Beth ran in and pushed the boy back. It’s funny when I think about it now. He was really big for his age, and she was tiny, but he didn’t intimidate her. Beth helped me to my feet. “If he comes near you again, don’t worry. I’ll bite him.” Needless to say, we’ve been inseparable since. Well, until Stephen. Even after we’d become distanced, she still welcomed me back and helped me without any judgement or question. Beth is one of the best people I’ve ever known, and the only regret I have had leaving England.