“Oh my god, I just want this game to be over.” Putting her hands over her face she tries to block out what’s happening.
Rachel shakes her head. “Well you’re about to get your wish. Ethan just got thrown out of the game.”
Ethan storms across the field peeling his shirt off as he walks and uses it to wipe the sweat off his face. Seeing the tattoo on his left shoulder, she’s hit with a stunning recollection of events. A collage of memories past and present. She sees Ethan and her, alone and naked in the bathtub. His arms wrapped around her like a guardian angel. She recalls the feel of his chest against her back and his lips against her neck. In addition, she remembers that tattoo, how dark the ink was in contrast to his complexion, how soft the skin was under her fingers as she traced its pattern along the hard muscle of his shoulder.
Then she remembers a different place and time, a small dark cabin somewhere in the past. Awakening nestled in the crook of his arm with her face nuzzled into his neck, her breathing matching his in perfect unison. Both images leave her with the overwhelming feeling of safety and love. Quickly, she rises to her feet.
Rachel looks up at her and becomes frightened for her friend. “Olivia? Are you ok?”
“Yes. I just remembered something.“ She can’t take her eyes off him. “I mean, I think it’s a memory. Maybe it was a dream. I don’t know.” She grabs her purse and swings it over her shoulder.
Rachel gets even more nervous. “What are you doing?”
Picking up Ethan’s bag, she glances over at Rachel with a strange look.
“You’re leaving with him?” Rachel gasps. She’s certain that’s not a good idea.
Olivia watches him as he nears. She should be afraid of him and she knows it, but she’s not. She looks back at Rachel. “Believe me... I’m just as surprised as you are.”
“Don’t go with him.” Rachel begs. “What about Noah?”
Olivia looks at Noah who is staring at her from the other side of the field. “I’ll check in on him later.”
Reaching the sideline Ethan kicks off his cleats and is distracted for a few seconds while putting on his shoes. Olivia uses the opportunity to put her hand to her lips and blow a kiss across the field to Noah. He holds his hands out in a questioning gesture as she mouths the words. “I’M SORRY.”
Clutching the key fob tightly in her fist she hands Ethan his bag and follows him silently to the car, leaving Rachel flabbergasted that she would go anywhere near him after witnessing his behavior.
Rushing to keep up, she forgets about the proximity sensor and the doors automatically unlock as she nears. Good thing, because Ethan is not exactly in a patient mood as he swings open the back door and tosses his stuff in the backseat with the force of a child like temper tantrum. As she rounds the hood of the car towards the passenger side door Ethan comes around the back and meets her as she reaches for the handle. “What are you doing?” He yells. Making her jump and step back embarrassed. She had assumed that he still wanted her to go with him. She looks up at him wanting to apologize but she stalls when she sees the anger on his face. “You’ll never open a car door for yourself as long as I’m around.” He growls.
“Oh.” She stands back and allows him to open the door, then climbs in apprehensively. Thinking this might be a bad idea after all, her hand readies on the handle in case she needs to escape. He takes his place in the driver’s seat, his anger not yet subdued, pressing on the brake and starting the engine with a press of the button. Olivia holds the key fob tightly in her hand and notices a small cut on the edge of his eyebrow that’s starting to swell, hinting that Noah got in at least one good shot. “Are you hurt?” Her voice is a little shaky, not sure of his reaction. “Do you want me to drive?”
“No, I’m fine.” Suddenly his mood lightens. “You’re certainly eager to get your hands on my stick shift.” He smirks and raises his eyebrows in jest but it does little to ease her anxiety.
A text message beeps on her phone making her jump.
From Noah: please don’t leave with him
From Olivia: relax. I’m safe. We are just going to have a coffee
Ethan notices the look on her face. “Let me guess… that was Rachel.”
Does she dare tell him the truth? “No, it’s Noah. He just wants to make sure I’m safe.”
Ethan shakes his head. “I have no idea what you see in that guy.”
Ethan’s phone beeps. He smiles and looks at Olivia. “Mine’s from Rachel.” He hands her the phone so she can read it.
From Rachel: Just so you know. If you upset Olivia in ANY way. Scott will kick your ass
Olivia is shocked. “Oh, for Pete’s sake! What’s wrong with everybody?”
He types a quick reply.
From Ethan: I don’t doubt that. Olivia will always be safe with me
On the way to the coffee shop Olivia vents about how her friends are too over protective.
“You’re lucky to have friends that care about you that much.” There is a strange regret in Ethan’s voice. What’s that all about she wonders?
“You must have friends that care about you?”
His face looks sullen for a moment, remembering something hurtful. “I thought I did back home, but I was wrong.”
Feeling sad, she puts her hand on his knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. His expression softens with a gentle smile as he places his hand on top of hers caressing it softly and enjoying their connection as he drives. He wants to feel this connect all the time. He has to have it.
Ethan impresses her at the coffee shop by remembering how she drinks her coffee and ordering for her. The cashier totals the bill and Olivia unzips her purse and reaches for her wallet. When she looks up Ethan is staring at her. “We’re not going to have this argument again are we?”
She looks at him with fawn like eyes, wide and bright and a soft brown that he has never seen in them before. Her long eyelashes flutter nervously. “You bought last time. It’s my turn.”
“Not a chance.” He turns to the cashier and starts to get his wallet out of his pocket.
His tone is dismissive and it makes all her pent up anxiety manifest in a fit of anger.
“Excuse me, but just who do you think you are?”
Ethan’s head jolts sideways looking at her in shock. “I’ll pay.”
She doesn’t back down. “How about you don’t make decisions for me.” Her voice gets louder and Ethan has now turned to face her. “Olivia… Don’t. I’m not in the mood.” There is a strong warning in his look.
“Neither am I. If I want to buy my own damn coffee then I will.” She takes her wallet out of her purse and slams it down on the counter, staring at him with a look that advises she’s not giving in. He growls when he realizes that he needs to give her this one. In a way, it’s somewhat refreshing to have a woman challenge him. “Ok then, have it your way.” He puts his wallet back in his pocket and stands out of the way so she can pay. Looking extremely uncomfortable the cashier looks between them. “Is there anything else?”
Looking over at Ethan, he shakes his head no. “That’s everything.” She unlatches her change purse and looks up at the cashier.
“$3.70 please.”
Horror strikes Olivia as she stares down into a completely empty wallet. Beside her, Ethan has noticed the look on her face and peaks into her wallet. Leaning on the counter with his hand on his chin, he takes great pleasure in her failure. “What’s wrong?” As if he doesn’t know.
“Uh, I forgot I emptied my change out this morning and I guess my debit card is in my car.” She’s so embarrassed. He knows it’s wrong, but seeing her squirm makes him grin from ear to ear.
“It’s not funny.” She says angrily at his reaction.
“Of course not.” He digs his wallet back out of his pocket, takes out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to her. “Here, I’ll LOAN you some money so you can buy your own coffee.” He can’t hold off his smile.
Snapping it out of his hand, she passes it to th
e cashier who quickly counts out her change. When he flashes his boyish smile, she suddenly sees the humor behind it and tries not to laugh as she shakes her head. “You’re so annoying, Ireland.”
Chuckling, he moves further down the counter to wait for their order. The girls behind the counter giggle and flirt with him, as all women do, when he indulges them in playful conversation. As if he could ever resist. “Can we get those ‘to go’ please.”
Olivia stares at him perplexed. Not because he’s flirting, but because the entire time he talks to them there is absolutely no sign of his Irish accent.
When he turns his attention back to Olivia, she asks him. “Are we leaving?”
“Yes, let’s go back to your place. It’s getting chilly and I don’t want you getting sick again.
She makes a face at him. “Ok, Mom.”
He shakes his finger at her. “You best behave yourself, princess. I’m not above giving you a spanking.” In fact, he would love nothing better.
“I wouldn’t try it, if I were you.” She tries to hide her excitement, and wonders what will happen when he realizes that she has deep desires for his kinky promises. All the more reason NOT to date him. Despite her efforts to discourage him, he continues to persist.
“Luckily, you’re not me.” The golden highlights in his eyes threaten to keep his promises. She follows him to the door and out to the car, thankful that it’s a quick drive to her house since she’s now picturing herself bent over his knee with her skirt pulled up to her waist and her panties pulled down just enough to give him access to her bare ass.
She squirms uncomfortably along the way, willing him to drive faster. The minute he pulls into the driveway she jumps out of the car, making him curse at her for not waiting, and rushes to the door. Once inside she turns on the stereo trying to distract herself. When she turns, she finds him sitting on the couch watching her curiously with that sexy smile. Deciding that it’s not a good idea to sit beside him, she turns sharply towards the chair and settles in. His grin widens, knowing why she made that choice.
The curiosity is killing her and she can’t ignore it any more. “Hey Ireland, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” There is no hesitation in his response. She wouldn’t be the first woman to ask him a question that he doesn’t want to answer, but he will.
“Inside the coffee shop, when you were talking those girls… why didn’t you have an accent?”
He didn’t think she had noticed and he jokes. “Ah, well I didn’t want to lead the poor girls on. Speaking without my Irish accent makes me less attractive to woman.”
“Really?” She can’t help herself. “Because I would think that your personality would have the same affect.” She has an internal celebration… Yes! Payback.
“Olivia, you wound me with your harsh words.” He holds his right hand to his heart and pouts.
She pouts back at him, mocking him. “Awww. I’m sure you’ll get over it, pumpkin.”
A small purple bruise is starting to show on his eyelid just below the cut. The dry blood and swelling cause her a little concern. “Do you want some ice for that eye?”
“No, I’m fine.” He shrugs, as if it isn’t a big deal at all.
The bruising brings back memories of the marks she used to hide and she starts to feel a little unsettled. Anxiety starts to creep through her body and up into her shoulders as she recalls the nights event. No longer able to avoid her thoughts, she rattles out her words in an overwrought tone. “I can’t handle physical violence!” She blurts out nervously twisting her hands in her lap.
Startled by her outburst Ethan looks at her, curious about her confession. “Ok.”
She can’t look at him. “I can’t be around you if you’re going to be getting into fights and punching my friends.”
He assumes that her present reaction has to do with the ‘monster’ she talked about when she was sick. There is obviously violence in her past and he feels regret that his actions tonight have made her feel threatened and unsafe. That’s the last thing he wanted but he couldn’t stand seeing Noah touching her. He watches her as she sips her coffee, still avoiding eye contact, and a sick feeling rolls in his stomach at the thought of his temper ruining any chance of having her in his life. He needs to fix it.
The need to put her at ease is strong, making him move towards her. When she still refuses to look at him, he kneels in front of her and takes her hands in his, stilling their nervous fidgeting. “Hey.” He caresses her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs along them until she finally lifts her eyes to his. “Ok, I understand. I’m sorry.” His voice is calm and reassuring and she finally relaxes. Leaning his forehead against her, he makes everything in the world disappear for just a few moments. “I promise. No more fights with Noah.”
“Promise?” She’s hopeful, since he appears to be a man of his word. She doesn’t really know him all that well but there is definitely some kind of connection between them. Something in her heart, that inexplicably draws her to him despite the warnings about his temper.
He lets out a frustrated sigh. “I promise. It won’t be easy because I hate that prick, but I’ll do it for you.”
There is sincerity in his voice and she leans back so she can see his face. “Do you get into fights often?”
He shrugs. “Too often I guess. Luckily I trained at McGuire’s.” He notices that she’s looking extremely uncomfortable with his answer. Getting to his feet, he pulls on her hand making her stand and then drags her over the couch. When he sits, he tugs her down beside him.
“Is that some kind of martial arts training center?” She asks curiously.
He takes his last mouthful of coffee and puts the cup down on the end table. “No… it’s a bar. In Ireland.”
“Oh.” She fidgets, still finding it hard to stifle the nagging anxiety growing inside her. “Tough crowd?”
“Yeah, and that’s just the women.” He’s joking of course, but he can tell it’s not well received. It takes a moment for her to find the humor in his answer and then a smile starts to curl on her lips and she starts to smile, drawing from Ethan a sigh of relief.
Their moment is interrupted as his phone vibrates. Looking at the display, he sees that it’s John and asks Olivia to excuse him as he answers.
“Yeah, what’s up?”
She can hear the voice on the other end but can’t make out what he’s saying. Ethan looks at his watch. “Ok, I’ll meet you there in 10 minutes.”
Ending his call, he looks at Olivia and frowns. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.” He walks to the door and puts on his shoes. By the time he stands up, she has pulled herself together and is standing beside him.
“Good night, Ethan. Thank you for loaning me money for coffee.” She rolls her eyes, feeling pretty stupid again.
“No worries, beautiful. I assume you’ll be paying me back in sexual favors?” His eyes sparkle and that charming grin spreads across his mouth begging her to press her lips against it. She’s tempted, very tempted, but her brain keeps going back to his temper, warning her to keep her distance and stay cautious.
“Don’t hold your breath, Ireland.” Reaching for the knob, she opens the door to let him out. He makes his move before she has the chance to mount a defense, stepping towards her, pressing his warm body against her and lowering his mouth to her ear. “It would be worth holding my breath for your kiss.” As he slowly pulls away, he brushes his warm lips along her cheek towards her mouth. Hovering so close, that she can almost taste him. The promise of his warm lips and wet probing tongue makes her ache with anticipation. Closing her eyes, she waits for his touch, willing him to put an end to her torment. Instead, she hears the door close. He’s left her standing there alone. Wanting. Desiring him. She pulls aside the curtain that hangs over the small glass window in the wooden door and watches him walk through the garden. As he gets to the gate, he turns, knowing that she’s watching, and smiles. Trust her to stumble upon a man who is a master at seduction.
<
br /> Once she sees the taillights of his car travel out of the laneway she makes a quick call to Noah, who doesn’t answer. She leaves a message saying that she hopes he’s not badly hurt and that she’s sorry, then heads for the shower feeling both restless and anxious. The running water doesn’t help her relax. Her mind is still jumbled with a thousand thoughts. All of them compliments of Ethan O’Connell. She wishes she could just go back a few weeks to that day in the office and refuse Rachel’s request to pick up Scott. Things would be so much less stressful now. But it would also be a lot less exciting. The house phone rings several times and wrapping a towel around herself, she hurries to get to it in time. “Hello.”
“It’s me. Are you ok?”
“Yes Rachel, I’m fine.”
“He didn’t lose his temper or do anything stupid?” Rachel sounds aggravated and Olivia suspects that Scott has probably been talking in her ear all night about how she should have kept her from going with him.
“No! By the time we got to the car it was over with. We actually had a lovely visit over coffee.” Well that wasn’t exactly the truth, but if Rachel starts fussing over her like Scott does she’ll never get any peace. “Will you please tell Scott that I said to stop worrying? I’m fine. I don’t think that Ethan is a threat to me. Even with his temper.“ She had barely finished talking and Rachel starts hollering into the background.
“Honey! Olivia said Ethan is not a threat, she’s fine and you should stop stressing.” She puts her mouth back to the phone. “You’re absolutely sure?”
Olivia is reassuring. “Yes, I’m very sure.”
There is some rustling on the phone and then Rachel whispers. “Did he kiss you?”
Olivia laughs aloud. “Are you hiding in the closet again so Scott can’t hear?”
“Maybe. Tell me! Did he kiss you? I have to know. Oh my god he looked hot tonight!”
Olivia is shocked. “Easy girl! He didn’t kiss me but he was definitely thinking about it.”
“I knew it! There is something going on between you two!” She’s yelling in a whisper and Olivia chuckles in amusement.
Intractable Souls : Book 1 of the Bound for Ireland Series Page 18