by Cara North
“Gracie.” Ethan tapped on the door. When he heard the next surge of vomit, he opened it.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” He pulled her hair back and held it.
“I think I have a stomach virus,” Grace said in between heaves.
“Well, that explains a lot.” Ethan grabbed a ponytail tie from the sink and twisted it in her hair. He wet a cool washcloth and placed it on her neck.
She had seemed a little more lethargic and pale lately. Like now, she seemed weak. Tears followed the last heave as she started to cry.
“I don’t want to be sick.” Grace flushed the toilet and held her head. It seemed to be over just like that.
“Come here, baby.” His soft words caressed her. Ethan picked her up and carried her to bed. He pulled the cloth from behind her neck and wiped the tears away. Her lip pouted full. “My poor little angel, what can I do?”
“Will you make me a milkshake?” Grace really wanted a milkshake right now.
“Are you sure milk is what you want? You just threw up.” Ethan raised a brow.
“Yes.” She sniffed. The tears were gone, a momentary lapse. “Strawberry.”
“I’ll have to go to the store.” Ethan pushed the loose red curls behind her ear. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay.”
“Okay. Can you get rid of the chicken?” Grace pouted.
“Yes, I will get rid of the chicken.” Ethan couldn’t help but laugh at himself. He felt like Chase. He always made fun of how he gave in to Megan’s every whimper and whine. Now, he was doing the same thing for Grace. At least Grace was sick. That made a difference; at least, that’s what he told himself.
Ethan returned thirty minutes later with everything he needed to make Grace’s milkshake. She was outside in the hammock when he returned. They spent a lot of time there together. How he would manage without her after the wedding he had no idea. Actually, he had no intentions of being without her for long after the wedding.
“Gracie,” he called from the porch. “Do you want me to come out there?”
“No.” Grace pulled out of the hammock and headed for the back porch. “Let’s sit outside though. It’s such a nice evening, don’t you think?”
“I do.”
* * * *
Chloe was surprised to find the front door unlocked. She had talked Charles’ secretary into telling her Ethan’s location. Emma had money and power, and that talked to people. Chloe hated being here. She shouldn’t have to go this far.
Last night she stayed at the Patterson house. The son was a doctor and a real weasel. She asked about Grace, and he told her all about her. He made it clear that he would help her get Ethan out of Grace’s life in any way necessary.
The little shit actually tried to make out with her. She suggested a few drinks to loosen up. By the time he was finished, she had more than enough information and a key to the house.
She stood in the hall and heard all she needed to hear. After a few moments, she left, got in her car, and headed back to the city. She had no idea what to do now.
Emma would be furious. Joshua would be looking for her, and if that other man came around again, she would just give the whole thing up. Joshua was intimidating enough. His smoking partner was lethal. There was a distinct difference between them.
The drive back to the city was thirteen hours long. That gave her a lot of time to think. To plan. To decide what she was going to do.
* * * *
Chloe left as quietly as she went inside. Ayden knew she didn’t buy the gun since he had been tailing her hours after Joshua called. It was easy to find Chloe. She was lousy at being a bad guy or gal as the case may be. For the Big Dog to call him, Ayden knew it was important. Joshua looked out for his family. Ayden understood that all too well. He was stationed in New York but had two little sisters to keep up with. One in Tennessee and the other in Kentucky, they both knew him but only as a brother. Joshua was leaving the force. Moving to a small town he said. He could become a safe house.
But for now, Chloe was leaving, and this house was safe. He followed at a safe distance behind her.
Grace enjoyed her milkshake, and Ethan enjoyed Grace. It was a soft summer evening. The breeze was crisp and the air clean.
“I could get used to this.” Ethan stretched in the rocking chair. “Slow living, just spending my days painting and my nights holding you.”
“You would get bored, I mean, look at us. We barely leave the house. I’ve taken you to Fort Macon, the Aquarium, the beach. You’ve just about seen it all.” Grace thought of the day in the city. It was busy all the time, people in motion, a life all to itself. New York was a far cry from Beaufort.
“New York never sleeps. There is always something going on. It is an amazing place to live. Every culture, every cuisine at your fingertips. It can be wonderful for a single person because you never have to be alone. The city is your companion.” Ethan took a breath. “It can be wonderful for a family. The exposure to so many different people can open a child’s mind to the world.”
“I would like to travel the world someday.” Grace wasn’t sure what Ethan was saying, but it sure sounded like he was making an argument for Beaufort in one sentence and an argument for New York in the next.
“We will.” Ethan grabbed his glass and headed back inside. He wouldn’t give her the chance to shut him down.
Grace felt her heart flutter. She could have sworn he said we. Why did he always make her feel like this was a permanent situation but never make a move to commit? He couldn’t leave New York, and she didn’t want to leave Beaufort, but for Ethan, she would. But he would have to ask. Too many women pressured him and found the door out of his life. She wouldn’t pressure him, not at all.
Ethan stepped into the kitchen and realized the front door was cracked open. It made his hair stand on end. He hurried over, shut it, and locked it. He scoped the entire house. Damn, he had lectured Grace on locking it and then he forgot. This house was too safe; it lured a person in and then made them let down all their defenses.
He scanned the rest of the house and finally settled in the bedroom. He heard Grace humming her way down the hall. She was so soft and feminine, just the thought of her body next to his made him ache. Stupid because she wouldn’t allow him to even give her oral sex.
“Well, I head back tomorrow.” Ethan packed his clothes into one suitcase in the bedroom.
He was leaving a lot of things behind but didn’t want to leave it all and push her too fast. It had been almost a week. If he had known Grace had already booked a flight for the next day months ago, he would have left with her. Now, he was leaving the day before. All plans to woo her went out the window when the no sex policy came to play. Then, she got sick and now...
“I hate that you leave before me.” Grace slid her hand along his back.
“Grace, I have had a lot of self-control the past few days, but I swear I am loosing it.” Ethan’s voice dropped.
“I know so am I.” Grace pressed her face into his back and inhaled. “God, I love the way you smell.”
“You’re killing me, woman.” Ethan groaned. He had held her every night and every morning, snuggled her in the hammock and on the couch, stroked her hair, played with the curls but kept his hands steady. Grace was firm that she wanted to wait until she had her own birth control since the condoms couldn’t contain him.
“Then, we’re dying together. Do you think this has been easy for me?” Grace gripped his chest and inhaled again; her breasts pushed into his back this time.
“Especially since now I can’t get a prescription until I get back next week.” Her doctor had an emergency, and all appointments were cancelled and rescheduled. She wouldn’t consider someone else. She had seen the same doctor all her life.
“I can double up.” It was an act of desperation. Ethan was loosing his mind with desire. Why torture him on the last day?
“Will that work?” Grace was out of patience herself. Not having sex with Ethan just made her f
eel closer to him. He had become more caring, more loving toward her when she expected him to do the opposite and withdraw. “I mean, can you get two on there?”
“Yes.” Ethan stopped packing and pushed her hands from his chest to his groin. He dropped his head back as Grace slid beneath his shorts to fondle him. The beast was awakened within.
Grace nipped at his back with her teeth. Her fingers twisted in the curls above his erection gently. She felt his back getting hotter and his breath heavier. His arms now pulled the shirt over his head leaving nothing between her lips and his skin. She licked a long line between his shoulder blades as high as she could tiptoe and reach.
That was it. He couldn’t wait any longer. Ethan turned grabbing her thin shirt at the neck and shredded it. Her breasts heaved beneath his hands as the bra fell to the floor. His mouth covered hers, and Grace practically climbed him like a tree. She had worn a summer skirt that day. His hands eagerly found her wet and ready. Holding her with one hand, he slicked a finger between the velvet folds.
“I want you now, Ethan.” Grace was holding on to his shoulders tightly. They stood next to the suitcase.
“Hang on, honey.” Ethan reached for the box of condoms. “Two.”
Grace pulled two from the box and tore them free. Opening the wrapper, she realized he still had his shorts on. She bit the packages and used both hands to free him.
“I can set you down.” Ethan was surprised at how quickly she was moving. He could barely hang on to her.
“No.” Grace pulled the condoms from her mouth. “Please.”
She slid the first one over. Ethan gripped the panties now and pulled them free. He swore she wore thin strings, so he could have easy access. The second was a little tighter and more difficult to roll on, but Grace managed without hurting him.
“Okay,” she rasped. “I’m ready.”
“Like this?” He held her with both hands and slowly pulled her over his erection.
“Yes.” Her head dipped back, and her legs gripped him harder. “Just like that.”
Ethan wasn’t sure if his legs could bear it. He may just collapse. Grace was hot. He could feel it through both layers of protection and only wished he could feel it firsthand. Another time. He pulled her down pushing farther into her and watched as her face smiled, and her tongue slipped over her lips.
Grace couldn’t believe he could hold her, standing there. She was not a petite woman, but Ethan was not a small man. He could lift her, hold her, and fulfill every fantasy with ease. There was no wall on her back, just one of his hands now. She arched back and lowered her head toward the bed. He held her suspended in air pulling her into him over and over again.
Grace had to pull up, or he was going to drop her. He pulled her back up to him and kissed her lips. She surged inside, and he felt dulled vibrations gripping him. Her eyes said it all; she was coming. He pushed harder and deeper. He only wished he could feel more.
“Ethan.” His name was on her lips.
“Grace, if I go, we’ll fall to the floor.” His voice was desperate.
Her eyes were half open. She was deep in bliss. She had gotten what she needed. “Do what you want with me.”
Ethan replied with a growl and laid her on the bed. The only way to make this happen was to take it slow. The two condoms dulled most of the sensations, so he needed to gather them all, feel as much as possible. He held her legs with his arms, her knees at his elbows, and pulled out almost completely before slowly pushing back in.
Grace whimpered beneath him. Her nails dug into his back. He slid again almost completely out and then all the way in. Over and over slow and purposefully, Ethan pulled and pushed inside her. Grace could feel another orgasm building inside her. This was torture. She thought for sure he would be quick after waiting. Ethan was full of surprises.
Finally, he felt the pressure build, and the wave surged over him. He watched Grace as she met his pulsation with her own.
“Grace, I...” He stopped. No, he had said it once. She would have to admit it before he would say it again. He groaned out instead.
“Yes.” She was looking him right in the eye when he came, thought for sure he was going to say he loved her but stopped. If he said it, she would have confessed her own feelings. She loved Ethan. She wanted to hear him say it though. He had to tell her first.
“I can’t believe we did that.” Ethan laughed. “You’re a very naughty girl.”
“What?” Grace giggled. “You lured me in.”
“With packing?” Ethan pulled out and removed the constricting duo. “Ow.”
“Did they hurt?” Grace still lay back on the bed.
“Not much, little tight, little numbing.” Ethan shrugged and headed for the shower. “But they didn’t break.”
* * * *
Grace woke up the next morning like the last few. Ethan was holding her. It was difficult to think of sleeping alone again. They had become so close in such a short time.
“I don’t want you to leave.” Grace could feel the change in his breath and knew he was awake.
“I don’t want to leave.” Ethan mumbled into her hair. “But my brother’s getting married, and I’m the best man.”
“Well, at least I will see you tomorrow.” Grace sighed. “It’s after the wedding that worries me.”
“What do you mean?” Ethan breathed in her scent. He loved the smell of jasmine now, had made it a point to order some when he got home.
“You know, when everything gets back to normal. School starts in a few weeks at the end of August. I will have to get back to work. I’m only off on weekends and holidays.” Grace was trying to figure out when she could see him again.
“We’ll work it out, Gracie. I’ll work it out.” Ethan hugged her tightly. He would in fact figure out what to do. Seeing Grace every other weekend was not an option.
Chapter 16
New York, New York
Ethan stood outside Chase and Megan’s apartment and knocked one last time. No answer. He used the key.
“Megan?” he called for her. She was supposed to be here.
“Megan?” Still no answer. He walked deeper into the apartment and noticed there was music on in the bedroom. Since he had just spoken to Chase on the phone, he knew his brother wasn’t here. His back stiffened, and his jaw tightened.
“Megan, I swear as God is my maker I will kill you if there is another man here.” His voice was barely above a whisper.
Standing in the bedroom doorway Ethan couldn’t believe his eyes. Megan lay on the floor apparently around a newly installed stripper pole. She was dressed in her underwear and had thrown clothes about the room.
The CD stopped playing music as a sultry woman’s voice said. “Now, stop spinning and look at your man.” The voice carried on with more directions. Ethan looked at Megan. She was still, lifeless, really close to the chest of drawers. He realized she must have knocked herself out spinning on the pole.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Ethan said aloud. He walked over to Megan and kneeled down. “Kinkiness runs in the family.”
Putting his ear to her lips, he knew she was breathing. He said a thankful prayer and picked her up.
“Megan.” Ethan shook her and the bed. “Megan, wake up, talk to me.” He didn’t want to smack her, or did he? He tapped her cheeks lightly. “MEGAN!”
“What, what?” Megan was dizzy. There were two men in front of her, and they were yelling as they merged into one. Ethan. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“One might ask the same of you, Miss Thang, but I’m afraid you’d actually tell me.” Incredible, the woman must be set to bitch at all hours and for all situations.
Slowly, she became aware of her surroundings, of the CD that still played in the background. Of the fact she was practically naked. Her face turned red, real red, and the tears began to flow.
“Oh no, you don’t,” Ethan started. “This is not my job.” He flipped open his cell phone and called his brother, demanding Chase
get home instantly.
“Ethan, you can’t tell him. It’s a surprise.” Megan sobbed. “Please.”
“Not sure what you’re asking here.” Ethan looked around. “How do you plan to hide this?”
“Take the pole down. Take the CD out.” Megan was desperate, and her head hurt. “I’ll say I ran into the wall vacuuming.”
“Are you nuts?” Ethan now fed clothes to her out of a drawer. She was very upset and concerned when his loft caught fire, so he would help her. She was going to be family now either way, by marrying Chase or when he married Grace. Yep, he decided right then. He had to marry Grace.
“Please, Ethan, I swear I will do anything. Don’t tell anyone.” Megan’s voice was squeaky and whiny.
“AGH! Okay, just stop crying and put some clothes on.” Ethan removed the CD and pointed to the pole. “Little help here.”
“At the bottom is a latch and then at the top, it will screw into itself.” How humiliating. Her diva status was at an all time low right now. All she wanted was to surprise Chase. She should have signed up for the actual strip tease class instead. At least then she wouldn’t be here humiliated in front of her nemesis. She would never live this down. “You can hide it in my closet, far back, right-hand side.”
“You owe me for this.” Ethan turned the pole in opposite directions, and sure enough it spun down on itself and stood about four feet tall. This was all more information than he ever wanted to know about his brother’s sex life.
“I know,” Megan whispered. The apartment door shut, and the frantic sound of Chase calling for her broke the air.
“In here,” Ethan yelled.
Chase ran straight to Megan. “Are you alright? Are you okay?” His breath was labored.
“She’s fine, ran into the wall.” Ethan rolled his eyes. Like that would happen.
“Again? Babe, I told you to be careful. You know you have bad depth perception.” Chase rubbed her head gently. “You have to wear your contacts if you’re not wearing glasses.”
Ethan just laughed. So, the diva was a bit of a klutz, and she needed glasses. No wonder she always held on to Chase. How she had lived this long in the shoes she insisted on wearing was beyond all belief.