Still Into You

by Andrews, Ryleigh

  “Could you send that to me?” she asked.

  “Of course,” he said, typing a message too—‘Day 1 of new beginnings. <3’

  “Are you going to text me while I’m gone?” she asked, shyly looking up at him while he tapped away on his phone.

  He kissed her adorable forehead. “Of course I will. I want to know what’s going on.”

  “I’m not going to tell until it’s done.”

  “I’ll annoy you until you let something slip.”

  “Pfft. Not gonna happen,” she joked.

  Mia checked her watch and frowned. Time for her to leave. Sighing sadly, she rose from the sofa. She looked down at him with a tremulous half-smile that made him want to hold on to her forever, and stuck out her hand. He took the offered hand and got up. Mia walked over to the door and grabbed her purse and her small carry-on.

  Ethan took her suitcase and they silently made their way down to the lobby. The bellboy loaded her luggage into the waiting limo and turned towards her. “Whenever you’re ready, Miss Devereux.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her voice wavering, her eyes glassy, as Ethan stepped forward to tip the bellboy. She stood at the door, waiting for him to come to her, and he did, a confident grin spreading across his face.

  “So, dessert on Wednesday?”

  “Is that all you want?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

  “No, it’s not,” he said, drawing her into his embrace. “I’d really love to talk with you . . . after dessert.”

  She laughed against his chest, the sound going straight to his heart. Ethan was so glad he got her to laugh. He wanted her to leave with a smile and not tears.

  “I’ll miss you, Ethan.”

  “Same here, suga,” he said, resting his chin on her head. “Text me when you arrive, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Maybe a picture of you in bed?” he teased, his hands sliding up her sides, skimming the curve of her breast.

  “Maybe . . .” she answered on a shaky exhale of breath.

  “Awesome!” he said, lifting up her chin, his eyes locking on her beautiful eyes. “See you in a few days.”

  He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers in goodbye. When he tried to break the kiss, she grabbed his face and kissed him again, lingering like she didn’t want to go. Finally, she ended the kiss and stepped away from him.

  “Bye, Ethan,” she said, entering the limo.

  He put his fingers to his lips and blew her a kiss. He didn’t trust himself to do anything else. Mia returned the gesture as the limo pulled away. This sucks, he thought, as he crossed the street to the parking garage to his car. He needed a distraction. Hell, what he actually needed to do was focus on preparing for next Saturday’s game. He started the engine and put the car in gear. No, that could wait until tomorrow. First, he needed sleep.

  Ethan

  Even though Ethan was finally in bed, he couldn’t sleep. He was too keyed up from his overactive brain processing all that had happened. It amazed him what a difference twenty-four hours had made in his life. He had Mia back. Well, sort of, he thought, looking over at the empty spot on his bed.

  Punching his pillow in frustration, he flopped back down, intent on going to sleep. He shut his eyes, hoping to fall asleep, but then his phone chirped.

  Mia

  March 6, 2011 1234 AM

  I got the picture. I love it and what you said. <3

  Does this mean you made it to LA?

  Yes, in my house right now.

  Where’s my picture?

  Here.

  Ethan opened the attached picture. It was just her sitting in bed, fully clothed and smirking at him. He smirked back at the picture and laughed.

  Not what I had in mind.

  :( What did you have in mind?

  For one, a lot less clothing . . . and that’s really about it.

  LOL like this?

  He pressed the small picture and smiled. Her body rested against the plush pillows. Her skirt and jacket were off and she was in her tank top and those turquoise panties that he had been thinking about since she put them on earlier. With her hair piled high in a bun and her glasses on her face, she was more beautiful than the day he met her, sexier, more confident. He couldn’t get over it.

  Ethan saved both pictures to his camera roll and then texted her back.

  Yes. Much better. Ready for bed?

  Yes. I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was preoccupied ;)

  Same here. I’m exhausted.

  Are you in bed?

  Yeah.

  Go to sleep. I’ll text you tomorrow, ok? For now, sweet dreams.

  Sweet dreams, suga. <3

  <3

  Now . . . sleep could come.

  The next morning had him up bright and early and at headquarters, sitting in the film room, going over tape after tape of the Boston Storm defense. His eyes and mind focused on the films for hours, making occasional notes for the offensive coach, but mostly learning cues the defense made.

  When his phone buzzed mid-morning, his eyes were in desperate need of a break. Ethan picked up his phone and smiled when he saw a text from Mia. Unlocking his phone, he read her message.

  Mia

  March 6, 2011 958 AM

  I’m already up and showered. Allie is a mean woman. She wouldn’t let me sleep in. :( She was pounding on my door at 5 this morning!!!

  If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been at work since 6.

  It’s Sunday. Why are you at work?

  Watching films.

  Falling asleep? Because I would be.

  LOL No. Wide awake.

  I think Allie is mad at me. She keeps pulling my hair.

  That text was quickly followed by a bunch of nonsensical gibberish. A few moments later, he received another text that had him laughing out loud.

  This is Allie, I stole her phone. I pull hair because she keeps nodding off and that’s your fault.

  My fault?

  Yes—your fault. ;) I better give her the phone back before she really throws a fit.

  Good idea.

  A few minutes later, he laughed at the text that came his way.

  Why do I pay her so much? She’s evil!

  She’s the best manager out there.

  She is . . . but don’t EVER tell her I said so. She’ll only want more money . . . and then she’ll be even meaner to me. Did I ever tell you about the time she slapped me?

  She what?

  His phone buzzed with an incoming text—another garbled one. He closed his eyes and imagined Allie and Mia fighting over her phone. Then another text from Allie came through.

  I DID NOT SLAP HER! BUT I WILL!

  Hijinks so early in the morning. Mia must be nervous. Ethan wondered if they were at the meeting or still getting ready.

  HAHA! Allie’s pissed.

  That text was immediately followed by a picture. He touched the thumbnail size picture to make it larger and found himself laughing yet again. The picture was of the two of them: Mia in an office-style chair and Allie standing next to her, pretend-choking her. Todd and Marty were in the background, laughing. Behind them was a large wall of windows, downtown L.A. framed to perfection. Hmm . . . so the meeting was with the entire band.

  Ethan zoomed the picture on to Mia. Though the picture captured her often-childish sense of humor, she still looked gorgeous. At that moment, she was far-removed from her rocker style and seemed every bit the business woman in her smart sleeveless dress.

  God, I need more sleep.

  You look beautiful.

  Send me a picture of you.

  He took a picture of him wearing a Flash baseball hat and a hoodie. He hadn’t bothered to shave that morning. Nothing too special.

  A few minutes later, Allie texted him, “What did you send her?” This was quickly followed by a picture of Mia grinning at her phone. He couldn’t help the smile that came to his face. He loved seeing a smile light up her beautiful face.

 
She looks pretty happy, huh?

  She does. Good job.

  You gonna tell me what’s going on there?

  It’s major, that’s for sure.

  That’s all I get?

  Lots of suits. And that’s it!

  He was going to try another angle, but a text from Mia stopped that.

  :)) I want to kiss that face.

  It would definitely like that.

  Oh yeah? Would it like anything else?

  A serving or two of your lemon chicken?

  Seriously?

  Um . . . LOL

  So, I like business woman Mia. She’s fucking hot.

  Don’t distract me, mister! This texting session was about to change directions to sexting and I was so for that!

  I’m sorry, suga. I’ll be sure to make that up to you.

  You promise?

  And then some. You’ll love it.

  God, I love you.

  I love you. <3

  <3

  He didn’t hear from her again until dinner time and he could sense her frustration in her words.

  I don’t really know why I’m here. All this damn male posturing is ticking me off and wasting my time. Allie and the lawyers are used to this and take it in stride. Me? Definitely not. I’d much rather be back with you than stuck in this conference room.

  Your plan . . .

  Bah! Be quiet!

  Shouldn’t you be paying attention?

  Ugh. Probably. Though I’ve had my words. Just waiting now.

  So, you decided to text me.

  Of course!

  Smart move.

  I’m a smart girl.

  That you are.

  Hope you still feel the same after I tell you this . . .

  What?

  I invited Luke to dinner with us on Wednesday.

  What? Why did she do that? At least it was only Luke and not a big party.

  Why?

  I haven’t been with the two of you, alone, for so long. I need this. Please.

  Ethan couldn’t deny her. Not when she phrased it like that.

  He’s not staying for dessert.

  Oh God. No. Just you and me.

  Good.

  :) Gotta go. ILY <3

  The rest of his day Ethan spent relaxing. Mia texted him goodnight early, telling him she was dead-exhausted and that she had one more day of these flipping meetings. Her words.

  He had hoped to talk to her but when she also texted a picture of her lying in bed, he didn’t pursue it. Her eyes were heavy, barely open. She looked so comfortable in her plush, white bed, her blankets up to her chin.

  He ordered her to sleep, softened only by the use of those three small but so significant words that had seen a resurgence in use after three years of sitting on the bench.

  Mia replied that she missed him and wished she was with him, followed with a text he screenshot to keep forever.

  I love you, too, Ethan Christopher. Nothing has ever felt as right as my love for you. Good night. <3

  The next day, Ethan put his body through the rigors of practice, punishing himself as he focused on drill after drill, forcing thoughts of Mia from his mind as he threw pass after pass.

  At the end of the day, as he sat in the chair outside his locker, his towel around his neck, he didn’t fight the thoughts any longer. Her smile. Her musical laughter.

  When he was in the shower, he swore he smelled her honey vanilla scent.

  He missed her more than he wanted to admit. He was not going to let her go.

  His phone buzzed then played the James Bond theme—the tone he had for Mia. A smile crossed his face as he reached into his bag for his phone to read her text.

  Mia

  March 7, 2011 436 PM

  So HAPPY! That step is now complete.

  Gonna tell me?

  Nope :)

  You are a tease!

  Am I?

  Not really LOL

  About to head to the airport. On my way back home now!

  Ethan liked how she said back “home.”

  Mia

  When Mia arrived in Indy late Monday night, she collapsed and slept until three the next afternoon. She spent her evening with Luke and Kaitlyn, shopping, dinner, and a movie. It was a perfect night with her favorite girl and her best friend.

  The next afternoon while she waited for dinner with Luke and Ethan, she did some more shopping. This time for the things she saw while out with Luke and Kaitlyn, plus a whole lot more. Mia wanted some new clothes. Her trip to L.A. just scored her and the band an eighty million-dollar contract. It was time to celebrate with some retail therapy.

  When Mia got back to the room, she scrambled to get ready. She picked out one of her new dresses, a white sleeveless, high-neck dress that hit her mid-thigh. She wore a wool, tan cardigan over it that hung slightly lower than the dress. On her feet, she put on brown, leather, knee-high boots.

  Glancing at herself once more in the mirror, she nodded in satisfaction at herself. Mia collected her small, white clutch, checking to make sure her room key and phone were inside, and proceeded to head down to dinner. She had made the reservations and hoped that Ethan and Luke were down there already because she was starving. That’s what she got for skipping lunch.

  She entered the restaurant and immediately the hostess called out her name.

  “Ms. Devereux?”

  Mia smiled and stopped for her. “Yes?”

  “Your party has already arrived. I can show you to your table, if you like.”

  “Thanks.”

  Mia felt the warmth of her smile when she spotted Luke and Ethan at the table. Their handsome suited selves stood as they waited for her to be seated. Mia smiled her gratitude to the hostess who quickly turned and left Mia alone with her two men.

  Luke was the first to move. He kissed her cheek in greeting. “Good evening, sweets.”

  She accepted Luke’s kiss and reciprocated with one of her own, then turned to Ethan. His eyes were smoky with desire as they took her outfit in. Guess I picked the right dress, she thought. He bent down to kiss her lips, lingering for a bit before backing away.

  Mia was grateful that Ethan helped her into her chair. Her legs turned to putty with that kiss. As soon as he sat back down, she reached over and squeezed his muscular thigh, and left her hand there. She needed that contact with him.

  “This feels more formal than I originally planned,” she said a little nervously. Seeing them both in suit and ties was a bit too much.

  “No, it’s fine. It’s nice to do this with friends every now and again,” Ethan objected. “And we don’t have to worry about how much we drink now. Your suite is right upstairs. So that’s a bonus.”

  He winked at her. The waiter came by to ask for drink orders. Mia ordered a Coke. The guys went with Scotches.

  They sat in silence as they looked over the menu. There was absolutely no way she was going with a light dinner tonight. “I already know what I want to eat,” she said excitedly, closing her menu.

  “Let me guess—a salad?” Ethan asked.

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “A big, juicy steak, mashed potatoes . . . and a side salad! I’m starving!”

  Ethan and Luke laughed at her exuberance.

  The waiter came by with the drinks. Mia sipped her soda as she glanced around the room. They were hidden in a little nook, windows on two sides, overlooking the busy Indy street. She couldn’t make much out, just the passing of headlights. Their privacy should be safe, so that was not the reason for her nerves.

  She returned her gaze to the two most important men in her life. If she let the thought come to the front of her mind, she’d know her nervousness stemmed from the things she wanted to say to them tonight. This talk was long overdue.

  The waiter returned and efficiently took their orders and left. Everyone went with a steak of some sort.

  After the waiter left, she felt their eyes on her. She knew it was now her time to talk. Ethan cleared his throat and she smi
led over at him, waiting for him to speak. “So, are you going to tell me how your trip to Los Angeles went?” Ethan asked.

  “I would say it was a successful trip,” she said smugly.

  Ethan looked like he was going to say something else, but he picked up his Scotch instead and took a long frustrated drink.

  Yeah, time to tell him. Mia had to give him something . . . something to prove she meant business. “We were in L.A. for contract negotiations. There were things I wanted to have to make my career more flexible. So, we . . . uh . . . ended up with an eighty million-dollar contract plus our own label.”

  Both men just stared at her, mouths slight agape as they took in what that meant.

  “Shit, Mia! Congratulations!” Luke exclaimed, leaning over to hug her. Mia kept her sight on Ethan to see his reaction. After the shock of what she said wore off, a proud smile lit his handsome face.

  He leaned in and kissed her cheek, his lips gliding across her skin to her ear. “Well done, suga.”

  “Thank you,” she said, turning her face to his. He lightly pecked her nose before his mouth landed on hers and kept it there until Luke cleared his throat. The waiters had arrived with their dinners.

  As they ate, the three joked around like they hadn’t been apart at all. It was easy and fun. The time with them put her at ease. She had needed that.

  After having the dinner charged to her room, the trio headed to her suite. She let them in, glad she had tidied up before heading out.

  Immediately, Mia sat in a chair near the stairs leading to the bedroom and took off her uncomfortable boots. She flexed her cramped feet and then put the boots in the corner. She rose from the chair and felt so tiny compared to Ethan and Luke.

  Both men had removed their suit jackets and loosened their ties and headed straight for the seating area. Luke sat down in one of the side chairs and placed his feet on the table. Ethan sat down in his usual spot—the middle of the sofa. Just like that night just a few days ago. The night that basically put her life back on track.

  “Like what you’ve done with the place,” Luke said jokingly. She rolled her eyes at him and flung a pillow from the sofa at him.

  “Ass,” she said with a smile before heading to the mini-fridge. “Do you guys want a beer?” she asked over her shoulder. They both answered affirmatively. She grabbed two cold beers and returned to them. Her smile stretched her cheeks, she was that happy to have them both with her.