She moans and the sound rushes over me like fire on gasoline. It makes me go crazy and I pound into her harder, watching all that I wanted to watch as she comes undone in my arms.
Moments later she comes but I keep going, fighting my own release for as long as I can.
I fight to hold on to pleasure but then she moans out my name and reaches for my hand as she writhes beneath me.
That’s when I come too.
I blow into her in a rush and I allow the climax we both share to guide me. It moves me to her lips for a kiss but I move away and set my elbows either side of her so I can stare at her lost in pleasure. Lost in me.
She makes me lost in her too.
I woke first to the bright morning sunlight so I went downstairs to make breakfast. And think.
I had time to think and there was a lot to mull over.
Last night happened and yes I did go to the club to see Bree and talk. Talking was what it was supposed to have been, but talking about life was so far from my mind when I saw her.
Now the problem is back in my mind.
That and my sketchy plans for Cape Cod. The whole six months thing my grandfather threw into the mix of getting the business has thrown me off, so has this house Bree wants. I could make other arrangements, it’s not like I don’t have the money. But it would put off some of the plans I had to purchase more property.
Of course the other thing throwing me off is Bree. That trip I planned to take was one where I know I’d be gone for months with no end date. when people do things like that it means they’re not happy, or they’re looking for something.
I’m in a weird place but that doesn’t mean I have to delay scattering Amelia’s ashes. In fact, I shouldn’t. It’s like carrying a ghost with you wherever you go and you and them are both stuck in limbo together.
I already contacted her father months ago about doing it on the anniversary of her death. I think I should keep to that plan. I think it would be good for me.
That’s in little over five months’ time, so close to the six month mark. I was hoping to be in Cape Cod in about a month or two but the plan I have for Bree would see me staying here for the whole time.
That’s if she agrees. The whole thing won’t happen the way I want if she doesn’t agree.
If she doesn’t agree, I can’t say I’d be mad at her. even despite the way we were last night.
She has a life too and I need to be mindful she just got out of a relationship. She might have been planning to end things with Liev but that doesn’t mean she had no feelings for him.
I continue making breakfast and just before it’s done I hear her dainty footsteps coming down the stairs. I wanted to serve this to her in bed but maybe this is better. that bed will probably get me in trouble and again and we need to have a serious conversation.
She appears in the kitchen doorway wearing my shirt, which once again looks miles too big for her.
I’m shirtless. All I have on is my joggers like usual when I get up. Today I’m glad for my chosen attire because Mrs. Bree Carson runs her eyes over me as if she wants to eat me. then the good girl comes back and she blushes. There’s also a tentative expression on her face that mirrors how I feel.
“Morning,” she says, her voice is laced with caution even though she’s giving me a warm smile.
“Morning baby, you’re starting to look better in my clothes than I do.”
She giggles. “It’s comfy. So is your college shirt which I should return.”
“No you keep it.”
“Thank you and thanks for breakfast. It smells and looks amazing.”
“Like you. Come here to me.” I crook my finger and she moves to me.
I lower to kiss her and love the feel of her hands pressing on my chest.
I have to pull out of the kiss when the twitch in my dick entices me to take her. I remind myself to focus.
“Sit, we have to talk Bree.”
She pouts and lowers to sit in the wooden chair I pull out for her.
“Don’t you want to talk?” I ask playfully when her gaze drops to the table top.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m confused.” Her gaze meets mine. “You confuse me like you always have and I like this version of us. Today’s Wednesday Ethan, aren’t we supposed to sign those annulment papers?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t you feel weird?”
“Yes. I do.”
This is a good start. Maybe. I’ll see.
“Hear me out. Do you remember what I said about my grandfather and the business?”
She nods slowly. “Of course I remember.”
“Well, I have an offer for you.”
Interest flickers over her face. “An offer? What kind of offer?”
I pray she doesn’t get mad at me, because she could and slap me again.
“I met with him the other day and his terms have slightly changed. Of course he thinks our marriage was real and wishes us well, but he wants to be sure we’re the real deal. So he said he’d transfer the business to me in six months, basically if we’re still married.”
“Six months?” she mutters cautiously.
“Yes, six months. My offer is this: if you stay married to me for six months, I’ll give you that house.”
Her mouth drops open and she sucks in a breath.
“What! You’ll give me the house? Give?”
I smile and nod. “Yes. I’ll give it to you and I’ll fix it up. It might take around that time anyway to fix up because the floor is quite bad and that has to be done before you can turn it into your spa.”
She stand and gazes at me. “Ethan is this for real? You’d give it to me? It was worth a million dollars to you.”
“Bree, my family business is worth a billion dollars and with the things my grandfather has set in motion, I see that expanding. Of course the other thing is, because we’d be married for longer and I’d acquire the assets during the course of our marriage you’d own half of what I own at the end.”
Her hand flies to her heart. “Jesus. I couldn’t do that to you.”
“It’s actually fine. The problem is getting there. To that point where we can even talk about that. That’s if you want to.” I nod. “I also thought… well I like this version of us too, Bree. I’m not just saying that because I want my family business. I’m being serious and I think it would be foolish if I didn’t take the chance to explore whatever this is. If only for six months.”
Saying all of that to her is harder than I thought it would be.
She stares at me and I’m not sure what she’s going to say. Then she pulls in a breath and looks less confused.
“Yes,” she breathes.
I push to my feet. “Really?”
She smiles. “Yeah. I want to. I think the crazy version of me in Vegas would kick me if I said anything other than yes.”
I kiss her quickly. “Thank you. It looks like we have a plan.”
“Oh my God. What do we do now?”
The next step. “Well I think to make things look legit you should live here if you want to.”
She sucks in a breath. “You want me to move in here with you?”
“Yes, wife.”
She chuckles and I steal the moment to kiss her quickly. “This is so crazy, Ethan.”
“I know, but since when did we do anything normal?”
“That’s true.” She nods.
“You want another crazy idea?”
“Why not.”
“Well did you still want to go to Italy?”
“Oh my gosh yes.” She jumps up and down excitedly with her hands clasped and I think this might all actually work.
“Then we leave at sunrise.”
Chapter 23
Bree
The furthest I’ve ever travelled from home Barbados. That was a trip Papa treated us to when he was able to get out of debt and expand the bakery.
I was already out of high school, and I�
��d done my time dancing at the bar.
Going there was like a dream come true. It was a beautiful paradise and I felt like I was walking around in a screensaver. But being in Italy is a whole other experience I’m not sure I could describe.
We landed at Galileo Galilei International in Pisa late last night. Too late to see the place properly but what I saw was stunning. We spent the night therein the most elegant hotel and I really felt like we were on our honeymoon.
Ethan booked a suite for us in a chateau and where we indulged on each other until the sun came up.
When morning came the two of us started the journey to his grandfather’s vineyard in Montalcino in Tuscany and that’s where the true beauty of Italy really hit me.
Our trip took us through a fascinating landscape of lush green and yellow rolling hills and a countryside to die for. Nestles in the beauty were little picturesque villages like the kind you’d see on postcards or in films where the houses are made of bricks and have that old European feel to it.
I was completely in love by the time we arrived at his grandfather’s house which looks like a chateau itself.
Ethan looked a lot like his grandfather, Mac, who welcomed me with opened arms and seemed so happy for us. I remember him a few times growing up. today was the first I actually met him properly and his new wife who I’d never met. I do remember Ethan’s grandmother though, but I saw her probably about the same amount of times I saw his grandfather.
We were given the little cottage on the edge of the lake where we offloaded our things and now it’s dinner time.
We’re seated next to each other around a large wooden table in the dining hall.
After dinner Ethan’s going to take me for a walk in the vineyard. I simply can’t wait until we go. I’ve seen the entrance of it but I can’t wait to walk on the grounds and watch the sun set.
Mac and Diane made the dinner even though they have a chef. They insisted on cooking for us and setting up our rooms. There are also maids too who ill around the house and I noticed a few workers on the property, probably tensing to the vineyard.
The dinner is roast beef with spring vegetables and an assortment of interesting little dishes in platters.
“I hope you like to eat Bree,” Diane says lowering to sit opposite us. “You look like a gym bunny with that body.”
She looks me up and down and I have to laugh. I wish Lucille could hear that.
“Thank you so much for saying that. I love my food and I can’t tell when last I saw the gym. It’s because I run around all day at my salon.” That’s from me trying to make ends meet because I couldn’t hire the staff I needed and I couldn’t afford to turn customers away.
Diane looks at me in surprise. “My God girl, well God must definitely have blessed you. I would have to run several miles and live in the gym to look like you.”
She wouldn’t. She looks great for her age and I would have thought she was younger than what she is.
“You look just fine to me, woman,” Mac says with a hearty chuckle.
I like that he’s a true Sothern gentleman and hearing him talk now I know how Ethan is able to do his twang so well when he’s teasing me. Neither of his parents sounded like that, but Mac does.
“Well I’m glad to hear that,” Diane replies and he bends down to plant a kiss on her forehead.
Ethan and I exchange glances and smile at each other as we watch them.
We’ve been here for a few hours but it’s been evident that his grandfather and Diane are as much newlyweds as we are even though they’ve been married for years.
Mac grabs the salad, that’s the last thing, and sets it down on the table, then plants himself down next to Diane.
Although I know they’re happy for us, I’m nervous because I know we’re being assessed and I also feel uncomfortable because the truth of this plan Ethan and I concocted is lurking in the back of my mind.
A plan I haven’t taken a moment to really think about yet.
“This is really nice,” Mac states. “I didn’t really think you would take me up on my offer to come here but I’m so glad you did.” He looks at Ethan.
“Thank you. I think Bree and I both needed the break.” Ethan glances at me and I nod.
“The break and the experience,” I say beaming from ear to ear. I can’t get over where I am and how fast things have moved in just a matter of days. Last week this time I would have never dreamed I could be in Tuscany and we’re staying here for two and a half weeks. This week we’ll relax in the vineyard then we’ll spend the rest of time sightseeing all of Italy. I can’t believe it.
Everyone back home are so jealous. Shelby and Quinn were thrilled for me. Mama of course complained because flying off meant Ethan couldn’t go to the dinner she started planning. Thank God we did this because that dinner was going to have everyone including Lucille.
“Oh Bree there’s a beautiful boutique in one of the nearby villages,” Diane states. “I’d love to take you there. They have the most gorgeous swimwear and little dresses. You’d love it.”
“I would absolutely love to go.”
“Great. We’ll sort out the best times. The wine tasting event is tomorrow and we’re hoping to reopen the winery by the end of the week.”
That’s what they do. I could see my parents loving something like this. Mama would like it here, and Papa would love the scenery for his walks.
“That sounds so exciting,” I beam.
“Believe me it is,” Mac agrees. “Dive in sugar. Don’t let your food get cold.”
I smile at him and tuck into my food which is divine.
Ethan and his grandfather talk about wine and fishing while Diane and I talk clothes. she’s a shopping addict just like me.
Within an hour we polish off the food and we’ve had some of the wine from the grapes in the vineyard. As memories would have it, it tastes similar to the wine Ethan and I first had in Vegas.
We all clear the table once we’re done and then Ethan whisks me away to the vineyard.
It’s in the breath of the afternoon where the oncoming evening is starting to push its way through the sky, but it’s still bright.
We wait until we’re right in the middle of the vineyard before we start talking properly.
“This is the best time to walk out here,” Ethan states, taking my hand.
“I just can’t believe we’re here.”
“Well we are. This is it Bree, the vineyard.” He points to rows of grape-bearing vines. “I never used to get what was so fascinating about a vineyard until I came here.”
“When was that?”
“A while back. My grandfather hadn’t purchased the place then. He’s just had shares on it. I had a feeling he would though. He loves Italy. I think he couldn’t wait to retire and come set up roots here.”
“I can see he loves it here.”
“He would have spoken more about how he met my grandmother but he tends to hold off on that story when he’s around Diane because he doesn’t want to make her feel like their meeting wasn’t valuable to him.”
“That’s sweet of him,” I reply.
“Yeah, I always think so. He met my grandmother not far from here. He enlisted in the Navy as soon as he was eighteen and he travelled the world. It was while he was on his travels that he met her. They got married here and she followed him back to the states.”
“Really?”
“Yes, much to her family’s disapproval because she was supposed to marry someone else. Until this day there’s a feud and I’ve never met that side of the family. When he saw how much she missed it here, he used to take her here every year for her birthday. each time she’d always try to make peace with her parents, but they never forgave her. She got cancer and he brought her back here to die. It was only then they came to see her and I guess you could say they made peace.”
The story grips me.
“It’s sad they waited so long.”
“I know. It makes me wonder what it would
have been like if I’d known that side of the family. It took my grandfather twenty years before he moved on and married Diane.”
Twenty years. My God. I can’t imagine that type of grief.
“He must have really loved your grandmother.”
“He did. He used to call her his love at first sight girl.”
As he speaks I wonder if that’s how he’ll be when it comes to Amelia.
The thought pulls on my heart and I hate that I feel the jealousy I’ve always felt when it comes to her. To my knowledge, Ethan hasn’t had a steady girlfriend since Amelia. I haven’t been around him enough for me to say he hasn’t mentioned her. Maybe he has to someone like Logan, or even Bryce. There’s been no reason to mention her to anyone else like me, but of course I’m curious. The longer I spend with him the more I want to know.
We stop by a little stone bench with a pond and I look around.
“Do you want to sit here for a while. There’s plenty more to see.”
“Yes.”
We sit side by side and he turns to face me.
“How are you feeling the whole thing with our plan?” he asks carefully.
“I’m okay.” Because I’m not really thinking about it. I’m enjoying myself too much which is something I don’t do. this is escapism for me. If I’m to stop and think though it will make my head spin for a whole lot of reasons.
I’m still stuck on the fact that he’s giving me the house and fixing it up himself. That means I have money I wouldn’t have had before to put toward doing extra things for the spa. Right now, I’m actually in profit even though I’m still just breaking even with what I earn at the salon. My mind would explode if I even thought about his billion dollar fortune of which I’m not touching.
I actually don’t want to think that far because it means the end of us. I’m not sure how that will work. It’s weird that when I woke up in Vegas to what scared the hell out of me is now scaring me for a different reason.
“Sorry Mac asked a lot of questions when we first arrived and about the whole Miranda thing.”
Out of Bounds: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Sinful Bachelors Book 2) Page 14