“Completely serious. You're ahead of schedule, and Ken is impressed.”
He grabs me and spins me around, then sets me down with a wince when his knee protests.
“Easy,” I scold. “Don't undo all your hard work by being reckless.”
“I'm celebrating,” he says with a grin.
We finish the session with stretches, and I try to focus on the work, but Ethan keeps shooting me looks.
“Something’s wrong,” he says finally.
He is so right. As much as I’m trying to get Brody out of my mind, I can’t. The fact that he’s in New York and planning to stay is stealing my peace. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“You've been tense since I walked in.” He catches my hand when I reach for his knee. “I wasn’t going to say anything, hoping you’d bring it up, but you haven’t. Talk to me.”
He knows me so well. I want to unburden myself to him, but that would be so unfair. Ethan carries so much already. His recovery, his family, and the pressure of his contract. The last thing he needs is to worry about my ex-boyfriend drama.
“I'm just tired,” I say. “It’s been a long day.”
“Are you still going to go out with the girls or would you rather rest?” he asks.
“I’ll go. It’ll be nice to unwind,” I say.
“What time are you meeting them?” he asks.
“I'm leaving straight from here. We’re meeting at a cocktail bar in midtown at seven. And guess what, Ivory is coming too.”
Ethan grins. “You recruited another WAG? You're building an army.”
We laugh. “Someone has to keep you hockey players in line.”
He laughs and kisses me. His tongue slides against mine, and his hands tighten on my hips. I melt into him despite my better judgment, but common sense soon takes over.
“Ethan,” I gasp when he moves to my neck. “We can't. Not here.”
“I know.” He pulls back with visible effort. “Tonight. Your place or mine?”
“Mine. I'll text you when I'm home.”
“I'll be waiting.” He steals one more kiss, then steps away. “Have fun with your army.”
After he leaves, I gather my things and try to shake off the unease from Brody's visit. Tonight is about friends and not thinking about manipulative ex-boyfriends who can't take no for an answer.
20
Ethan
Natalie's legs tighten around my waist as I thrust into her, her nails carving lines down my back. The headboard knocks against the wall with each stroke, and she matches my rhythm, her hips rising to meet mine.
We've been at this for almost an hour. Building each other up, pulling back, and then starting again. Her skin glistens in the low light, and her breath comes in ragged gasps that sound like music.
I slow down, burying myself deep and holding there. She whimpers and squirms beneath me, trying to create friction.
“Ethan, please.”
I pull back and drive forward again, harder this time. Her mouth falls open, and her eyes squeeze shut. I do it again and again. Her walls start to flutter, and her thighs shake against my hips.
“I'm close,” she cries.
