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Take Delaney and Alex or Nick and Elissa. Okay, Nick and Elissa aren’t the best example, but still. It worked for them for a long time.
Badger Creek is full of relationships. Ethan and I could be another one. A perfect one.
“Where is your condo?” I now ask, changing the subject, trying to keep things casual.
“It overlooks Elliott Bay, walking distance to Pike Place Market,” Ethan replies, like I have any idea where this is. I’ve never been to Seattle, and I let out a soft laugh.
“You act like I have a clue what you’re talking about,” I tease, giving his arm a squeeze, feeling the bulk of his muscles through his shirt.
“You’re the one who asked me where it was,” he quips, a smile on his face as he takes my hand in his, weaving our fingers together. He brings our joined hands to his mouth, biting gently on my knuckles.
And fuck my life if my panties aren’t soaked with just his simple gesture. It takes everything in me not to let out a desperate moan of need, and I start to wonder if maybe what is happening between us is fueled by empty stomachs and alcohol since both of us were hungry and drinking after the conference. I know I’m feeling buzzed, and I reach for my water, taking a drink like that’s somehow going to solve everything.
This trip is either going to be my worst nightmare or a dream come true. One thing’s for sure, I’m going to be rubbing one out to Ethan tonight.
“I was making small talk,” I say, giggling as I shrug. “I didn’t know what to ask. You make me a little…” I can’t say it out loud. I don’t want to tell him he makes me nervous. I’m normally so composed and in control at work, but here, it’s different. Here it’s just the two of us, and I want more.
Ethan pauses a moment, his eyes trailing over my face, our hands still joined together, resting in his lap. I look down to where my hand is joined with his, my mind spinning like an out-of-control merry-go-round, yet he looks totally composed. Am I the only one who is feeling this pull between us? Am I the only one who can’t stop thinking about that kiss that happened.
I want him to feel like I do. I want him to say it out loud. I’m terrified to be the one to make the first move because what if I’m reading it all wrong.
“How about we go visit my condo tomorrow and I can show you around the city?” he suggests. “We can go after the conference.”
“I’d love that.”
Chapter15
Ethan
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I’m awake before my alarm goes off. Actually, I’m not entirely sure I’ve been to sleep, my restless night plagued with memories of what happened downstairs in the bar. Fantasies about what might happen later today.
What I’m pretty sure Iwantto happen.
Fuck, who am I kidding, of course it’s something I want to happen. Actually, I think it’s something Ineedto happen, because I can no longer deny the fact that I am seriously fucking attracted to Zoey Holden.
And while I’d like to blame the alcohol for the possessive caveman behavior I threw down when I saw that fuckstick hitting on her in the bar, I know that’s not true. The few drinks I’d had at the welcome reception had nothing to do with it. I just wanted to let that asshole know she was mine.
And judging by the way she kissed me last night, twice no less, I’m starting to think this isn’t one-sided and that maybe she feels the same way. She initiated the kiss. Both of them. Which tells me it’s not just me feeling and wanting all of this.
“Fucking hell,” I groan as my alarm cuts into the silence of the room. I silence it before rolling onto my back to stare up at the ceiling of my hotel room. I’m lying in this bed alone, naked and hard and wishing Zoey was here with me.
And today, I’m taking her to my condo, where she’s going to spend the night. How the fuck am I going to keep my hands off her? It was hard enough last night when we finally came upstairs, letting her go to her room while I went to mine.
And if the fucking hard-on I’ve been sporting all night is anything to go by, I know I’m seriously fucked when it comes to having her in my condo, sleeping under my roof, with no one else around.
With another groan, I climb out of bed and drag myself into the shower, making use of the soap and my memories of that kiss as I work my hand over my dick. When I’m done, I dry off and dress in a black suit, packing my bag in preparation for checking out.
Downstairs, I find Zoey at the coffee bar, and I sidle up beside her, leaning in to inhale that intoxicating scent of hers as I murmur, “Morning.”
She jumps a little, turning to face me, our mouths only inches apart. I watch as her pupils dilate, as she pulls that bottom lip between her teeth, even as a smile tugs at her beautiful mouth. “Morning,” she whispers back. “Coffee?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, turning to place my order. The barista nods, the cashier ringing up the order. Zoey hands over a twenty before I have a chance to and even as I try to give the cashier my card, Zoey puts her hand on my arm.
“I’ve got this.”
My gaze drops to where her hand rests, the heat of her touch scorching me, even through my jacket. She looks fucking amazing this morning, dressed in slim fit black pants and a dark red shirt, her long blonde hair loose. “Thank you,” I say, my voice husky and low.
Zoey nods as we move to the side to wait for our drinks. “What’s the plan for today? I know you mentioned checking out the city, but the conference dinner is on tonight, remember? Did you—”
