Good morning,” Ethan says, handing me a cup of coffee while I’m still lying in his bed. Sitting up, I take it from his hands while trying to pat the hair down on my head because it’s all crazy and wild. My eyes are barely open, and I feel like I could sleep for days. After last night, I could probably sleep for weeks, but that wouldn’t work because I have a book to finish.
“I’ve been thinking about something,” I admit, clearing my throat with a sip of steaming hot coffee.
“Yeah?” He perks up. “You’ll walk around naked the rest of the time you’re here?”
I playfully roll my eyes at him. “Not quite, but I was thinking about extending my stay.”
Ethan takes the cup of coffee from my hand, sets it down on his nightstand, and within two seconds his lips are on mine. I’m moaning against his mouth before he releases me.
“That makes me so damn happy, Vada. You have no idea.” He brushes the outside of his fingers against my cheek then stands and returns my coffee.
“I have to call my neighbor about feeding my cat and get in touch with the airline. Lots of stuff to do in so little time,” I tell him, finally feeling awake and taking another sip of coffee. I’m going to need all the caffeine today.
“And you have to come to the studio today to watch the live show.” He winks.
“I already told you I wouldn’t miss that for the world. Plus, I need to stock up on mugs. I seriously need a hundred of them,” I say holding a blue and purple handmade mug in my hand. “I love them so much.”
Ethan grins at me proudly, then begins pulling clothes from a drawer and getting dressed. I watch his muscles flex as he puts on a shirt, and all I want to do is tear it off him. The man should walk around shirtless with a body like that, but then again, I’m good with keeping him all to myself.
“You said it starts at eleven, right?” I ask again, confirming.
“Yes, and lasts until five. So anytime today. I just want you to see everything. Maybe you can write it into one of your books one day,” he suggests with a wink. I can tell he’s in a good mood, and him being so damn happy is contagious.
“Okay, great. I’m going to try to get some words in and then I’ll Uber down there.” There’s so much inspiration in me from last night that I have to get some writing in today, or I’ll internally combust.
“I can ask Aunt Millie to pick you up,” Ethan insists.
“That’s sweet of you. But I have a feeling she’d ask me five thousand questions, and I don’t know when I’ll be finished with this chapter I’m working on.”
He lets out a laugh then walks toward me. Leaning down, he places his hand around the back of my neck and kisses me. “I’ll see you there, babe.”
“Save me a seat,” I tell him, not really sure how this demo thing works.
“I’ve always got a seat saved for you on my face.” He kisses me again, before saying goodbye. Once I’ve finished my coffee, I slip on my dress and head downstairs. I refill my cup before heading to the cottage to get some words down after I take a shower.
Once I’m dried off, I put on one of my favorite A-line skirts and a tank top, then sit down at my computer and the paragraphs pour from me. The words won’t stop coming. It’s a high like no other.
I feel like I’ve ripped my soul open, and though I don’t want to jinx myself, this might be the easiest book I’ve ever written. I’ve never been this inspired, and I’m pretty sure Ethan is to blame. Actually, I know he is.
Hours pass, and I know I’ve lost track of time again and my coffee has turned cold.
Looking at the time, I realize it’s just past one. “Shit,” I say aloud, grabbing my phone and scheduling an Uber. As I wait around, I call Nora.
“Oh, so you’re alive,” she says with a hint of accusation in her tone.
“Wow, no hello or anything? I see how it is.” I laugh, used to her attitude. If she didn’t act like that, I might actually think there’s something wrong.
“Glad to know you weren’t chopped up into a million pieces,” she says.
“You’re so dark and need to lay off those CSI shows. Geez. I’m alive, so there’s that. Okay, nice chatting with you!” I kid.
“Not so fast young lady. You left me on a cliffhanger yesterday, so I’m going to need you to go ahead and let me know how the date of the century went.”
“Well…” I begin, replaying last night in my head and grinning like an idiot.
Nora clears her throat.
“He was married,” I explain.
“Is he still?” Her inflection raises.
“No, no. It’s nothing like that. He’s a widower, and seriously Nora, I was bawling like a baby. Just think of the saddest movie you’ve ever seen times a million then put it on crack. Ethan’s wife was pregnant and had complications during the birth. The baby was premature and got really sick and didn’t make it. They both passed away within two weeks of each other.” My voice cracks and I realize I’m choking up.
“I don’t know what to say,” she mumbles. “That’s much heavier than I was expecting.”
“Believe me, I know.” I suck in a deep breath. “Still, the date was perfect though. The best date I’ve ever had.”
“Well, I’m happy for you.” Her tone is raw.
“Thanks, Nora,” I say with a smile. “Oh! So that brings me to the point of this call.” I look at my phone and realize the Uber is outside, so I rush across the yard and continue the conversation when I get in the car. “I’m going to call the airline and try to reschedule my flight. I’m staying another week. I’m getting ahead with this impending deadline, and I think it would be good for me to utilize the inspiration that’s coming to me now while I can.” I bite down on my lower lip, thinking of all the ways Ethan can inspire me for the next week. “So I hope you won’t mind taking care of Oliver for me for just a little bit longer?” I ask as sweetly as possible.
She sucks in a breath. “I guess.” Her tone is unamused, but I know she’s just giving me a hard time. She’s probably thinking the same thing I am. Inspiration equals Ethan’s cock.
“Thank you. I owe you. I’m on my way to watch Ethan do a live pottery demo at his studio, so I have to get going. I’ll snap some photos though and text them to you.”
“Good, because I need to see what this Prince Charming looks like.” Her tone perks up, and I know she’s not annoyed with watching Oliver another week like she pretends to be.
The Uber slows in front of Paris Pottery & Studio, and I hang up with Nora before thanking the driver. I stand outside and look up at the sign with a whole new perspective, and my heart lurches forward. It’s so beautiful that he named the studio after his daughter, knowing it would’ve made his wife happy. I take in a slow breath as I see all the people packed into the building and try to push my anxiety to the side as I enter.
I move through hordes of women who are all looking in the same direction. From the back of the room, I see Ethan at the wheel, with his hands on the clay, and I can’t help but admire him. Honestly, though, I think every woman in here is. He’s smiling and explaining his methods as all eyes stay glued to him. He looks so good wearing black dress slacks and a solid, dark gray button-up shirt. His sleeves are rolled up his arms, and his top buttons are undone. He looks business-professional, but I know what’s under all of that—eight-pack abs and a pierced cock that knows how to melt off panties.
Weaving my way through, I see Aunt Millie laughing and speaking loudly in the middle of the room while she brags about her nephew. As soon as she makes eye contact with me, she waves me over, and I feel slightly embarrassed, but I walk toward her anyway.
Ethan’s head lifts, and his entire face brightens when he sees me.
“Hi,” I mouth, and he winks at me. Women start searching around the room, trying to figure out who he’s openly flirting with, and that’s when heat hits my cheeks.
“There you are, Vada. Ethan told me you’d be showing up, and I’ve been waitin’ for you. Want you to meet someone,” Millie says, grabbing my hand and forcing her way past people.
“Vada, this is my sister, Mollie. Ethan’s mama.”
My mouth drops open when I see a spitting image of Millie standing in front of me. “I had no idea you were a twin; what a surprise!”
“Mollie, this is Vada, the girl I was telling you about who’s staying with Ethan.” Millie gives me a wink, and I instantly blush.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I tell her, and she gives me a hug, a customary southern greeting I’ve come to expect.
“You too, honey. I’ve heard so much about you,” she says, and I glance over her shoulder at Millie with a smile and can only imagine what she’s said about me.
“Really?” I try not to be too embarrassed.
“Yeah, Millie told me about your books, and I downloaded a few onto my Kindle.”
I instantly start stuttering. “I hope you enjoy them.” All I can think about are these sweet older ladies reading those raunchy sex scenes.
“I’m sure I will, sweetie,” she says, having no idea what she’s about to read.
Ethan grabs the bat out of the wheel with a brand-new mug he’s just made and hands it to one of the workers who sets it down on one of the shelves.
At that moment, I take a quick photo and send it to Nora. When I look back up, it’s like we’re the only two people in the crowded room. I can’t stop staring at him. It’s almost as if he can read my thoughts as his eyes meet mine. Swallowing hard, I snap out of it and feel like a room full of eyes are on me. I can almost feel the jealousy streaming off all the women who came here just to admire Ethan—and not necessarily his work. But it doesn’t hurt he’s sexy as sin, so I’m sure that’s good for business. Although he doesn’t need it. His work speaks for itself all on its own.
Once he finishes molding a few more mugs, he goes to the sink and rinses off his hands and arms, then makes a beeline toward me as interns clean up the area and restock his clay. My mouth goes dry when he dips down and gives me a kiss in front of everyone. I feel like I’m falling as he completely steals my breath away. Ethan brushes his fingers against my cheek, and before he pulls away, he whispers in my ear. “Hopefully all these thirsty women will get the hint.”
I burst out laughing, especially when I get eyerolls from a few ladies staring at us together. “Doubt it. Some look like they’re trying real hard and now want to murder me.”
He nods. “You have no idea. Oh, did you meet my mama?” Ethan asks, searching around for her. She and Millie are the life of the party on the opposite side of the room. It also helps the interns are serving wine, so many people are giggly and buying mugs like they’re shopping with a no limit credit card.
“I have to say I was shocked when I saw two Millie’s staring at me.”
Ethan chuckles. “I guess I forgot to warn you about that. But trust me when I say Mom is the good cop and Millie is the bad one.”
The smile on my face may be permanent. “I’m so proud of you, babe. You’ve got a full house, and it’s all just perfect,” I say, sincerely.
“Thanks, sweetheart. That means a lot to me. Really.” He places his hand on my cheek and smirks. “Have time to go to the back real quick?” His voice drops low.
“Uhh,” I say, as he grabs my hand and leads me away from everyone. We walk down a long hall, and Ethan opens a storage closet full of supplies. He pulls me inside with him, and once he locks the door, we’re standing inches apart.
“Fuck, I need you right now,” he growls against my lips before he kisses me.
I don’t even wait before I’m grabbing at his pants. Ethan takes a step forward until my back is against the only bare wall in the closet. Roughly, he lifts my leg in the air and pushes my skirt up, then tears my panties from my body. The way he’s handling me, so desperate with want and need, turns me on even more.
“Shit,” he says.
I search his face. “What?”
“No condom,” he admits.
“I’m on the pill, Ethan.”
At first, he hesitates. So I readjust my skirt back down over my bare ass, and he shakes his head.
“Don’t think so, babe.” Ethan grabs my ass and lifts me in the air. My legs wrap around his hips as he fucks me against the wall. Small moans escape from my mouth as our tongues swirl together, and I feel so naughty knowing there’s a room full of people who suspect something is going on or even hear us.
“Vada,” Ethan groans against my mouth. “You feel so good. You always feel so fucking good.”
“I want more of you, Ethan. All of you.”
He continues to give me everything he can. “When I saw you walk in, all I could think about was this.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” I whisper, holding on to him for dear life, digging my nails into him harder.
Before I come, Ethan sets me down on the floor and drops to his knees, then pulls my leg over his shoulder. His mouth is in between my legs in seconds. As he devours me, it takes everything I have to hold back all the moans I want to release. He doesn’t stop, even when he knows I’m close. I hold onto his arm that’s wrapped around my thigh because I feel weak in the knees as I lose myself on his mouth.
“I need more of you,” he says, dipping his tongue inside, tasting my orgasm.
“So good,” I say between breaths, as he stands, kissing me, allowing me to taste myself on him. He gives me a smirk, then turns me around, and bends me over. I place my hands on the wall, giving me the much-needed support, and arch my ass toward him.
Taking his time, he rubs his rough palms on my ass before he grabs my hips and slowly slides into me. I gasp as the top of his piercing rubs against me, feeling his length in places he’s already been and claimed as his own.
“I’m so fucking happy you’re staying,” he says as I feel him tense and his warmth fills me. After a moment, I turn around and search his face with a smile, and he kisses me, soft and sweet, pouring himself into me.
“Do you think anyone heard us?” I ask, grabbing a few towels on a shelf to clean us up.
“I hope they all did.” He smirks, zipping up his pants, and I roll my eyes.
“Thank you for coming, Vada,” he says. “On my mouth.”
“So dirty,” I say, adjusting my clothes. “Don’t you think you should get back? Everyone is probably looking for you.”
He tries to straighten his messy hair, and I laugh.
“How do I look?” he asks.
“Like you just had sex. Swollen lips and guilt written all over your face.”
He dips down and kisses me again. “Good,” he says before opening the door and pulling me out with him.
A few people saw us coming out of the closet, and I’m a bit self-conscious, but I decide to take pride in my walk of shame. We’re both adults, enjoying each other’s company.
Ethan’s hand is leading me as we walk back into the main room and through the crowd. Women look over their shoulders at us and snicker, probably knowing what we were just doing. I’m sure I look as guilty as he does, but he wears it with no fucks given.
Hours pass as I sit in the front row and watch him, completely mesmerized by his amazing skills. Each time he throws me a wink, I playfully roll my eyes at him because I don’t want to get shanked when I leave here. Before too long, I realize I need to get back to the house. At Ethan’s next break, I tell him I need to leave.
“I understand, babe,” he says.
“I still have to call the airline and make arrangements to reschedule my flight, but I’m going to do that once I get back to the house.”
Once the Uber arrives, he walks me out and pulls me into his arms. “Bye, babe. I’ll see you very soon.”
“You will,” I tell him, placing a quick kiss on his lips before getting into the car.
I wave at him and blow a sweet kiss that he tucks into his pocket before he heads back inside the studio. Letting out a sigh, I decide I want to do something nice for him tonight and ask the Uber driver if she can take me to a grocery store instead. She agrees and drops me off at the door.
“I can wait for you if you’d like,” she offers.
“That’s okay. I might be a while. Thank you, though,” I tell her, and she gives me a wave and drives off.
My phone vibrates, and I see a text from Nora. I guess she figured it out after all.
Nora: DOES HE HAVE AN OLDER SINGLE UNCLE?
I laugh and send her a text back.
Me: No. And your cap locks is on again :)
Nora: DAMMIT.
I swear to myself that when I get back home, I’m going to teach her how to use that damn phone. Laughing at her, I walk inside and grab a cart and go straight for the steaks. As I’m looking at ribeyes and sirloins, trying to decide which one to cook, a tall, Paris blonde woman stands close beside me. She has long, lean legs and a pretty face; the woman could be a model.
As soon as we make eye contact, she flashes a smile. “Oh hey, I recognize you,” she says, matter-of-factly, though I’ve never seen her in my life.
I’m kind of confused. “Really?” I tilt my head, trying to figure out if I recognize her or not.
“Yeah, you were just at Ethan’s studio, weren’t you?” she asks, her smile never fading, yet her tone is giving off a weird vibe.
I smile back at her, not really wanting to make small talk but decide to be nice. “Oh right. Yeah, I was.”
“So I have a somewhat personal question,” she tells me, sliding her cart to one side, so we don’t block the aisle.
I’m not really sure what to say, so I just nod.
“Are you seeing Ethan? Like, are you two a thing?” she asks, her nose wrinkling.
I open my mouth and close it, trying to draw my attention back to grocery shopping. “Something like that, but I’m sorry, who are you?”
“I’m Harmony. It’s nice to meet you,” she says in an overly sweet tone that sounds fake as she holds out her hand, but I don’t take it. “Anyway, I know you’re not from around here, so I thought I’d give you a warning about him.”
I furrow my brows and look at her like she’s lost her damn mind, but still, I’m intrigued to hear what she has to say. I already know about his past and secrets, about his wife and daughter; what else could she possibly have to tell me?
“He likes to make women think he’s falling in love with them, especially ones who are just in town on vacation. He makes them believe that they’re different from anyone else he’s ever been with.” My brows raise, shocked by her bold statements.
“You’re lying.” The words blurt out of my mouth before I can stop them.
She looks at me with pity before continuing. “He has the same MO with all of them, honey. Takes them out on special dates to the beach where he’ll hold your hand, and you’ll walk along the sand barefoot together. He’ll bring a blanket for you both to sit on, and that’s when he spills his guts to you, just to hook you in even more. Then, once he’s gotten his fix of you, he drops you like a bad habit, as if you and he never happened. He’ll make you believe you’re something special, that he’s falling hard, and can’t get enough before moving on to the next. Then you’re left to pick up the pieces of your broken heart.”
I feel sick. My head is spinning because she just replayed the most intimate part of our date. There’s no way she could know that. We weren’t even in town. The only person I told was Nora, and I doubt he’d tell anyone outside of Aunt Millie. How the hell does she know all the details? I instantly feel like a fool, and my heart hurts.
She carefully studies me, twitching her lips as if she’s happy with my response, before she continues. “He told you all about his late wife and baby down at the beach, didn’t he?” she asks when she notices all the blood rushing out of my face. “That’s his pity game, darling. He knows women can’t resist him, but once he makes them think he’s going all in, they become putty in his hands.” She flashes a genuine, apologetic smile. “Hook, line, and sinker,” she confirms, and I wish she’d just stop talking so I can process her words.
Ethan’s avoided relationships for years, but I know that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had one-night stands or flings. Why would he need to manipulate them when he’s the one who doesn’t want anything more than a physical relationship? But then again, how would she know about our date on the beach and him sharing those intimate details with me? What if it really is his MO? Questions swirl around in my mind, but I can’t make sense of them. Nothing is making sense, yet I feel my insides twisting.
Finally, I clear my throat and speak. “How do you know all this?”
“Because I’ve been in your shoes, hon. So have many other women in town. Once the news started to get around of his dating rituals and women were onto his scam, he moved to tourists only, which is no secret why he rents out the cottage.” She purses her lips as if it should all be clicking in my head right about now. “Same old story, too. He says he only does one-night stands to make us feel like we’re something special, but once he’s bored, we’re kicked to the curb.” Her expression is firm as if she’s warned others before. “I know it’s none of my business, but I just felt like you should know. We women have to stay together, ya know? But you can do whatever you want. I just wouldn’t feel right walking away and not giving you a warning, since, by the look on your face, no one else has.”
I don’t even reply or give her a chance to continue again before I walk away without my cart. As quickly as I can, I find a bathroom and close myself in a stall, and that’s when the tears unleash. Is that all this is to him? A game? Was I stupid enough to believe someone like Ethan could really fall for someone like me, especially when he dates women who look like Harmony? Every trust issue I’ve had in the past surfaces full force as I think about how easy I let a guy like Ethan in. What the hell was I thinking?
Looking down at my phone, I see my hand shaking. Slowly, I’m crumbling and feel like everything I thought I knew was a lie.
I’m a fool.
I should’ve never trusted him so easily.
He made me believe he was different and that letting my guard down wouldn’t come back to bite me, but it looks as if I was wrong. Again.
I’m drowning in emotions as I schedule another Uber to take me back to the cottage.
My heart is shattering into a million pieces, and I’m pissed off that I put myself in this situation once again. That bad boy type has always been bad for me, and I realize I was the stupid girl who fell for the same old re-spun lies.
I need to leave.
I need to pack my shit and get the hell out of here as soon as possible.