The Embrace of Evergreen (Unexpected Love #2)

Blue

Blue

Ethan fits in my arms like he’s always been here. As if he’s meant to be here. He fits effortlessly and completely despite the fact that he’s spent the night blushing and ducking his head in embarrassment every five minutes at my friends’ crassness and the half-naked dancers. Even through his obvious nervousness and anxiety, he’s laughed until tears have squeezed out of the corners of his eyes. He hasn’t stopped smiling or shaking his head at our antics, and even though he’s declined each sweet-talking invitation to sing or dance, he’s done so with a kindness that has only led to the person asking smiling at him and accepting his refusal gracefully. It’s not awkward or uncomfortable trying to fit him into our group or my life. He knew the name of the whiskey I drink. He orders the same espressos and long blacks that I do. Even though everything about him appears to be my complete opposite on the surface, he just fits.

I am so absolutely, completely, overwhelmingly infatuated with him. That’s not something I ever expected to let sneak up on me again, and it’s definitely not good. The last time I let myself give in to infatuation, I ended up in Seattle, basically homeless and trying to convince myself that a few broken ribs aren't really all that unexpected in a passionate relationship before Gabriel had found me and talked some sense into me.

Maybe Ethan’s not even queer. I mean, even though he agreed to dance with me, I had to bribe him with the promise of karaoke escape in exchange. He hasn't responded to anyone's flirting all night. For all I can tell, he hasn't even noticed, even though there’s been plenty of interest. Maybe he's a straight, ace, Catholic monk who teases puppies for fun and murders folks in his spare time. Yep, that’s good. Maybe if that's true, then I'll be able to convince my traitorous heart that it doesn't love the way his hip bones feel under my skin and that the scent of spiced orange isn't sentimental and warm and comforting - it's cloying and sneeze inducing. Maybe I can stop watching the curve of his throat and waiting for his gaze to find its way back to mine so that I can stare into mesmerizing emerald eyes. Maybe I can stop wondering if that's what his expression looks like when he's doing something slightly less clothed than dancing at the club.

Yep. He's definitely straight, definitely ace, definitely a murderer. That’s what I’m going with.

As the bass lightens and the beat changes, his eyes snap open as if he’s awakening from a daze, the blush that’s reddening his cheeks somehow deepening further as if he’s only just now realizing that he’s spent the past few moments gyrating in my arms in public.

His eyes flutter a few times as he regains his bearings before his gaze shifts to his shoes, and a nervous smile appears.

“So that counts, right? I don’t have to sing?” he yells over the music.

I don’t even try to suppress the laughter that bubbles out of me as I throw my arm around his shoulders to lead him back to our table.

“I’ll protect you. I promise.”

It’s a statement that feels more and more real with every moment I spend in his presence.

I’ve barely dragged Gabriel out of the booth so Ethan and I can slide back into our previous spot before Evie leans over the table in my direction.

“So, who are you taking home tonight?” she nearly screams over the noise of the bar and the dance floor. I haven’t taken anyone home from one of our weekend date nights in almost three months. It’s probably the longest I’ve gone without sex since I swore off relationships six years ago, but of course, Evie doesn’t ever seem to remember that once she’s had a couple of drinks .

I cringe in response. “No one tonight, Eve. Just enjoying my friends.”

I don’t know why it bothers me that Ethan has a front row seat for the exchange. I know I’ve spent the past few years sleeping with almost anything that moves, and while I wouldn’t say it’s something I’m proud of per se, it’s certainly not something I’m embarrassed by.

Fortunately, Gabriel has my back, just like he always does.

“Come on, Evie, leave the poor man alone. He hasn’t taken anyone home for months.”

I don’t know how he knows that I want Ethan to realize that, but I’m grateful enough to shoot him a wink as he drags Evie over to the dance floor.

We stay until nearly closing time, and for someone who’s never been to a club before, once Ethan loosened up, he seemed to relax and have a genuinely good time.

“Thank you.” Ethan’s smile is soft and content as we stand outside the club waiting for his rideshare. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look this way, and I want to do everything I can to put that look on his face more often.

“For what?”

He shrugs. “Inviting me. ”

“You’re more than welcome. I hope we weren’t too terrifying, and you’ll consider coming out with us again.”

His phone beeps loudly, indicating that the silver car that just pulled up to the curb a few feet away is his ride.

“I’d like that,” he mumbles almost nervously as he slips his phone into his pocket.

It feels like the end of a first date. The air hangs heavy around us as anticipation mixes with salt and early morning humidity, and I don’t want to watch him drive away. I don’t want him to be a monk or a murderer either. I want him to be mine.

“See you for coffee on Monday?”

Friends have coffee, right? I have coffee with Gabriel all of the time. Ethan’s new in town, and in truth, he seems a bit lonely, even though I don’t really know him well enough to know why I get that impression. I can’t let my infatuation become anything more, but I can be his friend.

It’s not much. It’s definitely not what my body or my stupid devious heart wants, but it’s a way for me to keep him in my life.

He nods once, his smile widening. “I’d like that too.”