25. Ethan
CHAPTER 25
Ethan
SOAKING MY FACE
“ I come bearing gifts.”
Elyse waltzes into the empty tasting room, looking hungover as shit, with Marisa walking behind her. The corners of my lips tug at the memory of Marisa waking up in my bed this morning.
My fucking bed.
Seeing her in it did weird things to my head.
When I laid her down last night, I stood and stared like an absolute creep, marveling at the way her hair fanned out across my pillows. The way she immediately curled herself into the fetal position, as if she was craving the comfort of being held so much she had to hold herself. My heart seized in my chest, and for a moment, I let myself imagine things I had no business imagining. What it would be like to see her in not just my bed, but our bed. What it would be like to wake up with that long hair of hers tangled and splayed out on my chest, her body molded against mine. What it would be like to nuzzle the pillows and smell her sweet vanilla scent. I watched her stir and bury herself deeper in my blankets, a small smile resting on her sleeping face. I wondered if she could smell me on the bed and that’s why she smiled, or if it was the alcohol still working its way through her. It was probably the alcohol.
My thoughts of Marisa are dangerous. They’re deeper than attraction. They’re weighted, almost tangible. She’s like the bright sun I can’t seem to stop staring into, even though I know if I stare long enough, I’ll go blind. It would be irreversible. Permanent.
I forced myself to leave her, closing the door as an added barrier, and slept on the couch. I was already crossing too many lines. She could’ve easily been in her own bed, seeing as I have the key, but I convinced myself it was safer for her to be with me in case she got sick. I’m an expert at convincing myself of false truths to justify my actions. The actual truth is that I selfishly wanted her in my space and in my bed, if only for one night.
This morning, I took one look at her and could see the hangover was in full effect. Her hair was a mess, clothes twisted, makeup smeared, but none if it mattered, she still took my breath away. And if I were a different man—a man who wasn’t afraid to go for the things he wanted, I would’ve crawled into that bed with her and taken care of her hangover a different way. I could just imagine spreading her perfect thighs wide and slipping off those lace panties I got a good look at last night. I would’ve buried my tongue in her warm pussy until she was soaking my face, shaking in orgasm, and then I would’ve slid my co?—
“Earth to Ethan,” Elyse sings. “Still waking up, I see.”
My eyes dart to Marisa. I expect to find a look of repulsion from my inappropriate daydream, as if she had been able to see the fantasy I was playing in my head. Instead, she blushes and rewards me with a shy smile.
I’ve never seen that smile.
Fuck, it’s cute.
I wonder if she remembers what almost happened in my truck last night, because I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It would’ve been wrong to allow it to happen. No matter how badly I want her, I don’t want her when she can’t consent. She was drunk, beyond drunk. And I’m fairly certain sober Marisa would never try to kiss me. In fact, she passed out not even five minutes later.
Based on her shy smile and content eyes, I’m going to bet she doesn’t remember any of it. At least I know I did the right thing, because if we ever do kiss, I want her to remember every detail.
“Here’s your card.” Elyse hands me my credit card. “You left it at the bar like an amateur.”
“Thanks,” I take it, still distracted by thoughts of Marisa.
I begin polishing glasses to keep my hands busy. I’m one-hundred percent certain they’re already polished, but if I don’t keep myself busy, I’ll do or say something stupid.
Elyse takes a seat, and Marisa joins her.
“You know,” Elyse starts. My sister has a scheming look in her eyes, so I know something is up. “Marisa was telling me she has a job interview coming up.”
I look over at Marisa, and she’s wearing the happiest expression. “Congratulations,” I tell her.
“Anyway,” Elyse continues. “The thing is, it’s in Seattle.”
My chest sinks. Obviously, I know her time here is temporary, but I didn’t realize how temporary until right now. I shouldn’t care. I knew she was never going to stay. But I guess now I might be starting to care. What a fucking mess.
“Okay,” I say hesitantly, not sure where she’s going with this.
“Well, her car isn’t the greatest, and the pass has such unpredictable weather.” Elyse is looking at me like I should be connecting the dots in this conversation. I have no idea what she’s trying to get at.
“Spit it out already, Elle.”
She glares at me, annoyed. “Don’t you have to be in Woodinville on the thirtieth?”
“Yeah.” I shrug.
“What a coincidence. That’s the same day as Marisa’s interview. You two should ride up together, since you have all-wheel drive.”
Marisa’s eyes meet mine, and she’s already shaking her head. “Oh, gosh, no, it’s totally fine. I don’t need a ride. Seriously. My car will be fine. Really, Ethan, it’s fine I?—”
My head is already nodding before my mouth can catch up. “Yeah, I’ll take you. But I’m going up the night before. Do you have somewhere to stay? There’s room at the apartment above the tasting room, but you probably wouldn’t be comfortable.”
Her eyes blink rapidly, flooded with disbelief. Did she really think I wouldn’t take her?
“Oh, um, wow. Thank you. I can stay with my friend Hillary. I haven’t seen her since I moved here and it would be nice to catch up.”
“Okay, sounds like a plan.”
Our stares anchor together, and something about this moment feels like the turning of a page, so many unspoken words hanging between us.
“I’m such a genius. What would you guys do without me?” Elyse says.
I know exactly what that was. For whatever reason, Elyse is trying to push Marisa and I together, and for once, I’m not mad about my little sister’s meddling.