Chapter 18
ETHAN
Owen blew a long, low whistle after I gave a brief rundown on the many ways I fumbled Alicia.
I didn’t have to go into detail—as soon as I mentioned the video, he caught on quickly.
“That was about her ? Bro, you made that shit worldwide,” he said, clucking with disapproval.
“You don’t think I know that? How do I get her back?”
“You have a time machine?” he asked, his tone snarky and sarcastic.
I stared at him, deadpan. “Huh, funny.” Idiot.
“Alright. Where are you both at right now?”
I ran a hand through my hair, pulling on the roots. “I don’t know. Every time I think I’m making some type of progress, I get iced out. You saw how she was tonight.”
Owen crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “Well, what have you done to earn her forgiveness? To show you are sorry?”
I tallied each act off with a finger. “I’ve apologised. I send her extravagant gifts I know she loves. I was even vulnerable with her, which I’ve never been with anyone. ” Owen’s lips twitched as he tried to hold back an amused smirk—which pissed me off. “What, asshole?”
“That’s not good enough. How has that addressed your behaviour ? How do those actions prove that you’ve changed? That you would never betray her like that again?”
“Because I won’t.” Okay, even I can admit how pathetic that sounds.
He shook his head. “You haven’t given her a reason behind your actions. You’ve shown some regret, flashed some cash and said a few pretty words, but they have no meaning behind them. Get on her level and communicate.”
“I’ve tried,” I whined. Geez, get a hold of yourself.
Owen held up a palm, silencing me. “She needs more from you. Alicia needs to know why you did what you did and why you’ve acted the way you have.
Otherwise, what’s stopping this from repeating in the future?
When you get overwhelmed or when something becomes too much for you, what are you going to do to keep yourself from panicking and lashing out again? ”
A sudden clarity shifted as his words sank deep. Alicia requires reassurance, not empty apologies with half-ass excuses.
I was initially sceptical, talking with Owen, but his point of view was helpful. I took his advice seriously as he was the only one who knew Alicia on a personal level.
“That makes sense,” I said. “Besides Dad and Alicia, no one’s ever given it to me straight like that. Thanks for being honest.”
“I guess no one else has called you out on your bullshit before?”
I chuckled. “With my face, fame and money? Not quite.”
Owen tilted his head, then his eyes softened, almost in sympathy.
“I get it. You’re used to people kissing your ass, but you’re out of touch with reality, bro.
The Thornes… they’re real . None of that fake shit.
They’re fair and fiercely loyal. And if you stick by them, they will protect you, love you, cherish you . ”
Owen’s words took on a whimsical tone as his features morphed in melancholy—the exact reflection of myself ever since I lost Alicia.
“How do I prove all of that to her, Owen? I-I don’t know how to do that.”
“You have everything you need here,” he said, pointing to the middle of my chest. Cheesy fucker.
“You were with Alicia for four years, Ethan. You know her. Dig deep, pull your head out of your ass and think about her . Not for what she can do for you or how she makes you feel. But only about her needs . What does she need from you? ”
I was buzzing with all the ideas that were flying through my head, a renewed gusto taking over as I finished my two-minute shower and collected my belongings.
Our conversation went longer than I intended. Most of the stadium had already cleared out except for the clean-up crew.
How can I prove myself to her? How do I get Alicia to trust me with her heart? To believe I will never betray her again?
I twirled a football between my hands, then stalled in the back entrance and watched as Alicia led Owen to a waiting cab. He gave her a light peck on the cheek—which would have previously given me an aneurysm—then slipped into the backseat before the car pulled away.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well Owen and I clicked. I guess I felt akin to him, like we had some underlying connection since we were both trying to win back our girl. He had a genuine nature, and I took his input seriously—which I planned on implementing immediately.
Alicia was on her own, her back to me, standing in the middle of the dark parking lot without a care.
Does she have no self-preservation? I want to spank her so fucking bad. Tease then pleasure her until she submits and learns a damn lesson.
She didn’t turn, instead venturing deeper into the shadows. Oh, hell no.
On impulse, I raised the football in my hand, cocked back and let that bitch sail through the air. I was aiming to hit the concrete anywhere near her, where she would look back at me with a layer of surprise and slight annoyance.
But of course, my aim was shot to shit, and the ball came down fast on the back of her head. The impact hit hard which had Alicia fall face-first into the ground.
No. No. No. No.
I ran over frantically. What the fuck have I done? Oh my gosh, please be alive!
When I reached her, she was already upright, but when I turned her towards me, my breath caught in my throat.
A line of blood dribbled from her brow, where a killer bruise was beginning to form. “Oh my god, Ali, are you okay? I can’t believe—shit!"
“Are you the one who chucked that stupid fucking football? What’s wrong with you, Ethan? What the fuck is wrong with you!? ”
“I was just trying to get your attention, not give you a concussion.”
Alicia whimpered, which had my hands stroking her face and hair with tenderness. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No.”
“Ali, love. You must get checked out by medical staff. I’ll—”
“I said no.”
I huffed, frustrated and scared. I knew that tone all too well. If I pushed, she would pull away.
“Please,” I said. “At least let me call your sister. You can’t be on your own tonight.”
“Do not call Lex. I’m telling you right now, if you interrupt their night and cockblock my sister, I will personally chop your dick off.”
“Can’t have that.”
I gently traced her hairline, wishing I did have that stupid fucking time machine. “God, Ali. I’m sorry. Please, let me take you home to my place.”
Her eyes narrowed, but I could see a certain haze in them as if she was trying hard to focus.
“I swear, I’m not going to take advantage of you, Alicia. But I’m not letting you drive in this state, nor am I leaving you alone.” She paused, thinking over my request, and her stillness made me barrel on. “If you refuse to be seen by a medical professional, please let me take care of you . ”
Alicia whacked my hand away from her face. “Fine. But you’re making me waffles in the morning. With extra cream and that syrup I like.”
“ Whatever you want. ” I hovered close as we walked to my car.
Fuck. My first opportunity to make it up to the girl, and I manage to injure her instead. I’m a moron.
I opened the passenger door and made a show of guiding her into the seat. She looked up at me with dubious eyes. “If you try anything on me, Mr Harris, I promise to follow through with that threat.”
My hands automatically moved to cover my dick. I knew what she was capable of, and had no doubts about her expertise.
“All above board, Ali. Promise,” I said, two fingers subconsciously crossing over before I finished speaking.