Chapter 11
“Do you want to watch a movie?” Bri broke the silence in the room when they finished eating.
He had insisted on sitting in the chair instead of next to her during their meal, stating that he needed to put a little distance between them.
Any time she reached for him, he withdrew.
She only had herself to blame, but she didn’t want them to waste the next couple of days with an awkward tension between them.
“I thought you’d be ready to go back to sleep by now.” She had dozed off almost as soon as he went to shower, only waking when the server knocked on the door.
“I guess I was hungry. I seem to be fine now. How about you?” She was as exhausted as he appeared, but she wanted to be there for him, giving him the space to work through his thoughts just as he had done for her.
“Eh. It’ll be a while until I’ve wound down enough.
What are you in the mood for?” he asked, reaching for the remote from the side table.
So many inappropriate answers came to mind, especially as she slyly ogled him in a white V-neck t-shirt stretched tight across his chest and grey sweatpants that showed off his ample endowment.
“A classic black and white could be fun.” She stacked the extra pillows and blankets from the closet on the bed, trying to make it more inviting and nest-like.
“Holiday or not?” His question was clipped and monotoned, while he stared at the menu on the screen.
“We could play cards if you want something quieter. If you need some space, I can read. Entirely up to you.” She climbed on the bed, hugging her legs to her chest. Her mind was chaotic, reviewing all that had happened in the past twenty-four hours.
Aunt Gladys would say there was a reason she and Ethan were being pushed together like this.
Bri wasn’t sure she agreed, but he scared the hell out of her because he made her feel everything all at once, more than she ever had with anyone.
“Hey…” the bed dipped as he breathed the word.
“Hey.” She rested the side of her head on her knees and took in his concerned look.
“I’m sorry I checked out on you.” He said, stroking her arm, like he wasn’t sure how she would react.
“It’s been a long day. It happens.” She laid her hand over his with a squeeze of reassurance.
“I got a text from a buddy working with me on the investigation into your agency. And he thought I’d appreciate an update.”
“Are you allowed to tell me?”
“The case just closed, and it will probably become public knowledge soon. So I think you should know before that happens.”
“Sounds ominous.”
“Your boss was arrested for fraud and embezzlement, among other charges.”
“Oh, wow! I wonder if my old boss will come back.”
“There’s nothing to go back to.”
“What do you mean?”
“The money’s gone. The company is filing for bankruptcy.”
“I guess that solves my quandary about quitting.”
“I didn’t know it was something you were considering.”
“It wasn’t until you told me about the investigation. I’ve given up everything to prove myself to my boss, but it was never going to happen.”
“You seem okay with this.”
“Our date was so much fun, I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve really laughed like that. I don’t want to go back to the sad, workaholic, hamster wheel.” She sank into the cushions, thankful they were talking again, even if they were a couple of feet apart.
“I’m glad I could help. Do you still want to watch a movie?” He asked. Repositioning to lean against the mound of pillows, he lifted his arm to the side as an invitation for her to cuddle.
She didn’t hesitate and felt a wave of calm wash over her, clasping an arm around his waist. He pressed a button on the remote control, and an image of a black bird statue filled the screen.
So content, she thought she would drift off until the warmth of him stoked the embers that she’d been ignoring.
Her hands slid across the soft fabric, feeling the outline of his abs. She traced up his muscular chest, following the curve of his pecs. Her mouth watered at the thought of that warm, bare skin against hers until he clutched her hand, stopping her perusal.
“What are you doing, Bri?” He asked, trembling under her touch. Looking up, she found his darkened eyes searing through her.
“I’m sorry. My hand wandered without me thinking.”
“I’m all for you changing the rules, but you need to choose.” His voice was soft, the last word sounding like a plea.
“Ethan, I want you as much as you want me. I need you. I know it’s gonna hurt when we have to walk away, but I need you to kiss me. I need you to touch me.” He searched her face, his knuckles skimming her cheek.
“Are you absolutely sure? Because once we get started, I intend on having you in such a state of bliss you’re going to forget how to use words.
” While her body and mind were screaming “yes”, it felt like his promise had already robbed her of the ability to speak.
Shifting to her knees, she leaned toward him, bracing her hands on his broad shoulders.
She pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth, where a small smile had appeared at her dodging his attempt to capture them.
She trailed kisses up his cheek, following the line of his scruff, enjoying how the abrasion made her lips tingle.
He closed his eyes with a hum, his fingers stroking her back.
His lashes fluttered with each kiss she placed on his lids.
After giving his other cheek the same attention, she ran the tip of her tongue around the edge of his ear and scraped her teeth on the lobe.
He groaned and shivered, encouraging her further.
Before she could continue, his hands clasped her jaw, holding her still as his lips found hers in a light brush, setting off little fireworks.