Intractable Souls : Book 1 of the Bound for Ireland Series (42 page)

Ethan sleeps in after coming in late from
the restaurant. He feels guilty that he didn’t go back to Olivia
when he was done, but once the kitchen closes, the bar and
nightclub atmosphere lingers on. It was nearly 2am before he could
close and lock up. He’s glad that the nightclub manager he hired is
available to start full time soon. He had to resist the urge to
text John several times with questions and things he wanted done.
He hopes that he’s taking the full opportunity to enjoy his girl
while she’s here. For a moment he feels a great amount of self
satisfaction.

The bed is the only piece of furniture at
the house, since he ordered it new and had it delivered it
yesterday. He’s barely awake when he hears the moving truck roll
up. Throwing on a pair of track pants and a sleeveless t-shirt, he
heads downstairs to let them in.

The truck is fairly full with personal stuff
that he had at Scott and Rachel’s and the stuff he had brought over
from Ireland that, up until now, was in storage. He left some
furniture in the apartment that he’s maintaining in Ireland for
when he goes home. He’ll hold onto it until he knows for sure where
he’ll be long term.

Letting the movers do their job, he stays
out of the way until they need direction on where something should
go. They make quick work at setting up the furniture and are on
their way, leaving only a few boxes of personal items for Ethan to
unpack himself. Taking in a breath, he takes in his surroundings.
It’s not home, but he’ll be comfortable here. Sitting on the
leather couch, he digs his phone out of his pocket. It’s a common
occurrence these days for Olivia to cross his mind whenever he has
a still moment.

From Ethan: Hey, What time do you want me to
pick you up today?

From Olivia: For what?

From Ethan: ?? The BBQ. We’re still going
right?

From Olivia: Oh! Yes, but I think I’m going
to go on my own

From Ethan: Tell me why

From Olivia: Because it’s NOT a date

From Ethan: What exactly is your issue with
going on a date with me?

From Olivia: It’s not what we agreed to

From Ethan: Fine, it’s not a date. I can
still pick you up and we can go together.

From Olivia: NO!

From Ethan: Olivia, I’m not happy about that
and quick frankly I’m getting a little tired of this arrangement
bullshit.

From Olivia: Consider this one of those rare
times when you don’t get your way. You’ll live.

Normally that would have sent Ethan into an
angry tailspin, but he finds himself smiling. What has she done to
him? He shakes his head in amusement. Who would have thought that a
woman could tame his irascible temper? But this is not just any
woman… this is Olivia James. The woman he fell in love with the
moment he laid eyes on her. The woman who has been visiting his
dreams for months, before she actually walked into his life. He
knows things about her that he can’t possibly explain, and he knows
beyond a doubt, that she is THE ONE. The one whose fingerprints are
on his soul. He knows now, exactly who the psychic was referring
to. Well, if you believe in that sort of thing.

Olivia’s phone rings and Rachel’s name shows
on the display. “Hey!”

“Hi! Do you want Scott and I to pick you up
for the BBQ?”

“No thanks, Ethan just offered as well but I
think I want to go by myself.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, it’s the first party like thing I’ve
been to in a long time. I just want to make sure that if I start
feeling a little freaked out I can leave without disrupting anybody
else’s fun.”

“Are you still having anxiety attacks?”

“Well no. I haven’t had one for weeks
actually.”

“Uh huh… since you met Ethan?”

She thinks about that. “I guess so, what are
you getting at?”

“Nothing. Just wondering. Can I ask you a
question?”

“Can I stop you?”

“NOPE.”

Olivia laughs. “Well then ask away.”

“Why do you give Ethan such a hard
time?”

Olivia is confused. “What?”

“You know what. Not letting him kiss you,
making him leave after sex. Is it true you won’t let him take you
upstairs to the bedroom to make love to you?”

She gets defensive and more than a little
upset. “He told you all that?”

“Oh my God Olivia, it’s true?” Rachel is
astounded.

Olivia is mortified. “Yes.”

“Soooo, where are you doing it then?”
Curiosity getting the better of her.

“The floor, the couch… the kitchen table.”
She looks at the carpet in the living room, feeling ashamed and
extremely embarrassed as she rubs the rug burn on her elbow.

Rachel sits wide eyed in silence. “I’d ask
why, but I know the answer. Sweetie, I know that it’s difficult for
you but what about Ethan?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, how long do you expect him to put
up with that? Maybe it’s time for you to start thinking about what
Ethan needs from YOU.”

Olivia is unable to respond with an
argument. What Rachel said makes sense, so there isn’t one to be
made.

“Just think about it. We’ll pick you up at
around 4pm. End of discussion.”

“Geez. Bossy much! I think you’ve been
spending too much time with Ethan.”

“Maybe. But we are still going to pick you
up.”

“Fine! Whatever.”

She hangs up and texts Ethan.

From Olivia: Change of plans. I’m going with
Scott and Rachel. If you’re a good boy, I might let you drive me
home

She hits send and rolls her eyes at what she
just did. Geez, she thinks. So much for slowing things down. That
took all of 10 minutes before she caved.

From Ethan: Well then, you can count on me
to be a VERY good boy

Laughter echoes over the music and a sea of
lawn chairs dot the grass. Ethan works the crowd with drink in hand
socializing with friends, coworkers and teammates. No one has to
tell him that Olivia has arrived… he feels her presence the moment
she gets out of the car. Watching her walk up the dirt path in her
flip flops and shorts, he gets that tightness in his stomach that
makes him feel warm all over and he starts towards her. She lifts
her hand and waves, getting a rush of nervous excitement when she
sees him, and she knows immediately that she’s in trouble.

Meeting her half way, he lightens her load,
taking her chair and cooler, and finds her a place to settle in.
Scott and Rachel follow behind. Making sure she has a drink in
hand, Ethan keeps her close as they mingle with friends, enjoying
an evening away from the stresses of the workweek. Away from all
the tension and the rigid business environment he has a delightful
sense of humor. On top of his normal charm he is very entertaining
and her heart swells at the sight of him laughing. She can’t
remember the last time she really enjoyed herself this much.

He hasn’t let her out of his sight for a
minute and remembering her plan, she decides she should give him a
little break from her company. Leaning in she whispers in his ear.
“I’m going to go sit down for a bit.”

“I’ll go with you.”

He excuses himself from his companions and
walks her back to her chair with his hand on the small of her back.
Olivia’s not surprised that her plan didn’t work so well. People
exchange what they think are discreet glances but Olivia notices.
She knows what they are thinking. There’s THAT girl.

Scott and Rachel are close by, in deep
conversation with friends about something. Rachel is holding
Scott’s hand and leaning in close when he talks to her. Olivia is
happy to see the love and adoration return to Rachel’s face when
she’s with her husband. When she looks over and sees Olivia
watching her they exchange a smile. It’s a silent acknowledgement
that everything is just fine.

When they get to the cooler, Ethan exchanges
her empty bottle with a new one and opens himself a bottle of
water. “One beer and you’re done?” She asks surprised.

He shrugs. “I’m not much of a drinker
anymore.”

She is just about to ask what he means by
anymore when someone yells his name and launches a soccer ball in
his direction. She ducks as Ethan throws himself in front of it,
stops it and makes it drop to the ground before it hits her.

One of his teammates shouts from the back of
the property. “Come show Terry that move.”

Ethan flips the ball in the air juggling it
a few times on his foot and then grabs it with his hands. Not
wanting to abandon Olivia he extends an invitation. “Come
watch.”

Shaking her head no, she takes a mouthful of
her vodka cooler. “You go, play with your friends. I’m going to sit
for awhile and relax.”

Walking behind her chair, he playfully
brushes the hair off her shoulder, moving it behind her neck and
over to the other side. Leaning down, he kisses her tenderly on the
shoulder making her feel all warm and fuzzy. She practically moans.
Damn him!

“I won’t be away long.” He whispers in her
ear as he pulls his mouth away.

The sun surrenders to the horizon, allowing
the shadowy twilight to creep in. The band takes their place on the
deck that’s been converted into a make shift stage, and shares the
music they have spent tireless hours practicing out in the garage.
At the back of the property, a bonfire blazes brightly, the sound
of the wood crackling and popping as it burns echoes in the
night.

Olivia sips on her vodka cooler knowing that
she needs to pace herself since they have a deadly effect on her.
In fact, on several celebratory occasions she woke the next morning
without her shoes and bra and no recollection about how she got
home. But that was in her younger, carefree days. Now she’s all
grown up and determined to make good on her adult obligation of
drinking responsibly.

Ethan couldn’t have been gone for more than
10 minutes when Olivia feels a hand on her shoulder and inhales the
smell of cologne that is all too familiar. “Noah!” She stands up as
he walks around her chair to greet her. “When did you get here?”
She asks.

“About half an hour ago. You were busy and I
didn’t want to interrupt.” He looks so much taller in the dimmed
light of dusk. She can tell that he has had a few drinks already
when she stands on her tippy toes and throws her arms around his
neck in a friendly hug. The darkness hides Ethan from her view as
he returns and stops a few steps away. Jealousy pulses through his
body as he watches Noah kiss her on the lips. It was a harmless
kiss, not much more passion then the kind you would give a family
member or an old friend, but watching it happen, makes Ethan feel
like someone has just knocked the wind out of him. His stomach
tightens angrily and his hands fist at his side. Fucking Noah
Thompson!

Rachel looks up and sees Noah’s greeting and
then glances over to see Ethan. “Uh Oh!” She decides a warning is
in order. “Hey Ethan! Can you toss me a water?”

Olivia stiffens. Crap! She pulls herself
away from Noah, quickly putting distance between their bodies and
panicking as he approaches. “You remember my friend Noah, right?”
She establishes eye contact, trying to assure him that she has
nothing to hide and cringing at the stupidity of her question. Of
course he does, he punched him the face not that long ago. Ugh! The
two men nod at each other, neither of them able to hide their
malice as Ethan lifts the lid off the cooler and gets Rachel a
bottle of water. Tossing it in her direction, Scott catches it in
mid air. Looking up at Noah, Ethan remembers Olivia’s promise that
he has no reason to feel jealous and his promise that he wouldn’t
start any more fights with him. The second promise is one he
definitely regrets. He still feels that angry, possessive feeling
and has no idea how he is going to push it aside. CALM
YOURSELF!

“Do you want a beer?” He asks him,
swallowing his anger.

“Sure.” Noah can’t help but feel a little
cautious. He just doesn’t like this guy.

He passes him one from the cooler and then
looks at Olivia. “You ok or are you ready for another one?”

“No, I’m good thanks.” She holds up the
bottle to show him that it’s still three quarters full. She feels
very awkward as Ethan takes his place by her side and possessively
puts his arm around her, pulling her close to his body. Noah’s
edged blue eyes and tense body shows his malevolence as he glances
over to meet with Olivia’s forced smile.

Determined to show her that he is the better
man, Ethan apologizes. “I’m sorry about that scuffle at the game a
few weeks ago.”

Olivia’s eyes open wide in shock. What is he
doing?

Noah nods. “I hear you got a three game
suspension.”

“Yes.”

Growing extremely anxious, Olivia takes her
phone out of her pocket and texts Rachel.

From Olivia: Rachel HELP!

Within seconds, Rachel and Scott wander over
to join them. “Hi Noah, it’s nice to see you. Scott and I were just
talking about you.”

“You were?” He asks curiously.

“Yes, Scott and I were thinking about
getting a puppy and we had some questions.”

Olivia shoots a look of surprise at Scott
who returns the same look. He shrugs and Olivia tries not to laugh
as she mouths the words ‘I LOVE YOU GUYS.’.

“You don’t mind talking shop on your day off
do you?” Rachel asks, as if she’s going to give him a choice.

Noah is quite happy to oblige. “Not at all,
what did you want to know.” He sways a little and Olivia puts her
hand on his shoulder to prevent him from bumping into her. While
he’s engaged in conversation about his work, Olivia takes advantage
of the opportunity to sneak away and takes Ethan by the hand.
“Excuse us while you chat, I need to get something to eat.”

Ethan follows obediently as she leads him
towards the table where the food is laid out.“I’m glad to see that
you’re eating.” He hands her a plate and a hamburger and then they
make their way down the table of various salads and condiments.