Stitches and Scars (14 page)

“No, Ethan. Everything is
not
fine.” As angry as she was, she couldn’t look into his eyes. She knew from previous experience that if she did, she would melt into them and not be able to think coherently.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

“Talk about it? I don’t even know where I would start. I’m just so confused.”

“Confused?”

Maybe it was the sound of his voice that broke her. Maybe it was the fact that she couldn’t bear to hear the pleading tone of his voice. Whatever the reason, she gave up and started ranting.

“The guy that was in there was Scott Christiansen. He was my best-friend-turned-boyfriend for longer than I can remember.

“The last six months of our relationship were hell. We broke up and got back together at least three times, and each time, I told myself it wouldn’t happen again. But I gave in; I gave in because he said he missed me. And I didn’t for one second think about the way it would affect me when he changed his mind again. I was always there, waiting on the back burner for him.

“The last time it ended was a few months ago. We haven’t had any contact since then, other than the random cryptic texts he sends me. This was the first time I’ve seen him, and he ends up having a girlfriend.”

She took a long breath and exhaled while shaking her head.

“To be honest, I’m surprised I felt any jealousy whatsoever. I mean, I don’t have those kinds of feelings anymore. I’m not in love with him. There was just something about seeing him with someone else. Knowing that he’s moved on and I’m still here. I’m waiting for a person who isn’t even available. It’s pathetic really.”

This time when Kate paused, she looked up at him. Her brown eyes met his blue, and she allowed herself to be entranced. They held each other’s gaze for an immeasurable amount of time until they both felt the energy swirling between them, mixing with the wind as it circled about.

Kate reminded herself to relax so she could keep some sort of focus and remain coherent enough to speak. “You were here with her, and it … surprised me, to say the least. I couldn’t breathe.” She ran her fingers over her face. “I guess that doesn’t say much, considering I often find myself not being able to breathe when I’m around you. I blame the eyes,” she admitted shyly. “It’s just that … I felt like there was something between us and to be honest, I can’t even believe I am saying these things to you. There’s just something that happens to me when I’m near you. I find myself being able to say and do things that I would never normally do. Like at the hospital and at the grocery store and—”

As she spoke, Ethan stepped forward. She paused and looked up at his face. His eyes were burning with an emotion that she’d seen before but couldn’t place. Her brows furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak when he took another step closer, closing the distance between them instantly.

He swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She could feel his quick breath as it brushed across her face, warm and inviting. He stood a few inches taller than her so she had to raise her chin to look in his eyes. He walked forward quickly— lifting her off the ground slightly so she wouldn’t trip in his haste—forcing her back until she came in contact with the brick wall. As soon as they hit, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

Kate’s once-racing mind came to a screeching halt. All of her questions and doubts faded away. Ethan was kissing her, something she had wanted since the first time she saw him. Her only thoughts were of him.

He continued to kiss her eagerly, never letting her lips take control. She pulled away just enough to catch her breath and grab hold of his bottom lip, sucking on it gently. Ethan moaned quietly into her mouth and waited with patience for her to let his tongue touch hers. They gently slid over each other, exploring the sensations of one another’s mouths and reveling in the moment.

The smooth texture of his tongue and delicious taste of him made Kate’s knees weak. Her body relaxed and Ethan supported her weight by pulling her in closer. She locked her arms around his neck and pulled herself up, wrapping her legs around his waist. She knew it was brave of her, but there was no stopping the desire she had to be close to him. To just feel him pressed firmly against her. Once every line of their bodies was touching, Kate dropped her head back and sucked in a breath of air, enjoying the sensation of his body against hers and his mouth on her skin.

Ethan kissed along her neck, biting and nipping his way up to her jaw. Her skin felt just as soft as he thought it would, and he couldn’t get enough of it. He trailed his hands up and over her waist, pushing the pads of his fingers into her back and wishing more than anything that he could feel the smooth skin that lay hidden beneath the thin blue material. He gently grazed his lips along her jaw line until he reached her ear, gently kissing the hollow space beneath her lobe.

“Kate,” he whispered. “I’ve never done this before,” he confessed. “I’ve never even felt this way, for that matter.”

“Me either. Never this intense and never this sudden.” She looked down at his face and saw his eyes full of wonderment.

“There’s just something about you,” he continued. “I can’t help but follow my heart. And I left that with you a week ago.”

Kate didn’t know what to say. What do you say to something like that anyway? Instead of searching for words, she decided a kiss would be the best response, especially at the moment while they were still so close to each other.

This time they slowed down. It was softer and slower. They let their tongues swirl with each other’s, learning the way in which they each moved. At moments, they would separate only to look into each other’s eyes and place soft kisses everywhere. Ethan kissed her eyes, her forehead, her cheeks, her jaw, and her lips—every line and curve that he’d been dreaming about for the past week.

Every place he touched left Kate’s skin on fire. Her body was now alive, and the heat that was coursing through her veins was radiating off of her, causing a light sheen of sweat to gather at the nape of her neck. As she kissed Ethan’s forehead, she could taste the slight saltiness of his sweat. The knowledge that she wasn’t the only one sweating made her giggle.

“What’s so funny?” he asked with a puzzled expression.

“It’s nothing really. I just find it funny how we’re both sweating like it’s ninety degrees outside when it’s probably closer to forty.”

He dropped his head forward as he laughed, his hair falling onto his forehead. Kate brushed it back and ran her fingers through his hair before placing her palm flat against his cheek. “You really are beautiful, you know that?” she whispered.

He gave her a perfect smile and leaned in placing a light peck on her lips. “You, Kate Thomas, are the beautiful one.” He stepped away from the wall and spun around, while still holding on to her.

As much as she loved hearing the words, she couldn’t hide her embarrassment. She laid her head on his shoulder in an attempt to hide her face.

“Hey, don’t look away from me. I’ve been waiting all week—forever—to see you.” His fingers traced along her jaw and lifted her chin up so he could see her. “As much as I would love to stay out here all night with you, I have a feeling that people are going to come looking for us if we don’t go back,” he said with a sigh.

“Knowing Soph, she’ll call the police if we aren’t back when our meals arrive.”

“She really does seem like a handful,” he laughed.

Kate rolled her eyes. “You have no idea.”

“I’m guessing she’s got to be pretty great since Logan is with her.”

“The best,” she agreed.

With that, Kate began to untangle herself from his hold. She unwrapped her legs from around his waist, and he gently lowered her to ground. The two stood, arms still around each other not wanting to separate. Eventually they pulled apart, but Ethan was sure to keep her hand in his, as they made their way back into the restaurant.

Now that they were standing away from each other, Kate could feel the effects of the cold wind. A shiver shook through her body, causing a rush of goose bumps to cover her skin. Ethan noticed and pulled her close, rubbing her arms in an attempt to warm her.

“Thanks,” she said. “I didn’t think about grabbing my coat. Aren’t you freezing?” she looked up at him.

“No, I’m pretty warm actually. It must have something to do with being around you.”

“Sorry,” she smiled, not at all apologetic.

“Don’t be,” he chuckled. “Being in your presence does things to me,” he shrugged. “And since I’m not leaving your side, I better learn how to deal with it.”

Upon hearing his words, Kate’s heart began to race.
Where did he learn to say things like that?
she thought.

As they walked back into the restaurant, Kate started to worry about what their excuse would be. Surely Sophie and Elle would be able to tell something had happened between them. They were, after all, her best friends and were more than familiar with her ‘hot and bothered just made out’ face.

“You know I’m not really dating Lisa, right? She kind of tricked me into this whole thing,” Ethan said, interrupting Kate’s train of thought.

“Really?” Relief laced her voice. “She tricked you?”

“Yeah. It’s a long story. I’ll explain it all later.” He pulled the door open and stepped into the warmth of the restaurant. The two stayed side by side, and when they reached the table, Ethan regretfully released her hand.

Kate sat down, took a deep breath and looked up at her two friends, who were now looking at her with knowing eyes.

“Have a fun time in the
bathroom,
Kate?” Sophie asked with a smile.

Elle joined her. “I don’t know, Sophie. I think I saw her
jump
into that
coat closet.
”

Kate smiled back at her two friends and felt her face get warm. Thankfully, they didn’t say anything else. She’d had enough humiliation for one night.

***

The rest the evening continued, and Ethan and Kate stole quick glances at one another from across the table. At one point during the dinner, Logan gave a brief run down of their past with Ethan. She was sure it was mainly for Lisa’s benefit, but Kate listened nonetheless. After all, anything that had to do with Ethan interested her.

Logan cleared his voice and slipped into teacher mode. “We grew up with Ethan in San Francisco. Our parents knew each other from charity events and other volunteer organizations. At first, we didn’t know what to think about the quiet boy, but after he gave Elle her nickname and stopped letting her boss him around, we realized he fit in perfectly. We pretty much spent all our time together until the fifth grade when my dad got transferred to Detroit. After our parents split, we moved to Virginia, and well, you guys know the rest.”

“To be honest, I never thought we would see you again, Bones,” Elle said as she nudged him with her elbow.

“Yeah, well, here I was thinking I’d get lucky and never have to put up with your crap again,” Ethan teased back.

“You’re just going to have to learn how to deal because now that we found you, I have a feeling we aren’t going to let you go. Isn’t that right, Kate?” Elle asked, while turning to her friend.

Kate’s throat tightened and she glared at her friend. For the second time in one evening, Elle had embarrassed her beyond belief. She was beginning to think that paybacks were in order. Just as she opened her mouth to retaliate, Sophie stepped in. It didn’t take the most observant person to notice the frustration on Kate’s face.

“I think it’s time we get going. Elle has to catch an early train, and I’m sure you all have busy schedules.” Sophie grabbed her purse and stood.

Following her lead, everyone else gathered their things and headed for the door. Kate glanced over at Ethan and wondered if he would say something to her. She was still unsure about everything that had happened earlier. Yes, they’d shared an amazing kiss, but what did that mean?

Before she had time to make a plan of attack, they were outside and everyone was walking to their cars. They all wished Elle good luck one last time. As Elle got in her car, she told Kate she’d see her at home. Kate waved goodbye to her friend and turned around only to find that both Sophie and Logan were nowhere in sight. She stood awkwardly looking at a smiling Lisa and Ethan.

“Umm … so yeah, I guess I’ll see you later then,” she said, looking into Ethan’s blue-gray eyes that sparkled even in the dark, catching what little light there was surrounding them. Kate held her breath at the sight of him. She studied his features frantically, not knowing when she would actually see them again. Closing her eyes tight, she took a breath. “I’ll see you,” she said one last time, before turning around and scurrying off to her car, all the while berating herself for leaving so quickly.

It wasn’t until she reached her car that she considered turning back around. She paused for a moment and gave herself a pep talk before deciding to just go back. But before she moved an inch, a hand slipped around her waist. Ethan spun her around and pushed her against her car, wrapping his hand around the base of her neck, his fingers tickling her hair. He pulled her face to his and covered her lips with his, sending her heart into overdrive. The desperation of his kiss eventually softened and he slowly pulled back, looking down at her seriously.