Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (14 page)

Roman drives us to a classy café I’ve never seen before, let alone been to. It’s up market, just the type of place Beth would enjoy. Looking over the menu, I see the café has every variety of burger known to man but also every type of salad. I can’t stand salad, but I do love a burger, especially a burger in the States. They are super-sized compared to the ones I get in the UK. Beth, though, would never be seen eating a burger, but salad, on the other hand, is a given. So, Roman has pleased us both.

Beth eyes the menu, a smile spreading over her face. Looking up at Roman, Beth states, “You picked well.”

Roman seems to grow taller; he sits up straighter and puffs out his chest like a proud little boy. If they carry this on all week, it’s going to be a very long one.

The food arrives just as I hear my phone beep.

E: Hi, Simon seems more settled today. Wendy drove here in her car because she’s going to stay a bit longer. I’m coming home now. See you soon, babe. x

I squeal I’m so happy and then feel the whole room’s eyes on me. This makes me turn beet-red. Beth tuts and shakes her head laughing. “Ethan, I take it?” I smile an apologetic smile and text Ethan back.

Me: Really! I can’t wait to see you. We’re just having something to eat. How long before you’re back? x

E: A couple of hours at most. I’ll go back to my place first and get ready. That should give you and your friend some time together. x

Me: Thanks, where do you want us to meet you later? x

E: I’ll pick you up at seven. Thinking I’d take you both out for dinner, if that’s ok with you.

I nearly squeal again, but I somehow control myself this time.

Me: I’d love that. Roman’s here, so I’ll invite him, too. They seem to be getting on well. Can you text Asher as he is bringing Kiaya? See you at seven. x

E: No problem. I’ll let him know now. See you later :)

I inform Roman and Beth about Ethan’s dinner plans. Beth asks Roman to join us before I get the chance, which makes him happy. He eagerly agrees before dropping us back to my apartment.

SEVENTEEN

Caitlin

As we enter my apartment, Beth looks around the small space, lifts one brow, and asks in a way only Beth can, “When did you turn into a ninety year old, Caitlin?” She bursts into laughter.

“Ha. Ha. You picked this place, remember?” I accuse, not the slightest bit amused.

She stops laughing. “Did I? Oh, sorry about that.”

“It may be a little dated.”

“A little dated?” Beth interrupts.

“Yes, a little dated,” I repeat. “But I love it here and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Beth gives me a hug and doesn’t let go. “Um, Beth. I’m trying to breathe here.”

She finally releases me. “Shit. Sorry, Caitlin.” Placing her hands on my arms, she says, “I’m so happy you love it here.”

“What? You’re happy I love the granny apartment?” I joke.

She slaps my arm. “No, silly! I’m happy you love it
here
. I’m so elated you got away from Stephen. Your Nan would be really proud of you. I hope you know that.”

I hug her in return. I’ve missed her so much. “Thanks,” I whisper.

“Right, none of this mushy crap. When do I get to meet the guy who has put the sparkle back into your eyes?”

“Tonight at seven. You’ll meet Kiaya and Asher, too. Kiaya is becoming a really good friend.”

“That only gives us two hours to get ready. We better hurry up as I want to be looking my best for Roman,” she says with a wink.

“You like him?” I groan.

“Tall, dark, and sexy? Of course I bloody do! Plus, he smells delicious.” She rubs her hands together with delight.

“You and your smelling fetish.” I laugh.

She shakes her head. “It’s not a fetish; it’s good sense. You don’t want to be with a man who stinks.” I suppose she has a point.

Just under two hours later, we’ve had a great time getting ready and reminiscing about silly things that happened in the past. I finally get the nerve to ask her a question I’m not sure I really want the answer to. “So Beth, have you seen Stephen again?”

Her face turns serious. “No, I haven’t. You have to look ahead now. He’s old news.”

She’s right. I’ve got a lot of things to be positive about, Ethan being the main one. There’s a knock at the door, and I jump up to answer it. “I’ll be in the bedroom touching up my make-up. I’ll give you a few minutes alone with Mr. Hottie.” Beth laughs and walks off closing the door behind her.

I run to the door and glance in the mirror to make sure I haven’t smudged my make-up. My hair is down tonight, and I’m wearing skinny jeans, a see-through black blouse with a black camisole underneath, and some knee-high boots. Opening the door, I greet Ethan, who looks just as handsome as ever in jeans and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

“Hey, babe,” he says leaning in and pulling me into him for a kiss. He lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He walks inside the apartment, shutting the door behind him. He presses me up against the wall as his hands begin to roam. I try to pull away.

“Hi,” I mumble against his lips.

He pulls his head back a bit, but our faces remain close. “Hey,” he says, that smirk ever present.

Dropping my feet down to the floor, I remember my company. “Beth’s only in the bedroom. I really want you to meet her, and I don’t want the first time to be when she catches us having sex.”

He groans. “Who says she has to catch us? We can be quiet.”

“Ethan.” I giggle.

“Oh, come on then before I change my mind.” He says it like he’s pissed but smiles, so I know he’s joking. “Hold on, I just wanted to ask you something?”

“What do you want to ask?” I now feel apprehensive.

“Well, you remember a while back when Nicola called me your boyfriend?”

I roll my eyes. “Why are we talking about Nicola? It’s a bit of a passion killer.”

Ethan chuckles. “You missed the important part of that sentence—the boyfriend part.”

I scrunch up my face because I have no idea where he’s going with this. “What are you talking about, Ethan?”

“Us,” he simply states. “I’d like you to introduce me to Beth as your boyfriend.”

I suppose we’ve been together for a few weeks now, but like Ethan pointed out, we haven’t put a label on it. I’d have thought doing so would make me nervous, but I’m happy to say I feel nothing but excitement and honor. He wants me. Me! A smile breaks out across my face.

“Of course!”

There’s silence at first as he strokes a loose piece of my hair. “You make me very happy, Caitlin.” He leans close to my ear.

“Beth!” I shout. There I go again, getting embarrassed and awkward, and of course ruining the most perfect of moments. I can’t seem to help myself. Ethan doesn’t seem to mind, though; he’s laughing and shaking his head at me.

“Just coming!” she shouts back.

The door opens, and Beth comes out wearing a fitted black jumpsuit with her blonde hair up in a neat bun. She sees Ethan, who now stands behind me with his arms wrapped around my middle and his chin resting on my shoulder.

“This is my boyfriend, Ethan.”

Beth’s smile grows huge as she holds her hand out to him. “Boyfriend, well it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ethan doesn’t move from behind me, but pushes his hand towards her. “Really nice to meet you too, Beth.”

She glances around the room, and she seems disappointed. “No Roman?” she asks.

“He had some things to do at the gym, but he’s now home getting ready. I told him I’d pick him up once I collected you two. You ready?” he asks, kissing my head.

Beth grins ear to ear like a proud parent. “Yes.” I pull away and put on my coat.

Ethan puts his mouth to my ear and whispers, “I remember this coat well.” Shivers run up my spine, and my body stiffens. At that moment, I’m glad Beth has gone back to the bedroom to get her bag.

Ethan laughs because he knows he’s gotten to me. “Come on, we don’t want to be late,” he says once Beth joins us again.

We pick Roman up on the way, and he slides in the back with Beth, which seems to make her one very happy lady. “So?” I ask Ethan. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” is all he says as he places his hand on my thigh. This seems to stop all coherent thought, so I leave it at that and enjoy just being with Ethan.

It’s dark as we pull into the parking lot, and I can’t make out where we are. I’ve already had a text from Kiaya to say they’ve already arrived. As we get out of the truck, Ethan tucks me under his arm.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we walk around the corner.

“Asher mentioned you told Kiaya that you and Beth used to go to karaoke bars and…”

“WHAT?” I interrupt, louder than I intend. “Please tell me you didn’t.”

His face pales slightly, and we turn upon hearing Beth shriek in delight. Oh no! He has, and Beth has seen. It’s too late to escape.

“OH MY GOD. A karaoke bar! Caitlin, did you do this for me?”

Ethan and Roman look between Beth and me. Roman seems amused by my predicament.

“No, Beth. I can’t take the credit. This is all Ethan.” I say with a fake smile and gritted teeth.

Beth claps her hands and turns to Ethan. “Ethan! Thanks so much! You’ll be able to hear our signature tune. Let’s go in.” She grabs Roman’s arm, and they walk off leaving us standing there.

Ethan turns to me. “Have I missed something?”

I start laughing. “It’s okay; I just freaked out. This is Beth’s favorite thing in the world, but I bloody hate it. She always makes me sing, and I really can’t, and neither can Beth.”

“Oh,” he draws out. “Kiaya thought you would love it. Sorry, babe.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just apologize to your ears when you have to listen to us.”

“You could always say no.” Easier said than done. He doesn’t know Beth.

“No one says no to Beth. Come on,” I say, taking his hand.

The karaoke bar is quaint; there’s a small stage on one side, and rows of tables in front. I spot Kiaya waving from a table with the other guys. Giving Kiaya a hug as we join them, I sit next to Ethan.

“So, Caitlin. Why aren’t you up there? You got stage fright or something?” mocks Roman.

Beth hits his arm. “I’ll have you know, we don’t get stage fright. We are brilliant.”

I’m taking a sip of the drink Asher brought over, and at hearing her, I nearly spit it over everyone. “Beth, I know this is your thing and you love it, but even you must realize we’re far from brilliant.”

Beth sticks her fingers in her ears and begins to hum in between saying. “I’m not listening to this again.”

I turn to Ethan who’s amused. “See?”

He pulls me closer and wraps his arm around my shoulder. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Poor thing has no idea. Roman’s now laughing at me. Right, I’ll teach him.

“Beth, did you know Roman just loves karaoke. He was saying he’d love to sing a duet with you.” Beth may have a signature tune with me, but when she gets the chance to sing a duet with a guy, she has another signature tune. In fact, she has signature tunes for every situation. I know what she’ll want to sing with Roman, and it’ll be hilarious. If he likes her like I think he does, then I know he won’t be able to say no. Well, that’s the plan.

“Really Roman?” Beth asks, her eyes hopeful. Everyone’s looking at Roman, and he’s beginning to look uncomfortable, to say the least.

“This is a cruel, but brilliant idea, babe,” Ethan murmurs in my ear.

I chuckle. “Glad you approve.” I’m not letting Roman get away with it, so I shout, “You wouldn’t want to let Beth down now, would you, Roman?” 

He narrows his eyes at me, and I nearly lose it. Beth repeats, “You wouldn’t want to let me down, would you?” She bats her eyelashes at him. He looks toward his brother for help, but Ethan’s on my side, and he just shakes his head and laughs.

Then Kiaya and Asher say together, “Go on, Roman,” trying to contain their amusement, too.

Roman glares at me then looks to Beth. “I wouldn’t know what to sing,” he says, trying to find a reason to get out of it.

“Don’t worry; I know the perfect song. I’ll go request it now.” Beth jumps up, clapping her hands. “This will be so much fun.” Then she runs over to the guy on the stage.

Once she’s gone, all of us burst into laughter. Well everyone except Roman, who’s glaring at me again. “Very funny, Caitlin. What did I ever do to you? Just wait until we start training again.”

Crap, this plan may have just backfired. Oh well. I have a feeling it’ll be worth it.

Beth comes back to our table, sits in Roman’s lap, and wraps her arms around him. “This is going to be so great.”

Looking at me, he winks and says, “Yes, I think it will be.”

Beth leaves Roman’s lap, and we order some food. “Beth, Caitlin, I know you always sing together, but can I join in with you?” Kiaya asks.

This is a great idea to me. The more the merrier, as it will help drown out my voice. “Yes of course you can,” answers Beth.

“What songs are you going to sing?” asks Asher.

“That’s a secret,” Beth says, tapping her nose.

“But don’t I need to know?” queries Roman.

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “The words come up on the screen. It’s a famous song, so you’ll know it anyway.”

Our food arrives, and I’m glad; I’m starving, and the wine is starting to go to my head. But I need all the wine I can get, as I know we’ll be singing soon, and I need some liquid courage.

Not long after we finish eating, the karaoke starts. Beth watches as if every performer is a professional singer, clapping and whooping when they finish. We’ve had to endure some bad songs before, but some old man’s rendition of
Baby Got Back
has to be up there with one of the worst my poor ears have ever heard.

“You weren’t joking; she really does love karaoke?” Ethan says, just as our names are called.

“Yep,” I just manage to say as I’m pulled to my feet by Kiaya and Beth. I pull back long enough to take Ethan’s face in my hands and give him a kiss. “Just in case you dump me after you hear this.”

“It’s going to take more than bad singing to scare me off, babe. You’re welcome to kiss me like that whenever you want, though.” He gives me a playful slap on my arse.

“Good to know,” I say, laughing as Beth shouts for me to hurry up.

Once we’re on the stage, Ethan, Roman, and Asher wolf whistle to us, and we all take a bow. The music to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper starts.

“Yay,” Kiaya says. “I love this song.” I, on the other hand, have sung it so many times that I do not.

As usual, Beth and I sound bloody terrible, but, I have to say, Kiaya’s really good. Luckily, with her help, I think we sound a bit better than we normally do. When we finish the song, Roman stands up and shouts, “More!”