Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (6 page)

E: Glad you’re enjoying yourself. I’m at baseball. I coach a kid’s team. 

Wow, that’s something I didn’t know about him. Seeing him with Donnie, I bet the kids love him. The more I try to convince myself I need to stay away from Ethan Kendricks, the harder it gets as I learn more about him. He’s nothing like Stephen. It’s getting harder to keep my guard up with this guy, and I begin to wonder why I’m fighting it anyway. Kiaya’s right, I don’t need to marry the guy. He’s NOT Stephen, and it’s been over six months since I got out of that appalling relationship. It’s about time I begin to put the past behind me and move forward. It’s not going to be easy, but I have to try.

Me: Well, I bet they keep you on your toes. Have fun. xx

E: You have no idea. More kisses? I’m a lucky guy! :) Bye Caitlin.

Bollocks, why do I keep sending kisses?

SEVen

Caitlin             

I nearly choke on the thick fog of hairspray still hanging heavily in the air.  “We’ve been here for hours,” I say, turning my head from side to side to check my new color.

Kiaya inspects herself in the mirror and fluffs up her hair a little.  “Well, now that we’re all beautiful with nowhere to go, do you want to do something else?”

“I’m so sorry Kiaya, but I’m really tired.”  I drive my point home with an exaggerated yawn.

She looks disappointed. “There’s this place that makes the best ice creams and milkshakes in the whole world. Please, come with me! Last stop, I promise. It’s not far, so it won’t take long.”

She doesn’t seem ready to call it a day just yet. It’s still only the afternoon, and I can never turn down ice cream, so I relent. Kiaya drives us, and it’s not long before we pull up at an ice cream parlor.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a place like this. You don’t see them in the UK, and when you do, the milkshakes taste like crap,” I admit.

Linking arms with me, she has the look of an excited child. It’s a look she has a lot, and it’s delightful. She really is a lovable and likeable person.  Even if I hated the milkshake, I would have said I loved it just to make her happy.

“Well, I shit you not, this place is the best.”

I’m in heaven! Behind the glass case I have my nose squashed up against is every delicious flavor of ice cream imaginable.

“I have no idea how you expect me to pick just one?” I say to Kiaya, trying my best not to drool.

“That’s the beauty of it, you can pick as many as you want.”

“Well, I want one of the biggest milkshakes they make, and I’m not mixing up the ice creams; that’s just disgusting.” I’ve always been the same; I don’t even like my food touching. It’s a tough decision, but I finally settle on salted caramel. Kiaya picks four different ice creams to make a sundae.

I watch intently how the woman makes my drink with the hope I can replicate it at home, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I’m shocked to see it’s a shy-looking Donnie.

“H-h-hi, Caitlin. H-h-hi, Kiaya,” he stutters out.

“Hi, Donnie,” we say in unison.

“Who are you here with?” I ask, glancing around the parlor. I spot him before Donnie says his name. Ethan, wearing that sexy smirk I both love and hate, sits in the far booth. His posture exudes sly confidence, his body casually leaned back and arms stretched out on either side.

“Ethan brought me here after baseball. Come and sit with us.”

“We would love to, Donnie!” Kiaya says, winking at me before I can think of saying no. Good thing I wanted to say yes.

Donnie reaches the booth first, sliding in opposite Ethan. I try to sit next to him, but Kiaya jumps in front of me to sit beside Donnie instead. There’s only one place left to sit. Kiaya doesn’t look at me; instead she dives into her sundae and gives her attention to Donnie. I look at Ethan, and his smirk has grown now; he pats the seat next to him, indicating I should sit down. Rolling my eyes, I try to suppress a grin, but fail miserably. This man is getting to me in the best way. The booths are best described as snug, so I find my thigh touching his. His warmth feels like a searing heat on my skin. I push the desire to snuggle in closer out of my mind. Ethan leans in, bringing his mouth close to my ear so only I can hear. “You look beautiful. I really like what you have had done to your hair.”

A nervous giggle erupts from my lips. “Thanks,” is all I manage to choke out as I feel my cheeks heat.

Conversation becomes surprisingly easy after the initial awkwardness. Donnie mainly talks about how good Ethan is at baseball. I can see Ethan’s head expand by the second. By the time we’re finished, Kiaya cracks a joke, but I notice Ethan isn’t laughing at all. No, he’s looking towards the door instead. Shit, it’s the topless blonde I caught giving Ethan a lap dance. At least she has the decency to be wearing clothes this time. Her icy glare fixes itself on our table. Well, it’s more on me than the table. Ethan groans beside me.

“Excuse me,” he grumbles, so I slide out letting him pass. If there is such a thing as an angry walk, Ethan is displaying it as he moves toward the door. He opens it, and after waiting for Nicola to go through, he follows behind her.

“What’s that all about?” Kiaya asks, trying to spy on them through the window. I can’t see much, but I can tell the topless blonde is angry with the way her arms are flailing around.

It’s not long before Ethan rejoins us. I slide along so he can sit in my old spot. He seems tense. “You ready, Donnie? I should probably get you home before your mom gets worried.” While Donnie gathers his things, Ethan mutters, “Bye, ladies.” And with that they leave. “That’s weird,” says Kiaya. I silently agree. Ethan insists there’s nothing between him and Nicola, but I would be a fool if I didn’t notice that there’s definitely SOMETHING going on there.

Ethan

I needed to get out of there. From the moment I spotted Nicola, I knew she would make a scene. I can’t have her ruining my already fragile relationship with Caitlin. It would be typical since Caitlin and I finally seem to be getting somewhere. Opening the door, I’m relieved when she takes the hint and goes outside. At first she doesn’t say a word, she just glares at me.

“What?” I bark at her.

“I’ve been trying to get hold of you Ethan Kendricks! Who the hell do you think you are? I know you’re avoiding me. Me!” she screams the last word in my face, her arms waving around.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, but I don’t want to be a bastard to you either, Nicola. You know the score,” I state.

“It’s because of that British bitch, isn’t it?” she spits.

“Nicola!” I interrupt. “I owe you nothing; I’m busy right now.”

“Busy right now? What with that slut?” she says pointing in Caitlin’s direction. That’s it; I have had enough.

“Nicola,” I warn. “Leave Caitlin out of this and leave me the fuck alone.” Luckily, she storms away before the situation gets any worse. Great, now I’m pissed. I can’t calm myself down enough, and I know Caitlin gets upset when I’m mad. It’s better if I just leave. That just pisses me off more since I’ve been having a great time sitting with her. She seems relaxed and carefree for once. I hate to leave her.

After getting into my car with Donnie, my phone beeps almost right away.

N: We will be talking about this!

It’s Nicola, so of course I choose to ignore her.

When I drop Donnie at his house, I take the long way home. My pulse is still racing. No one pisses me off as much as that woman. When I pull up at my house, my phone beeps again. Gripping the steering wheel, I groan. I’m not in any mood to deal with Nicola right now. I want to turn it off, but upon checking it, I realize it’s not Nicola; it’s Caitlin. My bad mood lifts as I read.

C: Hi! Is everything ok?

Me: I’m sorry. Nicola pissed me off and I don’t think I’m much company right now.

C: Maybe I could have cheered you up? What’s her problem anyway?

Me: Nicola is her own problem!

C: Are you sure she’s not your girlfriend?

Now I’m pissed again; I have already told her no.

Me: This is the last time I’m going to tell you. I don’t have a girlfriend!

After snapping at her I don’t hear back. I’m not one to chase, but half an hour later, I’m edgy as hell, so I text back.

Me: Sorry. I was being a dick. I didn’t mean to snap. I hope I haven’t ruined our friendship.

In less than five minutes I get my reply.

C: You were a dick, but I forgive you.

Me: Good. I was worried you would give my coffee away, again.

C: I won’t lie. The thought crossed my mind. ;)

The rest of the night is spent with us texting each other. I have no idea why she’s opening up to me, but I’m not complaining. I try to stay away from flirting too much, as I don’t want to scare her off again. It seems to work because the rest of the week I get my coffee every day, and it’s delivered with a smile.

Sitting at my desk the following week, there’s a pile of paperwork I’m steadily trying to work through.  I’m interrupted by a phone call from the wife of an old comrade of mine, Wendy. My friend, Simon, has been injured while on a tour of duty, and from the sounds of it, it’s pretty bad. He’s not doing well, and she’s worried about him. I promise to come up and help. They live a couple of hours away, and it’s likely I’ll need to stay for a while. I need to help my friend, but the idea of not being near Caitlin everyday leaves me disappointed. A knock at my door takes me from my thoughts. I smile as it must be Caitlin with my coffee.

“Come in,” I call.

“Hi,” Caitlin slips into my office. “What’s wrong?” she asks with a frown. As I explain, her face begins to show the disappointment I feel.

“I’m sorry about your friend.”

“Thanks.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I don’t know, as long as it takes, I guess.” I shrug my shoulders.

She’s perched on the edge of my desk and passes my coffee over to me.

“I’ll miss my coffee delivery.” What I really want to say is I’ll miss
her
.

A small smile plays at the edge of her mouth. “I’ll miss delivering your coffee.” I hope her train of thought parallels mine.

“When are you leaving?” she asks after a while.

“Within the next hour.”

“Well, will you text me to let me know you get there ok?” She’s shy as she says this, looking down, watching her hands smooth out the material on her skirt.

“Hey,” I say, lifting her face so she’s looking at me. “Of course I will. I may even call you, too, if that’s ok with you?”

“I would really like that.” Caitlin taps her nails against my desk and appears to be battling with something when she suddenly jumps forward, kissing my cheek. “Have a safe journey, Ethan.” Then she abruptly disappears through the door.

One kiss on my check, and I’m as hard as a rock. This woman does things to me no other has done before. I better not be gone too long.

Eight

Caitlin

E: Just letting you know I got here ok. Haven’t seen Simon yet. Will let you know how it goes. x

As much as I want him to help his friend, I want him back with me. Does that make me a bad person? It does? Oh well, I never said I was a good one.

Me: I’m glad you got there ok. x

E: I will phone you tonight. x

Me: I look forward to it! x

It’s been a quiet afternoon, so we spend time on inventory and cleaning out the back room. The bell on the front door rings, so I leave to serve the waiting customer. Once I lay eyes on her, I wish I’d let Kiaya come up front instead. It’s the topless blonde bitch. Ok, she’s not topless right now, and I know she’s called Nicola, but she has proven she is most definitely a bitch. So I think topless blonde bitch suits her better.

“Hi, can I help you?” I say, being as polite as I can manage. Kill ‘em with kindness, right?

Speaking of killing, if looks could kill, I’d be a goner for sure. “You can’t. Where’s Kiaya? I don’t want you handling my food. I don’t know where your hands have been,” she says, as if spitting venom.

“Kiaya!” I call out, but my focus remains firmly on Nicola. “Can you come to the counter please?” I say, smiling at her.

Kiaya walks out a moment later drying her hands on a tea towel. “Yes, Caitlin, do you need a hand?”

She takes a moment to look between Nicola and me. “Is everything ok, guys?” She drags out the question, and there’s no wonder being that the tension is pretty high.

In a sickly sweet tone, I reply, “Yes, thank you, Kiaya. Nicola here would prefer you serve her, as she doesn’t know where my hands have been. But if she were to find out they were all over Ethan recently, maybe she wouldn’t mind!” I say, my smile morphing into a devious smirk. Walking into the back, I hear Kiaya stifling a laugh and notice Nicola with her mouth hanging wide open. It’s not that I wanted to stoop to her level, but it serves her bloody right. Even though I’m lying about being with Ethan, I couldn’t help it. She is such a nasty bitch.

Len gives a wink as I pass him. Have I mentioned my boss is the best?

Crap, I should text Ethan and warn him. She may be on the rampage after that comment, but he’s busy with a sick friend.  Ethan really doesn’t need to be bothered with this bull right now. I’ll let him know tonight, and I hope he’s not too mad about my lie. Kiaya pulls me out of my thoughts as she walks in.

“Nicola is a real piece of work. That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard and seen. You really put her in her place. You should’ve seen the way she ran out of here.”

“I know. I bet she’ll ring Ethan. He’ll be pissed.” I rub my temple to ward off the headache coming on.

“With her, not you. I promise you that.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Ethan

Pulling up to Simon and Wendy’s house, I send a quick text to my girl. She may not be ready to admit that fact yet, but she is. Once I get home, I’ll make her see the truth, one way or another. I don’t care how long it takes. From the way she behaves, something bad must have happened to her in the past. You don’t need to be a genius to see it. Having my leg taken from me when it could have very easily been my life has made me view things differently. I’m determined for Caitlin to see it my way.

“Ethan! It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long.” I’m greeted by Wendy, and although she seems happy to see me, there’s a sadness about her.

I give her a quick hug. “Hi, Wendy. I got here as soon as I could.”

We walk into the kitchen, and Wendy offers me a seat at the table. “I really appreciate you coming. Do you want anything to eat?” she asks.

“No thanks. I got something on the road. How is he?” I ask, hoping it’s not as bad as I think it is.

She joins me at the table. “He’s not in a good place emotionally. Physically, his arm is healing well, and we hope to get him fitted with a prosthetic in the next few weeks. The burns are healing well, too. The few months healing abroad helped. Like I say, it’s the emotional side of things that have me worried. I think the man I love is gone. Ethan, he’s so lost!”

The devastation in Wendy’s eyes brings back unwanted memories. It’s the same way Roman looked when I first came home. I push the vision back; it won’t help Wendy or Simon if I can’t keep it together. Taking her hand in mine, I give it a gentle squeeze, desperately trying to offer some reassurance.

“I promise I’ll do all I can to help him. How are you doing?”

“I’m not too good to be honest.” She wipes a tear from her face. I continue to hold her hand, sensing she needs the support. “It’s just, whatever I do is never good enough. I know that sounds selfish, and I don’t mean to.”

“That doesn’t sound selfish at all. He may be going through the majority of it, but it will affect you all. Have you thought about having him go to the rehabilitation center I told you about? It really helped me.”

Frowning she says, “I haven’t even asked him yet. I don’t want him to think I don’t love him like this, or that I want to send him away.”

“It’s not like that, but I understand why you feel the way you do. Leave it to me. Where is he?”

“In the bedroom, last door on the right.”

“Ok, give me some time with him. Wendy, I promise I’m here for you both.” And with my last comment her tears begin to flow.

“I’m sorry, I’ll be ok. It’s just all too much sometimes.”

I sit with her until her tears dry up. Once she’s calmed down, I give her shoulder a quick squeeze and go in search of Simon.

While I’m walking down the corridor to Simon’s room, my phone starts to ring. It’s Nicola. I really don’t have the time or the patience to deal with her right now. The thing is, if I don’t answer, she won’t stop calling. I decide to get it over with. I shut the door to the spare room and sit on the bed, and the phone stops ringing and then immediately starts again. Just like I knew it would.

“Hello,” I snap. A loud wailing cry echoes down the line. Well shit. Nicola is a bitch. Nastiness and shouting I expect to hear from her but not blubbering. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her cry. “Nicola?” I say, but not as harshly this time.

“Hi,” she says between sniffles.

“You ok? What’s happened?”

“That British bitch!” Her tears seem to have dried up pretty quickly.

Holding my thumb and index finger to my temple and scrunching my eyes shut, I grind out, “Her name’s Caitlin. What’s happened now?”

“She was really rude to me in the coffee shop. I wanted to get something to eat, and she wouldn’t serve me. Then she told me to leave you alone; that you’re her boyfriend not mine. I thought we were working towards something ourselves!”

Something doesn’t seem right. The Caitlin I’m getting to know isn’t going to refuse to serve a customer, even if that customer is Nicola. She wasn’t keen on me at first, but she was always professional. As for saying I’m her boyfriend, there’s no way. I can’t see that happening at all. She is really shy and private, especially when it comes to me. I’ll bring it up when I call her later, but if I tell Nicola I don’t believe her, she’ll never leave me in peace. I decide to appease her.

“Look, I’ll talk to her later, but I’m away at the moment helping a friend. I really have to deal with this because it’s important.”

“What? Are you saying this is not important? That I’m not important?” Her voice raises to a glass-shattering high pitch. I pull the phone away from my ear.

Taking in a deep breath, I try to muster all the patience I can gather. “No, that’s not what I’m saying, but the quicker I can help my friend, the quicker I can get home, ok? As for us working towards something, you know that’s not true. We’ve gone over this. I’m sorry it’s not what you want to hear, but I’m trying to be honest.” She’s silent now, but I can hear her whimper again. “I’m sorry, Nicola. I’ll talk to Caitlin. I have to go now.” There’s no reply from her. Hanging up the phone is her reply.

Simon doesn’t respond when I knock on the door, so I slowly open it, repeating his name, and I go in. He’s lying on his bed, turned away from me so I can’t see his face.

“Simon,” I repeat again, but this time I get a grunt in response. “That’s how you’re going to greet an old friend after all this time?” I challenge.

Still facing the other way he mumbles, “Did Wendy call you? She shouldn’t have bothered you. I’m fine.”

“Yes, you look fine.”

“Fuck off. I’ll deal with this however I want,” he snaps, turning to face me for the first time. I can now see the mottled scaring down the left side of his face.

It’s not in my nature to sugar coat things. “Be angry, but not with me and certainly not with Wendy. Be angry with the bastards who laid that bomb,” I say, trying to control my anger. Anger that is not directed at him, but at the senseless violence people feel they need to inflict on each other in the name of religion. I can hear his sobbing now. It’s soul crushing to see such a strong man utterly destroyed.

I sit on the edge of his bed. “Simon, I know what a dark place you’re in right now, but I promise if you let us in, we can help you.” I hope I’m getting through to my old friend. “Please, let us in so you can get your life back, for Wendy, but mostly yourself. Neither of you deserves to live like this.”

Looking at my hand on his shoulder, he whispers in defeat. “I don’t know how.”

“I do. There’s a rehabilitation center I went to; they saved my life. If you’re interested, I’ll give them a call, and maybe we can take a drive down there in the next couple of days to have a look around?”

He thinks this over for a short time.  Turning away from me again, he rests his head back down on his arm. “Give them a call. I’ll go and have a look around, but I’m not promising anything.” Well, that’s as good as it’s going to get, and I’ll take it—for now.

I leave Simon in his room with the promise to make the call. Once I open the door, there is Wendy anxiously biting at her finger nails. Quietly closing the door, I say, “Don’t get too excited yet. He has agreed to go and have a look, but he’s not promising anything.”

The look of shock on her face has me smiling before she grips me in a tight embrace. “Thank you. It’s a start,” she whispers.

I make the call, and they have a place ready for Simon if he wants it, but it won’t be ready until Friday. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. I decide to take him tomorrow to look around and get used to it. I tell Simon the news, and he seems resolved with the idea, so fingers crossed.

After a lovely home-cooked meal, I excuse myself to my room so I can call my girl.

After two rings she picks up.

“Hey,” she says, but her tone is anxious.

“You ok?” I ask, slightly worried Nicola has caused trouble between us.

“Yes, but um, have you spoken to Nicola?”

“Yes, I did. She said you refused to serve her and warned her to stay away from your boyfriend.”

“WHAT?” she shouts in my ear. What is it with women trying to deafen me today? “That’s not what happened at all! She refused to let me serve her as she didn’t know where my hands had been. Her words. But, she soon took off when I implied my hands had been on you. I’m really sorry, and I know it was childish.  She just brings out the worst in me. But I never implied you’re my boyfriend… just that we might have... you know.”

I’m laughing so hard, it takes a minute to compose myself. “Caitlin, she has that effect on most people, and I didn’t believe her. But I like knowing you want your hands all over me!” I say before I think it through. As the words come out, I want to take them back because I’m apprehensive about what her reaction will be.

“Ethan!” she snaps. There’s my shy girl.  “Stop it.” She chuckles. “How’s your friend doing?”

“Not great to be honest, but he’s agreed to take a look at The Center, that’s where I healed after my injuries. We’re going tomorrow. If he likes it, I’ll take him back on Friday. I’m sorry, but either way I won’t be back this week.”

“Do you mind telling me what happened to him?”

“He was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. It’s too common a story.”

“Is that what happened to you, too?”

“Yes,” I don’t really feel like talking about that right now, so I skip me and go back to Simon. “Simon lost his arm and was burned severely all down his left side, his face, too.”

I hear a gasp. “That’s terrible. I’m glad you’re there to help him.”

“Me too, babe.” The difference between Caitlin and Nicola is huge. Here’s Caitlin sad and genuinely upset for someone she doesn’t even know, whereas Nicola only cares about herself.

Once we say our goodbyes, I head to bed. Today has been long and tiring. I really hope the week goes quickly, though; I can’t wait to get home and back to Caitlin.