Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (12 page)

I gaze at her, and she’s eyeing me with no expression. “Well, you didn’t succeed at making me realize I was attracted to you, but you did succeed at being a dick.”

“I know,” I laugh dryly. Her next comment shocks the hell out of me.

“I realized how much you mean to me at the hospital when I was wrapped in your arms.” Now she’s the one smiling.

It takes a moment for the comment to sink in. In that time, her smile disappears, and there’s a heated, passionate look in its place, a look that mirrors my own. I lean forward and kiss her, and it’s fucking awesome.

FOURTEEN

Caitlin

I really had thought after our conversation at Vertex, I had messed everything up. Thankfully that’s not the case because Ethan Kendricks is kissing me! It’s as every bit amazing as last time, but so much has happened since we slept together. This kiss is deeper, more passionate, and meaningful. He’d lunged at me, pinning me against the arm of the sofa, with his hands on either side of my face.

His lips press forcefully against mine; hungry and demanding, I dig my fingers into his biceps. This isn’t a slow romantic kiss. No, this kiss is hot and heavy, and I don’t ever want it to end. He groans as he pulls away, and I’m left panting and needing more.

“Ethan?” I question.

Groaning again, he rubs his face. “I’m sorry,” he says, not looking me in the eyes.

Shit!
“What’s wrong?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing’s wrong, babe. I’m just trying to be a gentleman. I know it’s a bit late to go slow, but something tells me you need this. I don’t want to ruin what we’ve got going on here.”

“But we’re only kissing,” I playfully tease.

“I know, babe, but it’s only a matter of seconds before I lose control, strip you bare, and fuck you until you scream my name.”

Holy shit!
  “I fail to see the problem with that,” I teasingly say with a playful smile.  Ethan shakes his head.

“Caitlin, why do you insist on making this difficult? I’m trying to do the honorable thing here.”

I nod and bring my gaze to meet his. We sit there looking into each other’s eyes, our breathing still heavy. Neither of us moves until the burning desire we’re feeling has begun to diminish. As much as hot sex sounds like the best idea ever, Ethan’s right. We need to slow way down, and I like him that much more for pointing it out. What happened yesterday with Clay has shaken me up, even though knowing he’s in jail reassures me I’m safe. He can’t get to me, and that has helped a lot. I do feel somewhat detached from the situation, like maybe it was just a dream, but I attribute it to the drugs he gave me.

My stomach grumbles, and I glance at the clock. It’s time to eat, so I ask, “You hungry, Ethan? Could you eat something?” His reply is an ear-to-ear grin. Shaking my head I mutter, “Pervert.”

“When it comes to you, babe, you have no idea how perverted the thoughts are that run through my head.”
Well, okay then
. I’m getting so turned on right now, and I wonder why the hell we’ve stopped? Oh yes, we’re going slowly, although at this moment in time, I can’t for the life of me fathom why.

Huffing out a breath and swallowing hard, I ask, “Chinese?”

“Sounds good,” he says as I go and search for the menu.

Once our food arrives, I dish it out, and we sit at the table to eat. “I don’t want to freak you out by pushing, but why did you move to the States? Were you running from something or someone?” he asks while looking up at me.

My hand is still mid-air as I’m about to take a mouthful, and my eyes reach his. His face is blank and gives nothing away, but I’m pretty sure mine shows only panic. How the hell would he know something as specific as running from someone? Oh, no. No! No! Please don’t tell me Ethan’s really just a private detective that Stephen has paid to find me. I drop the fork with a clatter to the table as I reel back in the chair, causing it to screech across the floor. I spring up and back away, desperately trying to make my way towards the door. It’s getting difficult to catch my breath.

“Hey! Hey Caitlin, calm down.” Ethan stands, holding his hands up, and slowly edges towards me.

I’m still struggling to catch my breath. “No,” I try to choke out.

He stops dead in his tracks still holding up his hands. “It’s okay, I won’t come any closer. Just take deep, slow breaths, Caitlin.”

I do as he says, studying the expression on his face. He seems concerned. After some time has passed, I get my breathing under control, but my heart still races in my chest. I finally manage to get out, “How’d you know?”

Slowly and calmly, he states, “I didn’t. It was a guess?”

“How could you guess something as specific that?” I ask, not yet convinced.

“I was in the army for ten years, babe. It was ingrained into me to look for signs, and to me, you have a big, flashing neon one.” He states this matter of fact. “You moved to a new country with only one small suitcase. That says you left in a hurry. You’re always jumpy and anxious, like you can’t relax. Then there’s your panic attack just now. You’re always telling me to go away, but your body says otherwise. That’s just to name a few. Like I said, big flashing neon sign.” His face still shows concern, and I believe he’s being honest. I start to relax around him again. I’m not sure why I trust him, but I do. I hope I’m not wrong about him.

“Oh, right,” I say. “Maybe we need to talk then.”

Ethan breathes out a long sigh, and his smile is faint. “Good. Now come here.” He opens his arms wide. I falter for a short moment before my feet take me into his warm embrace.

We stay this way for a while before going back to the table. “You need to eat first, but please, tell me what brought that panic on so fiercely,” he insists. I nod, and we eat in silence as I gather my thoughts.

Once we finish eating, Ethan takes my hand and leads me to the sofa. “Okay, it’s time to talk,” he prompts.

I clear my throat. “I really don’t want to go over my whole sob story right now. I’m sorry I reacted like that before. I got paranoid you were some sort of private eye sent to find me. Silly, I know,” I say quietly.

“Then don’t go into detail, just give me a rough idea. Who are you running from?”

Rough idea? Okay, I can do that
. I don’t look at him when I reply. “My ex-boyfriend. I don’t know if he would go to that extreme, but I do know he’s been to visit my friend and inquired where I’ve gone.”

His face gives nothing away. “So why run this far away?” He seems unaffected by what I’ve told him, except his voice comes out in a low growl.

“It’s the same story that’s been told a million times before.” I shrug.

“But this is YOUR story. I need to know what he did to frighten you so much that you’d feel compelled to leave your continent.” His blank expression now slips to one of anger.

I take his hand, trying to soothe him and also hoping it will calm me, too. I take a deep breath. “Fair enough. I was with him for nearly two years. He was nice at first, but it wasn’t long before he alienated me from everyone but my Nan. I didn’t see her as much as I wanted to, though. She passed away a few months ago and left me a little bit of money. She asked me to use it to get away from him. That’s pretty much it.”

“There has to be more to it than that, Caitlin.”

Sighing I answer, “I don’t want to go into details. It’s painful for me talk about, but if you’re insinuating he was violent, then yes, he was violent. Now that I have gotten away, I can’t ever go back.”

“Hey,” he says, bringing my attention back to him. “You’ll never have to go back. If he ever contacts you, I don’t care what’s happening between us, you let me know. I won’t let him near you again.” As I look into his face, I know he’s sincere, and I’ve never felt safer. He places a gentle kiss to my lips.

We spend the rest of the evening chatting about other things and getting to know each other better. “I know you were in the army. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but can you tell me more about how you were injured?”

“Yes, okay, I had to retire after I was injured. My team’s vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.” He takes a deep breath; I can see it’s painful for him to relive. “There were four of us in our vehicle and another behind us. Luckily, they were uninjured. In mine, my sergeant and I sustained injuries. He lost both legs; the other two died there on the side of the road.” He looks tormented by the memories, and I don’t blame him. I don’t know what to say, so I continue to hold his hand.

“It’s okay,” he says. “I’ve come to terms with it. It was hard at first, believe me, but there’s a charity for injured vets. I had a lot of help from them, and I stayed in a rehabilitation center for six months after I came home. Readjusting to civilian life and the fact I had lost a limb were really hard. If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t know how I would’ve coped.”

“I don’t want to embarrass you, but when we first met, I had no clue about your leg. You manage brilliantly, but what I find most inspiring about you is your attitude. You don’t seem to let it affect you. Look at what you’ve been through and look at me. You’re, so together, and I’m just a mess. I really need to get my life in order.” I shrug.

“This happened to me some years ago. You left your ex, what six months ago?” I nod. “I’ve had a lot of time to get it together and a lot of help. I promise, you’ll get over this, and I’ll be here for you while you do.”

His fingers glide over my hand. “I still hear him. His vicious words haunt me day and night.”

With my face in his hands, he takes a deep breath. “It took years for the sounds of the screams to die down. Eventually, those screams turned into whimpers, and it became easier to function. I promise, it’ll be the same for you, but it’ll take time.” This man is amazing, and in this moment, I decide to take the risk. Leaning forward, I bring my lips to his, desperate to show how much he’s beginning to mean to me. I pull away, and he smiles, pushing some loose strands of hair behind my ear then he lovingly strokes the side of my face.

My phone beeps with a text and brings us back to reality. It’s Beth confirming she’ll be here at the end of the following week. That’s in less than two weeks! I reply, telling her how excited I am before letting Ethan know.

“Beth’s the friend who helped you get away from your ex?” he inquires.

“Yes, we’ve been friends since we were very young.”

“When her flight gets in, I’ll go with you to pick her up from the airport. I need to thank her.”

Smiling, I proudly state, “You don’t need to thank her. Beth’s my person; we would do anything for each other.”

Smiling back he says, “I don’t care. I’m still thanking her. Without her help, you wouldn’t be here with me.”

“I don’t understand why you’re interested in me. I mean, have you seen yourself?” I ask shyly.

“You’re beautiful, and you don’t take my shit. Let me put it to you this way, whenever we’re together, the room could be packed with hundreds of people, but you’re the only one I see.” Ethan takes my hand. “I only ever see you.”

My breath catches in my chest. “What the hell do I say to that?” I ask, grinning.

“Nothing at all, just kiss me.” He doesn’t need to ask twice.

We manage to control ourselves the rest of the evening, but just barely. Ethan stays in my bed that night, and I’m soundly wrapped in his arms when I drift to sleep.

I wake before Ethan, so I take time to enjoy watching him for a while before sneaking out of bed to take a shower. This time I lock the door. Walking back into my bedroom wrapped in my towel, I spot Ethan. He’s lying on his back, one arm behind his head, smiling at me.

“Hi, babe. Did you sleep well?”

I sit on the edge of bed. “Yes, thanks. How about you?”

“Really well.” After attaching his prosthetic, he gets out of bed, walks around to me, and kisses the top of my head. “Do you mind if I take a shower before I drop you to work?”

“Of course not, help yourself,” I reply.

“Are you sure you want to go in?”

“Yes, Clay’s in jail, and he can’t hurt me. I have to stop letting bad people control my life.” He accepts my answer with a quick kiss.

After his shower, we have a light breakfast, and Ethan drops me off at work. He gets out of his truck and kisses me passionately right in the street, not caring who sees our display.

“Can we catch up tonight?” he asks.

“I’d like that,” I say with a shy smile. 

“I look forward to seeing you later then, okay?”

“Okay.” He gives me a quick kiss and a wave as I float inside.

FIFTEEN

Caitlin

I walk into work and find Kiaya with her arms folded across her chest while wearing a huge shit-eating grin. “Well, someone obviously feels better, and to think I was worrying about you. I just saw your little show, missy, and by the way, it looked like fun. A lot of fun,” she says, her grin still firmly in place.

“You want to talk about this?” I challenge.

“Yes! I want all the gossip.”

“Okay fine, but first you have to tell me how’s Asher?” Kiaya squirms. It’s great to watch, and I know I’ve won.

“Um,” she says looking guilty as hell. “Fine, we won’t talk about it then.” By the look on her face you’d think I’d confiscated her favorite toy.

Laughing at her expression, I say, “Look, nothing happened just a few kisses. A few really, really hot kisses.” I don’t feel the need to tell her we’ve already slept together. Some things I like to keep private.

Kiaya’s smile returns bigger than ever. “And?” she probes.

“And nothing, honestly. We kissed, stayed up yesterday evening chatting, and got to know each other better. This morning he brought me here and kissed me, as you just witnessed. He’s giving me a lift home tonight, so we might do something later, too.”

“You like him!” she exclaims, holding her hands to her chest with a dreamy look in her eye.

“Yes, I like him. Fine, I admit it. But it’s early days, okay? Please don’t get ahead of yourself. There’s no label on this yet; we’re just seeing how it goes.”

“Well, I’m really happy for you. He’s hot. I mean that kiss looked HOT. If he kisses like that, just imagine what the sex is going to be like,” she whisper shouts.

“Kiaya!” I fuss as I burst out laughing. “I don’t believe you just said that!” I’m thankful I don’t need to imagine, as I already know how hot it is.

She winks then the smile slips. “So really, tell me the truth, how are you doing?”

I walk around the counter and start tying up my apron. “Honestly,” I say while putting my hand on her shoulder. “I’m fine. I was shaken up, but I’ve been through worse. And, I didn’t have you to help me get over those things.”

“Smooth.” She laughs.

“Caitlin, can I have a word please?” Len calls across the shop. I swing my head back to Kiaya, who looks guilty as hell.

“Did you tell him?” I don’t really need to ask the question because the guilty look on her face says it all.

“Great,” I mumble. Just another person to fuss over me.             

“Take a seat,” he says, not looking up, but instead studying his paper.

“Yes, Len, how can I help you?” I try to act as if I don’t know anything.

He looks up. “Kiaya told me about Saturday night. Apart from that bruise on your face, you look pretty good. So, the fact you’re here and a grown woman, I’ll leave it at that.”

“Okay, Len, thanks.” I’m relieved. When I move to slide out of the booth, his attention reverts back to racing, but he puts his hand up to stall me.

“So, Ethan, huh? I should’ve bet money on that; it was a sure win.” Len never has much expression on his face, but one side of his mouth is drawn up in his best effort to smile.

“Very funny, Len,” I say, trying to hide my amusement.

This time he lets me out of the booth before he looks up, his face serious again. “Caitlin, I know you don’t have family here. Hell, I’m pretty sure you don’t have family anywhere.” He looks back down. “Just so you know, you do now. Me. You just say the word, and I’m there.” I’m certain he looked away because he knew I’d well up.

“Thanks, Len. I appreciate it more than you know.” He waves me away, saying nothing else.

I meet Ethan at the end of the day as promised. We make our way to his truck, and I slide into the front seat. Once I’m buckled, Ethan turns to me and says, “I got you something.”

“You got me something? Really, you didn’t need to do that.”

“Well, it’s for me, also.”

He passes me a bag with a good sized box inside. It’s a DVD player. “Ah, thanks, Ethan. This is really nice, but I don’t have any DVDs.”

He leans into the back of his truck. “I thought of that, so here. I hope you like them.” He passes me the boxed set of all the
Rocky
films.

“Ethan, I love them. I can’t believe you bought them for me.” I’m turning into a big cry baby. Everyone seems to be making me emotional today.

“Anything for you.” He leans over and gives me a quick kiss before we pull away, heading for my apartment.

Ethan sets up the DVD player that night, and we decide to watch one
Rocky
each night. Ethan doesn’t stay overnight at all that week, but he does pick me up from work every evening. We have dinner together then make our way through the films. It’s really nice spending this time with him. If this continues the way it’s going, I can see myself completely falling for this amazing man.

Friday morning, Ethan drops me to work. We’re rushed off our feet, and it’s been so busy I decide to kill two birds with one stone and take Ethan’s coffee during my break. Walking into the gym, I see Asher and Roman at the reception. “Hi Caitlin, how are you doing today?” inquires Asher.

“Good, thanks. Is Ethan around?”

“Well yes, he is, Caitlin, but are you sure you’re not really here to see me?” asks Roman, wiggling his brow.

I can’t help but laugh at the stupid look on his face. “I’m sure. I did bring you coffee, though.” I wave the container under his nose.

“That smells good. Thanks, Caitlin. Ethan’s in his office. Go on up.” Roman takes a sip of his drink, teasing Asher by running it under his nose first.

“Thanks,” I say, walking off.

“Hey, what about mine? Are you ever going to forgive me?” Asher asks.

As I ascend the stairs, I call back, “Asher, I’ll make sure I knock this time.” He can’t see it, but I have a massive grin plastered across my face. Serves him bloody right! I know it was a while ago, but I like to prove a point. I don’t know Asher’s reaction, but Roman’s laughing loudly.

Doing as promised, I knock, not having to wait long before I hear Ethan’s deep voice saying, “Come in.” Turning the handle and going in, I find Ethan sitting at his desk. He puts his phone back in its cradle.

A smile crosses his handsome face. “Hi, I’m beginning to look forward to this time every morning.” He stands as I walk over to him and he places a kiss on my cheek.

I get so flustered in this man’s presence, all I can manage out is, “Coffee?” I push the container in his direction.

Taking the drink from me, he says, “Thanks, babe.”

“No problem,” I say feeling shy. I really hope my bashfulness evaporates soon; it’s so embarrassing.

“I’m glad you came over; I was missing you.” He pulls me so I’m standing between his legs, as he sits back in his chair.

“It’s only been a couple of hours since you brought me to work.” I giggle.

“And your point?” He grins up at me, and I forget the question.

“Okay,” I mumble, content being this close to him. I’ve never been forward with men, and with Stephen I never made the first move; he’d never allow it. But in this moment, feeling Ethan’s impressive length digging into my thigh, I can’t help it. Before I lose my new found confidence, I drop to my knees.

“Caitlin, what are you doing?” His voice is strained. I meet his gaze and bring my hands to his zipper. I don’t move to unzip his pants because I need to make sure he won’t reject me.

“This is something I want to do. Can I?”

“You’re on your knees asking to suck my cock?” He chuckles. “I’m not about to say no.”

As I slide the zipper down, his hard cock juts forward. Holy shit, I don’t know if it’ll fit in my mouth, but I’ll give it my best shot. Wrapping my hand around the base, I give a few teasing strokes before bringing my lips to the head and circling my tongue around the tip. I hear Ethan draw in a sharp breath. Slowly, I pull him into my mouth, sucking in as much of his length as I can take. His hand grips my hair, and he moves my head up and down. “Fuck, Caitlin. That’s so good,” he hisses. This spurs me on, and I continue, quickening the pace.

“Babe, it’s not going to be long before I come,” he eventually rasps out. With my free hand, I cup his balls. “Shit,” he gasps. “Babe, pull off. I’m going to come.” I don’t pull off because I’ve heard men think it’s sexy for a woman to go all the way, so to speak. Wanting to be sexy, I suck even harder. Ethan’s moans increase, and by the way he’s wriggling, I know it’s not going to be long. It’s then, right as I’m kneeled in front of him, I realize something—I don’t want to swallow that! It’s not going to be long, and I panic! Pulling back suddenly, my timing is not perfect at all. Something warm hits my eye, and it’s a few seconds before I realize what ‘it’ is. Now my eye is stinging! Crap!

“Oh shit, babe. I’m so sorry, hold on,” Ethan insists, his voice a mix between a laugh and concern.

Hold on? HOLD ON! I’m in freaking pain. Jumping up, I run into Ethan’s bathroom. Thank God he has one in his office. There’s no way I could live this down if Roman or Asher caught me like this!

My shoulder bangs into the door frame as I try to enter because of my panic and one working eye, but that’s the least of my worries right now. Sticking my head under the tap, I let the cold water run into my eye to soothe it.

Ethan who’s still flustered, comes running into the room. “Babe, here, I have an eye bath.”

He rams the cup onto my eye while my head’s still under the tap. “That’s not helping.” I snap, pushing his hand away. “I’m blind and will likely need to go to the hospital. How am I supposed to explain this? We’re NEVER doing that again!”

I take a look in the mirror, and my eyeball is bright red. The pain is subsiding, and it finally registers that Ethan is in hysterical laughter. I had been trying to prove to Ethan I could be sexy; now I couldn’t look any less sexy if I tried. I’m mortified. I need to get out of here!

“Come here,” he says, pulling me towards him.

I glance towards the door. “No, I need to go.” I start to back away.

“What? Is your eye still hurting?”

“No, it’s finally getting better,” I mumble, really not wanting to have a discussion about it.

“Okay, good, but you can’t go. You gave me the best damn blow job of my life. You can’t leave before I get to thank you,” he says, moving towards me.

Holding my hands up, I say, “No thanks necessary. I have to go back to work.” Feeling timid and extremely embarrassed, I can’t believe what just happened. With downcast eyes, I rush out the door, but not before a quick goodbye to Asher and Roman. Hurrying back to Betty’s, I know no one knows what has just happened, but I can’t help acting guilty.

“You okay?” Kiaya asks. “You’re looking a bit flushed, and why is your eye so red? Have you and Ethan had a quickie or something?”

It’s meant as a joke, and although it’s not exactly the truth, it’s close enough. I’ve never been a good liar. I must have turned red, as I’m feeling flush all of a sudden.

“WHAT!” she shrieks. “You did!” Oh my goodness, I can’t seem to speak! I’m just standing there gaping at her instead of defending myself.

She bursts out laughing. “Looks like he isn’t finished.” She motions towards the door.

What the hell? I turn around to see Ethan coming through the entrance. Now I’m gaping at him. Can this situation get any worse?

“We need to talk.” He takes my hand and marches me to the back room, while Kiaya calls back, “I’m waiting for an explanation about that red eye of yours!” Len laughs.
Yep, it got worse!

“I thought you said if I needed help you’d be there for me,” I direct to Len as I’m led past him. Len laughs louder.
Great!

“What the fuck was that?” Ethan asks through gritted teeth. “First, you suck my cock, run off, and then tell Len you need help getting away from me?”

“Um… well, when you put it like that…” I can’t help the giggle that slips out. Ethan looks angry, but it’s not long before he’s shaking his head and chuckling, too. He opens his arms.

“Come here,” he says as I walk into his embrace.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I panicked because I was embarrassed. I’m not normally that brazen, and it backfired on me.”

“Boy, did it,” he says, laughing even harder. My cheeks flush again, but I admit his quip is pretty damned funny.  He grows serious, and his hands surround my face. I’m looking into his beautiful brown eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry or embarrassed about.” Lowering his head to mine so our foreheads touch, he makes me sigh. “Please, don’t run from me.”

“Okay. Just know I wanted to do that. I just… Sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s me who should be sorry for…” I cut him off by putting my hand over his mouth. He smiles under my fingers and mumbles under them, “You don’t want to talk about this?”

“Nope, let’s never mention this again, ever. Please.”

“We okay now?” he mumbles again, and I quickly remove my hand. He takes my nodding as a yes. “Good. I really need to be going now, but I’ll pick you up after work, okay?” After a quick kiss to my cheek he leaves. I can’t help it; I miss him already.