Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (7 page)

Nine

Caitlin

Ethan’s only been gone a couple of days, and I’m not enjoying the emptiness I’ve felt since. I’m missing him like crazy. These last few weeks of finally getting to know him, once I decided to stop avoiding him that is, have been the best few weeks of my life.

It’s been a long day. I had a full day of work then immediately on to Roman’s class. Once I’m home, I put my culinary skills to good use with my microwave as I run myself a bath. In super quick time, I’m snuggled up in my bed. My phone beeps, making my heart skip a beat. I hope it’s who I think it is.

E: Hey. Hope you’re ok. It’s been a long day.

Me: Mine too. I’ve not been home long from training with Roman. How did it go?

E: Really good. Simon’s agreed to go!

Me: That’s great news! I’m so happy for him.

E: Me, too. Missing you though.

Me: Ha! It’s only been two days.

E: So you’re not missing me?

Do I lie?

Me: Nope

I lied!

E: Really? Not even a little bit?

Me: Well, maybe a little. ;)

E: Enough to want me to come and see you now?

Now? I’m confused. Is he here? But isn’t he at Simon’s?

E: Go to your front door. X

Extreme excitement has me pulling back my covers and running to my door. Looking through the peephole, I see Ethan, and he looks so good. My heartbeat speeds up. I can’t believe he’s here!

I fling the door open and wait for a kiss, a hug, or any type of greeting. Even a simple hello would do, but he’s frozen. What I do hear is his increasingly heavy breathing. Ethan’s gaze hasn’t left my body. What’s wrong? Shit, now I realize why! After my bath, I’d put on a super soft t-shirt I love to sleep in. It might be a little bit see-through because it’s so old and worn. I don’t know what should be done in this highly embarrassing situation, but I choose to slam the door in his face. Instantly he’s knocking.

“Caitlin!” Ethan yells. “Too late. I’ve already seen— Look, let’s just say you better let me in or so help me I’m kicking this door down.”

I snatch my coat from the hook, quickly fastening the zipper, toggles, and belt. He won’t be getting through this sucker! I’m fraught with nervous energy but still excited he’s really here. I open the door, and Ethan immediately barrels in, holding my gaze while slamming the door behind him.

He takes one look at my coat and lifts his brow asking, “That’s supposed to stop me from wanting you?”

I bite on my nail, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. “That’s the plan.” I’m secretly hopeful he doesn’t give up that easily.

“That’s a weak plan.” He smirks, taking a step towards me. I, in turn, take a step back. It’s strange, a few days ago I wasn’t ready for anything physical, but having him before me changes things. Wrapped in my stupid coat, I couldn’t be more turned on. Beth’s idea about sleeping with Ethan to get him out of my system seems like a bloody good idea. Genius even!

“I’ll have you know I’ve given the plan much thought, and I’m convinced it’s fool-proof.”

He takes another step towards me, but this time I don’t retreat. With the gap between us closed, I feel the heat radiating from his muscular body.  God, he smells so good.  Testing the waters, he reaches his hand to cup my cheek, and when I don’t flinch, he grows more brazen with his advances. With a devious glint in his eye, he moves so his lips are mere inches from mine.

“Why don’t you take off that coat and get on the bed before I rip it off from your hot body?”

I can’t help myself. My lips crush upon his in a hard, but short, kiss. Leaving him stunned, I take off running. Ethan snaps out of it quickly and is right on my heels. Once in my room, my fumbling fingers desperately try to undo my belt. He stops me by placing one of his large hands over mine while slowly shaking his head.

He turns me so my back is to him, and his strong arms wrap around my body to undo my belt. He even makes light work of the toggles. His warm tongue traces the outer edge of my ear just before he whispers, “Let me help you out of this.”

My arms drop, and I lean my head to one side as he begins to kiss and nip at my neck. Once the toggles are undone, he slowly unzips my coat. He steps back, and the coat now slides down my shoulders. I’m left in my see-through t-shirt once again. Nerves assault me, but I want this so badly. I crave a gentle touch. A non-abusive touch. Ethan’s touch. Taking in a deep breath, I turn around to face him before I chicken out. His gaze drifts down my body again, and this time a groan escapes his lips.

“You. Are. Beautiful.” He softly moans when stepping towards me, and I tremble when he speaks again. “Lift your arms, Caitlin.” I step a little closer and do as he’s requested. I hold my breath as he slides my shirt off, and now I’m completely exposed to him. Lustful eyes roam my body, and the thought of how much he wants me leaves my heart racing.

Peeling off his hoodie, he reveals a perfectly muscular torso, and now I can clearly see the tattoos that cover both arms. I’m so mesmerized by the way his defined muscles ripple and move, I don’t even notice he’s stripped off his jeans and underwear. Ethan’s heated gaze meets mine, and his mouth lingers above, barely grazing my lips. After a few painful seconds of waiting, the kiss connects, and it’s frenzied and all-consuming. He’s only been gone two days, but I can’t control my desire for this man. What has Ethan Kendricks done to me?

We walk to the bed as the kiss continues. Gradually, he lowers me, our kiss never disconnecting. Ethan leans over me when he pulls away, but his lips remain near mine.

“Turn over.” With a slightly uncertain smile, I turn onto my stomach. The bed dips on either side of me as Ethan lowers himself to pepper kisses along my spine. It’s been so long since a man’s touch has been so tender, yet so commanding. I crave more; I can’t get enough. He grips my hips lifting them in the air, exposing me to him, but I’m too turned on to be self-conscious right now. Leaning forward, he tweaks my nipple. “Don’t move,” he murmurs in my ear.

He leans back, and I don’t move but wonder what he’ll do next. The bed dips again as he moves away, and then I feel his fingers travel up the inside of my thigh. I squirm.

“Don’t move!” he tells me again, more firmly this time. His hand glides painfully slowly up my thigh once again. He reaches my clit and starts to rub; I can’t help but lift my body just a bit higher as I moan out in pleasure. His finger plunges inside of me, and my moans become louder. Kneeling behind me he asks, “You ready for me, baby? Shit, I nearly forgot, please tell me you have condoms.”

“It’s ok; I’m on the pill.”

“Yes, but what about other the stuff?”

“Well, I’m clean; is there something I need to be worried about?”

“No, babe, of course not.”

“Well, then let’s stop talking about this. Please, Ethan, I need you now.”

“Aw, baby, that’s what I want to hear.” His hand is replaced by his hard cock, and he enters me with one powerful thrust.

The shock and power of it has me shouting his name. “Ethan! Again,” I beg.

He gives me what I want, this time without stopping. His movements grow harder and faster, and I’m left grasping the sheets to keep myself upright. With his relentless thrusting, I feel my orgasm building.

“Fuck, Caitlin. I’m not going to last much longer. You feel so good.” He brings his fingers to my clit, and it’s not long before I’m screaming his name. I come harder than ever before. Only a few more thrusts and Ethan joins me. We collapse onto the bed and lie there a few moments unmoving, just trying to catch our breath.

Finally Ethan says, “Come here, babe.” Gripping my sides and pulling my back into his front, he wraps his arms around me. I’m glad Ethan has the strength to help me, as I don’t have an ounce of it left in my body. There has never been a time in my life I have felt this content. There are no words spoken between us, yet I’m overcome with emotion.

We stay wrapped in each other for a short time before Ethan whispers, “When I saw you in the doorway, I needed you. I’m sorry.”

“Ethan.” I turn in his arms, and I can tell he’s nervous. “If I hadn’t wanted you, I would’ve said no. I wanted it. I wanted it with you.”

He smiles and kisses the top of my head. ”You’re mine, right?”

I look down feeling shy.

“Hey.” He lifts my chin. “Don’t do that. There’s no need to do that with me.”

“I’m yours,” I whisper with a small smile.

He rests his forehead on mine. “That’s settled. You’re mine, and I’m yours,” he declares. It’s odd; when Stephen said I was his, I felt nothing but terror. With Ethan, I feel nothing but pride.

We fall asleep in each other arms, and it’s perfect. In the night, I’m woken by Ethan placing soft kisses to my breasts. He takes his time, making love to me slowly, but it’s just as intense as before.

I wake in the morning, and in my confusion I believe I hear the light fall of rain, but it’s just the sound of the shower. Visions of last night play back in my head. The initial feeling to run hits, but I push it back down. 

I still have time before I need to be at work, so I decide to busy myself making breakfast. Being English, I settle on a good old fashioned fry up. Ten minutes later I’m joined by Ethan, and he’s never looked sexier. His jeans rest low on his hips so I can see his well-defined abs. His hair is wet, and he’s drying it with a towel.

“Morning, gorgeous,” he says as he comes round behind me and places a kiss the top of my head. Looking over my shoulder at the bacon in the frying pan, he asks sounding hopeful, “You’re cooking me breakfast?”

I turn my head to the side. “Yes, I hope you like bacon and eggs?”

He wraps his arm around my mid-section. “Who doesn’t like bacon and eggs, babe?”

“My friend, Beth. She says it’s too greasy.”

He chuckles. “Well, I love it, and you can cook this for me anytime.”

I bring his breakfast over to where he’s taken a seat at the table, but as I’m about to walk off, he grabs my arm and pulls me into his lap.

“Thanks, babe,” he says, kissing me. I could really get used to this.

We begin to eat our breakfast in contented silence before I ask, “So why are you here? Not that I mind. I just thought you were taking your friend to the center on Friday.”

He swallows his mouthful.  “Yeah, I am. I have to go back today, but I needed to see you.” He winks at me, and with that, my heart turns to mush.

After I take my own shower, Ethan drives me to work. Kiaya gives me a knowing smile when I enter. I would normally become shy and walk away, but this time I wink and go behind the counter to tie on my apron while Kiaya bursts out into laughter.

“Someone’s happy,” she states once she calms down.

“You have no idea!”

The problem is, my happiness doesn’t last. Once I’m on my own, fears dominate my mind. I probably shouldn’t have had sex with Ethan or even be thinking of starting any type of relationship with him. After fighting against it for so long, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I’d give in, but was it the right thing to do? All day at work I stew over it. I shouldn’t have done it. Why did I do it? Questions like these plague me. Once I get home I’m a real mess, so I phone Beth. She’ll be here in a couple of weeks, but I really wish she were here now.

“Hey,” she says when answering.

“Hi, Beth. I think I fucked up,” I blurt out.

“What do you mean fucked up?”

There’s no easy way to say it. “I had sex with Ethan?” Cringing, I wait for her reply.

“WHAT!” she shrieks. “You fucked Mr. Hottie?”             

“Oh god,” I groan.

“You regret it?” she whispers.

“Yes, I mean, no. Beth, it was amazing, and he’s amazing, too. It’s me. He can do better than me. Look at my list of shitty fuck-ups when it comes to relationships.”

There’s a long sigh. “Caitlin, those shitty fuck-ups were Stephen, not you.”

“But I stayed!” I stress, repulsed by my actions.

“You loved him and wanted to believe it would get better.”

“But it didn’t, it got worse, and I let it.”

“Stephen beat you enough. You have to stop beating yourself, too,” she snaps. I flinch at the sharpness of her words. “Oh shit. Caitlin, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” I wipe at a couple of stray tears. “You deserve some happiness, but I’ll settle for straight up fun and sex with Mr. Hottie. It must have been a little fun, right?”

Remembering how much fun it really was makes me smile. “It might have been.”

“Caitlin, I mean it. I know you. Don’t sabotage what you’ve got going on with him.”

“I don’t know what IT even is. We’d become friends, and nothing happened before last night. Don’t you think it’s too soon after Stephen?”

“No Caitlin, I don’t. It’s been well over six months. You need to put him behind you, and maybe Mr. Hottie can help you do just that.”

I come away from the conversation more confused than before, and honestly, I don’t know what to do. Maybe a little distance to figure out my next move will be a good idea. With him gone for the next few days, I’ll be able to do just that.