Sitting here with Ethan, enjoying our beers, and talking like we’re old friends has me realizing just how much I’ve shut out of my life since Ben’s death. I haven’t even tried dating anyone, and while I don’t regret that decision, I am ready to put that part of my life behind me.

When he reached for my hand on the walk over here, it felt natural. The feel of his calloused fingers intertwined with mine sent a chill through my body, and a sense of peace over me. It also made me realize just how much a man’s touch can zip through me, warming me in all the right places. Places that haven’t been warmed in way too long, leaving me with a lustful feeling.

I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about Ethan that just feels right, but I’m not about to question or fight it. It’s obvious that he’s as attracted to me as I am to him, so I’m content with just seeing where things go, if they even go anywhere.

We continue to talk and get to know each other over another round of beers. As I set my empty glass down, I yawn. It’s getting kind of late, and as much as I love sitting here with Ethan, I’m ready to head home and get into some pajamas.

“Let’s get out of here,” Ethan tells me, as I yawn again.

Laughing, I reach for my purse and slide out of the booth after he does. “My busy days are catching up with me. I’m looking forward to having the rest of my time off be relaxing, now that I’m done unpacking.”

“Well, let’s get you home then. Wouldn’t want you turning into a pumpkin,” he teases.

Ethan grabs my hand again as he leads us out of the bar and onto the sidewalk. “Where is your place?”

“Just a couple blocks that way,” I tell him, pointing in the direction of my apartment.

“I’ll walk you home,” he says, starting down the street.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I insist. I want to make sure you make it home safe,” Ethan tells me, letting go of my hand and tucking me into his side as we walk slowly down the sidewalk.

We fall into step, along with a comfortable silence, for a few moments.

“Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” Ethan asks, as we turn onto my street.

“I’d really like that,” I reply, looking up at him.

We arrive at my building, but I’m not ready to tell him goodbye just yet. From the way he keeps me close, I don’t think he’s ready either.

“Would you like to come in for a bit?” I ask, pulling out my keys.

“Yes, I’d like that, if you aren’t too tired,” he replies, his voice gravelly, which sends a bolt of electricity straight to my core.

Fuck, he makes me horny.

I turn my focus onto unlocking the door to the lobby of my building, and not the heat that’s seeping into my body from the contact from our skin. He’s pressed himself against my back and placed both of his large hands on my hips; I can feel the hardness of his cock against my lower back. Feeling the effect I have on his body is doing things to mine that I haven’t felt in a very long time.

We make it up to my apartment and inside, but the moment my door closes behind us, the electricity between us snaps. Ethan spins us, backing me up against the wall in the hall, just inside my door. His lips hover over mine for a few agonizing seconds before he crushes them together.

I moan into his mouth, opening almost instantly as his tongue swipes along my lips. One of his hands cups my face, holding me where he wants, while the other stays on my hip, keeping our bodies close. I run my hands up his solid chest, along his shoulders, and behind his neck until I sink my fingers into his hair, tugging lightly.

Ethan has complete control over this kiss and his dominance has me so turned on, I feel as if I could combust.

He pulls back, breaking our kiss, and places his forehead against mine.

“What are you doing to me?” he whispers.

“I could ask the same of you,” I reply, my voice just as low.

Ethan lingers, his lips a whisper away from my own, as our eyes are locked on each other, both searching for something within the other. He must see what he’s looking for, as he captures my mouth again in a kiss I feel down to my toes.

We stay pressed against the wall, his body trapping mine, as we explore each other between the deepening kiss and our roaming hands, for what feels like forever, until Ethan pulls back, looking at me with a hunger in his eyes I’ve never seen.

“I should probably go,” he finally rasps out.

“Or you could stay.” I hold his gaze.

The hunger in his eyes intensifies as he takes in what I’ve just suggested. I don’t know where the nerve to offer something so bold came from, but I can’t pass up the opportunity. I feel something when I’m around him that I can’t let pass without seeing what it is.

“Are you sure?” he finally asks.

I shake my head yes and lead him further into my apartment.

“Can I get you anything to drink? I’ve got beer, water, or soda.”

“I’ll take a beer.”

I leave him in my living room and retreat to the kitchen to grab us both a beer, popping the tops off before heading back out to join him.

I take a drink, hoping the alcohol will continue to give me courage to move forward with him tonight. I haven’t had a man’s touch since Ben got sick. But tonight, for the first time, my body feels alive. He makes me feel like a desired woman, and I’m more than ready to explore that feeling again.