CHAPTER FIVE
Ethan was released from the hospital the next day around the time I was corralling my students into the cafeteria line. I checked in with him every time I had a free moment and stared at my clock, counting the seconds until we’d be together again. When the final bell rang for the day, I herded the kids out of the room, locking the classroom behind us. I’d almost made it to the parking lot when Ben’s voice echoed down the hall.
“Emily? Can I talk to you for a second?”
I took a deep breath before turning to face him. Students and teachers lingered in the hall, so I put a broad smile on my face and tried to sound casual.
“What can I help you with?”
Ben stepped up and took me by the elbow. “Privately,” he whispered.
I shook free of his grip but followed him into the empty break room.
“What is it, Ben?” I snapped, my voice much harsher once we were in private.
He exhaled loudly and leaned against the door. “I owe you an apology. I owe you more than that.”
Oh my God… is he crying?
Ben looked up at me with bloodshot eyes. “I made a terrible mistake, Em. I never should have gotten involved with Becky. That was the most selfish, destructive thing I’ve ever done. I knew how you felt about me, and where we were headed. And I panicked. Is there any way you could find it in your heart to forgive me?”
“I’ve already forgiven you, Ben. Is that it? I have somewhere to be.”
I tried to move past him, but he wouldn’t budge from the door. He gripped me by the forearms and stared at me with desperation in his eyes.
“You don’t understand. I miss you. I’ll do anything it takes to get you back. Just tell me what to do.”
I shook free of him and took a few steps back, my heart racing with rage. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him he had a lot of nerve and suggest where he could stick his apology. But the last thing I wanted to do was start a long, drawn out argument. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him defiantly.
“I said I forgive you. I also told you I have somewhere to be. Get out of my way, Ben. Or the moment I get out of this room, I’m going straight to Principal Matthews.”
He glared back at me but took two steps to the side. I opened the door, but he grabbed my arm again as I stepped into the hallway.
“You want what I can give you, Em. I know you do. We love each other. And we’ll be together again.”
Keep dreaming, douchebag.
I glanced to my right and saw Linda coming down the hallway. “Let go of me, Ben,” I said firmly.
He let go and followed me into the hall, startled to see Linda.
“Is everything okay, Emily?” she asked, making her disdain for him clear by her tone.
“Everything’s fine. I’m on my way out, you?”
She nodded but kept her eyes on Ben. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
She linked her arm through mine and we set off for the double glass doors.
“What was that about?” she whispered.
“Just Ben being his usual asshole self,” I replied with a low growl. “Apparently, he’s realized that leaving me was a terrible mistake. He actually asked what he had to do to win me back.”
“I hope you told him to fuck off.”
I shook my head as we stepped into the warm sunshine. “I told him I accepted his apology. I didn’t dignify the rest of it with a response.”
“Good for you,” she said, turning toward my Prius. She walked me to the driver’s door and shaded her eyes with one hand.
“I’m glad you told him off. But the look on his face when I walked up… it was like he was possessed.”
“Ben’s an ass. But he’s harmless,” I insisted. “I’m sure he’ll have a new conquest lined up sooner rather than later and forget all about me.”
“If you’re sure… but I definitely don’t think you should be alone with him again.”
“I’m not afraid of Ben,” I assured her. “But I don’t plan on spending anymore one-on-one time with him.”
“Okay. Well, tell Ethan he’s in our thoughts and call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks, Linda.”
I climbed behind the wheel of my car and left the parking lot without a second thought of Ben.
***
I found Ethan stretched out on a lawn chair, sunning by the pool. He wore a pair of long, loose athletic shorts, a backwards Stallions hat, and his arm sling. Even with the bruises, his firm, muscular chest sent shivers of desire through me.
“Hey, baby,” he greeted me with a grin. “How was work?”
“Torturous.” I bent down and kissed him before settling down in the opposite chair. “All I could think about was getting here to you. How are you feeling?”
“As the doctors warned, the pain is definitely worse on the third day.” His beautiful face twisted into a grimace. “It feels like someone ripped my arm off and then reattached it wrong. I still can’t really take a deep breath.”
“When did you last have your pain meds? And aren’t you supposed to have a nurse?”
“Mindy, the nurse, left about an hour ago. I promised to be good and not move until you got here. And I haven’t had a pain pill since I left the hospital. They make me sleepy.”
“You’re healing. You’re supposed to sleep.”
“And I will,” he agreed. “But I didn’t want to be zonked out when you got here. Looking forward to spending alone time with you is what got me through the last few days.”
I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “I’m flattered. But I hate that you’re hurting. What if I get you a pill and we cuddle up for a nap together?”
“Is this an example of the compromises you were talking about?” he teased.
“Yes,” I agreed. “And also, I’m exhausted. I haven’t slept very well since Sunday… since long before then, actually.”
Ethan gave me an understanding nod. “I haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep since the last time you stayed over,” he confessed. He slowly rose to his feet and took my hand, leading me back into the house.
We made our way to Ethan’s bedroom, where his prescriptions were laid out on his nightstand. He took a single pain killer, then I helped him between the sheets and propped my pillows up beside him on the headboard. I nestled in beside him, longing to be in his arms but knowing he was too hurt to hold me. I settled for resting my head on Ethan’s shoulder and slipping my hand into his.
“What are the chances your mom set up a spy cam to make sure I’m not overly exerting you?” I teased.
Ethan let out an exaggerated groan. “God, I wouldn’t put that past her. Why? Do you feel like exerting me?” he teased back.
I turned and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Like you wouldn’t believe. But we’re not taking that chance. I’ll control myself until the doctor says it’s safe. I’m just happy we’re in each other’s arms again, Ethan. I can be patient with the rest.”
He moved a hand to my chin and pulled my lips to his. I kissed him softly, constantly aware of his breaths. I’d joked about his overprotective mother, but the last thing I wanted to do was cause him any more pain. His chest rose and fell a little too roughly, and I pulled away.
“I’m okay,” he assured me.
I shook my head. “You’ve already told me it’s painful to take a deep breath,” I reminded him.
He groaned and kissed my forehead. “But the rest of it feels so good.”
I rolled my eyes. “We have plenty of time for that, Ethan. And believe me, it’ll feel a lot better when I’m not worried about one of your lungs collapsing.”
Ethan took my hand and guided it to his stiff, throbbing cock. “We could go really slow,” he whispered, stroking himself with my hand. “And if it gets to be too much for me, we can always stop.”
I wanted Ethan as much as he wanted me. But I was terrified of hurting him. I shook my head but didn’t pull my hand away.
“We can’t, Ethan. We just have to wait a few weeks.”
“We’ve already waited weeks,” he reminded me, arching his hips into my hand. “I’ve spent weeks fantasizing about being with you again. I need to be with you, to feel that connection. Please, don’t make me wait. We don’t even have to move. This isn’t about an orgasm, Em. This is about me and you, connected the way we belong.”
Well, how the hell am I supposed to argue with that?
“When you put it that way…” I closed my hand around his cock and planted a soft, quick kiss on his lips. “The moment I feel like this is too much for you, we’re stopping,” I warned.
“Deal… the condoms are in the top drawer.”
I studied his face for a moment. “I’m on the pill,” I finally confessed. “I’ve been on the pill since I was sixteen. Unless there’s something I need to know, the condoms can stay in the drawer.”
Ethan’s eyes burned hot with desire and he shook his head. “If there was something you needed to know, you would already know.”
He grabbed the hem of my blouse and pulled it over my head, tossing it to the floor. I stripped out of the rest of my clothes and pulled Ethan’s shorts down his legs before crawling onto his lap. I stared into his eyes and issued a final warning.
“This is not going to get… athletic,” I reminded him.
He nodded and leaned back against the headboard. I lowered myself onto his cock, my wet, aching pussy finally satisfied. Ethan filled me completely as I leaned back, careful to keep all of my weight away from his broken bones.
Ethan let out a light moan, but his breaths remained shallow and easy. “This is just what I needed.”
He shifted his weight, bending his knees behind me. I leaned back against his thighs and circled my hips ever so slightly. Ethan looked at me with an adoring, satisfied smile.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
I felt myself blush and dropped my eyes to the bed. He took my chin in one hand and lifted my face again. He studied me for a moment, our hips completely still.
“I mean it, Emily. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, inside and out. And when we’re together, like this, I feel like I’m finally where I belong.”
I nodded back at him and brushed a single happy tear from my eye. “I feel the same way.”
I leaned forward and kissed him again, grinding into his cock.
“Slow down,” he warned with a whisper.
I immediately pulled away, ready to climb off of him. But Ethan put a warm hand on my shoulder and gently pushed me back against his legs.
“Just slow… not stop,” he moaned. He circled his hips and then went still again.
“Open your eyes, Em,” he pleaded.
I opened my eyes and held his gaze as he moved with soft, gentle thrusts. He moved his hands to my neck, massaging my shoulders before tracing long, teasing strokes down my sides. He moved from my hips to my collarbones, then to my breasts, all the while rocking ever so slightly within me. He slipped one thumb into my mouth, and I swirled my tongue around it and bore down on his cock.
He dropped his wet thumb to my clit and slowly stroked me. He teased my breasts with his other hand and the slow burn inside me grew to a raging fire. We were barely moving, but I’d never felt so alive.
“Are you going to come for me, baby?” he asked as he felt me tighten.
“Yes,” I gasped back at him. “Yes…”
He pinched my nipple and increased the pressure of his thumb. He moved his hips with two sharp, quick thrusts and my body exploded with pleasure. I collapsed back against Ethan’s legs and his thumb moved faster, spurring me to a new level of ecstasy. I writhed against him and felt his cock tremble and then erupt inside me. I heard Ethan struggle for breath and immediately went into panic mode.
“Oh my God,” I breathed out, crawling to his side. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry.”
I took Ethan by the shoulder, gently lifting him off of the pillows. He let out a soft laugh and collapsed back against the headboard.
“I’m fine, Emily. I’m better than fine. That was incredible.”
“You sounded like you were having an asthma attack or something?”
“I got a little carried away at the end,” he agreed, looking guilty. “But it was more than worth it.”
“Do you need another pill?” I asked, desperate to do anything to make him feel better.
He shook his head. “I just need a minute to catch my breath. Come here… just be careful and avoid my right side.”
He wrapped his left arm around me and I laid my head on his shoulder. After a few minutes, his breaths evened and he cleared his throat.
“That was a nice surprise about the birth control. Why didn’t you mention it last time?”
“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t completely trust you then. I feel the exact same way you do, Ethan. But you have to admit, this is all sort of surreal. I didn’t know emotions like this existed. Especially so fast.”
“It’s completely surreal,” he agreed with a nod. “But you trust it… do you trust me now?” The hesitation in his voice tore at my heart. I sat up again and looked into his eyes.
“Yes, Ethan. I still don’t understand this, but I trust it. And I trust you with everything.”
Our next kiss was interrupted by Ethan’s growling stomach. I let out a soft chuckle and pulled away from him, reaching for my clothes.
“What sounds good for dinner?” I asked my patient.
“Let’s order a pizza and eat it in bed,” he suggested.
I dropped my blouse and crawled back between the sheets beside him. “That’s the second best idea you’ve had today.”
***
“It’s so good to see you, sweetheart. You look fantastic,” Uncle Walt said, wrapping me in a bear hug. He released me and pulled out my chair before returning to his seat. The hostess set a menu down in front of me and filled my water glass before leaving the table.
“It’s great to see you too. How pissed are you?” I asked with a cringe.
“Why would I be pissed?” he replied with a shrug. “I can’t say anything. I kept my relationship with Claudia from you for months. Though I’d like to think if I were in your position, I’d have said something instead of letting you find out about it in the news.”
Two weeks had passed since Ethan’s injury. The previous weekend, the two of us had finally ventured out of his house. We were photographed at several home interior stores around the city and news of our relationship spread like wildfire.
“I should have called you. I’m so sorry. Everything happened so fast. I wasn’t sure how to explain something I didn’t understand myself.”
“I understand,” he assured me. “Though I have to admit, seeing those pictures kind of stung. I hope you know you can talk to me about anything, Emily.”
Love for my surrogate dad filled me. “I’ve always known that.”
A tall, blonde waitress came up to our table and greeted us with a wide smile. She looked from my uncle to me, and then to the empty chair beside me.
“Good evening. My name is Erica and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Are we expecting anyone else?” she asked hopefully.
She recognizes me from the news. She’s hoping Ethan’s joining us.
“No, it’s just the two of us,” I replied with an amused grin.
Her shoulders sank a bit, but she kept the smile plastered across her face. “Wonderful. Can I start you off with a glass of wine or an appetizer?”
I shook my head. “I’ll have the grilled snapper and a glass of iced tea.”
“I’ll have the same,” Walt added.
“I’ll have your drinks right out,” she promised.
Erica rushed away from the table and Walt’s lips turned up in a teasing smile. “Pretty soon, I won’t be able to take you anywhere.”
“It’s ridiculous. And it’s definitely going to take some getting used to.”
“So when will I get to meet this new man of yours?”
“Whenever you’d like. In fact, he asked me to invite you and Claudia to the Stallions’ game on Thanksgiving. They play in the morning, and we thought we’d host dinner at his place after.”
“That’s sort of short notice, but I believe we can make it,” he agreed. “Will Ethan get to play?”
I nodded. “If all goes as planned, it’ll be his first game back.”
Erica reappeared with our teas. “Are you sure I can’t get you something while you wait on your entrees?”
“No, thank you,” I told her again.
She nodded and moved on to a nearby table.
Uncle Walt took a long drink of his tea and then met my eyes with a curious stare. “So, tell me how this happened. The last time we talked about your personal life, you’d just left that bastard, Ben.”
I took another sip of tea, thinking of how best to share the story. “Ethan and I met at a diner a few weeks after school started. We were both eating alone at the counter. I had no idea who he was, which he still finds incredibly amusing. He asked me out then, but I was still with Ben. The next Saturday, I tagged along when Melissa interviewed the team. That’s when I realized who he was. He asked for my number again, and I gave it to him. We were just friends until I realized what an ass Ben really was. We didn’t officially start dating until after he was hurt.”
“From what I’ve heard, you’re not so much dating as shacking up with the guy,” he countered with a hint of disapproval.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not shacking up with anyone. I’m staying at Ethan’s because he’s hurt and needs someone to take care of him. As soon as he’s feeling better, I’ll go home.”
“The longer you’re there, the less likely you’ll leave,” he argued. “I just want to make sure you’re thinking this through. I mean how much do you even know about Ethan? It seems like you’re moving awfully fast.”
“It has been fast,” I agreed. “I know this sounds crazy. But when we met, I didn’t feel like I was meeting a stranger. I felt like I was being reunited with someone I’d forgotten I’d lost.”
A happy smile spread across my uncle’s face.
“What is it?” I asked, my brow pinched with confusion.
“That’s exactly what your father said the night he met your mother. Back then, I thought he was being an overly dramatic, sentimental sap. But I felt the same way the first time I saw Claudia. And I’m so happy to hear you say it now.”
“So I have your approval?” I bit my lip, waiting for his answer.
“Did you really need it?” he teased.
I reached across the table, took him by the hand, and met his eyes. “I should have listened to you when you warned me about Ben. You are the one person in this world who has always had my back. So, yes. I actually need your approval very much.”
Tears welled in my uncle’s eyes and he closed his hand around mine. “All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. Follow your heart, Emily. And I’ll watch your back.”
***
Principal Matthews stepped up to the microphone and attempted to quiet the crowd. The entire school was packed into the school auditorium, along with more than half of the kids’ parents. Ethan had followed through on his promise to treat the kids; the Stallions’ starting lineup was on the stage.
“Boys and girls, if you’ll just settle down we can get started. The longer it takes you to get quiet, less time you’ll have on the field,” Matthews warned.
“I think our real problem is the parents,” Linda whispered, leaning into my shoulder.
I nodded and looked out over the crowd. Every kindergartener had a parent at the assembly, leaving Linda and me with no immediate responsibilities. We stood at the back of the room with Melissa, who was covering the assembly for the station.
“It was so sweet of Ethan to put all of this together,” Linda continued. “The kids will remember this for the rest of their lives.”
“It looks great for the team too,” Melissa added with a wink. “Not to mention it gives me more air time. Have I told you lately how much I like your new boyfriend?”
“Maybe once or twice,” I teased.
When Ethan learned that the station was limiting Melissa’s sports assignments, he’d taken it upon himself to do something about it. He called in a favor with his stepfather, who in turn called the station. I’m not sure of the words exchanged, but the next day Melissa was called into her boss’ office and told she was the station’s official Stallions correspondent.
“I can’t believe how much better he looks,” Linda observed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d never guess he was hurt.”
The room was finally quiet and Principal Matthews introduced Ethan. The room erupted in applause as he stepped up to the microphone.
“He’s been pushing himself too hard. We had a huge fight about it this morning,” I confided.
“That’s a football player for you,” Melissa explained. “I know you’re worried about him, Emily. But Ethan’s tough. I’m sure he can handle more than you realize.”
“He may be tougher than most people. But his bones don’t heal any faster,” I countered, shaking my head.
The doctors cleared Ethan for light exercise and I’d woken up that morning to find him bench pressing heavy weights. We’d had a knockdown drag out over the definition of ‘light exercise’ and I’d left the house angry.
Linda raised a curious eyebrow. “Trouble in paradise?”
“A little,” I confessed. “It’s nothing devastating. He’s stubborn, I’m stubborn. Sometimes we butt heads. He is adorable though, isn’t he?” I asked, grinning up at the stage. Ethan was giving the room an enthusiastic speech about taking pride in your abilities, and all eyes were fixed on him with rapt attention.
“Yes, he’s adorable,” Melissa agreed, rolling her eyes. “I’m going to slip out and use the restroom.”
“I’ll join you,” Linda whispered.
They both looked at me and I shook my head. “I’m fine here.”
“We’ll be right back,” Linda promised.
They snuck out of the auditorium while Ethan introduced Bob Palmer, the team’s leading wide receiver. I caught Ethan’s gaze as he slipped back into line and he gave me a quick wink. I felt a moment of relief, and then my blood grew hot with annoyance.
“Well, well, well. Your boyfriend has some nerve, showing up here acting like he’s God’s gift,” Ben whispered. His arm brushed against mine as he eased up beside me. I instinctively pulled away, refusing to look at him.
“He’s doing no such thing,” I hissed.
A group of parents looked over their shoulders and I felt my face flush with embarrassment.
This is the last place I should lose my temper.
“Whatever,” Ben pressed on, raising his voice. Unlike me, he didn’t seem to care if we drew an audience.
“You know what, Em? You’re a hypocritical bitch.”
I finally faced him, took him by the arm and marched him into the hallway before he had a chance to embarrass me any further. Once we were alone, I backed him into the wall and jammed a finger into his chest.
“I don’t know what the fuck your problem is,” I hissed. “But you don’t get to talk to me like that. I didn’t go to Matthews after you cornered me in the breakroom. But I swear to God, Ben. If you don’t back off, I’ll have your job.”
“What are you going to do?” he snarled. “Have your boyfriend’s daddy buy the school and fire me?”
“I won’t have to involve Ethan at all. What you’re doing is harassment, and it’s against the law.”
“You act so high and mighty. I actually felt guilty for hurting you. But that’s not what happened at all, was it? I bet you were relieved when you found me with Becky. You got to make me out as the bad guy, and you were free to whore yourself to McAlister.”
I was outraged by his words, so I decided to hit him below the belt. I glared at him with mocking sympathy and took a few steps back.
“Poor, Ben. You’re jealous, aren’t you? You thought you were the big bad man, living the dream with a devoted girlfriend and plenty of sex on the side. I forgot that you’ve already had to settle for your plan B. I bet you can’t stand it that I’m with a real man now. Ethan’s living out all of your wildest dreams. And you’re stuck here, alone.”
“You’re going to be alone soon, too,” he retorted, a bead of sweat dripping down his temple. “Do you really not understand how professional ball players operate? Let me break it down for you, sweetheart. You’re the home girl. You may get more of Ethan’s time than the others, but you’re far from the only pussy in the lineup. There are women all over this country just counting the days until the Stallions play their home team.”
I shook my head and backed away from him. “I don’t know why I even bothered. You’re not worth the time or the energy. My relationship with Ethan is none of your fucking business. And you’re the last person I feel the need to explain myself to.”
“Is everything okay, darling?”
My body instinctively relaxed at the sound of Ethan’s voice. I met his eyes as he stepped out of the auditorium and gave him a reassuring nod. “Everything’s fine.”
He put a protective arm around my shoulder and glared at Ben.
“Are you sure?” he asked me. “I saw you two step out here. When you didn’t come right back, I got worried.”
“I’m positive. Ben here was just explaining to me how many women you have spread out across the country. He says I’ll be crawling back to him in no time. Isn’t that right, Ben?”
Ben’s face turned an alarming shade of red and a thick blue vein popped up on his forehead. He glared at me, unable to form words.
Ethan raised an amused eyebrow. “Is that so? Did you inform Ben that our relationship is none of his damn business?”
“I did,” I agreed, my voice light and easy. “But he doesn’t seem to be getting the picture. I’m afraid I may just have to report him to Principal Matthews.”
Ethan shook his head. “I don’t think that will be necessary. Ben’s going to leave you alone from now on. Because Ben understands that if he doesn’t, a lot more than his job will be at stake.”
“Are you threatening me?” Ben growled.
Ethan met his question with exaggerated shock. “Threatening you? Of course not. I’m simply reassuring Emily, my girlfriend, that you won’t be giving her any more problems.”
Ethan dropped his arm from my shoulder and took three steps toward Ben, backing him into the wall again. Ben’s entire body tensed and I wondered if he was about to wet his pants. Ethan put his good hand against the wall and leaned into Ben, towering over him.
“She isn’t going to have any more problems with you, is she Ben?” Ethan asked, his voice low.
Ben glared from me to Ethan before dropping his eyes to the floor.
“No,” he whispered.
Ethan lifted his other hand and cupped it behind his ear. “What was that? I didn’t quite hear you.”
Ben cleared his voice and straightened his shoulders. “No. I’m not going to cause any more problems. She isn’t worth my time.”
Ethan nodded and finally backed away. “I’m glad we’ve reached that understanding.”
A rush of pride washed over me as Ethan wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me back toward the auditorium.
“Thanks for the rescue,” I muttered under my breath.
“If we were anywhere else, I’d have knocked that bastard’s teeth in,” he whispered as we stepped back into the crowd. “And I meant what I said. If that asshole bothers you again, I’ll make sure he regrets it for the rest of his life. Are you sure you’re okay? He didn’t hurt you? Where were the girls?”
We eased against the back wall unnoticed, the crowd’s attention still on the rest of the team.
“They went to the bathroom. Melissa’s probably touching up her makeup before her on camera stuff. I had to drag Ben out before he made a scene, but I’m fine. I’m better than fine. I’m sorry I was such a bitch this morning. Thanks for having my back.”
Ethan let out a soft sigh. “Don’t call yourself a bitch. I’m the one who overreacted. You’ve been amazing these past few weeks, Em. You have every right to be upset at me for pushing myself when you’re the one who has to take care of me if I get hurt. I guess it’s just taking me a little time to adjust to having someone to be accountable to. I promise to do better next time.”
“Me too,” I agreed, curling into his side. We held each other for a few long moments and Ethan cleared his throat.
“You know Ben’s full of shit, right? About the girls in every city, I mean. I know plenty of players like that. But I’m not one of them.”
“I never, for a second, thought you were,” I assured him.
“I love you, Emily,” he whispered. “This may not be the best place to say that for the first time. But I can’t not say it for a second longer. I have fallen completely, desperately in love with you.”
I felt as if my heart would soar out of my chest. I opened my mouth to tell him I felt the same, and my friends chose the exact wrong time to reappear.
“Hey,” Melissa beamed. “Are they about to wrap up?”
Ethan nodded at her with a reluctant smile. “Yes. As soon as D’Angelo’s finished speaking, we’ll be ready to move outside.”
The playground had been transformed into a training field, and the players were going to teach the kids some of their practice drills.
“Why don’t Ethan and I head out there and double check that everything’s set up?” I suggested.
“Sounds good,” Ethan agreed. “We’ll see you two outside.”
We slipped away from them before they had a chance to protest. Ethan turned down the hallway toward the double glass doors, but I pulled him into the empty gymnasium and planted a firm, passionate kiss on his lips. I pulled away and stared into his eyes.
“I love you too.”