Caroline

“My feet are killing me,” I tell my sister, Rachel, as I drop my car keys in the bowl next to the door and unceremoniously plop my tired body onto the couch. It doesn’t matter how many times I wear my stripper boots, by the end of my shift my feet ache.

“How much did you make tonight?” Rachel asks as she swirls her glass around, ice cubes clanging together with the clear liquid.

“A few hundred.” I tug and pull the tall white boot with a high wedge heel off my foot and hurl it across the living room and massage my arch. “It was slow for a Thursday.”

Rachel shifts her legs underneath her and fluffs up the decorative pillow behind her. “Doesn’t sound too bad to me. You’ve got to tell me as soon as they’re hiring. I don’t make that much in a week subbing and tutoring.”

I’m lucky that I got a job at Lolita’s; it’s always packed and I’m guaranteed to make amazing tips, but I’d rather be singing and playing my guitar instead of hustling food and drinks with barely any clothes on, dancing on the bar. “You’ll be the first to know.”

“When does Ethan get here?”

My stomach does a nice little flip at the mention of his name. It’s been a long month since I’ve seen him. Our phone calls have been getting me through the long, stretched out days. “He’ll be here at noon.”

“I’m excited for you, but I wish Tom was coming with him. Guess he couldn’t get out of a meeting he had.” Rachel’s lips turn into a pout. She and Tom hooked up after the reunion. I never even knew my sister was attracted to him. We all went to high school together and were in the band together for seven years. Not once did my sister seem to give him a second glance.

Something sparked between them as soon as they saw each for the first time. I was in my own world when we were home and had no idea until we were leaving town and she dropped the bomb that they had stayed up all night talking about their hopes and dreams and ended up having sex until the wee hours of the morning.

“I bet he’ll come and see you soon,” I say as I start massaging my calf muscles.

“I hope so. I’m falling for him. Fast. And I know it’s silly of me, but we clicked.” She stands, glass in hand, and walks toward the kitchen. “Want some vodka and seltzer?”

“No, I’m going to go to bed in a minute. I’m exhausted.” Slinking down, I stretch my legs across the now vacant couch.

Rachel returns with a full glass and she sits on the chair. “You’ll let me know if you and Ethan need the apartment to yourselves?” Her brows rise up and down her forehead.

“No, you won’t have to leave.” Who knows what’ll happen once Ethan arrives. We’re both single now, since he and his ex, Jane, broke up at the reunion last month. I wasn’t sad to see their relationship end. He was my high school sweetheart after all.

“Okay, I’m just giving you the option. I can make myself scarce so you two can get reacquainted.” She winks at me and tilts her glass to her lips, taking a sip.

I get a little pulse between my thighs even thinking about being intimate with Ethan. It’s been far too long since I’ve been with a man and seeing Ethan again brought back all of the old feelings I had for him. It was like no time had passed even though it’d been five years since I broke up with him and moved to Nashville. “Thanks, sis. I appreciate the offer, but I really don’t know what to expect when he gets here.”

“You’re kidding, right? I’d be surprised if he can keep his hands off you for more than ten seconds. You do remember the kiss at the reunion. It was intense.”

My cheeks heat up with the memory. Our old band, The Trees, got together to play at the reunion. Our performance was so amazing; we were all hyped up afterward. Out of nowhere Ethan grabbed me and pressed his lips to mine. Passionate would be an understatement. My knees went weak and the room felt like it was spinning. I wanted to fully enjoy the moment, but the reality of the situation was like being doused with ice water. He was still dating Jane at the time, and I don’t condone cheating. “How could I forget it?”

“Right. You guys had the same chemistry onstage at the reunion as you did back when the band was together. I’m sure you’ll pick up where you left off.”

Piling my long blonde hair into a messy knot, I allow myself a moment to believe Rachel’s theory. I’d like to believe that Ethan and I could find our way back to where we were. I’ve missed him so much. “I hope so.”

“You’ve got to try to relax and be yourself. Everything will fall into place.” She gives me a reassuring smile.

“I will try. And do you mind not mentioning where I work to Ethan?”

“Why, do you think he’ll be upset about it?”

“I’m not sure. It’s been a while since we’ve had time to ourselves and I don’t want to rock the boat. Besides, working at Lolita’s isn’t my end game anyway.”

Rachel sits with my request and sips on her drink before she answers. “You’ve got my word that I won’t mention your job, but I really think you should. It’s not a big deal and you don’t want to start fresh with him having secrets between you, right?”

“Good advice. Thanks.” I agree with her. My plan isn’t to lie to Ethan but bringing it up on his first visit isn’t on my agenda. Ethan had a jealous streak back in high school and I’m sure he wouldn’t love the idea of me prancing around a bar with most of my body hanging out and men sticking money in my bra. Standing, I stretch my arms over my head extending my limbs and bringing the blood back. “I’m going to get some sleep.”

“Goodnight,” Rachel says as I pick up my boots and bring them with me to my room.

Who knows how much sleep I’ll get tonight? The anticipation of seeing Ethan again has my heart beating at an erratic rate.

* * *

Ethan

My guitar case is about to slip out of my hands, they’re so damn slick. Standing here in front of Caroline’s apartment door, my nerves have got me ready to bounce off the walls.

It’s been almost a month since I’ve seen her and she’s all I’ve been able to think about. Seeing her again, holding her, touching her. When she walked away from me in the park last month, I knew that I had to be near her again, and soon.

Caroline doesn’t understand what she does to me. It’s been five years since we broke up. And when she left Pennsylvania it was like she took the most vital part of me with her. Our ten year reunion brought her back into town and it only took one look at her for me to know I wanted her back in my life. Sure, I’m scared to death. She broke me apart when she left me and I barely survived it. Call me foolish, but here I am asking for more.

I give her door three solid knocks. When she opens it, she steals my breath away. She’s the most gorgeous woman I know. Her blonde hair falls in waves down her shoulders and she’s wearing a blue sundress, the soft, milky-white skin of her arms and shoulders exposed. Her full pink lips turn up in a grin as she takes me in. “Hi,” I say.

“You made it. Come in.” She stands to the side as I cross the threshold into her apartment.

Dropping my guitar and bag onto the floor, I move closer to Caroline. “Can I hug you?” I ask.

She nods and puts her thin arms around my neck. I pull her in close and breathe her in; wildflowers, sexy and romantic. Squeezing her a little harder than is customary for a hug, I lift her off the floor and savor the contact. She squeals a happy sound and I set her back on the floor.

“How was your flight?” Caroline asks as she straightens her dress.

“It wasn’t bad.” I’m not a big fan of flying, so thankfully there wasn’t much turbulence, just a kid who liked wedging his feet into the back of my seat. “Show me your place.”

“There isn’t much to see. I told you, it’s tiny.”

We’re standing in the kitchen. It’s small but functional. Only one small countertop lines the back wall where the only three cabinets hang. A stove, refrigerator, and a mini-microwave are the only appliances. It’s all in good shape, probably around five to ten years old.

We walk five steps forward and there’s a tan cloth couch and chair and a small TV on a stand. “This is the living room,” Caroline tells me. It’s decorated girly with a couple hanging plants and colorful paintings on the walls.

“And here are our bedrooms. Mine is bigger since I found the place.” Turning to the right, she opens the door to her room. If this is the larger room, I’d hate to see Rachel’s. There’s a double bed in the corner with a small dresser and open closet. The room is painted sky blue and it is bright with a nice window letting the sun shine through.

Her bed has an inviting fluffy white comforter. I stare at it and think of how much I’d like to throw her down on it and strip off her clothes. Not yet. We’ve been talking almost every day and I’ve told her how much I miss her. I’m not shy about expressing my feelings to her, but she’s been holding her emotions close to her chest.

Caroline’s deep blue eyes lock with mine; she must’ve noticed me checking out her bed. Can she see how much I want her? There’s a charge in the air, an electricity between us that prickles my skin and I can’t wait another second before I kiss her. Stalking over to her, I put my hands on her face and pull her mouth to mine. She doesn’t hesitate and opens to me. Our tongues press together in a dance of need and want. It’s fast, intense, and passionate. Her hands come up to my hair and I moan in appreciation. It’s as if we can’t get close enough to each other. My entire body stiffens, blood pumping through my veins, like my heart can finally beat again.

This isn’t just any kiss; it’s been years in the making. Five long years of not having her and now the floodgates are open. It isn’t enough though. I want my hands all over her, my skin pressed against hers, but it’s too soon and I see the hesitation when she pulls away.

Caroline’s fingers come up to her mouth and she’s nearly panting. Her eyes are as wide as saucers when she says, “Let’s go sit down in the living room and catch up.” She grabs my hand and walks me to one of the couches.

“Can I get some ice water?” Or a cold shower.

“Of course.” She hurries into the kitchen and comes back with two glasses in her hand.

Lifting mine to my lips, I take several cooling swallows before I set it down. “Thank you.” I pat the seat next to me. “Sit down.”

She’s got a tentative look on her face.

“I won’t bite,” I say.

This grants me a giggle and she sits down next to me. “I’m sorry I had to stop us in there. I needed a minute.”

“Don’t apologize.” Clasping my fingers through hers, I say, “We go as fast or as slow as we need.” The truth is, I don’t want to be stupid about this either. We should take our time. Deep down, I know I want to be clear about where we stand and not get caught up, even though it’s easier said than done.

“It’s good to see you,” she says.

“Agreed. I couldn’t wait to get here to see you, but I also have news.”

Caroline’s teeth bite down on her lower lip. “What news?”

“I ran into Mrs. Armstrong and told her I was coming to visit you. She was so excited about it and went on and on about how great we sounded at the reunion.”

“She’s so sweet,” Caroline says, her gaze fully on mine. I always loved that about her. When we talked, we were both fully present. My ex, Jane, never wanted to get off her phone. One of the many reasons she and I weren’t meant to be.

Nodding, I say, “She was always one of our biggest cheerleaders. That’s why I wasn’t surprised when she called me yesterday to tell me she contacted someone she knows here in Nashville. She hooked us up with a gig.”

Her mouth falls open. “Really? Where’s the gig?”

“At the Freemont. She said it’s a great place to get noticed. And it’s in two nights.”

“Wow. That’s amazing. But I just told my friend at work that I’d cover her shift. I can make some calls though and see if I can swap with someone else. I didn’t realize, and it’s only a four hour shift.”

“You think you’ll be able to get someone to cover for you?” I ask. I know I sprang it on her, but I can’t believe she’d take a shift when she knew I’d be in town.

Caroline sets her water glass down on the coffee table in front of her and pats my thigh with her cool hand, damp from condensation. “Yes, don’t worry. I was doing my friend a huge favor, trying to make it easy on her. She put me on the spot and you know me, I have a hard time saying no to my friends. But I’ll get it covered. We can’t miss this opportunity. It’s nearly impossible to get a spot at the Freemont, especially this Saturday. There’ll be record execs there, everyone in town who wants to make it knows about it. All of the up and coming artists in town try to get a spot.”

Bringing my hand to rest on her hip I stare into her excited eyes. “I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. Mrs. Armstrong just said it was a gig. She is the best.”

“We’ll have to call and thank her afterward,” she says.

“We will, but right now I’d love to see around Nashville. Can you take me on a tour of the city? Show me where you work.”

Something passes over her features, but it was only there for a second. Maybe I imagined it, because she’s up and out of her seat saying, “Yes, I can’t wait to show you around.”