Page 36 of Awakening

“Unfortunately, the circumstances are less than ideal,” I say with a light laugh.

“Yeah, but who knows,” he says. “Maybe someday they’ll be just right.”

Nine

Olivia

“What does one wear to dinner with a fiancé you don’t remember?” I ask Chloe as I hold up the few options I have in my temporary wardrobe.

“I’m not sure there’s an outfit protocol for such an occasion,” Chloe responds with a laugh as she sits on the bed. “I guarantee he’ll love you in whatever you choose, and I’ll get you some more clothes when I meet Nick tonight.”

After choosing an outfit and changing, I sigh as I turn to see myself in all angles in the mirror. “Stop. You look perfect,” Chloe says, coming to stand next to me. “I mean, come on. Your ass looks adorable in these jeans, and this sweater,” she says, feeling the soft, dark green material along my arm, “brings out the green in your eyes. I’m definitely borrowing this one,” she says with a nod.

“You’re sure it’s okay?” I ask, looking into my best friend’s kind blue eyes.

“Yes,” she says with a reassuring smile. “Now finish getting ready.”

My stomach buzzes with what feels like first date nerves as I curl my hair with the curling iron Chloe bought me while we were out today. I may not remember being with Ethan, but the man practically drips sexual masculinity. I want to look good on his arm tonight.

“Okay. I’m done. How do I look?” I ask, turning to face her.

“You look beautiful,” Chloe says with a smile. She and I spent the day browsing the shops in Anthony’s neighborhood. I know she was trying to give me a day that just felt normal, but that didn’t stop her from talking up Ethan at every possible opportunity. She made him sound so amazing that now I’m feeling the need to impress him. I blow out a deep breath and look in the mirror again. “Relax,” Chloe says with a smile. “Remember, Ethan already loves you.” I nod as I look at her in the mirror, while my stomach flutters with nerves.

Anthony was needed at the hospital this evening. He reluctantly left us, but not before employing two very threatening looking men to stand guard outside his apartment who I currently hear shouting with a third man in the hallway. I look at Chloe as I shake my head and roll my eyes on my way over to the door.

“Ethan must be here.” I unlock the door and swing it open only to have one of the guards dramatically shield my body as if I’m about to be shot.

“What the hell is going on out here? You’re all making asses of yourselves,” I say as Chloe joins me.

“Ms. Newman, you shouldn’t open the door. That’s why we’re here,” the guard says.

“Olivia, would you please tell them who I am?” Ethan says, his biceps flexing as he pushes the sleeves to his navy blue sweater up over his impressive forearms. “They already fucking know, but they apparently need to hear it from you.”

With a sigh, I shake my head. “This is Ethan. He’s my date tonight.”

“You know…the one she told you both she’s expecting,” Chloe chimes in.

“Oh, I guess you were telling the truth,” the other guard says to Ethan with a smirk on his face as he and Ethan glare at one another. Something tells me they may have been instructed to give him a hard time. I’ll deal with that later.

“Olivia, are you ready?” Ethan asks with a tight jaw.

“I am.” I grab my small handbag from the table in the foyer, as I turn to Chloe. “I’ll see you later, Chloe.”

“I’m meeting Nick for dinner. Text me when you’re on your way back,” Chloe says.

“Thanks, I’ll see you then,” I say as she gives me a hug.

“Relax and have fun,” Chloe whispers in my ear.

I nod and turn to Ethan. “Let’s go.”

“Thanks, Chloe,” Ethan says as we turn to leave.

“Of course. Have a great night, you two,” she responds, then closes the door.

Leaving the guards behind us, a strange warmth spreads through my back when Ethan places his hand on the small of my back as we walk down the hall to the elevator. I turn and give him a little smile as we step inside. “I’m sorry about all of that back there.”

“It’s not your fault,” he says, smiling back. “You look beautiful.” He leans down and kisses me on the cheek. As he’s backing away, I realize in the proximity of our closeness, I’m holding my breath.

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