Page 39 of Awakening

“I do,” I say with a smile. “Speaking of food, this was delicious.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” he says. “Oh, before we go, I want to give you this.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a phone. “This is your phone. My number, as well as Chloe and Nick, are programmed in there, of course. And, here’s your debit card, credit cards, ID, and some cash. I wanted to give this stuff to you personally, but Chloe will be bringing a couple of handbags and clothes back for you tonight.”

I take the phone and other items from him as he extends them across the table, and I put them into my handbag. “Thank you, Ethan.”

“You’re welcome,” he says. “Hey, it’s a beautiful night out. Would you like to get out of here and go for a walk?”

“Sure, that sounds great.” I had no idea what to expect when I agreed to join him for dinner tonight. I wasn’t sure I was going to feel anything, but I find myself more and more drawn to him. It’s no stretch to see why I fell for this man. He’s kind, charming, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous as hell, and smells absolutely incredible.

Leaving the restaurant hand in hand, we go on a walk through a nearby park. The fall air is crisp with a slight chill, without being too cold. “Care to sit for a while?” he asks when we come to a bench.

“Sure.” I sit down first and he settles next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close.

Ethan

“Thank you for coming out with me tonight.”

“It’s been really nice,” she says.

“I want to see you tomorrow.” What I really want is to take her home with me tonight. I want to kiss every inch of her body until she can’t stand it anymore, and she begs for me to be inside her. I want her to tell me she remembers me and our life together, and I want her to tell me that Anthony fucking Moretti is nothing more than an insignificant memory from her past.

“I’m actually moving into the new apartment tomorrow.”

“Temporary apartment.” I can’t help myself, but I move on before she has time to comment. “I’ll come over and help you.”

“Actually, there isn’t really much to move other than some clothes. Chloe will be there, and Anthony already got someone to cover his shift so he can help me.”

Fuck.

“Well, tell him to pick it back up because you don’t need his help anymore. I’m your fiancé, Olivia. I should help you. Not him.”

“Ethan, he kind of has to be there. He’s signing the papers and claiming responsibility for the apartment so I won’t be obligated to a lease.”

Obligated to a lease? His parents own the fucking building. I don’t believe for a second that she would be obligated to anything. He’s just using this as a reason to spend more time with her. “Olivia?—”

“I don’t want the two of you arguing again,” she says, and my heart hurts as I watch her twist her hands and look at the ground before looking back up at me. “Please, Ethan. I would really appreciate it if we could see each other after I’m settled.”

I take a deep breath, and remind myself to keep my shit together for Olivia’s sake. She’s been through enough. “I’ll come and see you when you’re done then.”

“Okay,” she says with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” I say, managing a tight smile. “Moretti and I also need to have a little talk about his security. I’ll be arranging for my security team to take over.” He has the nerve to call me a liar, and denies having any connection to a pack, but then stations werewolf guards outside his door. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but I’m going to fucking find out.

“Uh…I think he already may have paid them to be there for a while. Maybe you guys could arrange a schedule?” She’s trying to be diplomatic, and it’s sweet, but no. He’s the one being manipulative, and while she may not see it, I do.

“We’ll figure it out,” I say to ease her mind.

“Maybe we should be on our way back,” she says. “I’ve been pretty tired since the accident.”

“Okay,” I say as we stand. “I’m sure you remember Chloe’s dad is a doctor. I’d really like for him to examine you.”

“Yes, I love Chloe’s parents, but it’s not necessary. Anthony has assured me that I’ve healed exceptionally well.” She turns to face me. “Thank you for your concern, though.”

I’m irritated by her answer, but I know this isn’t the time to push the subject. “Of course.” I trace her cheek with my finger, raising her chin up so her eyes meet mine. If I don’t act now, she may get nervous and back away from me. I lower my lips to hers in a soft and gentle kiss, and I’m surprised when she leans into me, and wraps her arms around my neck. I pull her against me in my arms, and deepen the kiss as my tongue brushes past her lips. She willingly accepts me with a soft little moan. There’s no hiding my physical reaction to her as our bodies press together.

As we pull away, her heart pounds in her chest against mine. “That was—” she says through her rapid breathing.

“Yeah, it was,” I reply with a smile. “It always is.” She may not remember me in her mind, but her body still knows me. I’m going to show her who we are together.

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