Page 103 of Love Unavoidable
I giggle.
I feel so free with him, like I can say anything, be anything. That I’m beautiful. And seductive. And most of all that I’m wanted. Not just in a sexual way, even though that’s a heady feeling. He listens and remembers what I say and the things I find important. I’m not sure Aaron ever did those things. Or if he did, I didn’t notice, and they sure as hell didn’t affect me the same way.
We are next in line to get on the ride. I’m practically bouncing in place with excitement. Not just over the Ferris wheel, but also because I’m starting a whole new chapter of my life. One I can’t wait to experience. And with a guy I am head over heels in lo—
Uh-oh.
What were you going to say, Sadie? That you are in love? With a guy you barely know? Has it even been three weeks? I can hear my mother’s voice in my head,“You are being ridiculous, Sadie Ann.”
I don’t want to be ridiculous.
I shake my head to clear it, missing the exchange between Ethan and the ride operator. Ethan takes my hand and helps me in the car first, then slides in next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me tight against him. The operator locks the safety bar closed in front of us and the car rocks slightly as we ascend. I lean my head against Ethan’s shoulder, a sigh escapes me before I can stop it.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Better than,” I say. He turns toward me and takes my face in his other hand.
He’s going to kiss me.
So far all we’ve done is light kissing and heavy flirting. But I can tell by the look in his eyes this kiss is taking it to the next level. I close my eyes as his lips ghost across mine. Softly at first, then with slightly more pressure. My head spins, I feel dizzy and breathless, though we’ve barely begun. He nips at my bottom lip, then soothes it with his tongue, seeking entrance to my mouth at the same time. I let him in and match him touch for touch.
It’s like a first kiss all over again. Even better than that first night at his house. I slide my hands up his chest and around his neck, pressing my body as close to his as I can. He moves one hand around to the back of my neck, grabbing my hair and pulling slightly.
“Oh god, Ethan,” I moan against his lips. His other hand slips down to cup my breast, his thumb running back and forth across my nipple.
“I’m sorry,” he says as he moves his lips down my jaw and back to my neck, sucking and biting as he goes.
“Why?”
“Trying to keep this PG, but I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because, gorgeous”—he pulls his head back from my neck and looks at me—“I can’t stop touching you. I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m crazy for you.”
I grin. “I meant why are you trying to keep it PG?”
“Oh.” He looks slightly embarrassed, and turns to run his hands through his hair. “Because it’s our first date. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do on a first date when you like someone? Keep it respectful?”
“Notourfirst date.” I lean in to nibble at his chin. “But only because I can’t stop thinking about you either.”
“Oh, yeah?” He captures my lips with his. We kiss until I can’t breathe. I have no idea how many times the Ferris wheel has gone around, but when we pause our kiss, it’s stopped at the top.
“Oh, look,” I breathe. “It’s so beautiful.” I can see the entire city from up here, glittering lights to the north and south, the inky blackness of the ocean to the west, tiny people down below.
“It is,” he says, but he’s looking at me, not the view. I smile at him and snuggle back into his chest. He puts his other arm around my front and holds me.
It’s a perfect moment.
“You know,” I say into his shirt. “It could also be said I’m crazy for you.” His arms tighten around me in response and he lays his cheek against the top of my head with a sigh. We stay that way until the car sways with movement again and we begin our descent to reality once more.
Ethan gets out of the Ferris wheel car and holds his hand out to help me depart. He grips my hand in his and doesn’t let go until we reach his truck. I like the way he holds my hand, firm and relaxed, yet possessive. And, nothing against trying to be a modern, independent woman, but when he gets possessive, it turns me on. Like he’s telling the world I’m his. He is claiming me, and he wants everyone to know. It’s sexy as fuck, to use his preferred phrase.
He unlocks the passenger door and helps me in the truck, shutting the door after me. Then heads around to the driver’s side and gets in. I wait until he puts the key in the ignition before I make my move. Scooting across the bench seat and swinging my right leg over his lap to straddle him before he even starts the engine or buckles his seat belt.
I place my hands on either side of his face. “If I forget to say it later, thank you for one of the best nights I’ve ever had.”
His hands move around my hips and pull me in tighter toward him. “It’s not over yet.”
“I know.” I smile and lean in to kiss him. Softly at first, just a gentle whisper of a kiss, a token of my appreciation. He runs his left hand up my side and over my shoulder to cup my head, his thumb under my chin and his fingers raking into my hair, holding me in place as his lips capture mine. Like each time before, the kiss turns heated, I don’t care that we are in a truck, in a parking lot, in public. I want Ethan. Now. I’m an all new Sadie, I take what I want, when I want. And this time I’m letting nothing stop me.
“I want you, Ethan. Please. I don’t care about anything else.”
