Page 23 of Fallen Angel
Chapter Eleven
Angel clasped Ethan’s strong hand and followed him up the pathway toward the house. The sun shifted and began its dip behind the trees. Suddenly, the clouds were highlighted in cool pinks and lavender, giving the white stones a rosy glow.
“It’s beautiful.” Her gaze was pulled in every direction, from the stunning mountain views, to the rustic yet elegant log cabin with its wraparound porch and massive iron candelabra chandelier hanging above imposing double doors. Stone detailing covered much of the facade. There was something powerful about Ethan’s mountain retreat. It reminded her of a medieval fortress, unyielding and indestructible, like the man himself.
She mounted the stone stairs with Ethan at her side. Their footfalls echoed her pounding heart. Her eyes followed the lines above her head. Straight, strong logs joined together to make a ceiling that she guessed doubled as the floor of an expansive balcony. From an even greater height, she could imagine the views would render anyone speechless. She held her breath as he reached for the handle and swung the door wide. A soft gasp fled her lips at the sight of the myriad beams of colored light slanting through the floor-to-ceiling windows lining one side of what could only be called a great room.
Ethan looked back at her, a soft smile playing at his full lips. He led her across the room. Her gaze remained pulled to her left, tracing the dancing beams of light and then outward toward the mountains, now violet in color, like a purple sea frozen in time. Tearing her eyes from their wild surroundings, Angel looked ahead to the towering, cold hearth, wide at the base and narrow at the roof.
“Sit and refresh yourself while I grab your bag from the car.” He poured her a glass of champagne and motioned to several small trays. Arranged on one were skewers of grilled chicken and pineapple, drizzled in a dark sauce; another tray held bite-sized, thinly-sliced bruschetta, topped with red and yellow grape tomatoes and basil; and there was a pasta salad boasting a rainbow of grilled vegetables and fresh herbs. Her mouth watered at the sight. She eased back in the supple, distressed, brown leather couch and took a long sip of champagne, her first. The bubbles tore down her throat, cleansing and invigorating. She took another sip, reached for a bruschetta and popped the colorful bite into her mouth. The fresh flavors mingled with the champagne. She closed her eyes to savor the taste.
She bit into one of the chicken skewers while she scanned her surroundings. The furnishings were a mix of rustic and refinement. Industrial sculptures contrasted harmoniously with log details and cast-iron antiques. Like the urbane yet badass owner—his mountain home blended city sophistication with rural charm.
She turned in her seat and looked at the opposite wall, above which was the second-floor loft railing. In the center of the wall, between two doors, was a large abstract painting. Streaks of red, white, and purple battled and danced with darker blue tones. The bold colors and lines were explosive and drew her gaze across the canvas to every corner.
“Do you like it?” he said behind her.
She jumped a little in her seat. “You startled me,” she said, her hand clasping her heart, which was now pounding at a dizzying pace.
His mouth lifted in a sideways grin that stole her breath.
She blushed and took another long sip of champagne, her eyes downcast, giving her a moment’s respite from the glorious sight that was Ethan. “I do like it,” she said, still unable to meet his gaze. She made a sweeping gesture as she returned to the couch. “I love it all. It’s eclectic, yet tranquil.”
He crossed the room and sat beside her. She lifted her head. They locked eyes. He held her gaze. She felt spellbound, drawn to his scent, to the feel of his thigh pressed to hers. He refilled the slim fluted glass she held and then poured himself one.
“I’ve never had champagne before,” she said. That wasn’t the only thing she hadn’t tried before. Oh, God, what would he say if he knew?
He leaned closer. “I’m glad we remedied that.”
She kept her eyes trained on the ceiling as she battled her nerves. “Thank you for fixing my car. It’s incredible.”
“I’m glad you like it. I know you asked me to junk it, but I couldn’t do it.” He moved even closer, his hand stroking up her thigh. “I find myself very protective of you.”
Her heart pounded. She dared to look at him. “You do?” She swallowed hard, her stomach fluttering.
He leaned close. His hand slid across her stomach, then gently gripped her waist. He kissed her, pressing his full lips to her cheek and then to the hollow of her neck. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer, his lips a breath from hers—
“Ethan, I’ve never done this before either,” she blurted.
He pulled back, his eyes wide. “You’ve never done what before?” he said, glancing around the room as if looking for answers.
She groaned and grabbed a pillow and pressed it to her burning face.
“Wait,” she heard him say. He pulled the pillow down enough to see her eyes. “Are you talking about…sex?”
She squeezed her eyes shut and covered her face again, but he whisked the pillow away.
“Look at me, Angel.” His voice was low, but commanding.
She did as he asked and opened her eyes.
“You’re a virgin?”
She wanted to crawl into a hole and die, but, instead, she nodded.
He cocked a brow at her. “But I saw birth control pills on your night table, right next to some nose spray.”
“They’re prescribed by my doctor,” she groaned, hiding now behind her hands. She peered at him through her fingers. “I have allergies and irregular periods.”
