Her footsteps echoed loudly in the underground parking lot as Erin walked towards her car in quick determined steps. She managed a nod to the guard standing outside the security post, her thoughts completely focused on her destination.
Reaching the sleek silver Infiniti, she slid into the warm interior of the car, resting her head against the soft leather seat, her breath coming in short puffs from the exertion of walking.
“Now what?” She muttered, gripping the steering wheel. She had no idea where Ethan even lived, had never bothered to find out. The only clue she had was that he lived quite close to the hotel, but where exactly, Erin had no idea.
“Argh!” The frustrated sound slid from her lips and she banged her head against the wheel in frustration. “Great plan Erin, real great.” She mocked herself, already regretting the impulse that had got her out of bed in the first place. But she really needed answers, needed to speak with Ethan without the usual screams and tensions that characterized their conversations every single time.
Erin moaned again, feeling frustration nipping away at the edges of her mind. How was she ever going to find him tonight?
She sat in thoughtful silence for a while, and then brightened as an idea struck her. Digging into the pocket of her jeans for the mobile phone she’d tucked in there earlier, she quickly dialed a number.
The phone rang for seemingly endless minutes. “Come on, pick up.” Erin pleaded, drumming her fingertips on the wheel in impatience.
“Hello?” A sleepy voice muttered at the other end. “Who the hell is this?”
Despite her anxiety, Erin smiled. “Hey Kim, I’m really sorry to wake you, but er…is Derek with you by any chance?”
“Jesus Erin,” Kim grumbled, her voice filled with irritation. “Do you know what time it is?”
“Yeah I do, and I’m really sorry to bother you, but it’s kinda urgent. Is he there?”
“Yeah, he’s here.” Kim replied crossly. “Seriously, what could be so urgent that it can’t wait till morning?”
Erin raked a hand through her hair, already regretting the decision to call Kim. Her friend was right and this could have waited till morning. Now Kim would probably think she’d lost her mind.
“Wait…” Kim’s voice was tinged with worry. “It’s not your dad, is it? Is he alright?”
“Yeah…” The sound came out hoarse and Erin cleared her throat and tried again. “Yeah, dad’s ok….. look, I just need a huge favor Kim. I know you’ll think I’ve lost my mind when you hear what I’m asking, but just understand that it’s important.”
“Girl I’ve known you since junior high,” Kim replied with a chuckle. “I’ve dealt with your craziness long enough that nothing you can come up with could surprise me anymore.”
Despite the swell of emotions roiling within her, Erin managed a dry chuckle. “Well, I guarantee you’ll be surprised this time.”
“You’re not in trouble with the law, are you? Wait, no that’s not it. If you were, that gorgeous cousin of yours would rescue you.”
“No, it’s not that.” Erin drummed her fingers on the steering. “I need to find out where someone lives, that’s why I need to speak to Derek.”
Derek, Kim’s on and off boyfriend, worked in real estate, and dabbled in software programming in his spare time. Last year, he’d come up with a modification of Google maps that he claimed could find not just a location, but the residence of a specific person. Erin had been doubtful at first until he’d shown her a demonstration.
“Oh?”
“Just put Derek on?” Erin knew if she told Kim who she was searching for, her friend would most likely hang up and march over to the Gosling to give her a lecture.
“Fine then, hang on.”
Erin heard rustling and the murmur of sleepy voices in the background. She drummed her fingers harder, glancing at the illuminated clock on the dashboard. One a. m.
Would Ethan still be awake? She wondered, feeling apprehension race through her veins at the thought of what she was about to do. No doubt, if she waited till morning to confront him, her nerves would fail and she would be left with a load of unanswered questions that would only rob her of sleep until she got some answers.
“Erin?” Derek’s deep warm voice drew her from Erin from her thoughts. He sounded sleepy, yet curious and she could picture the puzzled look on his craggy face right now. “What do you need?”
He went straight to the point as always, Erin thought, rubbing her damp palm against her jeans. She took a gulp of air to steady her thoughts and forced her tone to remain calm and not betray any sign of the turmoil in her mind.
“Hey Derek, I need a huge favor.”
“I’m listening.”
Erin took another deep breath. Kim was so going to blow a fuse when she heard this. “I need to find someone…or rather where someone lives and I know you’ve got that app thingy…”
“Who?” Derek’s voice held a hint of impatience now.
“His name’s Ethan – Ethan Lachlan and he’s the CEO of Holbourn Enterprises. I- I think he lives somewhere close to the hotel.” Erin paused, giving him time to assimilate the information. She could hear him mutter something, and then an electronic beeping that indicated he was entering in the information. Then her ears nearly split open when Kim gave a piercing shriek. An instant later, her friend’s indignant voice came louder.
“Girl, are you fucking crazy?” Kim demanded, “Ethan? The same guy who sold you out to that sleazy paper? What do you need his address for at one a. m. in the morning?”
Shutting her eyes against the onslaught of questions, Erin sighed, holding the phone away from her ears in vain effort to stop the barrage.
“Kim, can we not do this right now?” She pleaded, knowing that it would be futile. She could feel her friend’s anger even though the phone. There had to be answers or she wasn’t going to get what she needed from Derek.
“Oh we are so doing this right now young lady.” Kim replied. “Start talking now.”
“It’s a long story, Kim, bottom line is; I need his address so I can talk to him about – business matters and it’s pretty urgent.”
“What kind of lousy explanation –”
“I promise I’ll tell you everything later.” Erin cut in, before Kim could launch into another barrage of questions. “Please, this is important – please?”
She shut her eyes and crossed her fingers, silently praying for Kim to back down. The action would have appeared childish if she’d seen it on someone else, but right now, she needed all the supernatural help she could muster.
There was silence at the other end, as though Kim was considering the offer.
“I want full details,” Kim said in a much calmer tone. “And none of that hogwash you just tried to lay on me.”
“I promise.”
“One question now. Just a simple yes or no will do.”
Erin groaned in dismay. She already knew what the question would be and God help her, she didn’t want to answer that…not now.
“Are you sleeping with Ethan?” Kim asked, not waiting for her reply.
“Kim…”
“Answer the question woman. I have to know if there’s need to knock some sense into that empty skull of yours.”
Erin sighed, resting her head on the wheel. Why couldn’t I have thought this through? She couldn’t tell Kim the truth, there was no way she could admit to making what had to be the biggest mistake of her entire life. God forgive her, but she just couldn’t.
What if she’s the one really behind the article?
The question popped into her head, taking her by surprise. She remebered the conversation with Ethan; he’d seemed almost convinced the leak had come from one of her friends. Could it be?
“No, I’m not sleeping with him.” The lie slipped from her lips, while her mind still pondered the mystery of the informant.
Kim heaved a sigh of relief. “Good, I’m glad. But you still owe me an explanation.”
Erin nodded, then realized Kim couldn’t see her. “I know.”
“Here, I think Derek’s got the address.” Kim gave the phone back to her boyfriend. Derek read out the address while Erin scribbled on the back of a card she found in the backseat. Her eyes widened slightly as she read the location of the upscale collection of condos only four blocks away from the hotel.
Ethan hadn’t been kidding when he’d told her he lived nearby.
Erin thanked Derek and ended the call quickly, for fear of having to speak to Kim again.
****
Ten minutes later, Erin pulled her car onto the curb, killed the engine and sat gazing up at the high-rise on the opposite end of the street.
Her heart hammered painfully against her ribcage, making every breath she took a monumental effort. A part of her brain screamed at her to keep driving; to just forget this silliness and go back home, while another part insisted she get out the car and stop acting like a coward.
The streetlights cast a glow over the nearly deserted street, giving an eerie illumination on the assortment of sports cars and luxury cars parked alongside the street as though she’d entered some kind of otherwordly place. Still the sounds of a city that never slept filtered in through the closed windows of her car, reminding Erin of where she truly was.
Her palms felt slick and damp against the wheel and she nervously wiped them on her jeans, while her eyes caught sight of her reflection on the windshield. Erin winced at the sight of her unruly hair, the wide, frightened look in her eyes and the paleness of her skin. She wished now that she’d taken a moment to try to look decent.
Flipping down the mirrored visor, Erin ran trembling fingers through her hair in a vain effort to smooth out the tangles. A quick search in the glove compartment produced a nearly empty tube of cheery lipgloss and mascara she had chucked in there the last time she’d visited Chicago six months ago.
Her eyes caught her relection once more and Erin shoved the make-up back in its place. Putting on make-up would send Ethan the wrong message; that she’d come for something other than conversation and heaven knew the last thing she wanted was to make the same mistake as the previous night. She just needed answers.
Erin took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. The cold breeze brushed against her body, setting off goose pimples. With quick steps, she crossed the street and walked towards the elegant edifice of glass and steel, her nerves in a riot.
She pushed past the revolving doors and stepped into a plush lobby, her shoes clicking on the cold marble. At one end, occupying the entire wall space was a huge reception desk, behind which an elderly man sat, head slumped in slumber. Erin approached the desk, and knocked on the gleaming surface.
“Hmm… wha…” Startled at the sound, the old man looked around in confusion, his eyes finally coming to rest on Erin. He stared at her with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. “Who are you?”
Erin mustered a smile. “Good morning, please I’d like to see Mr. Lachlan.. Ethan Lachlan.”
The man glanced at the oval wall clock that hung on the wall beside him. “Is he expecting you?”
“No, but I’m sure he’ll want to see me.” At least I hope so. She added silently, fingers crossed.
He looked doubtful, but reached for the intercom, a rather old-fashioned phone that seemed out of place with the modern decor of the room. He hit a button and waited, his eyes discretely taking her in.
Too nervous to do more than drum her fingers against the gleaming top, shifted from one foot to the other, hoping… praying that Ethan wouldn’t turn her away.
“Yes?” Ethan’s curt voice came over the intercom, his tone alert which told Erin he probably hadn’t been to bed either. The sound of his voice caused a rush of heat over her face, straining her nerves even more.
“I apologize for the intrusion Mr. Lachlan but there’s a lady here asking to see you.”
“I’m not expecting anyone Jarvis.” Ethan’s tone was impatient. “Send whoever the hell it is on her way.” The intercom fell silent as he ended the call.
Jarvis looked up with an apologetic frown. “I’m sorry ma’am, but -”
Erin raised a hand to hush, her temper flaring at Ethan’s rudeness. The least the man could have done was ask for the identity of his visitor.
“Call him again please.”
Jarvis started to protest, but Erin gave him the stern look she reserved for erring employees. “Call him, and this time, tell him Erin Gosling wishes to speak with him.”
Reluctantly, Jarvis obeyed. The phone rang for several minutes, then a clearly pissed off Ethan answered.
“You’d better have a very good reason for disturbing me Jarvis.”
“Sorry sir… but-”
Erin had heard enough. “Ethan?” She leaned over the desk so he could hear her clearly. “It’s Erin.”
There was a moment of stunned silence.
Then, “Jarvis will show you the way.” The phone clicked off again.
****
The elevator stopped on the topmost floor and Jarvis led the way through a short hallway, ending in front of an ornate door – the only door on the floor. The place was bare, almost sterile, the walls painted a depressing dark blue, while the door itself- a state of the art piece of work, seemed to intimidate…or maybe it was just her nerves making it seem so.
Jarvis tapped on the door and it swung open immediately.
Erin gulped as her eyes landed on Ethan, who stood there glowering at her. The iciness in his gaze threatened to set off another bout of goose bumps. And she lowered her gaze, taking in the loose jeans and gray t-shirt he wore. Her steps faltered; the urge to flee clamping around her heart like a vice and every step forward was a gigantic feat.
Even with her head down, she could still feel the impact of his gaze burning through her clothes – piercing her skin like a million tiny needles.
Be strong Erin. She admonished in silence, don’t let him intimidate you.
“To what do I owe this dubious pleasure?” His tone mocked her, wry amusement laced with the words. “Have you come to press charges for assaulting lover boy?”
Her head snapped up, all nervousness vanishing to be replaced by anger. “Can you manage to be civil for once?”
He nodded a dismissal to Jarvis who hurried away, as though grateful to be out of the line of fire. Ethan crossed his arms over his chest, the rippling of muscles the action caused, drawing Erin’s attention to his bulging biceps.
She swallowed. Oh dear.
Ethan chuckled, the sound resonating in the hallway. “This must be karma.” At her questioning frown, he continued. “I recall reenacting the exact same scenario only a couple of hours ago.”
“What are you on about?”
His gaze raked over her body in a slow languorous look that set her face to flames. “Don’t you remember earlier Sweetcheeks? When you answered the door in that same sexy t-shirt you’re wearing now, only…” His gaze dipped lower, lingering over the jeans. “Now you’ve covered up those hot legs – shame, I was quite taken with the view.”
If her cheeks weren’t already flaming red, his words would have set them ablaze. This was not going very well.
She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, hoping for some calm. She couldn’t let him rile her up – not again. She opened her eyes to find him watching her with raised brows.
“Can I at least come in?” Erin asked, refusing to rise to the bait.
Ethan watched her for a moment and grinned, the action giving him a devilish expression. “That’s a lot more hospitality than you offered me earlier Sweetcheeks. Give me one reason why I should invite you in.”
“Oh for heaven’s sakes Ethan.” Erin snapped, fighting the urge to deck him. “Don’t do this right now.”
“Very well.” He moved aside, leaving just enough space for her to brush past him. Erin carefully angled her body sideways, still their bodies touched, the air suddenly charged with tension. She stepped into the living room, feeling like she’d just stepped into the lair of a dangerous beast – the beast being Ethan Lachlan. She glanced around, taking in the chic yet masculine space – cream walls and beige curtains that framed floor length windows displaying a stunning view of Chicago, the floor was bare, with a single shag carpet surrounded by white boxy chairs.
“So, why are you here?” Ethan shut the door and motioned for Erin to take a seat. Grateful to be off her feet, Erin choose a single armchair, skirting the long couch and sat down. He quirked an eyebrow at her choice but made no remark. “I thought you’d declared you undying hatred already.”
She took a deep breath. “I thought it would be nice if we could have an actual conversation…without arguing or accusations.” She studied her hands, trying to muster the courage to continue. “Also, I would like to offer an explanation for what happened earlier.”
“Ah!” His expression was bland, showing no hint of his thoughts. He sat down on the seat opposite hers, still watching her. “Forgive me if I don’t offer you a drink. Visiting hours were over three hours ago.”
“I- I don’t need anything.” Erin replied.
“I wasn’t going to offer.” He absently rubbed at his knuckle, wincing in pain.
Erin gasped at the sight of the bruised, red flesh. Without thinking, she scooted to the edge of her seat, reaching out to grasp his arm.
He stiffened but let her hold him, his skin hot to the touch, shocked gaze flying to her face which was screwed up in concentration as she examined the knuckle.
“You should put some ice on it; it’ll help with the swelling.”
Ethan shrugged; his gazed fixed on her bent head. “I’ll live.” He pulled away, breaking the contact.
Flustered, Erin sat back, wondering what had possessed her to touch him like that. Now he would think she had some other hidden agenda. There was an uncomfortable silence. Lost for words, Erin stared at the shag carpet while a million thoughts ran through her head.
“How is he?” Ethan’s question caused her head to shoot up, meeting his probing gaze. “Your boyfriend, in case you were wondering.”
“Oh… about that,” Mouth dry, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. “He’s – Lane’s not my boyfriend.” The words came out in a mumble.
“Really?” His brows rose in idle query, though he tensed. “I never figured you to be the type to take a random lover.”
Exasperated at his dense brain, Erin glared at him. “Lane is my cousin, which you would have found out if you’d taken the time to ask nicely.”
He stared at Erin in stunned silence, eyes clouding over in anger. Then he growled and leaned forward, his gaze boring into hers.
“Your cousin?” He repeated incredulously. “You dare tell me now that he is your cousin?” His voice rose with every word, fury tightly controlled in balled fists. “You little manipulative minx, I ought to wring your neck for lying to me.”
“I never lied to you.” Erin yelled back, shot to her feet, not in the least scared of the threat. “You were the one acting all possessive and Neanderthal, jumping to the wrong conclusions without even waiting for an explanation.”
He rose too, towering over her. “Don’t act innocent woman. You had several chances to admit the truth, but like the selfish spoiled brat that you are, you watched while things got out of hand.” He gave a bitter laugh, raking a furious hand through his hair. “Do you never get tired of manipulating things your way?”
I should have said something then. Erin reluctantly admitted to herself, wondering why she hadn’t. Ok so maybe she was to blame for the fight back at her hotel, but in her defense, she’d been taken by surprise at Ethan’s unexpected arrival and the almost kiss.
Forcing herself to remain calm, she held up her hands in surrender. “Ok, so I should have told you right off the bat and I’m sorry things got out of hand. Still, I think you shouldn’t have hit Lane.”
“You were in the fucking hall!” Ethan exploded, not in the least fazed by the grudging apology. “The dude swung first and I reacted in self defense. Are you insane?”
“Will you stop with the insults already?” Erin retorted, holding onto the reins of her temper. “I told you, I’m not here to start a fight, and I apologized for letting things get out of hand.”
“Fuck your apology.” He spat, taking a menacing step towards her. “I am going to throttle you till you get some sense in that empty head of yours.”
Scared now, Erin gave a small cry and stepped back, stumbling over the chair. He reached out, grasping her arm to steady her before she toppled in an inelegant heap to the floor.
Her mind worked frantically. Erin had never anticipated Ethan would get as mad as he was, even to the point of actually manhandling her. She felt his hand close over her wrist in an iron grip and she flinched, instinctively shrinking from his touch.
His eyes widened when she flinched, filled with the realization that she was scared of him now and he let her go abruptly.
He turned away visibly fighting for control, shoulders tense.
“Get out.” The words were a snarl. “Leave now before I do something we both regret.”
Erin stared at his back, unable to believe her ears. “What?”
“You heard me Erin. Leave. Go back to that gilded palace of yours or wherever the hell you want. I’m done with you.”
She continued to watch him but he did not turn towards her. Hurt replaced confusion, pain clamping around her heart. What had happened? How had everything gotten so topsy-turvy in the space of a single night?
“Ethan…I’m sorry.” Erin moved towards him. He tensed even more, as she touched his shoulder. “Look, I really didn’t come here to fight. I just wanted to talk to you.”
Ethan whirled about to face her, a dangerous light in his eyes. Without a word, he drew her to him and kissed her.
Erin felt the world tilt at the onslaught of his kiss. His hands circled her waist, holding her prisoner while his mouth crushed her mercilessly. There was no passion in this kiss – nothing like the previous kisses they’d shared. This was a punishment, Ethan’s mouth and tongue demanding surrender, his body pressed so close to hers boldly proclaiming his desire through the jeans, kindling an answering fire deep within her.
His hands slid down to cup her butt, molding the soft globes in his rough hands, so hard it hurt.
The pain roused Erin from her stupor.
She couldn’t succumb to him, not again. Even though her body screamed for completion, her brain told her to back off, to pull away before she ended up making the same mistake again. Erin managed to get her hands against his rock hard chest and pushed against him.
Ethan responded by deepening the kiss, his hands lifting her while he staggered forward. She heard him utter a groan, then her back met the wall. He ground himself against her, almost crushing her hands.
No! The protest rose up within her silently, while she struggled against him, her resolve nearly deserting her when his hardness brushed the crotch of her jeans. With one last burst of energy, Erin pushed again, managing to tear her mouth away from his.
“No! Stop.” Her voice came out ragged, as she struggled to speak and draw breath at the same time. To her relief, Ethan went still, his eyes lowering to meet hers.
Without a word, he let her go and stepped back, his face an unreadable mask. His breath came as fast as her own, the tension so thick it could be split with a knife.
Her lips felt bruised and swollen from the brief onslaught, her nipples strained against the shirt but she shook her head again, more as a self-reassurance than anything else. “You’re right.” She managed to rasp through the lump forming in her throat. “I-I should go.”
Still, Ethan made no response. With a tired sigh, Erin trudged to the door and let herself out, pausing to cast one last glance at the man she’d almost given herself to – again.