Erin glanced at the clock and winced. Seven pm. The obnoxious man was clearly taking no chances if he was already at her door.
Another knock sounded and she sighed, tempted to bury her head under the pillow. Instead, she dragged herself from bed, fastening the ties of her silk robe and padded barefoot to open the door.
As expected, Ethan stood there, looking particularly ravishing in a dark suit and red tie that contrasted nicely with the cream shirt he wore underneath. Erin swallowed, overwhelmed by the powerful aura of cool, handsome and confidence he exuded.
He looked at her, noting the state of undress and sighed. “Figures you’ll make it difficult.”
Oh dear sweet heaven. The man looked good enough to devour. Preferably served naked on her Egyptian cotton sheets with a bottle of wine and loads of condoms ready for a night of sin.
Ethan chuckled, leaning forward to place a hand under her chin to shut her mouth. His eyes glinted in mischief as hot color filled Erin’s cheeks as she realized she’d been staring at him with her mouth open. Of all the insane, sex-struck embarrassing moments!
“I know I’m gorgeous, Sweetcheeks, no need to drool.” Ethan informed her with a wicked grin as he brushed past her into the apartment. “But please, wait until after dinner to ravish me.”
Erin wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. The conceited asshole actually thought she was going to jump his bones? Christ! She recovered her poise and glared at his back, loathing him completely in than moment.
“Don’t kid yourself, Lachlan,” she replied, injecting scorn into the words. “I was just surprised you didn’t wear your caveman outfit instead. Would have been very fitting for tonight.”
Ethan turned to face her and grinned, shoving both hands in his pockets as he swept his gaze over her taking in the black robe and disheveled hair, face bare of make-up.
“Now you mention it, I suppose the caveman outfit would match what you’re wearing.” He leered at her for a moment, while Erin fought the urge to wipe the grin off his face. “By the way, you owe me underwear.”
Erin scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. “Why? Aren’t you rich enough to afford a million tightie whities?”
He shrugged, strolling towards her bedroom. “That one happens to be a favorite.”
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Alarmed, she hurried after him, stopping short as she watched him stride to her closet, throwing open the doors as though he owned the place.
“Hey! That’s out of bounds. What the hell are you doing? Your damn briefs aren’t in there.”
Ethan merely spared her a glance over his shoulder.
“I’m starving, and since it appears you’re having problems getting dressed, I thought I’d offer my services to speed things up a little. Ah..”
He pulled out a lavender jersey dress and inspected it, casting an appraising look at Erin before discarding the dress to the floor to continue his search.
Nonplussed at his arrogance, Erin marched up to him, planning on giving him a blistering.
“That is a six hundred dollar dress you just threw away you…you clod! Get the hell out of my closet now!”
Ethan chuckled and held out another dress, this one a royal blue full length strapless gown with sequined bodice.
“Clod?” His eyebrow rose mockingly. “Is that all you can come up with? You’re losing your flair for creative insults. Here, this should do.” He tossed the dress at her and moved to her shoes.
The man was impossible. There was no other word to describe him just then. Erin could only stare at him in open-mouthed stupefaction, still clutching the gown as she watched him calmly pick up, then discard several pairs of shoes. She wondered if she’d somehow stepped into an alternate reality or if this was God’s way of punishing her for her sins.
Ethan thrust a pair of red Louboutin shoes into her arms. “Now, go get dressed.”
Erin stared at him, chin set stubbornly. “Like hell I will. I’m not going out with you.”
He sighed and muttered a prayer for patience. “Woman, please go get dressed.”
“Ethan, I’m not going out with you.” Erin’s eyes flashed in challenge. “Not until you tell me what you’ve got up your sleeve.”
He gave her a droll look, “I like spending time with you. Isn’t that reason enough?”
“Bullshit. Try again.”
Ethan looked like he was trying to keep a tight rein on his temper. “For god’s sake woman, must you be so damn difficult? Look, I give you my word my intentions are completely honorable. Is that enough?”
Erin studied him for several minutes, head cocked to one side. A spark of hope flared within her as she considered the possibility that Ethan was being honest about his motives. But that didn’t mean she was going to trust him completely.
“This isn’t some revenge plot is it, phase three…or was it four? I’ve lost count.”
“No.”
What the heck, she might as well go. Erin decided. After all, even if things went awry, she would be getting a meal and maybe another wild night.
“Fine then, I’ll come with. But I’m warning you Lachlan, no funny stuff.” Erin moved past him, pausing only to shove the clothes back in his arms. “By the way, you really should stick to hostile takeovers. Fashion just isn’t your thing.”
His laugh followed her all the way to the bathroom.
When she emerged, following the quickest bath in her entire history, Ethan had thankfully retreated to the living room. Still, she locked the connecting door, just in case he decided to play lady’s maid again.
Erin crossed to her now scattered closet, thanks to Ethan and searched until she found the dress she was looking for. She’d bought the black pencil dress just this afternoon, after Ethan’s phone call, though she’d convinced herself at the time that there was no was no way in hell she was buying it for the date. A new pair of gold high heeled sandals and matching clutch complimented the dress.
She dressed hurriedly, running a brush and hair dryer through her hair, slapping on minimal makeup, then slipped into the dress. A quick glance at the mirror assured her it was a perfect fit, the wide ruffled sleeves draped over her shoulders, leaving her shoulders bare, the rest of the outfit molded to her body, giving her a slim graceful silhouette.
She checked her watch, five minutes to eight ‘o’ clock. Wow! Must be some kind of new record for her. Bathed and dressed in under an hour. Impressive.
Slipping her feet into the sandals, Erin grabbed her purse and took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. With legs suddenly the consistency of jelly, she wobbled out to the living room, where Ethan was sprawled on her couch, watching the game. He sat up the minute she walked into the room, his eyes fixed on her, face expressionless.
“I’m ready.” She announced needlessly, feeling like a schoolgirl on a first date.
His gaze never wavered as he rose and came to stand before her. Erin could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage as Ethan’s arms slipped around her waist, pulling her hard against him. For long moments, they stayed that way, their combined heat a sizzling force that all but consumed them in a wave of desire. Erin’s breath hitched in anticipation of his kiss, when he took a step back, his eyes hooded and face devoid of expression.
“Shall we?” Ethan turned and headed for the door, leaving Erin standing there in a hazy mixture of confusion and lust.
****
“Good evening Mr. Lachlan,” The perfectly groomed hostess gave Ethan a wide smile. “Glad you’ll be dining with us this evening.”
Ethan returned the smile with a devilish grin. “Hello Diane. Good to see you again.”
The woman blushed, tucking back a strand of dark hair from her face. Beside Ethan, Erin fought the urge to roll her eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. The woman had ignored her existence, too caught up in Ethan’s spell to notice her.
How typical.
“Good to see you too, sir. Would you like the usual table?”
“Of course.” Ethan replied. He tugged Erin closer, slipping a possessive hand around her waist, a move that wasn’t lost on Diane. Her expression returned to its usual businesslike poise.
The hostess nodded and came around to lead them to the table, taking care to sashay, slim hips swaying underneath the tight skirt as she navigated between tables filled with patrons. The Concorde was one of the best restaurants in Chicago, tables were always fully booked, with potential patrons making reservations for weeks in advance. Even the Goslings, as rich and influential as they were, also had to wait in line to get a table.
Erin was surprised Ethan had a ‘usual’ table in this place or that he was on a first name, flirting basis with the usually prissy hostess. Diane led them up a flight of stairs, opening up to the roof with a stunning view of the Chicago night scene. At the center, on a raised dais, was a table and two chairs, and a waiter stood close by.
“Oh wow!” Erin muttered, impressed in spite of herself. She leaned close to Ethan. “Who did you have to kill to get this?”
He smirked and pulled out a chair for her.
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” His hand lightly caressed her bare shoulder before he moved to take his own seat.
Erin bit her lip to still the tremors that touch caused, hating how easily she responded to him. And he knew it too.
The hostess wished them a pleasant meal and left, but not after casting a wistful look in Ethan’s direction. A look he missed, engrossed in discussion with the waiter on choice of wine, but Erin saw it. This time, she rolled her eyes. Talk about lucky bastard. He certainly knew how to ooze sex appeal without even thinking about it.
Disgruntled at that thought, Erin picked up the menu, flipping open the embossed cover and glanced at it. However, her mind still dwelt on Ethan as she wondered just how many women he’d brought up here. Several, she was certain. Ethan struck her as the type of guy to bring the women he intended to sleep with up here, probably to complete the seduction. Not that he needed to dine them, he could seduce a woman with a single look.
So why did he bring her here? Seduction was a ridiculous answer, so the next conclusion Erin could draw was that Ethan was up to something.
But what?
*****
She looked breathtaking in that dress.
Ethan took a sip of water, covertly studying Erin as she looked at the menu, forehead scrunched in deep concentration. Damn, but the minute she’d walked out of her room wearing that little black dress, all coherent thought had fled south, turning his body into one raging storm of desire – it had taken a lot of self-restraint to pull back when he had.
The drive here had been just as much a torment on his senses, his mind kept conjuring images of their previous sexual encounter, till he’d been so hard, driving had been almost impossible but for sheer force of will.
He still didn’t understand this crazy attraction to Erin. It wasn’t that she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever dated – far from it – so what had made him decide to invite her to the bake sale? Just thinking about the fiasco that was bound to happen when Erin met his family was enough to make him shudder.
After his mother had left his house, Ethan had sat there, wondering how the hell he was going to convince Erin to come with him. For one thing, she was sure to view his request with suspicion, especially if he just came out of the blue and asked. Finally, he’d come up with the idea to ask her to dinner instead, hopefully get on her good side and then ask.
He’d known this was her favorite restaurant, the private detective he’d hired to gather information on Erin had been thorough. A simple phone call to the owner of the restaurant had been enough to guarantee his usual exclusive table.
Still watching her, Ethan noticed how she wrinkled her nose, apparently displeased at something.
“Don’t like the menu?” Ethan asked, setting down his water glass. Just then, the waiter returned with the wine he’d ordered. “We can order something off menu if nothing meets your approval.”
Startled, Erin looked up at him, giving him a searching look as though she was trying to figure out something.
“Why did you bring me here?”
“You don’t like the restaurant?”
“It’s a lovely restaurant. My favorite place to eat in fact.” She assured him, setting down her menu and picked up her wine glass which the waiter promptly filled. “But I have two questions I would like answered.”
Ethan grinned, already knowing what those questions were. “Very well, ask.”
Erin took a sip of her wine. Watching her, Ethan could clearly see the surprise that crossed her face as the taste registered. She reached for the bottle, scanning the label then back up at him, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Scratch that. I have three questions instead.” She leaned closer, arms folded on the tabletop. “First question; Why did you bring me here?”
Ethan reached for his wine and sipped, content to let her stew for few seconds. The expression on Erin’s face was cause for amusement, as he grinned at her, the action only made her eyes narrow further.
Finally, just when she looked ready to explode, he replied. “I just thought you and I could try having a civil conversation for a change.”
She opened her mouth to say something but he held up a hand. “Before we carry on with the cross examination, we should place our orders first? I was thinking lobster for the main course and a salad?”
“Fine.” Erin turned to the waiter and placed her order, clearly impatient to continue with her questions.
Amused, Ethan placed his, waiting until the man had moved off before he continued. “Now, to answer the rest of your questions and I am going to presume I know what you want to ask. I asked you here because we need to talk, yes, I am aware this is your favorite restaurant and yes, I know, that’s your favorite wine. That’s why I ordered it.”
He waited for the explosion that was sure to come. Erin drummed her fingers on the table and stared at him, biting her lips in a way that distracted the hell out of him.
Then she surprised him. Instead of the explosion, Erin grinned at him, eyes now glinting in amusement rather than suspicion.
“You sneaky bastard.” She chortled, shaking a finger at him. “I should have known you’d have me investigated.”
Surprised at her reaction, Ethan took a few moments to reply. “You’re not going to scratch my eyes out or something equally evil?”
“If any other guy had admitted to spying on me, I’d probably kill him.” Erin replied, taking another sip out of her wine glass. “But you’re…different…and besides, I can hardly complain now, can I? It takes a sacrifice of blood to even get a table here for months and yet, you managed it. So yeah, I’m flattered.”
Jesus! The woman was impossible to predict. Just when he’d been expecting to have a glass of wine thrust in his face, the woman was actually pleased?
“Good to know.” He murmured, leaning back against his chair. At least, this would make asking her to the bake sale a little easier.
“Another question though. How did you get this rooftop table? I’ve eaten in this restaurant lots of times but I never even knew they had a rooftop with this amazing view.”
Ethan shrugged, “I have my contacts.” He replied evasively, not wanting to expound on that farther. He held out the bread basket to her. “Bread?”
Erin sighed and took a loaf, the scent of the freshly baked bread permeated the air as she tore it in two.
“Fine, be as evasive as you want. Who knows, you might have made this reservation for months and your date cancelled so you had to settle for me instead of losing your place.”
Ethan frowned, displeased at the reply. “Do you really think so little of yourself, Sweetcheeks?”
She shrugged, her demeanor suddenly defensive. “I don’t think that.”
Ethan decided to let the matter drop. For now. He would bring up the subject of her suspiciously low self-esteem later, right now, he needed her in the best possible mood.
Smoothly, he changed the subject. “So tell me, who did you have lunch with this afternoon?”
She eyed him over the wine glass and smirked. “None of your business.”
“On the contrary, it’s my business.” he replied, inexplicably irritated by the evasion. The thought that she had been with another man rubbed him the wrong way. Which only served to irritate him even more. What was it about the damn woman that brought out the possessive streak in him?
“Oh! You mean that ridiculous claim?” Erin scoffed in derision.” Please, you don’t own me, Lachlan.”
He grinned,” You’d be surprised to find out just what -”
“Ethan!” A masculine voice cut into the conversation.” He looked up in dismay as Jared bore down on their table, beaming while a trio of waiters followed bearing their food.
Good god! Ethan scowled, even as he rose to his feet. Of all the damned times for his brother to show up. He was willing to bet a million dollars his mother had told the entire family that he was bringing a date to the bake sale, hence his brother putting up an appearance tonight.
“Bro!” Jared swept his brother in a bear hug, beaming widely. “Good to see you man.”
Despite his disgruntlement, Ethan grinned and clapped Jared on the back affectionately. “Hey Jarhead, good to see you too. Though Diane told me you were going to be out of town tonight.”
“Nah, I decided to hang around when I found out you were having dinner here.” Jared leaned closer and whispered so Erin wouldn’t hear. “Didn’t want to miss getting a sneak peak at this mystery woman mum was all so excited about meeting. Pretty, looks kinda familiar though.”
Without waiting for a reply, Jared turned and beamed widely at Erin who’d been watching the exchange with a curious smile.
“Jared Lachlan at your service, ma’am. Please forgive me for interrupting your dinner, but I had to see for myself the woman who’s managed to tame my little bro. May I say, I can certainly see why he’s smitten.”
Erin grinned, already warming to the tall blond. “I’m afraid what you’re seeing is just a guy who’s trying not to throttle me every time I open my mouth.” She informed Jared. “Nice to meet you Jared, I’m Erin.”
Ethan watched the play of emotions on his brother’s face as he made the connection. The wide smile slipped, and Jared shot him a look of surprise, raised eyebrows saying a lot more than words. Ethan kept a straight face and returned the look, daring Jared to make a comment.
Jared was no fool. He turned back to Erin, careful to keep his face inscrutable.
“Ah, Erin. Well, I’ve heard a lot about you, but it will be a pleasure having you at the bake sale.”
Ethan let out a curse through clenched teeth. What the hell? Trust his brother to open his big mouth. This was the reason he’d made sure Jared was out of town before bringing Erin here.
“Jarhead you idiot!” Ethan muttered under his breath at the same moment that Erin asked.
“Bake sale?”