Chapter 5
CLAIRE
I was ecstatic. Leonard got me one of the best deals in Harbor Springs, and he was the perfect gentleman. I made sure to lean toward him often and smiled a little too much. I was certain Ethan was watching, and I wanted to make it worth his time.
He had accused me of being an easy girl and throwing myself at men in town, and I wanted to prove something—though I wasn’t sure what.
“Are you even listening to me?” Leonard’s voice broke through my thoughts. I flashed him my best smile and reached out to rub his palm.
“I’m just so excited about the opportunities Harbor Springs has to offer. Thank you so much.”
He scoffed and leaned forward to pick a stray tendril of my hair off my face. “You’re an inspiration to all of us, Claire. All I did was guide you. You’re a natural, just like your father.”
I beamed at him and picked up my glass of water. Alcohol wasn’t on the menu for me—not after my recent debacle.
“How about a private dinner later, at my place to celebrate?” he asked, his fingers softly stroking my palm. I glanced at the handsome young man in front of me, but my mind drifted to a much older man with dark eyes and a perpetual scowl.
“Maybe someday. I’d prefer a solo celebration this time,” I said, forcing a polite tone.
He considered my words, then shrugged. “Whatever the lady wants.”
I cast a glance at Ethan, who was seated nearby, having brunch and speaking into his cell phone. Maybe I should’ve asked him to join us, just for the drama.
Still, I couldn’t help wondering why I didn’t feel the crackling energy with Leonard that I shared with Ethan. Leonard was nice, charming even, and I could tell he liked me. It was obvious in the way his gaze lingered on me, the way his words came out just a little too soft.
“You’re very beautiful, Claire. You’re every man’s dream,” he said, his voice sincere.
Ethan’s words came rushing back: You’re not my type.
Leonard chuckled nervously. “I can’t stop thinking about you. Maybe you’ve cast a spell on me.”
I giggled. “Stop it. You flatter me too much.”
He scooted closer, his gaze glowing with desire. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever been with.”
I was still trying to process his words when he leaned in and kissed me—hard. The kiss was brash, intrusive, and entirely unwelcome. I froze, holding my breath to stop myself from screaming.
When his tongue tried to push into my mouth, I slammed a fist into his lap and broke the kiss. “What are you doing, Leonard?”
He grabbed my hand, clutching it to his chest. “You want this, Claire, don’t you? Quit playing hard to get. You’ve been giving me signals all this time.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked, my voice rising.
“Harbor Springs’ Queen of Nightlife. There’s no reason to play coy with me,” he said with a sly smile.
My face burned as I scrambled to my feet. “I’m going to pretend none of this ever happened. I’m so disappointed in you, Leonard.”
I grabbed my handbag, but his hand shot out and yanked me back into my seat. “Come on, Claire. I can’t sleep because of you.”
“Goodbye, Leonard,” I muttered, standing again.
Before he could grab me, a familiar baritone voice cut through the tension. “Touch her one more time, and you’ll regret it.”
I spun around to find Ethan standing behind me. Relief and nerves flooded through me, and my legs wobbled. I started to fall, but he caught me by the waist, holding me smugly.
“Who are you?” Leonard asked, his voice faltering as he took in Ethan’s imposing figure.
“I’m her body—” Ethan began, but I interrupted him.
I looped an arm around his neck. “He’s my boyfriend.”
Leonard’s face fell as he quickly grabbed his things and hurried away.
I sighed and stepped away from Ethan, expecting him to gloat. But instead, he took my arm and led me outside to the car.
He opened the door and climbed in after I was settled. I glanced at him nervously. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t scare him off permanently.”
“Why didn’t you tell me he wasn’t your boyfriend?”
“Leonard’s a realtor. We went to college together. He had a crush on me, but it was unrequited. I wanted to buy a property, and he had a deal I liked,” I explained, my voice soft.
He opened his mouth to say something but stopped, choosing instead to help with my seatbelt. We drove home in silence, the only sound the soulful track on the radio.
When we arrived, Ethan held the car door open and walked with me to the private elevator. I felt safer knowing he was there, and for the first time, I silently thanked my father for sending him.
In the elevator, I fumbled for my keys.
“Let me help you,” Ethan said, opening the door with ease.
“How did you do that?” I asked.
“Police tricks,” he said with a shrug, his voice carrying a hint of sadness.
“Wait here,” he said, disappearing inside. He reappeared a few minutes later. “It’s clean. You can go in now.”
“Aren’t you coming in?” I asked, alarmed.
“I’ve got a suite at the Red Wings. Your father made sure I’m taken care of.”
“Stay—for tonight,” I blurted. “There’s an extra room, and I make the best lasagna in town.”
His brows rose in surprise.
“Please,” I added softly.
He hesitated before nodding. “I can’t say no to a good meal.”
That evening, Ethan and I had our first real conversation without malice. He was still evasive about his past, but he listened to me ramble about my life in Harbor Springs.
Cooking with him felt strangely intimate. His hands occasionally brushed mine, his hips bumped into me while reaching for utensils. The tension in the air was palpable, but I was determined not to make another reckless move.
“What kind of life did you have in Chicago?” he asked suddenly.
I paused, my thoughts drifting to the past. “It was magical. I loved the city, shopping at Saks, and hosting parties with my father. Our house was always filled with people. Nothing like here.”
“Then why did you leave?”
I turned away, unwilling to let him see how much the question affected me. “I got bored. Wanted a change of scenery.”
He clearly didn’t believe me but let it slide.
“Thank you for saving me earlier,” I said. “I should’ve told you about Leonard.”
“I want to apologize for being an asshole. I said some things I shouldn’t have.”
“It’s fine,” I said, waving it off. “Let’s just move on.” I struck out my hand. “Friends?”
He studied me before placing his large hand in mine. “Friends.”
Later, restless and haunted by memories, I went for a late-night swim. The cool water soothed me until I sensed someone in the pool.
“Who’s there?” I called out, trembling.
“It’s me,” Ethan’s deep voice answered. “You’re safe.”
Relief washed over me as he swam closer. His body pressed against mine, and I gasped.
“Claire,” he murmured, his lips inches from mine.
And then, he kissed me.
ETHAN
Make love to me.
The words reverberated in my head, and blood roared in my ears.
I looked down at her supple, wet skin and felt myself harden.
“Claire, we should stop.” The voice of reason was weak, and it vanished entirely when she trailed her fingers down my wet shorts and stroked my shaft.
“I want you now, babysitter,” she teased, her voice sultry.