ETHAN
Shit. It looks like the idiot is still living in the apartment next door. I had almost forgotten about that, though I vaguely remember hoping he’d just disappear some time ago. Unfortunately, it seems that didn’t work.
Tension hung in the air, heavy and uncomfortable, while anger simmered inside me as I realized he was still lingering around, like some damn hyena.
When I turned to Ellie, I found her watching me with apprehension, as if she were waiting for a reaction. Noticing that I had dropped her beanie on the ground, I bent down to pick it up.
“We’ll see each other on Sunday,” I said, standing back up and handing her the beanie.
Then, I leaned in and kissed her softly, just as the jerk walked past behind me.
When I pulled away, she looked confused.
“I think there’s something we still need to talk about,” she said, her gaze shifting to his apartment door.
“Later. For now, go inside, or you’ll be late for work.”
She hesitated briefly but nodded before heading into her apartment.
I turned to leave as soon as she shut the door, but stopped abruptly. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, clenching my fists.
*Don’t do this. Just walk away.*
But I couldn’t. Even though I knew I didn’t need to, because I trusted her, I couldn’t stop myself from acting on instinct. Turning back, I marched straight toward his door.
Stopping in front of it, I knocked and waited. A few seconds later, the jerk opened it.
“Is there a problem?” he asked in a hostile tone.
I let a mocking smile spread across my face.
“No. I just wanted to say that I feel sorry for you. I mean, it must’ve been tough having to listen to her talk about another guy while you pretended to be her friend just to get closer to her,” I said, forcing a look of pity. “So, I hope you’ve learned your lesson.”
I saw his jaw tighten with irritation.
“That’s a bit ironic, don’t you think? Coming from the guy she was crying over?”
“Just stay away from her. You had your chance, and you blew it, there won’t be a second one.” I gave him an arrogant smile. “Because I’m here, and I’ll make sure she forgets you even exist. Though I don’t think that’s necessary anymore, we both know she’s already forgotten you.”
“Are you sure about that? If you’re so confident, then why are you here?” he taunted.
I kept forcing a smile.
“Believe me, this is the last thing I wanted to do. But, you see, I’m a really nice guy, and I thought I’d help you out by letting you know it’s a waste of time to hang around, hoping for another opportunity. It’s not going to happen,” I said, trying to sound as friendly as possible to annoy him. “But you’re right, I don’t care. You’re the past. And me? I’m the future.” I gave him a smug smile and a quick wink before turning to leave, satisfaction spreading across my face.
*So mature, Ethan.* My grin widened. I could already imagine what Ellie would say if she had seen the scene: *“What was that? Are you trying to mark your territory like some wild animal? Like a caveman?”*
And I’d say: *Sorry, baby, but I’m a man. I can’t help it, because you’re mine.*
✽✽✽
ELLIE
On Saturday, I had made plans with the girls to go shopping for gifts and have lunch. It was Christmas Eve, and the streets of the city that never sleeps were illuminated by a profusion of twinkling lights and festive decorations. They were also packed with hurried people walking along the bustling sidewalks, carrying shopping bags filled with last-minute gifts.
As we followed Zoe down the sidewalk, also laden with bags, I admired the extravagantly decorated shop windows.
The restaurants and bars were already packed with people celebrating. Street musicians popped up here and there, playing Christmas carols, and the cold air was filled with festive, cheerful energy that created a magical atmosphere.
When we finally reached our destination, Zoe stopped in front of the La Perla store—of course, one of her favorites.
“Let me guess, you’re buying a gift for Bennett,” Zara teased.
Zoe smirked mischievously, her red lipstick highlighting her plump lips, before walking into the store.
After Zoe and Zara had picked out a few pieces, Anna and I followed them upstairs and sat on one of the sofas near the fitting rooms to wait.
“So, from what Zoe said, it sounds like Ethan is pretty excited to introduce you to his parents,” Anna said, relaxing against the sofa.
“I’d like to say I’m not nervous, but even though I already know them, I can’t help it,” I replied, noticing her baby bump was starting to show.
“Don’t worry. After all, they already have Zoe as a daughter-in-law,” she said, making me laugh. “What could be worse than that?”
“Well, when you put it that way…”
“I’m glad you two are finally making it work.”
“Yeah, I think we are.”
“What do you mean, ‘think’?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“There are still a few things I’m not sure how to handle.”
“Like what?”
“My ex still lives in the apartment next door. Actually, he showed up right as Ethan was dropping me off yesterday, and I think it brought back some of the tension.”
“What’s wrong with that guy? He should’ve stayed in Italy for good.”
“Yeah, I think that would’ve avoided a few problems.”
“And how did Ethan react this time?”
“All he said was, ‘Later,’ when I suggested we should talk about it. And even though he didn’t seem upset, I could tell he was tense.”
“Well, at least he didn’t lose it. That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yeah, maybe. And maybe it’s also time for me to start looking for a new apartment,” I sighed. “I just wish I knew what to do.”
“Maybe you should start by buying a ‘gift’ like these two,” she suggested with a mischievous smile. “And then, of course, you two can talk.”
The idea made me smile. I guess I could find a way to take it slow and heat things up at the same time.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
✽
Ethan stepped out of the car just as I exited the building. I walked toward him, the cold air biting at my ankles as my heels echoed against the pavement. Unfortunately, tights didn’t go with my dress.
As he rounded the car, my eyes roamed over his body. He was dressed elegantly in a black coat and trousers, with a white shirt underneath and a brown scarf draped around his neck.
The top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving the outfit a casual touch. Despite always looking effortlessly put-together, as if he didn’t have to try, Ethan was a man of refined style. His wardrobe went far beyond the tailored suits he wore to work.
Leaning against the car, he crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze sweeping over me. His lips curved into a soft, sensual smile.
He bit his lower lip as I stopped in front of him.
“Wow…” he sighed. “Come here,” he said, holding out his hands, covered in black leather gloves.
Smiling, I took one of them, and he pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around my waist beneath my coat. I inhaled deeply, taking in his delicious scent.
“Merry Christmas,” he whispered, his eyes fixed on my lips.
His own lips looked so inviting, but I knew it would be hard to stop if I leaned in to kiss him.
“Merry Christmas,” I whispered back with a smile.
“You look gorgeous… and delicious,” he murmured, his eyes locked on the subtle neckline of my dark green dress. “Maybe we should skip lunch.”
“Thanks. But what would your parents think of that?”
“I have no idea… I can barely think with you wearing that. Why that color?”
“Don’t you like it?”
“Like it? Let’s just say I’m surprised and mesmerized. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear green before, and I confess I was expecting something more… red.”
“Actually, Zoe and I made a deal, and I let her have red.”
“I’m glad you did… Your skin is glowing, and it makes me want to rip that dress off you.”
“You don’t look bad yourself,” I teased. “But before you do that, I think you need to formally introduce me to your parents as your girlfriend.”
“And after that, will you let me take it off you?”
“I’m sure you’ll want to see the present I got you first.”
“A present?” He raised his eyebrows.
I nodded, biting my lip as I caressed his face, feeling his freshly shaved jaw beneath my fingers. Removing his hands from my waist, I stepped away, heading for the car. He quickly moved to open the door for me.
I got in, fastening my seatbelt as he walked around to the driver’s side.
“That’s it? Not another word?” he asked after getting in.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I told you, you don’t have to do that,” he muttered with a sigh.
“Do what?” I turned to look at him.
“Try to drive me crazy,” he said, looking at me seriously.
I held back a smile.
“Aren’t we supposed to be on our way to your parents’ house?” I asked, ignoring him and looking back out at the street ahead.
“Every man has his limits, Brown.”
“Hmm, so it seems you’re not the most resistant of them,” I teased, still holding back a smile.
Suddenly, he leaned in, gripping my chin firmly, forcing me to face him.
Adrenaline made my heart race as I held his gaze.
“You should choose every word carefully if you want to keep that dress intact until the end of lunch,” he declared in a commanding tone. “Because we both know I can make you beg for me to fuck you right here,” he whispered, sliding his other hand along the inside of my thigh. “Do you understand?”
His touch sent a tingling sensation through my skin, like a small wave of desire that traveled up to the center of my thighs, leaving me craving more.
Swallowing hard, almost breathless, I tried to form a response.
“Yes,” I murmured.
“Good. Because I can’t wait to go back to our modus operandi and fuck you whenever and wherever I damn well please.”