Last night’s dinner with my mother and sister was tolerable, ironically thanks to Ethan. I hate to admit but that son of a bitch really did save me in the moment.
Today was my day off which meant I get to jog in the morning. Luckily no plans with my family but unfortunately I’d have to meet Ethan later at the afternoon to discuss our arrangement, if I could even call it that.
I hope into an outfit that was comfortable enough to jog in, an oversized grey jacket with a white tank top inside and grey shorts that matched my jacket.
Once I open my door Im greeted by a devilish presence.
"As expected, just on time Cupcake," he said, flashing a pearly grin.
"Ethan," I greeted..
I guess we can talk about our plan right now instead of jogging. Getting work done before leisure time is preferable.
I grab the collar of his shirt and lead him inside his apartment. “Woah, slow down cupcake. I could always take you to bed after you finish your Saturday Jog,” he teased.
“You know I only Jog at Saturdays?” I’m taken by surprise cause I didn’t think anyone else would even notice.
“Yeah. You always wear these kind of things,” he said glancing over my body.
“What things?” I said, suddenly having the urge to cover up.
“You know…” he said as I stared with him with confused eyes.
“All sexy and comfortable,” he clears up.
“If sweating is your idea of sexy then I guess it is,” I stated.
“Mhm” he said with a smirk
"As you know I asked for us to meet so we can discuss what will be occurring between us." I changed the subject
He snorted and then went straight to the sofa to lean back against the dark leather, appearing carefree. He teased, throwing his big arm behind the sofa, "Getting right to the point aren't we?”.
I spoke in a neutral tone, ignoring his taunting remark and the toned forearm behind me.
"During our relationship there has to be rules so we both feel comfortable. The first rule is that you must dress appropriately when you are to make any appearances with me,” I watched him closely for any indication of disapproval as I said.
“Secondly, you have to go with me to any events I have to go to. Third, you won't humiliate me in front of my family,” I continued.
He laughed, falling deeper. I narrowed my eyes at the position he was in, looking like a teenager being told to take out the trash. "Do you have a bonding contract for me to sign too?" he asked. I wasn't going to reveal to him that I was considering whether or not to draft a contract before coming over, though. Although I believed it would scare him away, I would have liked written confirmation of his agreement to cooperate. It turns out that he finds the idea humorous.
"Can you take this seriously?" I said with a harsh tone.
He adjusted his position, putting his arm back at his side, sitting up like a gentleman, nodding, and to my amazement, all fun vanished as he abruptly became serious. He nodded and signaled for me to go on.
He nodded, raising his hand like a child, "The fourth rule is no speaking about any subject I haven't trained you to talk about."
"Just wondering what color my leash is,” he said qith a smile on his face.
I repressed the temptation to charge toward him and punch him in the smug face while gritting my teeth and squeezing my fists on my lap.
I shot out of my seat, exclaiming, "Ethan, this is serious. If you screw up, I'll be humiliated again."
His black brows pulled together, and the grin vanished as he looked at me with softened eyes. His grey eyes were asking the silent question, and I was relieved that he didn't inquire about my error because it caught me off guard.
He said, "Alright, I’m sorry, I'll be serious now," with his eyes fixed on me. Ethan could never disgrace me since he would be accepting these conditions.
“Fifth rule, no flirting or inappropriate behavior with other ladies while you are to be with me,” I stated.
Ethan shook his head and added, "I wouldn't do that. I rolled my eyes and resisted the impulse to tell him to stop being so annoying. That statement was a lie that I had already heard.
I responded, my eyes narrowing, "Sixth rule, no inappropriate touching unless necessary."
"Any other rules?" he asked, raising one brow.
"Not at the moment, no," I said with content.
"Good, now I can tell you my rules." He said with confidence.
His what?
My smile dropped as I've never anticipated Ethan to have come up with any regulations. He would probably remark something absurd like, "We have to share a bed," knowing him. I nodded after gathering my composure and letting him continue.
"Rule number, one you can't boss me around," he said with a smirk.
I answered, "But that goes against all my rules." He gave me a shrug and leaned back, knowing that I had no choice but to acquiesce since I had already introduced him to my family.
I sealed my mouth and waved my hand as a signal to continue.
“The second rule is that I can talk to anybody I want, whenever I want, about anything I want.” He stated.
If his next rule was anything like the first two, I could have sworn by grinding my teeth together that I would be toothless. He was purposefully inventing these regulations to conflict with my rules, as seen by the arrogant, self-assured smirk he wore.
I bit my bottom lip to contain my laughter at the third rule: "Rule number three, you can't have any relationships till this crazy arrangement is over." Did he really believe that if I was capable of a real relationship, I wouldn't have asked him to pose as my boyfriend? The sour truth was absurd; it was profoundly sad but nevertheless absurd.
I shook my head and added, "I can agree to the last one but not the other two."
He pushed off the sofa and stated, "Not negotiable, babe.” I watched him pass the identical doorless entryway that went into my apartment's spacious kitchen while aiming daggers at his fleeing back.
As I crossed my arms across my chest, I considered the many scenarios. On the one hand, given how much more I depend on his assistance than previously, I could give in to his silly regulations. I could also punch him in the face and tell him to put his sh*t rules up his ass, which is what I've been wanting to do ever since I walked into his place. I wanted to charge into the kitchen and give him a side-kick to the straight nose.
I need the jerk, as painful as it is for me to admit it. I was ready to call him as I sighed quietly when he came back carrying two beer bottles. I took the open beer and muttered a thank you before glancing down at the bottle and realizing that I had to swallow my pride once more.
"Fine, I agree." I muttered.
He raised the caramel-colored bottle to his mouth while fighting the urge to smile, and for a brief moment I considered retracting my statement. Instead, I drank the perfectly chilled beer, savoring how cold it was as it trickled down my throat.
As he sat down next to me, he inquired, "What specifically do I need to do?"
I shrugged in response, not knowing what a "normal boyfriend" would say or do. It's not as if my few relationships serve as excellent models and serve as an inspiration for all relationships, real or imagined.
"You know holding hands, smooches here and there, couple stuff," I continued.
Nicknames like the ones you warned me not to use when addressing you, he said.
"Yes, but only in public." I retorted.
He said, "Hmm, so I can kiss you whenever I want?"
I nodded, swallowing the sour words on the tip of my tongue, knowing they would threaten to sever his beautiful plump pink lips with their poisonous words. Ethan turned his body to the side so that he was facing me. His eyes sparkled, and he grinned lopsidedly. The ass was loving this.
"So I could touch you and you wouldn't-"
I growled at the thug, "Only when it is absolutely necessary or else I will pull your fingers off."
His deep, rhythmic laughter filled the wide apartment, and the calming, male sound sent a chill down my spine. I detested how something as simple as laughing could affect me in this way. Perhaps I've been alone for too long.
Lifting my chin I rolled my eyes a playful twinkle betrayed his last sentence, no doubt he was half kidding, "Relax cupcake. I was only teasing you."
"So, when do we begin?"
I shuddered at the unexpected public gathering that my evil sister had planned on purpose, believing that I wouldn't have a boyfriend, as I remembered Stacy's invitation.
"Tonight."
Ethan asked with a tinge of surprise, "Tonight?"
Nodding, I took a sip of my beer again, enjoying the shocked expression that had replaced his smug grin ever since I had entered his home.
“You met my sister yesterday, and she invited us to her big announcement tonight, and I told her that we accepted the invite,” I said.
He repeated, "Public?" as his eyes grew wide. Not so sure of yourself anymore, huh? I turned to face him and nodded while a faint smile played across my lips in response to his distress. I almost chuckled. Where is Mr. Cool and Confident at this moment?
I sneered, "Is that a problem?"
“No, it's not a problem at all,” he said after clearing his throat and again adjusting his position.
As I got to my feet, I set the beer down. Ethan rose up while still appearing as though I had commanded him to go outside butt-naked while I watched. I'll leave this place happier than when I arrived only on the strength of that thinking. Who would have thought the playboy would lose it over a simple public party?
"Where are you going?" he asked
"Jogging, just as I planned to. We'll discuss your payment when I return."
"I don't want your money," he said with confidence and pure dignity..
No money?
""Then what do you want?" I asked, fearing his response.
"Whatever I want, whenever I want." he replied his grey eyes shimmering with a grin on his face.
Ethan followed closely behind me like a lost child trying desperately to get back to safety as I rolled my eyes and headed for the door. His broad handheld me firmly by the elbow while the heat from his palm seeped through the blazer. His touch made my skin tingle like a desperate teenage girl.
"You're just going to leave?" He asked.
I yanked my arm away and stared at him because I detested the tingling sensation that his touch gave me.
"Yes, I'll be back in an hour so we can discuss our story before we get ready.”
With that I continued forward reaching for the door knob hoping we had time to discuss our story before heading to the party. One wrong move and everything could blow up in my face and at a public event never less. Knowing my family they will have plenty of questions and I plan to be prepared for them. I had to be there was too much riding on tonight.
"Dress casual,” I called over my shoulder as I walked out and proceeded with my jog.
For the tenth time, I said to myself, "Deep breaths, you'll be fine." I could see my pale arms through the elbow-length sleeves of the knee-high ruby red dress's elbow-length sleeves that were cut at the sides. The neckline dipped just enough to show a significant amount of my breasts while still keeping it elegant. In combination with basic red heels, the gold beaded design in the midsection gripped my waist and highlighted my slightly curved form. A few strands of my silky golden hair that were left out flowed about my face as I was pulled back into a high, elegant ponytail.The dress was not perfect but that was not the reason I only experienced a panic attack for five seconds. No, it was the fact that there were numerous reporters, gossip magazines, and even a news camera in the spacious dining room. My heart was beating, and I immediately felt suffocated in the room's spaciousness.I mumbled, "I can't do this," since I was out of breath. I anxiously looked around the big, excess
Did he realize we weren't actually dating? My fingers are tangled. I concealed them all together behind the tiny ruby clutch I was holding. Ethan questioned, "So you're engaged, how long have you dated?" His question made me stiffen, and it seemed as if a bucket of cold water had been suddenly dropped on my head.Adam replied, sparingly casting a downward glance at me, "Nearly two years." All eyes went to me, and I clenched my hands to keep my fingers from quivering. Ethan asked, his voice as amiable as ever, "What took you so long to propose?" Adam responded in the flawless way he always does, "There was no need to haste," and kissed Stacy's pink-stained lips.Ethan continued, prompting the small group of people around us to chuckle, "By that you mean you weren't ready for the balland chain." I looked up at Ethan while feigning a quiet giggle, and he responded by winking. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement. Despite him panicking earlier this evening.Ethan was
The older woman's cheeks flared into red and she turned her fiery face away. As all the other women who approached Ethan did, I quietly rolled my eyes and berated the old woman for her awful attempt at flirting. They batted their eyelashes and shamelessly threw their hands all over him. I raised the tiny champagne flute to my lips and took a tiny drink. "Oh Ethan!" a mother's friend said, giving Ethan a not so subtle wink. "Your one lucky girl Sophia, how long have you been together?""Four months." I answered with a sweet smileEthan said, his thumb slinking down my hip, "Four hot months." In an effort to get rid of his hand, she tangled her fingers together and silently warned him by giving his fingers a severe squeeze. The man with the silver hair teased, "Don't say that around her father. I looked away from the group of elderly people while softly snorting at the ridiculous remark."Sophia is her dad’s favorite. They get along the best," my mother said to Ethan. “I guess I cou
It's safe to say that yesterday night wasn't entirely terrible. I woke up to a fresh article published about me. “Is Sophia McAdams in a relationship?”A photo of me with Ethan's arms around me as I leaned into him was placed next to the absurd question. I recognized the photo from when he was relating the exaggerated account of how we met and pointed it out. They were preoccupied with Stacy's engagement at the time they took this photo, right? I glanced to the next page where there were more photographs after being startled by the unexpected snapshot. One of Ethan has both hands on my butt and his arm around my waist while looking intently at my cleavage. Even a picture of us leaving the ballroom was there, with the following written next to it: “A Quickie Break” The post discussed the absurd tale of our thanks to Ethan's stupidity, they met. Quotes from bystanders who claimed that we were becoming heated while, in fact, I was withdrawing Ethan's errant hands from wherever they had
I let out a happy sigh as I let go of my heels and then untied my hair from the scrunchie that had been keeping it in place all day. I carefully padded over to the refrigerator to look for something to eat because I wasn't quite in the mood to cook. Despite the fact that I postponed my appointment so I could leave early for home, Jacob called as I was leaving and asked me to review the contract that an editor from another department had signed with a new customer. I was able to make minor changes to the contract without changing it much after an hour and a half, and I faxed a copy to Jacob. He was satisfied with my work as usual. When I pulled out a spoon after deciding on strawberry yogurt and shut the refrigerator, there was a loud banging on the door. When another bang rang, I dropped my under-nutritious dinner and hurried across the living room. Before I even spoke after opening the door, a big person swept by me and entered the apartment.I responded in a less than friendly man
I snarled at the phone that was resting on my dresser, "And then he had the guts to yell at me! Can you believe that?"When I got out of the shower, Cass tsked on the other end, asking if I wanted to accompany her on yet another baby buying binge. I replied, "No, I can't." I detailed my plans with Ethan while she was on speakerphone, which her sick mind misinterpreted as something filthy.After addressing her, I described how I sent for clothes for him after she left my office, his mini-tantrum, and then his abrupt leaving, which made me a little nervous.I got to my feet in a pair of black wedges and stood up, delighted with the appearance I had created. Cautious yet a little dressed up, but not enough for Mr. Sex in Jeans to make fun of me for dressing up for him. I sported a black and white striped top with a silver zipper at the back, a pair of light blue skinny pants, along with a matching necklace and pair of silver dangling earrings. I put a slim watch with a crystal cover on m
A tiny old man approached us, and I pushed off the tiniest bit of jealousy I was experiencing when I saw Jessica. The man's bony shoulders protruded against the striped dress shirt he was wearing because of how skinny he was. If not for his belt, his pants would have virtually fallen off of his hips. His beady brown eyes were like chocolate, and he had hollow cheekbones with white stubble down his jaw. tiny, sparkling drips.Ethan welcomed the skeletal man, "Brad." Shaking his hand, greeting him, "How are you?".“Can't complain, how is your dad doing? the man asked. questioned with a husky voice “He's...doing better," Ethan said as his smile faded and he took his arm back. “Who is this beauty?” Brad asked as his eyes turned in my direction after seeing the change. I greeted everyone by holding out my hand and said, "I'm Sophia McAdam."The older man ignored my outstretched hand and wrapped a bony arm over me. My ribs were cruelly pierced by his elbows, but I endured the momentar
I gathered my brunette hair into a high bun and threw my hands to my side, feeling worn out and angry at Cass. “It was not a date,” I said once more. "You guys were together all day, right?" she asked. asked “Yes, but...” She interrupted me as I was about to say something I knew I wouldn't like with a tskk. "Did you have lunch together?"Switching the cellphone to my other ear I pouted my lips following her twisted train of thought."Yes."What sounded like a clap sounded from thebackground "Honey, that's a date.""No, it isn't." I retorted frustrated by what shereferred to as logicAs I had promised, I told Cass all about the shopping trip we took yesterday with Ethan. I had anticipated that she would think something amazing had happened, but all that had actually happened was nothing, and Cass continued to press the matter. Although I wasn't planning to tell her about the awkward moment when I measured Ethan because I was afraid she would read too much into it, it didn't help
Arriving forty-five minutes late had this night starting off terribly as we entered the dining room filled with guests already eating and my mother's soft caramel eyes burning a hole through me for being late. Dinner had stretched out to my horror as people I hadn't seen for years since that fateful day, had the nerve to ask how I was doing, all while having a smile on their faces as if we were old college buddies meeting at the grocery store. Pushing my frustrations about this whole night away I replied as nice as I could but even I heard the icy tone in my voice.While I was glaring at anyone who dared to glimpse my way Ethan sat beside me chatting happily to the people around him, as if they were lifelong friends.The fact that he spoke to these leeches with ease irked me, some of these people were people I grew up with yet I could have never held a conversation with them as long as Ethan did. He made a joke and the morons laughed, while I stabbed at the perfectly arranged vegetabl
I arrived at work with a negative mindset after all that happened last night. I was startled out of my reverie by a knock at the door. After wiping away any stray tears, I invited the person inside. The door, which was black and polished, opened to see my secretary hiding behind a vase filled with a variety of flowers. Her slender frame was concealed by the big vase. “Your mother is on line one, Ms. McAdams, and this just came in for you.” She informed me, setting the porcelain vase on my desk, then hastily left without saying anything else. Who sent me flowers?At the same moment I needed a pick-me-up, excitement sprang within me at the idea of someone caring enough to bring me such a delightful surprise. I excitedly made my way to the vase that had a petal pink design with a hint of pale yellow; the two colors swirled in the bottom and rose up in a curved line to the vase's tip. The flowers were a unique combination of daisies, tulips, and thumb-sized roses; the many hues of br
When I looked down, I could see that the spider had already started to climb up the toilet, stretching its long legs slowly and deliberately. Every trembling breath that left my lips caused my chest to heave up and down, yet I refrained from screaming. My pulse was racing in utter panic when I heard another thud on the bathroom door. I took a deep breath and put my hand over my racing heart as I prepared to rip the thief's eyes out. I then fixed my eyes on the creaking door. If I let some weirdo kill me in my own restroom, I'll be damned! I waited for the intruder to enter and then I would move, but when I caught a glimpse of a hairy leg on the toilet seat and then another, my perfect plan fell to pieces. As I walked backwards stuck between the spider and the intruder, I yelled louder than I've ever done. The door began to tremble once again before swinging open to reveal a bare chest, which Ethan covered, quelling my screaming. I can honestly say that I have never been happier to
I gathered my brunette hair into a high bun and threw my hands to my side, feeling worn out and angry at Cass. “It was not a date,” I said once more. "You guys were together all day, right?" she asked. asked “Yes, but...” She interrupted me as I was about to say something I knew I wouldn't like with a tskk. "Did you have lunch together?"Switching the cellphone to my other ear I pouted my lips following her twisted train of thought."Yes."What sounded like a clap sounded from thebackground "Honey, that's a date.""No, it isn't." I retorted frustrated by what shereferred to as logicAs I had promised, I told Cass all about the shopping trip we took yesterday with Ethan. I had anticipated that she would think something amazing had happened, but all that had actually happened was nothing, and Cass continued to press the matter. Although I wasn't planning to tell her about the awkward moment when I measured Ethan because I was afraid she would read too much into it, it didn't help
A tiny old man approached us, and I pushed off the tiniest bit of jealousy I was experiencing when I saw Jessica. The man's bony shoulders protruded against the striped dress shirt he was wearing because of how skinny he was. If not for his belt, his pants would have virtually fallen off of his hips. His beady brown eyes were like chocolate, and he had hollow cheekbones with white stubble down his jaw. tiny, sparkling drips.Ethan welcomed the skeletal man, "Brad." Shaking his hand, greeting him, "How are you?".“Can't complain, how is your dad doing? the man asked. questioned with a husky voice “He's...doing better," Ethan said as his smile faded and he took his arm back. “Who is this beauty?” Brad asked as his eyes turned in my direction after seeing the change. I greeted everyone by holding out my hand and said, "I'm Sophia McAdam."The older man ignored my outstretched hand and wrapped a bony arm over me. My ribs were cruelly pierced by his elbows, but I endured the momentar
I snarled at the phone that was resting on my dresser, "And then he had the guts to yell at me! Can you believe that?"When I got out of the shower, Cass tsked on the other end, asking if I wanted to accompany her on yet another baby buying binge. I replied, "No, I can't." I detailed my plans with Ethan while she was on speakerphone, which her sick mind misinterpreted as something filthy.After addressing her, I described how I sent for clothes for him after she left my office, his mini-tantrum, and then his abrupt leaving, which made me a little nervous.I got to my feet in a pair of black wedges and stood up, delighted with the appearance I had created. Cautious yet a little dressed up, but not enough for Mr. Sex in Jeans to make fun of me for dressing up for him. I sported a black and white striped top with a silver zipper at the back, a pair of light blue skinny pants, along with a matching necklace and pair of silver dangling earrings. I put a slim watch with a crystal cover on m
I let out a happy sigh as I let go of my heels and then untied my hair from the scrunchie that had been keeping it in place all day. I carefully padded over to the refrigerator to look for something to eat because I wasn't quite in the mood to cook. Despite the fact that I postponed my appointment so I could leave early for home, Jacob called as I was leaving and asked me to review the contract that an editor from another department had signed with a new customer. I was able to make minor changes to the contract without changing it much after an hour and a half, and I faxed a copy to Jacob. He was satisfied with my work as usual. When I pulled out a spoon after deciding on strawberry yogurt and shut the refrigerator, there was a loud banging on the door. When another bang rang, I dropped my under-nutritious dinner and hurried across the living room. Before I even spoke after opening the door, a big person swept by me and entered the apartment.I responded in a less than friendly man
It's safe to say that yesterday night wasn't entirely terrible. I woke up to a fresh article published about me. “Is Sophia McAdams in a relationship?”A photo of me with Ethan's arms around me as I leaned into him was placed next to the absurd question. I recognized the photo from when he was relating the exaggerated account of how we met and pointed it out. They were preoccupied with Stacy's engagement at the time they took this photo, right? I glanced to the next page where there were more photographs after being startled by the unexpected snapshot. One of Ethan has both hands on my butt and his arm around my waist while looking intently at my cleavage. Even a picture of us leaving the ballroom was there, with the following written next to it: “A Quickie Break” The post discussed the absurd tale of our thanks to Ethan's stupidity, they met. Quotes from bystanders who claimed that we were becoming heated while, in fact, I was withdrawing Ethan's errant hands from wherever they had
The older woman's cheeks flared into red and she turned her fiery face away. As all the other women who approached Ethan did, I quietly rolled my eyes and berated the old woman for her awful attempt at flirting. They batted their eyelashes and shamelessly threw their hands all over him. I raised the tiny champagne flute to my lips and took a tiny drink. "Oh Ethan!" a mother's friend said, giving Ethan a not so subtle wink. "Your one lucky girl Sophia, how long have you been together?""Four months." I answered with a sweet smileEthan said, his thumb slinking down my hip, "Four hot months." In an effort to get rid of his hand, she tangled her fingers together and silently warned him by giving his fingers a severe squeeze. The man with the silver hair teased, "Don't say that around her father. I looked away from the group of elderly people while softly snorting at the ridiculous remark."Sophia is her dad’s favorite. They get along the best," my mother said to Ethan. “I guess I cou