It won’t be as easy as that, of course. I’m fully aware of that. Any business venture requires a lot more than just a product or service these days. You need marketing, promo, word of mouth, ratings, reviews. But that’s just part of the game, so I can’t let it intimidate me.
I got this. Even if it won’t be next year. I’m working toward my goal, and I will get there.
“Have you put together a business plan?” Ethan asks, his expression back to that businessman neutrality. He’s slipped into work mode I think, which is the last thing I wanted. He should be relaxing and having fun, not analyzing the probabilities of my venture succeeding or not.
“Why, you wanna see it?” I joke it off, snorting. “I do, but it’s not finalized. Plus, you are on holiday and therefore not allowed to do work in any capacity.”
He purses his lips in the most adorable way imaginable. “But I’m curious now. Just a quick peek doesn’t count as work. It’s for fun. I promise I won’t try to evaluate it or anything.” He flutters his long eyelashes at me and nuzzles his nose into my scarf, inhaling it. “Please?”
As if I could say no to this and his devastatingly adorable puppy eyes. “Fine. I’ll send you the document later. But you are not allowed to analyze it or anything. I can’t afford your rates.”
“I do pro-bono sometimes.”
I plant my hands on my hips. “Uh-huh? Try saying that again, but like you actually mean it.”
“Okay, fine. I’ve done it only once, and it was for my best friend. But it still counts.”
“Still no. I’m serious. You don’t have to do anything just because…” I wave my arms around and wiggle my eyebrows. “We get along and had some fun in the snow.”
He chuckles, letting out a resigned sigh. “There’s no winning against you, is there?”
“Nope. It’s part of my charm.” My phone alarm goes off, telling me I need to be in the kitchen in ten minutes. “I have to run. I reallyreallyenjoyed today. You’re a nice guy, Ethan, even if it might seem otherwise at first. Catch you later.”
For the first time in ages, a pang of frustration accompanies me as I head to my workstation and start preparing for dinner service. It would be so much fun if Ethan was here so I could chat to him while cooking and use him for taste-testing. I bet he’d enjoy it.
But he’s not. And in a couple of days, he will go back to his glamorous life. He inhabits a different world from mine, and I have no place in it. We met by chance because he got stranded here. We got along. We kissed. There is a spark between us, but not a whole lot of time to explore it.
You could even say we are doomed, because we are simply nothing but specs of distraction on each other’s radars. Momentary and fleeting. Enough for a fling, but nothing substantial.
It makes sense. It’s logical. And Ethan is a very logical person. Cause and effect are his MO. He likes to be prepared, for things to go the expected way. I’d go as far as to say he’s allergic to anything spontaneous.
But he also has a soft spot for me. So, the opportunist that I am, I will make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime development and take my shot with him.
After all, what’s the worst that could happen?
Chapter 9
Ethan
I don’t go tothe hotel restaurant for dinner. After parting with Jake, the events of the day caught up to me and I found myself too embarrassed to face him until I’ve sorted out my feelings on… things.
The truth is, I’m still buzzing from the kisses we shared. I had so much fun in the cold and the snow and it’s all thanks to him. I came back soaking and with my teeth clattering, but I couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot even after I took a long hot bath.
In fact, it only got worse.
I click through the channels with the Christmas shows and movies, not paying attention to any of them. My heart rate is elevated. My hands feel a little clammy. I can’t stop thinking about the feel of his fingers when they roamed me, hot and calloused against my skin. I still have no idea when he took off the glove, but I don’t really care when it felt so amazing.
Groaning, I press on my hardening cock. It’s obvious that I want him. It’s equally obvious that he’s also interested. I should get it over with. There is no need for this dance we’ve beendancing. It’s just that… I can’t help it. He surprises me at every turn and I am here for it. He takes me out of my comfort zone, he challenges me. He’s like a twister, like a tornado, and it’s extremely difficult not to get swept up in his pace.
A ping on my phone snatches my attention. It’s the file he promised to send me, so I get comfortable on the luxurious sofa and open it. A quick look and I know he was underselling his idea to me. He’s done his research, and not just that. I expected his proposal to be like him—a little over the top, a little airheaded, perhaps even unrealistic.
It’s none of that.
But before I can break my promise fully and give this document the attention it deserves, there is a knock at my door.
Confused as I am not expecting anyone, I look up from my phone. The knock sounds again, this time firmer. I decide to ignore it, but then I double back, because what if it’s the reception? What if they have an update on the road situation or they’ve managed to get a helicopter in the air?
Chest tight and stomach queasy, I rush to the door and open it. My eyes go wide, followed by my mouth.
