Faking It For Real ✔

Ch 22

MATURE CONTENT ALERT!

I stepped out of the steaming shower, looking myself in the mirror as I put on my bathrobe. 

My heart was hammering in my chest, my cheeks flushed from the heat, my muscles relaxed.

I had never really been nervous. Not for a guy, at least.

But the funny thing was that I didn't even know what I was nervous about.

I think I can manage on my own but feel free to join me after.

My own words echo in my ear, making me swallow.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I tied the belt of my bathrobe securely around my waist. My reflection stared back at me, my eyes wide and uncertain.

"It's just Ethan," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible over the sound of the running water. "No need to be nervous."

My pep talk seemed to have worked because with one last glance in the mirror, I turned and opened the bathroom door, stepping out into the bedroom.

The room was empty.

I walked to the open balcony and he wasn't there.

I sighed, leaning against the metal railings as I wondered where he went.

A cool sea breeze swept across the balcony, rustling the sheer curtains and bringing with it the scent of saltwater and the distant sound of crashing waves. 

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

I felt something snack around my waist and I gasped, alarmed.

My heart raced with panic as I turned around, coming face-to-face with Ethan.

Ethan's playful gaze locked with mine, his lips curving into a mischievous grin as he tightened his hold around my waist. "Miss me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I placed my hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. "You scared me," I breathed, trying to calm my racing pulse. "Where did you go?"

"I had to step out for a bit," Ethan replied, his hands sliding up my arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. 

"You know, so that I don't break the bathroom door down." His breath fanned my lips and I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

I swallowed hard, my gaze flickering to his lips before meeting his eyes once more. "Oh," I murmured, my mind struggling to process his words. "I-I thought-"

Ethan leaned in closer, "You thought what?"

I took a sharp breath in, my head void of any words.

"What are you doing?" I ended up whispering.

He blinked and I could see the confusion swirling in the blue of his eyes.

"Do you want me to stop?" He asked.

"No." I whispered, making a fist of the thin t-shirt he wore. "I mean..." My eyes travelled down his lips, "What are you doing to me?"

Ethan's eyes followed the movement of my tongue, his pupils dilating as he let out a low, husky laugh. "I think," he started, his voice rough with desire, "I'm making you want me as much as I want you."

Not being able to stop myself, I got onto my tiptoes, my lips crashing against his in urgency.

All thoughts of nervousness and hesitation flew out the window as I lost myself in the taste of him, the feel of his lips on mine, and the heat between us.