Head Over Leather #Wattys2017

XXIV. Calm before the Storm

"Okay, spill. What's up with you?" Mia throws her hands in the air causing her blonde tresses to fall into her face forcing her to let out a huff to blow it away. She leans against the sink and I don't know what it is about her eyes, but I always feel like they're penetrating into my soul.

"What do you mean?" I shrug casually, ponytail swinging as she continues to watch me with a look of disbelief. She throws her hands up again, shaking her head and gives me a pointed look.

"I mean you and Ethan. I get it, last week was intense and you're hurting, but you won't even let him touch you. You don't look at him, you turn away when he tries to kiss you, you start doing something else with your hand when he tries to hold it." She gives me a 'duh' look and I look away guiltily. In all honesty, I have no idea how to handle my newfound feelings, so I thought distancing myself would help but it only makes me want to be with him more.

"He's only doing this for Eva! He loves her still, you can clearly see it. And if he only knew that-" I cut myself off, breathing heavily from my sudden outburst. I turn away from her, bracing my hands against the sink and glancing at myself in the mirror. Stray strands of auburn framed my face, highlighting the tired outlines of my eyes.

"Knew what, Maya?" Mia breaks the silence softly, reaching out and placing a hand on my shoulder. I sigh and pivot my head to face her, biting my lip unsurely.

"Derek told me a while back that he and Eva never actually slept together. They snuck around, yes, but the rumors about sleeping together were fake. Eva just went along with it." After my confession, silence settles over us yet again. Mia's mouth is slightly parted and I can see her thinking it over. As I open my mouth to say something, a flush sounds out instead. My eyes widen as the bathroom stall opens to reveal Rachel Walker, clad in tight leather pants and a white t-shirt.

Her heeled boots clack against the tiled floor, as she walks to the sink, sliding gracefully past me. Mia and I spare a glance to each before I turn to Rachel with a smile.

"Hey Rachel. You're here. In school." I mumble coolly, stuffing my hands into my jeans pockets.

Rachel snorts, shaking her head as her hands rub together under the sink. "Not by choice. My parents said I'd be on my own if I don't attend school, so here I am."

"I'm just gonna ask you straight out. Did you hear any of that?"

"Listen..Maya, was it? Trouble always seems to find me. I'll keep your little secret. I mean, what would happen if it got out? What would Ethan think?" As she talks, a small smirk is playing on her lips. Oh god, what have I got myself into? Why didn't I check the stalls?

"Toodles." With that, she strides out the door, leaving with my secret that could ruin everything.

"Pardon my French, but you're fucked."

I glare at Mia, before sighing and walking out, with her following.

***
For the next few days, I clung to Ethan like a leech. I didn't ever want to give Rachel a chance to tell Ethan. It didn't help that she sat with us at lunch either.

"So there I was, half naked with a guitar slung across me and I just went along with it. Why be a groupie when you can be a rockstar?" Rachel purrs seductively, eyes twinkling with mischievous as she leans forward closer to Ethan. I roll my eyes, not bothering to discreet, as I jab my fork into my salad.

"Damn, Rach. You're probably just about the wildest person I've met." Ethan chuckles, eyes so focused on her that I have to resist the urge to elbow him. Why is he such a boy?

I drop my fork in frustration and move my hand to his jaw, turning his head to face me. He gives me a confused look, but I lean in anyway and kiss him hard, feeling a wave of satisfaction, when he moves his hand up to cup my chin, mouth moving feverishly against mine. I slide my tongue into his mouth and whimper silently when I feel his hot tongue just as desperate against mine. Ethan moves closer to me, body flush against mine as we engage in a make out session in front of our friends and Rachel. We move together in sync for a few moments longer, but Ethan is the first to pull away much to my disappointment.

He doesn't say anything, nor does he pick up his conversation with Rachel again. Instead, he sits with an arm around me and a large, smug grin on his pink, swollen lips.

And I can't even describe how good it feels when I meet Rachel's shocked expression.

***
"You gonna miss me?" Ethan mumbles against my lips, as he position himself between my legs while we lay on my bed. He's leaving tomorrow for his family ski trip and although I'm sad to see him go, I'm also relieved that Rachel hasn't had the chance to tell him. But I knew I was going to have to sooner or later.

"Nah, now I get more time with my side hoe." I tease, nipping at his bottom lip. His fingers begin tickling my sides and I squeal in protest, earning a laugh from him.

"Very funny, Sawyer." He mutters huskily, before meeting my mouth again, groaning as I open it wide for him. He presses against me more, our bottom halves rubbing together and as much as I want it to continue, I tilt my head back.

"I need to tell you something." I whisper softly, swallowing hard as I do so. Ethan looks at me for a moment, before smiling.

"I think I know what you're gonna say."

"You do?" My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I hope that he knows. That maybe Derek or Eva broke the news and he got over it. That maybe I'll get to keep him.

"Yeah and I feel the same. I know we're playing this game with the intent of a winner and loser but for now, I like this. I like kissing you, I like being around you, my friends like you. It's...good, isn't it?" I swallow hard, my eyes searching Ethan's that are filled with hope and I can't find the words to tell him. Instead, like a coward, I nod in agreement.

A grin breaks out on his face and he leans back in to continue our make out session, but all I can think about is how soon this was gonna bite me in the ass.

***

Oh Maya, Maya. Do you guys think she should've told him? Will Ethan ever find out? If he does, how will he react?

So I did say the upcoming chapters would bring issues between #ethaya but I wanted to give you guys a treat first before it all goes to hell. I think at this point I've already set up the downfall so prepare yourselves for the next chapter that will skip ahead to when school begins again.

Thanks for reading, love you all!💓