Tempting Eve

Chapter 8

The walk back to Mason felt like floating. I couldn't feel my feet and my chest was like a dam; the only thing holding back a torrent of emotions that were too many to name... except for the strongest... yeah, that one would be shame.

In the short time I was held up in that dark, cramped office, more people had filled the bar and I had to physically squeeze myself through the crowd. I felt hot and sticky, the bodies rubbing against me only made it worse. I needed to get out of here.

I spotted Mason where I left him, chatting animatedly with a guy around his age. Tall and muscular with a handful of black hair. Mason leaned in closer to speak with him, and when they pulled apart, both were laughing.

As he turned towards the bar, looking for me no doubt, that smile disappeared. "Eve, are you alright? You look pale."

I shook my head. "I'm not feeling very good." The adrenaline that had surged so strongly through me only minutes ago was gone, leaving fissures and cracks wide enough to let the shame settle deep into my bones. "Would you mind if we -"

For a moment, I thought he looked annoyed, but I was wrong. He smiled, nodding his head. "Of course. Let's get you home."

He turned to his friend and they tapped their fist together. "Gotta run man, I'll see you at practice in the morning."

"No problem. Bring that extra stick."

"Will do." He looked at me. "I'll get your coat."

The stranger turned to me as Mason went to grab our jackets, his eyes roaming. "Feel better Eve."

A chill ran through me. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

He slowly drug his eyes up my body causing a warning bell to go off inside my head.

He smirked. "No, you wouldn't. I'm one of Hawks teammates, Dylan Gauge... he might have mentioned you once, or twice."

"Dude. Come on," Mason laughed smacking Dylan on the back. "Don't make me sound like a stalker."

Dylan's eyes lingered on me for another second before he looked away. "You owe me a beer Hawk."

Mason laughed, holding my jacket up so I could slip my arms into it. "I don't think so Gauge."

Dylan shook his head, but headed towards the bar and I felt like I could breathe again.

I had thought Ethan felt predatory, but I was wrong. Meeting Dylan made me realize just how safe Ethan felt in comparison. Mason watched his teammate go, face pulled into a frown. "Sorry about him," he said.

"He was fine," I lied.

He shook his head. "No he wasn't. Dylan has a thing for... how do I put this-" he scratched the back of his neck, leading us to the door. "- innocent girls."

I nodded like I understood, though I didn't.

We entered the cold winter evening. The air bit at my exposed skin as I shivered. "I hope you're not getting the flu again." Mason rubbed tiny circles on my back, guiding me towards his SUV and opening the door for me.

He was too nice. Too good and it killed me inside. Guilt gnawed at my stomach. "I'm sure it was just something I ate."

Or that I was a terrible person. Yeah, probably that.

***

An hour later, after my short lived date, I was home, curled up in bed. Too tired to stay up and work on homework, but too alert to actually close my eyes.

I had just picked up my phone to check the time, when it buzzed in my hand.

Unknown: Did you make it home?

I dropped the phone like it burned me.

Dominant and demanding one minute, then checking to make sure I made it home the next? I wish my traitorous heart didn't start galloping the second his number flashed on my screen, because the truth was, I was pissed at him.

Me: Really?

Unknown: Really what?

Me: You have some nerve.

I waited for the little dots to appear, but there was nothing. Nothing but a blank screen starring back at me. I took a deep breath and rolled over to plug it in for the night.

It buzzed.

Unknown: I'm sorry.

I almost didn't respond, but something about Ethan gave me the courage to do things I normally wouldn't.

Me: I WAS ON A DATE!

I'm not sure if I was yelling at him or myself. If anything, I was way more at fault than he was.

Unknown: So you were.

Me: It's like I lose my mind when you're around!

Me: I don't go out with one guy and make out with another!

Me: I don't let someone I just met feel me up!

Me: I don't do any of the things I've done with you!

I probably would have kept up a constant stream of shouting text, but he interrupted.

Unknown: I know. That's why I thought you should stay away from me. I told you I wasn't the nice guy when we met, and I meant it.

I took a shallow breath.

Me: Thought I should stay away?

Unknown: Yes...

Was he speaking in past tense or present? I sat up, tucking my legs under myself. Part of me wanted him to give me that final push away, but the other part of me... didn't.

Me: ...and what do you think now?

Unknown: Now... I think it would be better for you if we were friends.

My chest constricted.

Me: Better for me?

While I waited, I tapped on the little plus sign and entered his name.

Ethan York: Just trust me.

**********

Ahh!!! Sorry if this chapter struggled... unless you liked/loved it, then completely disregard what I just said. *wipes sweat off brow, whew!

My husband got home today from his two week camping trip in the north Country and I was a wee bit distracted, so editing wasn't 100%

Let me know what you think guys! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comments!

Also, your votes are sooo appreciated.
❤️😘💕

Have a great night,

xxxBre

(If you're enjoying the story, please take a half-second to click the star at the bottom and VOTE. It's like a form of payment for the time we put in writing. Thank you ⭐️)