Chasing the Flame

CHAPTER NINETEEN

"What the hell is going on with you, man? You've been sitting there like a statue for over twenty minutes, brooding. Spill it, already—are you okay?"

It took a few seconds for Andrew's words to register. My thoughts were tangled, drowning in one singular moment.

It all came back to that kiss.

The second my lips touched hers, it was like electricity surged through me. Her lips—soft, warm—tasted like strawberries, sweet in a way that made my whole body tense. Goddamn. It was the kind of kiss you lose yourself in, the kind that makes you forget everything except her.

But then... she pulled away. And she whispered a name.

David.

Who the hell was David?

That one name flipped everything. It had been running through my mind ever since—circling, gnawing, confusing me. What was this woman doing to me? I'd never had anyone in my head like this, never let any woman occupy my thoughts for more than a fleeting moment. But with Kimberly, everything was different.

She'd wrecked my world, flipped it upside down, and now, I couldn't get her out of my head. The more I tried to push her away, the stronger the pull got.

"Ethan!"

Andrew's voice cut through the haze again, sharper this time. He was standing in front of me, hands on his hips, glaring like he was trying to read my mind.

I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the confusion. I was completely lost. How the hell had I ended up like this?

"Come on, man. Speak up," Andrew continued, his voice lowering with concern. "You look like a ghost. You're losing yourself. Where's all that fun, carefree attitude? The women?"

He paused for a moment, and I could feel him studying me closely. "Wait a minute... is this about Kimberly?"

"Shit!" The word slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it. Even hearing her name made my heart race. Damn it. What was she doing to me?

Andrew's eyes widened as a grin spread across his face. "No way. Don't tell me you're falling for her. Are you in love, man?"

I tried to laugh it off, forcing a grin that didn't reach my eyes. "Love? Come on, you know I don't do that. I've never fallen for anyone. You're talking nonsense."

"Cut the crap, Ethan," he shot back, not missing a beat. "I know you better than that. You've been off your game for weeks. She's all you ever talk about. I've seen the way you look at her—the way your eyes light up every time she walks into the room. The way you smile around her. You don't smile at anyone."

He leaned in closer, his voice softer but dead serious. "Face it, man. You're in love, and it's driving you crazy."

I clenched my jaw, feeling a wave of frustration. Andrew wasn't wrong, and that's what pissed me off the most. He knew me too well. He knew my history, how I treated women like passing phases—fun distractions, no more. Names forgotten by the next morning. But Kimberly? She wasn't like any of them. I couldn't shake her, couldn't get her out of my mind no matter how hard I tried.

It wasn't just lust. Sure, I wanted her—hell, I craved her in a way that felt almost dangerous. But it was more than that. She was... different. She wasn't just another conquest. She was disciplined, thoughtful, careful with her heart. The kind of woman you don't touch unless you're serious. And that's what terrified me.

Andrew was still watching me, waiting for a response. I cleared my throat, trying to shake the thoughts out of my head.

"Shut up, man. You don't know what you're talking about." I brushed past him, heading for the door.

But as soon as I reached it, the door swung open, and there she was. Kimberly.

"Good morning, sir," she said, her voice soft but polite. She met my gaze, her hazel eyes locking onto mine, and for a second, I couldn't breathe. She looked beautiful—too beautiful. The kind of beauty that knocked the air out of your lungs, left you speechless.

My pulse quickened, and I had to fight the urge to pull her into my arms. The way her lips moved when she spoke... I wanted to kiss her, taste her again, lose myself in her.

"I've served your breakfast, sir," she added, with a teasing smile on her lips. She knew exactly what she was doing to me.

"Uh, yeah... thanks," I stammered, trying to regain my composure. Goddamn, she was messing with my head.

Andrew leaned in closer, whispering in my ear with a smug grin. "See what I mean? She's got you all twisted up. You can't even think straight around her."

I shot him a glare, but he just chuckled, turning to Kimberly with a playful smile. "You look stunning as always. You know, I've got this friend who's looking for someone, and you seem to fit his description of the perfect woman."

Kimberly laughed lightly, the sound sending a jolt through me. "Oh, is that so?" she said, amused.

Andrew's teasing only made my frustration worse. I knew he was joking, but the thought of Kimberly with someone else made my blood boil. I wanted to punch him, but he was my best friend. I'd spare him... for now.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "You can go, Miss Stafford," I muttered, my tone sharper than I intended.

She glanced at me, her smile fading, sensing the shift in my mood. "Of course, sir. I'll leave you to your meal," she said quietly before turning to leave.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Andrew burst into laughter. "Dude, you're screwed. That woman has you wrapped around her finger."

"Shut up," I snapped, my irritation growing. "You don't know what you're talking about."

But I knew the truth. I wasn't in control anymore. Kimberly had gotten under my skin, and it was driving me mad. I couldn't stop thinking about her—couldn't stop wanting her.

After Andrew left, I tried to clear my head, but it was impossible. The image of Kimberly's face, her lips, the way she looked at me, haunted my every thought. I needed to stop this. I needed to focus, to regain control. But how? She was everywhere—in my mind, in my dreams, in the air I breathed.

I heard the front door open again, and I knew it was her. I rushed to the hallway, catching her just before she left.

"Kimberly."

She flinched slightly, turning to face me. Her eyes darted to the floor, avoiding mine. "Yes, sir?"

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice softer this time.

She nodded quickly. "Yes, I'm fine."

There was a long pause, the tension thick between us. I needed to say something, anything to break the silence.

"About yesterday..." I began, unsure of how to continue.

Kimberly's face reddened, and she scratched her forehead nervously. "I'm sorry if I said or did anything... inappropriate. I don't really remember much when I'm tipsy."

I could tell she was lying. She remembered. She remembered everything. And then there was that name again—David.

"So... who's David?" I asked, my voice tense.

Her eyes widened, and for a split second, I saw a flash of pain cross her face. But she quickly masked it, forcing a smile. "I don't know what you mean, sir."

She was lying again, but I didn't press her. David was important to her—maybe too important. Maybe she didn't even want me. Maybe I was just a replacement for whoever this David guy was. The thought made my chest tighten with an unfamiliar ache.

"Suit yourself, Miss Stafford," I muttered, turning away. I was being cruel, but I couldn't help it. I was hurt, and I didn't know why. Why the hell did it bother me so much that she'd said someone else's name?

Kimberly hesitated for a moment, then cleared her throat. "I'm sorry if I upset you yesterday. It won't happen again."

I nodded, keeping my back turned as she walked out the door. The moment it closed, I sank onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.

What the hell was I doing?

I was a mess. A complete, damn mess.