Chapter 8

Eight

Ethan

Natalie's eyes darted around my apartment as soon as we walked in, and I couldn't help but notice the way she took in the sparse furnishings and bare walls. She wasn't judging—it was more like she was trying to piece together who I was from the limited clues my place offered.

I followed her gaze, silently hoping nothing too revealing was left out in the open. When her eyes landed on the signed Dallas Cowboys football sitting on a shelf, I felt a flicker of anxiety.

"Nice football," she said, her voice light but curious. "A gift?"

I nodded, trying to keep my tone casual. "Yeah, got it for Christmas from a friend a few years back." I didn't elaborate, hoping to steer the conversation away from anything that might lead to questions I wasn't ready to answer.

She smiled, seemingly satisfied with my response, but I could tell she was still curious. Before she could ask anything else, I cleared my throat and offered her a way out of her wet clothes. "You look freezing. How about a hot shower? I've got a sweatshirt you can borrow."

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion, and she nodded, a hint of relief in her expression. "That sounds amazing, actually."

I ducked into my bedroom, rummaging through my drawer until I found an old, stretched-out sweatshirt that would be cozy enough. When I handed it to her, she took it with a grateful smile and disappeared into the bathroom. I listened as the water started running, my thoughts already spiraling into dangerous territory.

I hadn't expected this when I invited her out on the lake. Hell, I wasn't even sure what I was expecting. But the day had gone better than I could have imagined, and now, with her here in my apartment, I couldn't deny how much I wanted her again. It wasn't just about the physical attraction—though that was definitely a big part of it—but also about the connection that was building between us, something I hadn't felt in a long time.

The shower continued to run as I moved to the kitchen, pulling out a couple of mugs and the tin of green tea Sophia brought me. I figured it would be a nice way to warm up after the lake. As I set the kettle on the stove, I tried to push aside the nagging worry that was starting to creep in. I was falling for her—fast—and the more time I spent with Natalie, the harder it was going to be to keep my real life a secret.

The water shut off, and a few minutes later, Natalie emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in my sweatshirt. Her wet hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and her face, with its sun-kissed glow from a day on the lake, highlighted her natural beauty even more. She glanced at the mugs on the counter, then back at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Green tea?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips. "You're full of surprises, Ethan."

I chuckled, trying to keep things light. "Just trying to keep you on your toes."

She laughed softly and took a seat at the small kitchen table as I poured the tea. The heat from the mug seemed to relax her, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of satisfaction at seeing her so at ease in my space.

"Make yourself at home," I said as I took a sip from my mug. "I'm going to grab a quick shower too."

She nodded, her attention shifting to the shelves in my kitchen, and I felt a slight pang of unease. There wasn't much she could find in here, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something might slip through the cracks. As I headed to the bathroom, I mentally reviewed the apartment, hoping I hadn't left anything out that could raise her suspicions.

The hot water felt good against my skin, but my mind was racing the entire time. The connection between Natalie and me was real, but so was the secret I was keeping. I knew I needed to tread carefully. When I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist, I couldn't help but wonder if this was all going to blow up in my face sooner rather than later.

When I returned to the kitchen wearing just a pair of shorts, the sight that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. Natalie was standing at the stove, flipping pancakes in a skillet. The sweatshirt I'd given her barely covered her hips, and from the way it hung over her body, I suspected she wasn't wearing anything underneath. My heart skipped a beat, and a rush of desire flooded through me.

She turned her head slightly and caught me staring. A playful smile tugged at her lips. "I trust you don't mind. I found some eggs and pancake mix in the cupboard and thought I'd whip us up something."

I moved closer, unable to tear my eyes away from her. "Mind? How could I mind? But I have to admit, I'm surprised. I didn't expect breakfast for dinner."

She grinned, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "Well, you've surprised me enough today. I figured it was my turn."

I stepped up behind Natalie, close enough to feel the heat radiating off her body but not quite touching her. The scent of the pancakes mixed with the scent of her freshly washed hair was intoxicating. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck, and felt her shiver in response.

"Ethan," she whispered, her voice catching as she set the spatula down.

"Yeah?" I murmured, my lips trailing along her shoulder.

She turned in my arms, looking up at me with those deep, soulful eyes that always seemed to see more than I was willing to reveal. "I just... I don't want to rush anything like last time."

I gently held her face, my thumb tracing a path along her cheek. "We won't hurry," I reassured her, though every part of me urged to abandon all caution and simply embrace her. "But I can't deny how much I want you, Natalie. I've replayed our... encounter in my mind countless times."

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, I thought she might pull away. But then she surprised me, leaning up to kiss me, a slow, deliberate kiss that sent fire shooting through my veins. I responded instantly, my hands sliding down to her hips, pulling her closer as I deepened the kiss.

She melted into me, the anxiety between us snapping as our bodies pressed together. When she broke the kiss, her eyes were dark with desire, and I knew she felt the same pull I did.

"Let's finish the pancakes," she whispered, her voice breathless as she slipped out of my grasp. "Then we'll see where the night takes us."

My heart was pounding as I watched her move back to the stove, the hem of my sweatshirt brushing against her thighs. There was no question where this was heading, and as much as I wanted to savor every moment, I knew I was already in too deep.

Just as I was about to say something, a flash of movement caught my eye. Natalie had opened a drawer to grab a potholder, and something inside had caught her attention. She reached in and pulled out my Patek Philippe watch—the one I'd stashed away, thinking it would be safer out of sight.

My stomach dropped. I hadn't thought to hide it better. The watch was unmistakable, a luxury piece that no small-town mechanic could afford.

She turned the watch over in her hands, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Ethan, what's this?"

Thinking fast, I stepped forward, gently taking the watch from her hand. "Just a knockoff I picked up years ago at a market," I said smoothly, trying to sound casual. "I liked the look of it."

Her eyes searched mine, doubt creeping into her expression. "It looks real to me. And it's... expensive."

I forced a laugh, hoping to deflect her suspicion. "They're good at making fakes these days. Trust me, I wouldn't spend real money on something like this."

She didn't look entirely convinced, and I knew I needed to distract her before she started asking more questions. "Why don't we focus on dinner?" I suggested; my voice light as I put the watch back in the drawer, quickly closing it.

Natalie hesitated for a moment but then nodded, letting the matter drop. I breathed a silent sigh of relief as we continued with our meal, and we fell into easy conversation. The watch, thankfully, was quickly forgotten.

After our meal, Natalie rose gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid as she collected the remnants of our dinner. Mesmerized by the sway of her hips, I trailed behind, drawn not just by the desire to assist but by an undeniable yearning to have her close, to envelop her in my embrace.

"Let me give you a hand," I offered, my voice low and husky. Standing behind her, I pressed my body gently into hers as I trailed kisses along her neck. My hands slid under the loose sweatshirt, the soft skin of her backside igniting a fire within me.

She giggled softly; a playful sound that stirred something primal in me. Pressing her butt closer, she arched slightly, inviting me to explore further. With a daring grin, I let my fingers trail down, teasingly skimming over the flesh between her thighs. The air crackled with anticipation as we danced on the edge of desire, each touch sending shivers down our spines.

"Lead the way," Natalie pleaded, her hands bracing against the sink as she parted her legs eagerly for me.

"Not so fast," I said playfully, knowing exactly what she wanted. But I couldn't resist drawing out the anticipation, savoring every moment of her desire. Instead of immediately satisfying her needs with my pulsing arousal, I slowly sank to my knees and took in the sight before me. I parted the smooth flesh of her cheeks, revealing the delicate folds between her thighs.

With a teasing flick of my tongue, I slowly traced over them, delighting in the sweet taste and soft texture. Natalie shuddered with pleasure at the intimate act, her breath quickening. Finally, I stood, and she turned in my arms.

In a passionate embrace, I lifted her onto the kitchen counter, and again, she spread her legs for me. As she eagerly awaited my touch, I couldn't help but marvel at her beauty and surrender myself to her. She raised her hands above her head as I removed her sweatshirt and kicked off my shorts.

I couldn't resist kissing and teasing her breasts, eliciting moans of pleasure from Natalie's lips. And as she stroked me with her hands, she whispered those words that were like music to my ears: "God, you are so hard, Ethan. I want you inside me." My body responded instinctively to her request, and we became lost in each other, consumed by our passion and desire for one another.

"Can you give me more? It feels so good this way," she whispered, her husky voice sending shivers down my spine. She leaned back, propping herself up with her palms pressed against the cool countertop, her long legs dangling beside me in thin air.

"Oh, God, Natalie. You are absolutely stunning," I growled, gazing down at her body spread out before me. My hand moved to her core, stroking her clit with my thumb as I watched her tremble beneath my touch. This was one of my favorite turn-ons; being able to watch as I worked to pleasure us both. The way she arched her back and moaned only amplified the intense desire I felt for her at that moment.

As her head rolled back and her body trembled with anticipation, I cradled her legs tightly in my arms and thrust into her with a rhythm that matched the quickening beat of our hearts. Her breath caught in her throat as she arched her back even further, and I could feel the tightness building within her core.

"Oh, Ethan," she moaned, her voice filled with desire. "I'm coming." I continued to drive into her, each movement bringing us closer to the edge. Finally, she reached her peak and started to come down, leaning forward to capture my lips in a passionate kiss.

But I couldn't let myself succumb to my own desires just yet. With strength fueled by love and lust, I scooped her up in my arms and carried her to my awaiting bed. Every step was like fire coursing through my veins, heightening every sensation as we made our way toward ultimate pleasure. I set her down and turned on the bedside lamp.

"How do you like it, Ethan?" Natalie whispered in my ear, her warm breath sending shivers down my spine. I reclined on the plush mattress, meeting her gaze with a smoldering intensity as she traced a teasing finger along my chest. "I mean, you gave me what I wanted. Now let me return the favor," she purred seductively.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Natalie observed me closely as I let my hand linger below my waist before resting it at the base of my cock. A daring smirk played on her lips, hinting at a silent invitation.

"Care to take the reins and ride, cowgirl?" I teased, the charged atmosphere crackling with unspoken desires. "I prefer the light. I like to watch." I confessed softly, my gaze locked with hers, seeking an intimacy that transcended mere physicality.

"You're on, cowboy," Natalie teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. With practiced grace, she swung her leg over and slowly lowered herself onto my eager cock, as I savored the feeling of being tightly sheathed inside her. I closed my eyes and let out a satisfied groan as she moved in sync with me, creating an intoxicating rhythm between us.

I wrapped my strong hands behind my head, feeling the muscles in my arms tense with anticipation. Natalie didn't disappoint, her hips swaying and grinding against mine, each movement sending waves of pleasure throughout my body.

She shifted her feet beneath her until she was squatting over me, her luscious folds enveloping me completely. I met each of her thrusts with one of my own, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony.

As our passion intensified, I could feel myself reaching the edge. "I'm getting it, girl," I moaned, my voice laced with desire as I exploded inside her. Our bodies trembled and shuddered together as we rode out our mutual release.

Wrapping the covers around us, we nestled in each other's embrace, and I murmured softly, "I think I'm starting to fall for you, Natalie."

"I feel the same. But we need to get to know each other better before..," she mumbled.

The next thing I knew, the alarm clock was blaring from the nightstand. Tenderly brushing a strand of hair away from Natalie's face, I gently shook her awake. "Looks like we slept through the night. I should probably get you back to your place."

Natalie stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she looked up at me, a sleepy smile curling on her lips. "What time is it?"

"Just after six," I replied, gently kissing her cheek. "I don't want you to be late for school."

She nodded, slowly sitting up and stretching, the blanket slipping off her shoulders. "Yeah, you're right," she said softly, her voice tinged with reluctance.

We dressed in comfortable silence, the intimacy of the night still lingering between us. As I grabbed my keys, I couldn't help but steal one more glance at her. But as I watched her step out of the truck and disappear into her home, I couldn't shake the feeling that the clock was ticking on the secrets I was still keeping.