11. Ethan

Chapter 11

Ethan

The Chinese dinner last night was amazing. I suspect that most of it has to do with the fact that Jake was the one at the hot counter. He whipped me the chef’s special, and it was mind-blowingly good. The combination of sweet and sour, the tenderness of the meat, the consistency of the rice and noodles, the way the vegetables were cooked. It all worked together so well, even if the dishes were so different from the typical Chinese I’ve had.

I take a bite from the quesadilla and watch the people milling in and out of the restaurant. It’s lunch time and Jake is busy manning the main counter as one of the other chefs got sick. He got called in the morning just as we were having breakfast in my room. We’d planned to go into the village again, but that’s not happening anymore.

Sighing, I open my laptop. Without him to keep me company, I’m back to being utterly bored. I can’t believe how quickly I got used to his high energy, to the point where I miss it now that he’s not around. It’s one thing to sit at a table and watch him for a few hours while dinner service lasts, but it’s entirely different not being able to chat to him for more than a couple of minutes every other hour or so.

I gave him the vampire romance last night after I finished it, and we were going to discuss the first chapter this morning. But then he had to sub in. I crush the napkin with my hand and squeeze it. Yeah, I think it’s very understandable that I am more than a little annoyed. I’d go talk to the hotel management, but it will do more harm than anything else. And I don’t want to make Jake’s life harder just because I can’t hold in my own tantrum. It’s silly. I’ve never felt this way over something like this.

“You got this, Ethan. Just find something to do. It’s just like old times.”

Except that it’s not. Everything has changed, no matter what logic I throw at things. Jake has shown me that there is more to life than work, and it’s kind of hard to revert back to thinking otherwise. Especially when the source of such thoughts is so close, yet I’m not allowed to reach for him and drag him to my room so we can hang out.

If I’m being honest, I’m equally happy to follow him around and watch him do his job all day. I even kind of indirectly tried to convince the kitchen staff to let me, but they frowned at me and told me guests aren’t allowed anywhere near the food. It makes sense of course, but at the same time, couldn’t they just make an exception for me? It’s not like I’m asking for a lot.

Scoffing at my ridiculous line of logic, I open the file with Jake’s business proposal. I know I promised not to treat it as work, but dire circumstances call for grave measures. I intend to keep most of it—I am a man of my word—but I can have another quick peek.

Just like last time, it’s immediately clear to me how much thought Jake has put into this. The further I read, the more excited I get. I don’t know if he got help from someone or if he is some kind of a genius, but this is one of the best proposals I’ve ever read. I cannot act on it personally—it would be disrespectful and unfair to Jake—but that doesn’t mean this has to turn into a wasted opportunity for Jake.

After I send a couple of emails, I go back to my room and give the show Jake was watching a try. It’s actually not bad at all, and by the time it reaches the half point, I am completely invested into the holographic girl’s quest. The ending sequence is a full-blown Christmas party, but even that has me smiling. It looks fun. I think if Jake was with me, I wouldn’t mind throwing one like it for my closest people. I bet they’d be shocked.

The rest of my day is spent binging the main portion of the series the Christmas special is based on. I am having a great time, but I can’t help but feel like something is missing. If Jake was around, we could chat and speculate together. We’d make out between the episodes. Stuff ourselves with popcorn, soda and ice-cream because he’s that type.

My phone rings. It’s the hotel reception number. I pick up.

“Hello, Mr. Ward. We have great news. The council just called with an update on the roads. They should be cleared and sufficiently accessible by tomorrow evening. I’ve already spoken to the hotel management. Arrangements have been made for one of our cars to take you to Edmonton as soon as the council gives traffic the green light.”

Oh. That’s… “This is great news. Thank you.”

“No problem, Mr. Ward. Apologies again for the inconvenience,” the woman says and hangs up.

I hold my phone and stare at the screen. My chest feels a little tight. One more day in this hell and I’m going home. I should be happy. I should be celebrating.

Yet all I can think about is what am I going to do back in Miami with no Jake around to distract me.

I don’t get to see Jake until the next morning because his shift finishes late. He comes to my room at nine sharp, looking ready to tackle anything the day throws at us.

“You look so lovely I think you should keep them,” he says in his sexy voice, biting on his lip as he gives me an unabashed once-over. “You know, despite them being a size or two too big.”

I’ve put on his jacket and scarf as instructed in his text. It said he will be picking me up to go out, so I should be ready. I shift my weight, suppressing an appreciative groan. His clothes aren’t the only thing I am wearing. I have a surprise for him and I can’t wait to see his reaction.

Nuzzling into the scarf, I inhale his lingering scent. “They’ve grown on me. So, I think you are right.”

He shakes his head as I lock the door. “They are practically yours now, anyway. It would be unfair of me to deprive you of them. Who knows, maybe it will snow in Miami one of these days and you’ll find use for them there.”

My heart lurches. I haven’t told him about the call yet. I don’t know how, because this is the last day we have together, and I don’t want to ruin it. But I’ll have to at some point, so it’s best I did it sooner rather than later.

I wait until we are outside and the crispy air surrounds me. It’s finally stopped snowing. The sun is bright in the sky, shining down on us and making the white blinding. It’s so potent we have to wear ski-goggles with tinted glass.

“I got a call yesterday,” I say as we head toward the hills with the trees. “The roads have almost been cleared and a car will be taking me to Edmonton in the morning.”

Jake nods, gracing me with a smile. It’s a little less radiant than usual, a little sad, too. “Yeah, I know. I stopped by the reception this morning and they told me. A technician will be coming first thing tonight with spare parts so the faulty circuit can be replaced.”

Ah. So he knew already. I guess this should make things a little less awkward. “Okay. Since it’s the last day of my impromptu holiday, you have to make it count,” I encourage him, clapping my hands.

He laughs. “Oh, I will, babe. Don’t you worry. I’ll leave you so mind-blown, you’ll be coming back here next year.”

The way the endearment slips out of him without him even realizing it warms my heart. It’s not the first time either. I’ve mostly ignored the way it makes me feel, but today I find that impossible. I just like how it sounds aimed at me and coming out of his mouth. The way he says it so easily, as if it’s the most natural thing.

“What?” he prompts, glancing at me with a raised eyebrow and pouty lips.

“What what?”

“You are looking at me like I’ve grown horns,” he snorts, grinning.

I imagine that being the case, how he would look with two curved silver horns. His unruly black curls would surround them, creating a contrast that would make his boyish charm stand out even more.

“I think they would look good on you. You would make an amazing satyr for Halloween.”

“I’m not sure I have the sexual appetite to depict one correctly, but I am willing to try if you agree to be my nymph next year.”

A pleasant shudder races through me. Next year . I like the sound of that. The implication, too, along with the intense spark that now inhabits Jake’s gorgeous whiskey-like depths. I’m not big on Halloween, but I’d be willing to give it a try with the right incentive. I don’t know much about Greek mythology either, but satyrs are said to be extremely sexual beings who often go after human women or nymphs.

“I’ll think about it.”

We walk for a few minutes in companionable silence, our fingers intertwined. I’ve not put on my gloves yet as the temperature isn’t so low, and Jake hasn’t either. It allows us to absorb each other’s body heat, then give it back so we can absorb it again. It’s comfortable.

As I grip him firmer so I can feel more of him, he does the same. Flutters invade my stomach and chest, awfully hard to ignore as my heart begins pounding like mad. I don’t know what this man does to me, but I love every second of it. Just a simple touch is enough to make me nervous in the best way, just a word to make me buzz.

Trying to distract myself from the way my stomach twists with anticipation, I wonder about his plans for the day. He was clearly exaggerating. Or so I think before we reach a frozen lake. Two pairs of ice skates are propped by a wooden gazebo, where blankets and a portable gas heater await. A basket of food is tucked on the corner bench. Fragrant pines crest the lake, their snow-decorated crowns rustling softly at the hands of the howling mountain breeze. It’s like I’ve been transported into a fairytale. Everything is glinting and sparkling as I lazily walk hand in hand with the most perfect man in the entire world so we can enjoy a winter picnic.

“How hungry are you? I recommend we skate first so we can work out an extra appetite,” Jake suggests, nudging me toward the skates.

“Okay. But I must let you know that I’ve never skated before.”

He aims those whiskey eyes at me, wide and amused. “Really? Don’t rich kids try all sorts of fancy sports? I can totally picture you as a figure skater.”

“Is figure skating considered fancy?” I pose, putting on the skates. I used to rollerblade as a teen, and I’ve heard skating is very similar.

Folding his arms, Jake considers my question. “I thought so? I mean, look at the clothes they wear and the way they move. It’s all very elegant. Plus, consider the money that goes into running and maintaining an ice rink. Especially somewhere warm. The lessons must cost a fortune.”

“What about hockey? Is that for rich kids, too?” I ask, handing him his pair of skates. “It’s not exactly the most elegant sport, but it is played on the rink, too.”

He sits on the bench next to me and drums his fingers along his knee. Then he scratches his head before starting on the skates. “Okay. Maybe my logic is a little flawed. But it made sense until you pointed out a couple tiny loopholes.”

He’s cute. So cute in fact that I lean in and seal our mouths together once he’s done tying the laces. He melts into the kiss, wrapping his arms around my neck and pulling me close. Sparks explode all over me, shooting heat south. I love every second of our exchange, the little noises of pleasure he makes, the way he tastes like coffee and cream and smells like herbs and crispy mountain air.

It’s just the two of us in this wild place. The sun is high in the cloudless sky, the snow-covered trees whisper quietly around us. It’s the perfect stolen moment, despite the cold. Nothing matters but us. Nothing exists but this dreamlike place. I take it in with all my senses, burying my hands into the snow piled on the edge of the bench as our kiss deepens.

Jake takes control, driving me crazy and hot with his tongue as his hands roam and massage my back. I wish we were naked so I could feel him more. But a single picnic blanket won’t be enough to keep us warm. Still, maybe I could satiate my hunger with a touch or two.

“What are you doing, exactly?” Jake chuckles, grabbing my hand as I try to slip it in his pants.

“My hand slipped?” He rolls his eyes and arches an eyebrow. “Okay. I want to stroke your cock?”

He groans, tightening his hold around my wrist. “Um, no. I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“Because we are skating first. Then eating. And then I have another surprise for you. I’m already horny as it is. If you go anywhere near my dick, I’m dragging you right back to the hotel and having my wicked way with you so you can’t walk for at least four days.”

That doesn’t sound too bad. But I’ve also loved every second of Jake’s companionship. I’m excited and curious to know what he has planned for today. Ravishing him one last time can wait until the evening.

I shrug, adjusting my semi. “Is that supposed to be a threat?”

Shaking his head, he shoots up and offers me his hand. I take it and let him help me up. “I told you. I am having an awfully hard time keeping my hands off you even without you attacking my mouth or trying to sneak your way into my pants.”

“That sounds like a you problem to me.”

“You’re a devil, you know that?”

“Who, me? No way.”

Laughing, he guides me to the ice. We hold hands until I get used to it, which doesn’t take too long. He accuses me of lying about skating, so I explain that I used to rollerblade. With the sun on my back and Jake next to me, I have an amazing time sliding across the frozen lake. It feels like a dream. In fact, this whole holiday I was forced into feels like one.

The picnic following our skating session is delicious. There is fruit, coffee, even hot pastries. When I ask him how and when he managed to organize all of this, he shrugs.

“So, if you didn’t do skating, what sports did you train?” he asks once we’ve packed and headed deeper into the woods.

“Horse-riding. Swimming. I played cricket for a while, but found it was a little too… stationary for me. So I switched to tennis. I also did a bit of judo. Nowadays, I mostly go to the gym since it’s the most convenient for me. My PT tells me what to do, so I don’t have to think about it either.”

“I’m my own PT.” Jake grins, flexing his arms. I know he said it as a joke, but he’s done a great job if his toned physique and ability to carry me like I weigh nothing is anything to go by. “And I swim when I find the time.”

As we trek through the snowy terrain, he tells me about the sports he wanted to try as a kid but couldn’t. I’ve always lived in big cities with lots of activities to do, but he’s been in North Hut for a long time. Aside from what the hotel can offer, there isn’t much else he can do.

“And I’m definitely trying surfing when I move south,” he says, mimicking balancing on a surf.

“I’m not particularly good at it, but I’ll cheer you on from the shore.”

“You better. And you should also warn me if any sharks are coming. I’d rather not get my leg chomped off.”

“You’d be lucky if it’s just a leg,” I muse, laughing when he aims a terrified scowl my way.

A bit more walking as the sun starts to dip, and we reach a small wooden cabin. Smoke is coming from its chimney, spreading the smell of burning wood. I inhale deeply, suddenly back to my kid years when Charlie and I would go to Ben’s house for Christmas. We’d have a roast and open the presents, then spend the entire day playing in the snow.

We approach the cabin, but instead of knocking, Jake just waltzes in. There is no one inside. Firewood crackles in the corner and warmth from it seeps outside through the open door. I close it, rubbing my chilly hands.

“What is this?” I ask, looking round the cozy interior.

There is a couch and a TV, a kitchen corner with a fridge and a stove. A bathroom where I can spy a tub is tucked in the corner and next to it is a small bedroom with just a bed and a wardrobe.

“It’s one of the private cabins on the hotel grounds. Because of the storm, this one is empty. I thought we could make use of it for the day.” He goes to the fridge and grabs two cans of soda. Handing me one, he flops onto the couch. “It’s nothing much, but I hope you don’t absolutely hate it.”

It’s nostalgic. “I don’t. I think it’s quite cute.” I sit next to him and open the can of refreshing lemonade.

“Good. Let me know when you are in the mood for a late lunch. There’s fish and venison.”

Shuffling closer, I hook a finger under his chin and turn his head so he’s facing me. I’m at my limit. We are alone in a warm, secluded cabin and my body is on fire. “I’ve got a better idea.”

He sucks in a deep breath. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

Licking my lips, I lean in and inhale him. “I’ll take a shower to warm up. Join me if you want.”

He grabs my wrist, but I slip away. An erection is already tenting his pants when I give him a shameless once-over. His eyes go dark and hooded, greedy as they roam me. I begin to undress. He spreads his legs wider, giving himself a quick stroke. His focus stays firmly on me though, like a laser sight. I love its intensity, the way it makes my skin tingle. I also can’t wait for him to discover the surprise I’ve prepared for him. It’s kept me on edge all day, but I’m sure he will appreciate it.

Slowly, I take off my pants. With them out of the way, the air is chilly on my skin, but it only makes the whole thing more exhilarating. My dress shirt hangs to my ass, hiding it from view. But not for long. I undo the buttons one by one, loving the way Jake is holding his breath. Once they are all undone, I turn my back to him. My stomach twists, turning upside down. Adrenaline floods my system. I’ve never done this for anyone. But I was up most of last night fantasizing what he might have in store for me. It left me horny and needy, so I decided to make the most of it.

Looking over my shoulder, I slide the shirt off my shoulders first, then down my back, then waist, until it’s pooled on the ground around my ankles. Jake’s eyes go wide. A growly, hungry sound rips out of him.

“Fuck, Ethan. This is… Fuck, you look so fucking sexy, baby.”

I preen, my chest suddenly tight. I wiggle my ass and spread my cheeks, clenching around the metal toy. Its end is wider and shaped like a gemstone. I love the way it feels and how it looks tucked between my ass cheeks. Thanks to the jockstrap I’ve put on, Jake gets an unreserved view. I got both the sexy underwear and the plug in the hotel shop the other night. There was a tiny section at the back, behind a red curtain. A range of fun adult toys were available, and it gave me some idea…

This morning, when I inserted the toy, I checked myself out in the mirror. The erotic sight turned me on almost as much as the thought of wearing the plug all day so I’m ready for Jake.

“Did you wear this for me?” he rasps, palming himself inside his pants. The pouch of the jockstrap keeps my hard cock trapped, adding to the rush of pleasure as his captivating eyes devour me whole.

“I woke up thinking about you. And since we didn’t see each other yesterday, I wanted to make up for it.”

“This is so hot. If I’d known you wanted me this much, I’ve have given you my cock first thing in the morning.”

I imagine that. Getting up, opening the door, then being pushed down on the bed… He’d fuck me quick and dirty, just to get the edge off. Just so I can last until lunch when he’d make a mess of me once more. Then in the evening. If we lived together, he could do it in the middle of the night, too. Or he could wake me up sucking my dick and fingering me.

He slides his pants down and takes out his erection. It’s flushed and angry and it makes my mouth water. “But… knowing you’ve been horny for me all day… Fuck, you’ve no idea what it does to me.”

Liquid fire flows through my veins. I can sense his desperation. I can smell it. It blows my mind. I want to feel him. I need him.

I saunter over to the bathroom and pause. “Come and show me then.”