Page 60 of We'll Meet Again
“They like it switched off,” she replied quietly.
He nodded, and turned the switch down with a soft click. Together, they left the room and closed the door gently behind them. With the children settled, they stepped back into the sitting room. Billie knew exactly what she wanted to say. She no longer had any doubts. But Ethan started.
“So, I know we were supposed to talk, but if you -”
“I want to be your girlfriend,” she blurted out.
A slow smile spread across his face. “You do?”
She nodded. “I…I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more sure of something than this.”
“You’re not just saying it because you’re turned on?”
“No, I swear,” she assured him. “Ethan…you are truly one of the best people I’ve ever met. The fact that you even showed up here tonight shows me the kind of man you are. You’re so sweet and thoughtful and warm. And - now this is just an added bonus - you’re not hard to look at.”
He laughed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “And…how are you feeling?”
“Darlin’, I’ve been crazy about you since the moment we met,” he said. “Even in that conference room when you were madder than a wet hen, I thought you were beautiful. And since then, I’ve come to see that you’re passionate and smart and funny - as well as gorgeous. I’d consider myself real lucky to be your boyfriend.”
“Well, get over here then, Mr. Lucky,” she replied with a smirk, her heart so full it could burst.
He made it to her in two strides, gathering her up in his arms, and his lips were on hers before she could say another word.
“Stay with me tonight,” she said breathlessly when they parted for air, and he nodded before kissing her again.
Chapter 16
BecauseEthanhadnowords to describe his happiness at Billie’s desire to be his girlfriend, he felt the only option was to kiss her. Her mouth was beautiful and open and willing, and he felt her melt into him, her arms hooking around his neck to stay upright. His arms wrapped fully around her, needing her closer. He wanted contact in every place possible.
“Oh,” she said, and pulled away. He almost whimpered in protest. “And the other things you wanted to discuss. I’m on the pill, but would prefer to use condoms as well for now. I was tested last month and all came back clear.”
“Hey, me too,” he told her. “Got it included with my physical when I signed with the club.”
She smiled. “Now, as far as thekindof sex…do you mean, like, kinks and stuff?”
“Yeah, you got any?” he asked with all the nonchalance he could muster.
She shook her head. “I’m quite vanilla, I’m afraid.”
“Works for me,” he said. “I’m vanilla too.”
They shared a quiet laugh. He hooked her chin on his finger and tilted her head back so they could lock eyes again.
“One other thing,” he said. “Is there anything off limits?”
Her brow furrowed, puzzled. “How do you mean?”
“I mean…I don’t know your history, if there’s ever been an experience that wasn’t consensual or pushed a boundary for you,” he told her. “I don’t want to trigger you.”
“Oh,” she said. “No, nothing like that. But that consideration? Very hot.”
He chuckled. “I like to cover all my bases.”
“I believe they’re covered.” She paused for a beat, taking her bottom lip between her teeth. He wanted to kiss her again so badly, he ached. “Can I say one more thing?”
“Of course,” he assured her.