Erin shot a questioning look at Jared. “What's a bake sale?”

Momentarily flustered at the realization that he'd inadvertently spilled the beans, Jared cast a surprised look in Ethan's direction, brows raised in silent query. Ethan glared back, fingers gripping the edge of Erin's seat in an attempt to stop himself from wrapping those very fingers round his brother's neck and squeezing real hard. Damnit! He was never going to hear the end of this when Jared inevitably got round to telling the rest of the family. Though that particular worry would have to wait while he did some damage control before things got out of hand.

Jared leaned close to whisper to Ethan, his eyes glinting in amusement. “Uh oh! Haven't asked her yet?”

“I was going to if you'd managed to stay away long enough.” Ethan whispered back, sparing Erin a glance as she watched their exchange, a small curious frown on her face. He turned back to Jared in exasperation. “You're an idiot, you know that?”

Jared managed to look contrite for about three seconds then chuckled, clearly enjoying his brother's discomfiture. “My bad...bro.”

“Umm..could someone please explain what's going on?” Both men turned to look at Erin, who sat with an expectant look.

“Don't you have customers to attend to Jarhead?” Ethan turned to Jared, giving his sibling a meaningful look to get lost, all the while conscious of Erin's eyes on the both of them, her gaze a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Jared returned the look with a mischievous grin, not wanting to pass up the opportunity to rile Ethan up a little. “I'm sure Diane's got things under control...”

Ethan's glare turned shades darker, mouth set in a thin line of displeasure. “Jarhead...”

“Fine...Fine..” Jared threw up both hands in mock surrender and took a step back. “I'll let you two catch up.” He turned back to Erin and took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a brief kiss. “Like I said, it's really great meeting you Erin, hope you enjoy your meal and do let me know if you need anything else.”

Despite the million questions swirling through her, Erin couldn't help but be charmed by his actions. “Thank you Jared, it was good to meet you.”

Jared patted her hand and let go, giving his brother a cheeky salute before beating a hasty retreat. “Till Saturday lil' bro.”

“Just hope you're still alive by Saturday.” Ethan shot back, his anger dissolving as fast as it had come. Much as he'd like to murder Jared for nearly ruining his perfect plan, it was hard to stay mad at any member of his family.

Alone with Erin once more, he resumed his seat, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, a small smile playing across his lips as he could almost feel the curiosity emanating from her in palpable waves.

“Sorry about that Sweetcheeks.” He murmured, reaching for his glass and taking a sip of his wine.

Erin drummed her fingers on the table and pierced him with a look. “What was that about? What did he mean by the bake sale thing?”

Ethan sighed and set down his glass, wishing now that he'd simply let his mother have her way and pair him up with her mystery woman. Certainly, that would have been a lot easier for his peace of mind than this present moment. But no, like the unthinking idiot he was, he'd gone and made things a whole lot more complicated and he had a gut feeling that this was only the beginning of his troubles.

He studied her intently, noting in dry amusement how she perched on the edge of her seat, brown eyes wide in anticipation as she waited for his answer.

“My mother does this charity thing every couple months or so to raise money for shelters and safe homes scattered all over the country.” He paused to take another sip. “She's having a bake sale this Saturday and since I detest going to those things alone, I thought you could come with me?”

Erin stared at him, mouth falling open in shock as her brain slowly digested his words. What the hell? Of all the things she'd expected, Ethan Lachlan, Villain extraordinaire asking her to be his date had not been one of them. She studied his face for a sign..any hint that all this was some sort of practical joke but he returned her look with a grim expression.

She recovered enough to realize she'd forgotten to breathe and inhaled, her brain demanding copious amounts of oxygen to process this unexpected situation. Her heart resumed beating and Erin slowly became aware that Ethan watched her, waiting for a reply. She tried to speak, but her mouth had gone dry. Erin reached for her own wineglass with shaky fingers and took a long sip, keeping her gaze lowered to the table.

Ethan watched her stunned reaction in wry amusement. “Well, it looks like I've finally discovered a way to keep you quiet.”

Erin set down the glass, unwrapping her fingers one by one from the fragile stem as she realized just how tight she had gripped it. Gathering her thoughts under control, she raised her eyes to his, noting the casual way he leaned back against his chair and watched her, a self-assured smirk on his face.

How typical! She thought drily, feeling an overwhelming urge to wipe that annoying smirk off his face. A thought occurred to her and she raised an eyebrow at him, thankful to have her composure back.

“So that’s why you brought me here.” She raised an eyebrow at him, searching for confirmation. Ethan merely smiled in that enigmatic manner of his, playing with the stem of his wine glass.

“Perhaps,” He replied with a non-committal shrug.

“Fair enough.” Erin conceded and leaned forward, her mind racing, searching for answers. “Another question though, why me? I mean, why ask me when I'm sure there are a million women you could ask instead?”

Ethan smiled, “Other women bore me.”

“That's it?”

He looked at her askance, “Is there supposed to be another reason?”

“With you, there always is a hidden agenda.” Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she’d not yet eaten and she picked up her fork, attacked her food, conscious of Ethan’s eyes on her.

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “There is no hidden agenda Sweetcheeks, though I thought we could use this chance to…” He paused, searching for an appropriate word, “…get better acquainted.”

“Right.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Look Ethan, I don’t think it’s a good idea bringing me along, I mean, your family’s bound to realize who I am and that could raise some awkward questions. What do you intend to tell them about our…er…relationship?”

“I will tell them what they need to know.”

“Meaning?”

His lips quirked. “That we’re two adults who have a mutual respect for each other and they should mind their own damn business.”

“Yeah, like that’s going to make them back off.” Erin scoffed, taking another bite of lobster. “If your family is anything like mine, that will only make matters worse.”

“Fine then, I’ll simply tell them we’re sleeping together.”

Erin choked.

“You ok?” Concerned at her distress, Ethan rose and crossed to her seat, handing her a glass of water while his other hand stroked her back.

Erin gulped down the water, the spasms easing to little coughs as she tried to catch her breath. “I’m fine.” She managed to gasp out between lungful’s of air. “What the hell are you trying to do Lachlan, kill me with shock?”

He smiled down at her, his ice-blue eyes filled with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine, coupled with the hand that still traced lazy circles over her back was enough to cause Erin to lose her train of thought. Erin fought down the urge to let out a moan at the pleasant sensations bombarding her senses at his touch, her core a pool of liquid desire. Her appetite fled, to be replaced by a more primitive hunger that demanded satiation.

“Perhaps.” Ethan murmured and removed his hand, the motion eliciting a little moan of disappointment from Erin. He resumed his seat, though his eyes never left hers. “But there’s no fun in that, is there?”

Erin’s face flamed in mortification, appalled at her response to him. Christ! One would think she’d never had sex the way she’d responded to a single touch. Grow up Erin! She silently admonished herself, careful to keep her face averted from his piercing gaze. Even more irritating was the fact that he hadn’t been affected by the contact though the very air seemed to be charged with sexual tension.

She cleared her throat softly, eager for something to distract her from wayward thoughts that would do her no good. “Tell me more about this charity thing. What exactly does a bake sale entail?”

*******

Much later, Ethan steered the car to a stop outside The Gosling and killed the engine. He turned to watch the silent woman sitting beside him, hands clasped primly on her laps as she stared straight ahead, so lost in thought that she was oblivious to the fact that she was home. He took the opportunity to study her in the dim light that filtered through, his nostrils filled with the heady scent of her fragrance, stirring him in ways he couldn’t explain.

His gaze drifted to her full, sensuous mouth and his body tightened at the memory of how that mouth had done things to him…good god! He stifled a groan, his body alight with an almost uncontrollable need to reach across the tiny space and pull her onto his laps so he could ravish that mouth to his satisfaction.

A horn blared in the distance, jolting Erin from her thoughts and she started when she realized her surroundings. “Oh…we’re back already.”

Ethan took a moment to get himself back in control, an impossible feat given how the small interior of his Maserati caused their bodies to brush together with each move. His hands tightened on the wheel and he uttered a curse under his breath, conscious of her gaze on him.

He turned to face her, mouth twisting in a wry smile, “You were a million miles away Sweetcheeks.”

Erin laughed, the sound betraying a hint of nerves as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears, a gesture Ethan found strangely arousing. “Sorry, I was just thinking….”

Her voice trailed off as she noticed the feral way watched her, his eyes twin orbs of heat that wanted to consume her. Ethan heard her sharp intake of breath, watched as her own eyes widened in awareness of the desire that simmered from him.

Screw control. Ethan leaned close and kissed her hard, one hand snaking to the back of her neck to pull her even closer. Erin gasped into his mouth but then desire took over and she returned his kiss with fervor. The temperature in the car went up several degrees as their mouths and hands explored, grasped and caressed each indulging in a need that had swirled around them since she had opened the door to her apartment earlier this evening.

His other hand moved to caress her breast through the fabric and he growled in appreciation as his fingers encountered the hard nub that betrayed her arousal. She moaned and arched into his hand, begging for more of his touch. God! But she was a hot vixen…

The moment was broken by a discreet knock on his window. Ethan broke the contact, and turned to glare at whoever had interrupted their moment. A nervous looking valet stood there, an apologetic look on his face that turned to alarm as Ethan wound down the window and he saw the killing look.

“What is it?” Ethan barked.

“Ummm….sorry to bother you Mr. Lachlan…but you’re not supposed to park here….oh…hi Ms. Gosling. Sorry…didn’t know you were with him.”

Ethan swore under his breath. Beside him, Erin let out a groan and he turned to face her. She looked embarrassed and mortified as she picked up her purse from the floor and fumbled with the door handle. “Erin…”

“I have to go.” She cut in, face flushed, still struggling to open the door.

 With a sigh, Ethan reached out to grasp her arm, restraining her. He turned to the valet who stood waiting.

“Give me a minute ok?” the man scurried away, and he turned back to Erin, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Sorry about that.”

Erin nodded, her eyes fixed on her arm where his fingers held her but remained silent for a few minutes. Finally she sighed and relaxed back against the seat, raising her eyes to meet his, a wry smile playing across her lips. “That was embarrassing. Thanks for ruining my rep Lachlan.”

He grinned at the unexpected joke. This woman just kept surprising him each time. “You’re welcome Gosling.”

She laughed, the sound easing the last bits of tension in the air. “You should move though, this really is a wrong spot.” With her free hand, she opened the door then paused, turning to face him again. “Thank you for dinner.”

“I’ll pick you up by eight am Saturday.” Ethan let go of her arm and started the car.

Erin raised an eyebrow at him. “I haven’t said I would go with you.”

“That so?”

“Yep.” She folded her arms across her chest. “There’s still the issue of how you intend to introduce me to your family…”

Ethan sighed and muttered something she didn’t catch. Out loud he said, “I’ll handle my family. Just be ready at eight, it’s a long drive to Homewood.”

“Sure.” She stepped out the car and shut the door, striding into the brightly lit lobby without waiting to see if he’d driven off.

 She also didn’t notice the lone figure calmly taking pictures with a mobile phone.

 ******

Erin studied her reflection in the mirror, worrying her lower lip between her teeth as she contemplated the dress for the umpteenth time. The light pink gown complimented her complexion and showed off curves in all the right places, but still she worried that the dress was not formal enough for the occasion. From what Ethan had described, the bake sale was going to be more than just a family get together…his mother had invited a lot of Chicago’s upper-class for the fundraiser. She also knew she would be facing Ethan’s family, all curious to know how she’d ended up as his date for the day.

She signed and rubbed her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache. She so was not looking forward to being the center of attention…maybe it was not too late to things off. Sure Ethan would be furious and threaten her as was his usual way, but she could handle that compared to the ordeal she was about to put herself through.

Erin turned and strode back to her closet, yanking off the dress as she went. She flipped through her clothes, finally settling on a zebra-striped, sleeveless gown that just skimmed her knees at the front and was a little longer at the back. A white belt and matching platform sandals complimented the look to her satisfaction. She was just putting on some make-up when someone knocked. With a frown, she glanced at the clock, it was only 7.30…way too early for Ethan to show up.

“I brought coffee.” Kim stood on the other side of the door, two cups of coffee in hand. She raised an eyebrow at Erin’s outfit and let out a mock whistle. “Isn’t it a bit too early to be dressed?”

Ah hell! Of all the times for her friend to show up. Erin felt a jolt of apprehension as she stepped aside to let Kim into the apartment. She grabbed a cup from Kim, wrapping her suddenly clammy hands around the Styrofoam cup,

“I have to be somewhere in thirty minutes.” She replied, removing the cap and taking a grateful sip of the hot liquid. “Mmmm…this is really good”

Kim settled on her couch, tucking her jean clad leg under her as she studied Erin. “Big date?”

Erin shrugged and sat beside her friend. “Sort of. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you had a photo shoot this morning?”

“We need to talk.” The cryptic statement sent Erin’s heart rate up at notch. Kim set down her cup and leveled Erin with a stern look. “Remember, that talk you promised we’d have?”

Erin groaned and shut her eyes. Of all the times Kim could have picked…. “Can we do this later?”

“Uh uh!” Kim wagged a finger at her in admonishment. “We are doing this now, even if I have to tie you to this damned chair.”

“Ok, but I can only talk for fifteen minutes.” Erin mentally braced herself for what she knew would be the next question. “So make it fast.”

“What’s the deal with you and Ethan? And don’t even think about lying Erin, cos you know I can tell when you’re lying.”

Erin paused, debating on telling the truth or lying to her best friend. Ah what the hell…she decided with a sigh…Ethan was going to be here soon anyway and it was likely he would meet Kim here since her friend clearly had no intention of leaving soon.

“Ok fine!” She muttered with a tired sigh. “We’re sort of having this weird kinda thing.”

“I knew it!” Kim crowed in delight, unfolding her legs as she leaned forward, eager for more details. “I knew you were up to no good with Mr. Delicious…but really Erin? Of all the rich, hot guys in Chicago you had to pick the one guy that’s off limits? The sex must be phenomenal if you’re willing to bring Nicky’s wrath on your head.”

“I didn’t pick him idiot.” Erin rolled her eyes and flopped back against the couch. “I can barely stand the guy’s arrogance as it is, and given what he’s done to my family? But oh god Kim, the sex! It’s like…wow! I mean, we have this huge fights and there’s times I wish I could shoot him for being a sonofabitch, but then, we end up in bed and I completely lose my mind.”

“Damn right, you’ve lost your mind.” Kim retorted, “You know what will happen if…no..when Nicky finds out you’ve been fooling around with her ex?” Erin opened her mouth to protest but Kim held up a finger. “Wait, I’m not finished. Let’s talk about your dad, how do you think he’ll react when he finds out? He’ll disown you.”

“Gee, thanks for the eye opener.” Erin murmured in a sarcastic tone. “I know exactly what’s going to happen.”

Kim folded her hands across her chest. “Good to know.” She eyed her friend for a couple of seconds then collapsed in a fit of giggles that had Erin wondering if she’d lost her mind.

“Sorry...” Kim said when the giggles had subsided enough. “It’s just so funny hearing you talk about a guy like that, you’ve never gotten so enthusiastic about sex before…not even with Luke.”

Erin blushed and threw a pillow at her. “Shut up.” She stood and crossed to her room to finish her make-up, checking the time as she passed. Five minutes to eight ‘o’ clock. “I have to finish getting ready Kim.”

“You two are dating now?” Kim’s mouth fell open in surprise.

“It’s not a date.” Erin sighed, running a brush through her hair. “I’m just going with him to this fundraiser thing.” She decided not to tell Kim she would be meeting his family, knowing her friend would blow a fuse if she did.

“Oh wow Erin, be careful with this Ok?”

Before she could ask Kim for further details, her phone rang, the caller id displayed Ethan’s name.

“Hello?” Erin spoke into the phone, careful to keep the excitement from her voice.

“You ready?” His deep voice flooded her body with warmth.

“Yeah.”

He chuckled. “Great, meet me in the lobby.” He hung up before she could say anything else. She stared at the phone, slightly exasperated at his appalling phone manners then sighed and stood up, grabbing her purse and headed for the door, Kim in tow.

Ethan’s eyes swept over her costume as she walked toward him, taking in every inch of her. Erin’s steps faltered at the scrutiny, but then he smiled, and stood up, unfolding his length from the chair and came towards her.

“Nice dress.” He murmured as she reached him.

She blushed in spite of her