Ethan jerked upright, heart racing as his brain struggled to catch up with the rest of him. beside him, Erin stirred and murmured something in her sleep and he felt his pulse begin to steady as he turned to regard the sleeping woman beside him. It hadn’t been a dream…thank God! She was here…in his bed…in the flesh. He felt like bursting into the Hallelujah chorus – he was that excited.

Careful not to wake Erin, he leaned down, gently brushing aside the hair that clung to her face and pressed a kiss on her bare shoulders before easing out of bed. The sound that had woken him came again, and he cursed under his breath. Who the hell could be at his door at…he grabbed his phone to peer at the illuminated display and swore….Jesus! Ten am? He’d never woken up this late…though to be fair, he’d never spent the entire night and most of the morning making love to the most incredible woman in the fucking state.

He grabbed his pants, putting in on in quick sparse moves, then stalked to the door and yanked it open.

“You’d better have a damn good reason to be here.” He levelled a withering glare at his friend.

Looking impeccable in a suit, Marcus raised an eyebrow as his eyes travelled over Ethan, taking in his rumpled state.

 “Well at least you’re still alive.” he quipped, picking up his briefcase and striding past Ethan into the room. “I was beginning to think you’d killed yourself in shame, especially after committing financial suicide.” He stopped abruptly as he took in the clothes that were littered on the floor of the living room, the used glasses and dishes from last night’s dinner. “Oh man! Now it makes sense.”

“Fuck off Marc.” Ethan tried to sound threatening, but he was still on a high from being with Erin. Instead he found himself grinning like an idiot as he moved past his friend to begin picking up the clothes. “And keep your voice down for fuck’s sake, Erin’s sleeping.”

 “Ah hell! She’s still here?” Wide-eyed, Marcus glanced in the direction of the bedroom his voice dropping to a hushed whisper. “So all that bullshit you pulled with the shares was just so you could get into her pants? That’s sick man, I thought you had more guts than that.”

“You should stop talking now before I hurt you.” Ethan snarled, his temper shooting to boiling point as he took a threatening step in Marcus’ direction. “And if you ever utter one disparaging word about the woman I love, then you can consider our friendship over.”

Looking contrite, Marcus held up both hands in a gesture of apology. “Shit, I had no idea…look, I’m happy for you ET and believe me I respect Erin way too much to say anything bad about her…but this in love shit…you sure about this? I don’t want to see you screwed up again.”

“I’m sure and I am not going to discuss my love life with you dude. You’re the king of dysfunctional relationships. Ethan gave Marc a pointed stare and resumed clearing up. “So, what brings you here?”

Marcus moved to the table and began piling dirty plates. “The media’s got a hold of the news, and they’re going ape shit with happiness.” He informed his friend, taking the dishes to kitchen and dumping them in the sink. “The investors are calling for your balls on a platter and there’s even speculation that you’ve gone and lost your ‘mental faculties’ as one of your staff quaintly put it. We’ve been trying to do damage control, but the fact that the said CEO hasn’t been available for comment isn’t doing any favors. So after trying to call a lot of fucking times, I decided to see if you were still alive.”

“Is it that bad?” Erin’s voice broke into the conversation and both men whirled around to see her standing in the kitchen doorway, wearing one of Ethan’s shirts and a worried frown, the material almost seeming to swallow her up.

The sight of her made Ethan forget what they’d been discussing. She looked so damn good barefoot in his shirt, the hem just skimming her thighs, hair tousled from sleep.

“You’re awake.” He said, stating the obvious, and winced. Great conversational skills Lachlan, he scoffed silently, adding his own pile of dirty dishes to the sink. He wiped his hands, scowling at the lascivious way his friend was eyeing Erin’s legs and moved to stand in front of Erin, effectively blocking Marcus’ view.

“Good morning,” He murmured slipping his hands around her waist. “Sleep well?”

Erin blessed him with a bright smile, rising on tiptoe to kiss him. “Morning,” She replied when they came up for air. “Yeah, I had a good night.” She winked at him and giggled, then tugged at the sleeve of his shirt. “I hope you don’t mind? I couldn’t find my clothes.”

Ethan grinned, his eyes lighting up in mischief. “You look damn good, I wouldn’t mind if that’s what you wore all the time.” He lowered his head for another kiss, but the sound of Marcus clearing his throat, brought him back to the present. For a brief second, Ethan considered throwing his friend out, but he knew Erin would not approve.

“Have you met Marcus?” He sighed, releasing her momentarily so he could make the introductions.

She looked over his shoulder at Marcus who hastily wiped the leer from his face and straightened from the counter. Erin smiled in acknowledgement, then her expression turned concerned. “How much damage control are we talking about?”

Keeping an arm around her, Ethan rested his back on the edge of the counter, pulling Erin close so she leaned against him as they listened as Marcus filled them in. He’d known things would go to hell once his actions became public knowledge, so Ethan wasn’t surprised at what was happening. He’d been prepared for it and had even worked with his assistant and media advisor to organize a press conference for this morning. Only, he’d totally forgotten about everything else save for Erin, not that he wouldn’t do the same thing over a million times if it meant he got to have her in his arms.

“You have to go in to work Ethan,” Erin said, when Marcus was finished. She turned in his arms so she could look at him, and his heart skipped a beat at the love and concern he found in her eyes. “Call a meeting of your staff and investors and try to assure them you are still in control of the situation. I could go and talk to my dad about renegotiating the price so you won’t have to suffer huge losses and….”

Ethan cut her off with a gentle but firm kiss. “Baby, I love you and I appreciate the offer, but I’m not budging on this. The price remains the same, and I have already made arrangements to handle this. But all that can wait, I don’t want to let you go just yet.”

 “I love you too Ethan, but you are going to the office and that’s not a negotiation.” Erin’s tone brooked no arguments as she grabbed his arm and began tugging in the direction of the bedroom, while Marcus watched on in approval, enjoying the rare sight of his stubborn friend being bossed about.

“I’ll make coffee while I wait, but take your time.” Marcus said, then grinned as Ethan shot him murderous look on the way out of the kitchen, “Wise choice mate, wise choice.”

Ethan let Erin lead him into the bathroom, his mind already devising ways to get her in the shower with him. A lot of his earlier fantasies had involved making love to Erin in the shower, had always wondered how it would feel to have her body, slick with soap and water writhe in passion.

“You shower first,” Erin instructed as she let go of him in the bathroom. “I just need to make some calls and….hey!” She shrieked as Ethan caught her by the waist and lifted her in one hand, the other sliding open the door of the shower stall. Ignoring her shrieks and giggles of protest, Ethan deposited her inside and turned on the water, drenching them both in seconds.

“I have a better idea,” He said, over her cry of surprise, as he pulled his soaked shirt over her head, then tossed it along with his pants outside.

Erin laughed, and hit his shoulder playfully. “You sneaky little devil!” She gasped, wiping water from her face, so she could level a mock stern look at him. “I should have guessed you were up to something when you let me lead you in here without a word.”

Ethan pulled her into his arms, relishing the way her eyes widened as her thighs brushed up against the evidence of his true intentions.

“Yeah Baby, something’s definitely ‘up’” He murmured, capturing her mouth in a kiss that quickly led to other…far more interesting things as he fulfilled every bit of his secret fantasy.

****

“I could drop you off at the hotel, you know.” Ethan said, much later as he got dressed.

He turned to the mirror to straighten his tie, watching Erin sitting cross legged on his bed, wearing yet another one of his shirts, her wet hair wrapped turban style in a towel.

Erin shook her head, as she ended the call to her assistant. “Not a chance babe. There’s no way I’m doing the walk of shame across a crowded hotel lobby with a chance either one of my parents could see me.” She shuddered at the thought. “Mum would never let me live it down, and besides, my car’s here. Heather’s bringing some fresh clothes.”

Ethan grinned and turned from the mirror. “Walk of shame…I wonder who came up with that phrase. Bloody genius.”

Another thought occurred to him and he sobered. “Erin…Your folks, how do you think they’re gonna react when they find out about us? And I’m just asking because I want you to know I have no intention of keeping our relationship a secret so I think it’s best if I know to expect a bullet in the balls in that direction.”

Feeling nervous, Erin stared down at her hands, mulling over his words. “Is that what you want? A relationship.”

“Hell yes!” Ethan climbed onto his bed and knelt beside her, taking Erin’s hand in his. “I want more than just sex Erin, never doubt that…I want…a partnership with you. Everything, or nothing.”

She sniffed, suddenly emotional and smiled up at him through watery eyes. “I think we can work with that. But it won’t be easy Ethan, I’m stubborn as hell and you’re one determined cuss, and there will be times when we’ll fight and wonder if it’s worth loving each other.”

Ethan nodded, “I know Baby, I have no illusions. And your stubborn hide is one of the reasons I fell for you, because I know you will never take bullshit from me.” He cupped her cheek and grinned. “And I’m counting on you to kick my ass if I need a good dose of humble pie.”

“Deal.” Erin pressed her lips to his, sealing the deal. “And I have a feeling my dad won’t offer up much of an objection. Especially not after this stunt you pulled, and I’ll handle my mum.”

“OK.” Ethan pulled her to him and kissed her hard and thoroughly before climbing off the bed. “I gotta head out before Marcus comes barging in here. There’s cereal in the kitchen in case you’re hungry and believe it or not, Marc makes awesome coffee.”

He grabbed his suit jacket, pocketed his phone and keys, then paused and turned to rummage in his dresser. He pulled out a key card and handed it to her.

“What’s this?” Erin asked, though she already knew the answer, a small smile played across her lips as she looked up at him.

“That’s the key to my heart….” Ethan drawled in a singsong voice and she burst into laughter. “Yeah…stupid I know. That’s a spare key to this place…so you know…you can come whenever you like.” His throat suddenly felt tight, and he coughed.

“Thank you.” Erin rose to her knees and crawled to the edge of the bed to hug him. “Now, shove off Lachlan, before they decide to sell your company right under your nose.”

****
Erin strode into the hotel, Heather at her heels, hurriedly taking notes as she rattled off a list of instructions. One look at the reporters that crowded the main entrance and she was grateful she’d changed before leaving Ethan’s apartment. Inside the lobby, the first person she spotted was Aunt Lorna and she muttered a quick prayer of thanks.

“Erin!” Aunt Lorna spotted her first and made a beeline in her direction. Erin stopped and pasted a smile on her face, noting the worried look on the older woman’s face.

“Good morning Aunt Lorna,” She greeted leaning forward to give her a hug. “Why are you down here? Is something wrong?”

“It’s Nicola.” Her aunt practically wailed, grabbing Erin’s arm and steering her towards the restaurant.

Erin’s smile slipped as familiar feelings of guilt and worry swarmed her. Shit! She’d completely forgotten to ask Ethan what he’d said to her cousin…oh God! she hoped he hadn’t hurt her.

Forcing her expression back to neutral, she calmly allowed Lorna to lead the way into the restaurant.

Once they were seated, she leaned forward. “What about Nicky? What’s happened?”

 “I was hoping you could tell me.” Lorna said, “I got a call from her this morning saying she was in London and something about seeking professional help….she sounded so…depressed and confused. I know she’s taken the breakup with that….that….silly man real hard, but that’s no reason why she should go halfway across the world. Erin, I know you two are close, so please, I need to know if she’s said anything…”

Nicky had left the country? Erin stared at her aunt, too stunned to say anything. When had she gone? What the hell had happened between her and Ethan?

“I haven’t seen her in days,” Erin said slowly, worried for her cousin. She turned to Lorna. “Auntie, did she…did you see her before she left? I mean not immediately before, but a couple of days back? Was she injured?”

Lorna looked alarmed. “What? Are you implying someone assaulted my baby?” Her voice rose sharply and she gripped Erin’s arm painfully. “Do you know if someone hurt my daughter and that’s why she ran away?”

 “No!” Erin’s voice came out much sharper than she intended and she winced and took a deep breath. “Auntie…I’m sure Nicky is fine, I haven’t spoken to her yet, but if you’ll give me the number she used, I will call and see if I can find out more ok?”

Her aunt looked relieved and whipped out her cell. She gave Erin the number and Erin excused herself from the table.

She hit speed dial and Ethan’s number came up. He answered on the fourth ring.

“Hey,” His voice sounded stressed. Erin could hear voices in the background and guessed things were still hot. “Is something wrong? I really can’t talk now though, I’m still in a meeting.”

“Just a quick question Ethan,” She said, suddenly hating herself for adding to his worries. “Did you do…something…to Nicky? I mean, I know you were angry Ethan and I’m just worried because maybe you lost your temper or something…and hit…”

She trailed off and closed her eyes, knowing she’d put her foot in it. He was silent for several long minutes and Erin could almost feel the hurt coming off the phone.

“I’m not a fucking animal Erin.” Ethan finally responded, his tone curt. “I would never harm a woman, intentionally or fucking otherwise. I merely suggested she leave you alone and go somewhere where she wouldn’t cause trouble. Now if that’s all, I’ve got to get back..”

“Ethan, wait…I’m..” Erin started to apologize but the line went dead. She let out a loud groan.

She shut her eyes and leaned her head against the cool wall, feeling a strong urge to kick herself…hard. She’d hurt him by jumping to ridiculous conclusions and assuming the worst and now, her foot was so far up her ass, it would require surgery to extricate herself from this mess. She tried his number again, but he must have turned it off, because her call went straight to voicemail.

“Freaking great job Erin.” She mocked herself, dialling Nicky’s number next, reluctant to talk to her cousin, but knowing her aunt was expecting answers. She waited as it rang, her mind still running through ways to apologize to Ethan…nothing short of all out grovelling on her part would remedy this…

“Hello?” Nicky’s voice broke into her thoughts, and Erin felt a rush of differing emotions…anger, relief, grief…at the sound. “Who’s this?”

“Hey Nicks, it’s Erin.” Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Erin let shut her eyes and took a deep, calming breath.

There was a pause. “Oh ummm…hello Erin.” Erin could hear the guilt in her cousin’s voice. “I guess my mum talked to you huh? I was…going to call you as soon as I’d settled in a bit. You know…to apologize for being a bitch.”

Erin rubbed at her aching temples, “I see. So, London? I thought you’d try and….sort out things with Ryan.”

Nicky sighed, sounding tired. “Ethan gave me some advice and I decided it was a good idea. And Ryan…” Her voice trailed off for a broken moment. “I hurt him too much to expect him to forgive me this quickly. Besides, I figured I should seek some help for my…problem before I try to fix that relationship. I’m scared that I’d only repeat stuff if I stayed. Erin, look…I’m really really sorry for what I did to you, I realize that it’s all part of my being totally messed up and I don’t like the person that I’ve become…I need to change before I hurt anymore people.”

“OK, Nicks. But please remember that I’m…here if you ever need me for anything.” Erin felt bad for her cousin, only imagining how much misery she was in. “And Nicky? Goodluck.”

“Thank you, that means so much.” Nicky sniffed back tears. “And please Erin, give Ethan a chance ok? I don’t know if he’s said anything to you yet…but…he cares about you a lot and I want you to be happy. Good bye.”

Nicky hung up, and Erin blew out a breath. Luck…yeah she was going to need a lot of that. She straightened and retraced her footsteps back to their table, where she assured her aunt that Nicky was alright. She made her excuses and left quickly, thinking furiously about a way to make things up to Ethan. An idea occurred to her.

****
Erin found her parents at their home, having a late breakfast.

“Erin!” Her mother’s face lit up in delight. Harold Gosling looked up from his copy of the Wall Street Journal and smiled as Erin walked up to give him a kiss. “How lovely you could join us darling, it’s been a while.”

Erin dropped a kiss on her mother’s cheeks then slid into an empty seat, accepting the glass of juice Victoria passed over. “Hey Mum,” She said, stealing a piece of toast from her dad’s plate. “I missed you guys, so I decided to come over.”

Harold snorted and closed the journal, picking up his coffee mug, his eyes glinting with humor. “Of course…of course…and this visit has nothing to do with needing a favour? Impressive.”

“Harold!” Her mother scolded, while Erin just grinned and bit into her toast. “How can you say such a thing to your daughter? Be nice.”

Harold merely raised an eyebrow at his wife, before turning to Erin. The two shared a conspirational look, well accustomed to each other’s banter.

“You look loads better Dad.” Erin’s eyes took in the healthy sheen of his skin, and his leaner but toned look. Her brows rose. “Jeez, have you been working out?”

Harold beamed proudly, happy that she’d noticed. “Yep, an hour and a half on the bike, followed by sit-ups, push-ups….and then golf of course. My game is off the charts I tell you and I’ve never felt healthier.”

“Wow! That’s…amazing.” The routine made her feel slightly guilty for her almost non-existent quest for fitness. Sure she visited a gym a couple of times, but mainly because Kim insisted on dragging her along, though she tended to avoid those places like the plague. She shot a surreptitious look at her legs beneath the pencil skirt and winced, suddenly self-conscious as she wondered what went through Ethan’s mind when he saw her naked…did he compare her to those svelte, skinny models he’d dated