Chapter Four

"So you're going on a date with a guy you met less than three hours ago?"

Erin peeked out the huge walk in closet where she was busy hunting for her shoes and peered at Kim who was currently perched cross legged on her bed surrounded by dozens of outfits discarded for being inappropriate. She had not packed for pleasure on this trip, most of her clothes were either too business like or way too casual for a dinner date and she'd finally had to call the hotel boutique and asked for several dresses to be sent up. Then she'd called for back up in the form of her good friend Kimberly Horton to help in choosing something appropriate.

Much as she wanted to impress Dr Haskell, Erin was didn't want to come across as too eager and thus she needed to find that perfect outfit that screamed chic but not trashy, available but not desperate.

"Is something wrong with that?" She asked, adjusting the towel wrapped turban style around her head. "It's just dinner- not like I'm gearing up for a night of wild sex and sin."

Kim shrugged slim shoulders and bit into a chip, chewing for a moment before she replied. "Not wrong for me. But it's so completely out of character for you. I mean, you're always so cautious and over analyze every single thing. For heavens sake, it takes you a good fifteen minutes to decide on what flavor of ice cream you want. Now you're going out with a total stranger."

"I do not analyze everything, I simply like to make sure I'm making good decisions. And Todd's not a total stranger. He's my dad's surgeon and we talked for a while before he asked me out."

"Yes, for all of five minutes." Kim swung jeans clad legs off the bed, moving to the mirror and checking her reflection. "He better be hot though, for all this effort you're putting on just for one date."

I wouldn't be adverse to another date if this one goes well. Erin thought. And another...and maybe a night of sin if things worked out perfectly. Todd Haskell looked to be the kind of guy she wouldn't mind rubbing parts with. She spotted the box containing the purple Louboutin shoes she'd bought last week during the shopping expedition with Nicky and held them up for Kim' approval, face flushed with the exertion of around getting ready and a frisson of excitement at the evening ahead.

"What do you think of this one?" Erin asked, "I kind of like it, it'll go well with that." She gestured towards the black jersey wrap dress draped over the couch- one of the selections the boutique had sent up- and the only dress that had gotten an endorsement from her fashion conscious friend. "It's not too dressy is it?"

Kim pursed full red lips and scrutinized the shoes through the mirror, tapping a finger on high perfectly sculpted cheek bones. "I suppose this one's good." she finally said, turning around to look at Erin who'd sat down in front of the vanity and was in the process of applying makeup. "Where's Nicky anyway? I thought she was in Chicago?"

Erin sighed and put down the lipstick, her eyes clouding over with worry for Nicky. The mention of her cousin brought to mind the very depressing thought of Ethan Lachlan, something she had forgotten in the excitement of getting ready. She had tried calling Nicky several times since leaving the hospital, but each time the call had been routed to voice mail. She was worried for her cousin, worried that Ethan had said something to hurt Nicky. Erin gritted her teeth in frustration. First the bastard had put her father in hospital and now he'd upset her cousin, God only knew what he would do next- damn his vengeful soul. If Ethan thought he could make her come begging for belittling his precious ego, then he was mistaken. Come Monday, Erin planned on calling a secret meeting of the remaining board members still loyal to her father and discuss ways in which Ethan could be voted off the board.

"Yeah, she's in Chicago." Erin finally replied, twisting the cap of the lipstick, wishing it were Ethan's head she were twisting instead. "She's probably visiting friends or something."

"Oh OK. You'd best hurry though, it's almost eight. He's coming to get you, right?"

Erin forced a smile and resumed her ministrations, carefully brushing mascara onto her lids. She silently vowed to push all thoughts of a certain egomaniac off her mind and enjoy herself. She wouldn't let him ruin tonight for her, hell no.

* *

Todd arrived promptly at eight. Erin was sitting in the open cafe, sipping on a glass on water when she spotted him striding towards her, carrying himself with a the confidence of a man well aware of his good looks and physique. His face split into a wide smile when he saw her waiting by the magnificent fountain, and Erin felt her heart skip a beat at how dashing he looked. Sure he'd looked just as good in hospital scrubs, but even more so now he'd changed into a dark blue suit and matching light blue shirt, unbuttoned at the neck to reveal a hint of tanned flesh just begging to be touched.

"Hello there." Todd said, when he came within earshot. Erin felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she watched his eyes darken in male appreciation when he took in the black dress that molded her figure to perfection, the glossy thick hair, gleaming and hanging loose around her bare shoulders and down to linger on the thigh high hem of the dress that showed off her long legs to full advantage.

"You look stunning Erin. Truly breathtaking."

"Thank you. And you look really nice yourself. Quite a transformation from scrubs if I do say so."

He chuckled and raked a hand through his hair, a sheepish grin playing across his mouth. "I try to look presentable every now and then, particularly in the presence of a lovely damsel."

Erin found herself responding to his charms, her mouth curving in an answering smile. "Are you always this charming, Dr. Haskell?"

"Depends on who's asking. My anatomy professor will always remain convinced I'm the devil's spawn."

Todd slid into the seat opposite Erin, undoing the buttons of his suit. His gaze fell to the glass of water on the table before her and his lips quirked in a smile. "No alcohol?"

Erin laughed, pushing the half empty glass aside. "No. I'm saving myself for your offer. You did promise to wine and dine with me tonight."

"So I did." Todd nodded, brown eyes twinkling in good humor. "Well then, shall we get on?"

"Of course."

He rose and held out a hand to Erin. "I hope you like seafood? I made reservations at The Frieling- I hear its the place to go for excellent wine and sea food."

Erin placed her hands in his and rose too, using her free hand to tug the hem of the dress down then grabbed her purple purse. "I love seafood! And though I've never been to Frieling's, I've heard nice things about the place."

Outside the hotel, Todd steered her to a sleek black BMW convertible parked by curb. Erin raised an eyebrow at the powerful machine, wondering how much money surgeons made these days. It must be substantial, She thought as she slid into the equally plush interior, the leather seat adjusting to her weight. Todd shut the door and came round the driver's side.

"Nice ride." Erin said, running a hand over the dashboard feeling the sleek smoothness beneath her fingertips.

"Thank you. Was a gift from my grandfather when I graduated med school." He switched on the ignition and the powerful engine roared to life.

"Very generous of him."

Todd switched the gear to drive and pulled into the light evening traffic. "Nah, not really. He did it to rub my dad's nose in it. Father and son never got along."

"Oh why?"

Todd shrugged, steering the car with an easy grace. "Grandad wanted my dad to go to med school." Dad rebelled and dropped out in sophomore year, met my mother, got married at twenty one. His dad cut him off, they never spoke until I came along two years later. Usual story."

Erin nodded and fell silent, unsure of what to say next without being too inquisitive. To occupy herself, she gazed out the window, watching the buildings and streets flash by until they got to the Frieling.

* *

Ethan watched impassively as Imogen Kelsey sauntered towards their table. He had to admit she looked good . The figure hugging red dress setting off the olive complexion of her skin, glowing under the soft lightening in the room, golden hair piled atop her head giving the illusion that she was taller. Marcus' words came back to him- it had been a while since he'd had sex, too busy with the government contract his company had landed to give much thought to dating or taking a woman to his bed. Perhaps it was time to remedy that situation, Imogen was a beautiful woman, sexy too. Whether she would meet his special needs remained to be seen.

His instincts kicked in and he rose as she approached, the good manners his mother had drilled into him and his siblings still ruling his life even now. He smiled, taking one of her hands-dripping with jewels- and brought it to his lips. "You look amazing tonight, Imogen." He said, keeping his gaze locked with hers, giving her an inkling of the desire smoldering within. "But then, you always look stunning."

He had the satisfaction of hearing her breath hitch, her pulse racing in response to his seduction. "Thank you Ethan." She replied a trifle breathless, her face heated from the sudden flush of desire that suffused her entire body at his look. "I wasn't sure you would come, but I'm glad you did."

"I gave my word I would be here." He let his touch linger for a moment more then let go, smiling at the disappointment so clearly written on her features at the loss of contact. He pulled out a chair for her, waiting until she was settled before resuming his own. "I took the liberty of ordering a bottle of wine, a new Sauvignon Blanc which the waiter assures me is excellent."

"Sounds great." Imogen beamed at him as the waiter arrived with the wine. They fell silent as the waiter poured some into a glass held it out to Ethan.

He accepted the sample, taking a moment to savor it, rolling the liquid around his tongue. Then he nodded for the man to pour into Imogen's glass.

She took a sip and sighed in pleasure. "Ah! This is marvelous indeed." She gave him a coy look from beneath her lashes, a seductive smile playing across her full lips. "You have an excellent taste in wine, Ethan."

"I have an uncle in the business. He liked to bore us with talk about wines making an quality."

"Well, you must have picked up a thing or two." She held up her glass in toast. "To a successful business deal."

"Yes, of course."

Imogen picked up the menu and launched into a discussion of choices. Ethan listened with one ear while he allowed his gaze to run the length of the exclusive top priced restaurant. Their table was at an intimate corner of the room, close to huge bay windows providing a stunning view of the river and the city lights beyond. He gazed outside for a moment, his mind inadvertently drumming up memories of a a certain hazel eyed witch then ruthlessly squelched the thought. Ethan turned for the view and looked around.

He was distracted by a couple entering the room. They stopped to speak to the hostess for a minute, back turned towards Ethan and in the dim light of the room, he could barely make out their identity. The concierge came up and directed them to their table.

He stilled, eyes narrowing to slits as he watched them approach. The restaurant seemed to dissolve into nothingness as he recognized the woman in the black dress.

Erin Gosling was stunning in a short dress that showed her curves in a way that made him hard just by looking, those endless legs of hers encased in what could only be described as 'shoes made for sex.' She was laughing at something her companion said, her arm entwined with his and even from the distance, Ethan could see the besotted look in the eyes of the tall, dark haired guy she was with.

Ethan's gaze lingered at the point where their hands joined, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the stem of the delicate wineglass as a flare of possessiveness flared in him. His jaw worked as he fought the urge not to rip the guy's arm from her. Which was an absolutely ridiculous feeling to have for a woman he could not even stand for fuck's sake.

The couple drew near, almost to his table and Erin tore her gaze from her date long enough to glance around. Ethan had the satisfaction of seeing her freeze in shock when she spotted him, color draining from her face. Stunned, she ground to a halt, hazel eyes growing wide, mouth falling open in dismay.

* *

Amazement and dismay swelled within Erin as she stared at the last man on earth she wished to encounter. Ethan Lachlan sat there in all his evil glory, in the very restaurant she was in, looking up at her with that same mocking smile she had come to loathe. Oh dear god, why are you tormenting me this way? She groaned inwardly, every smidgeon of excitement for the evening ahead draining away from her.

"Erin?" Todd's worried voice broke into her thoughts. She tore her eyes away from Ethan and looked at him, seeing the worried frown on his face. "Are you OK. What's wrong?"

Erin looked from Todd and back to Ethan. Dismay melted to be replaced by anger. Anger at Ethan for ruining a perfectly good evening for her. How the hell had he even known she would be here? Was this part of his master plan to ensure her complete and utter humiliation? She could just murder the man for being so...annoying.

"I'm fine." She forced the words out through clenched teeth, even as she shot murderous glares at Ethan. To her consternation, he appeared unfazed, if anything he looked highly amused at her reaction, the light blue eyes dancing in mirth as he studied her.

"We have got to stop meeting like this Sweetcheeks." Ethan drawled, his eyes moving over her body in an way that left Erin shaky. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were stalking me. Are you Sweetcheeks?"

"Don't call me that! And I should be asking you why you're stalking me, not the other way around."

"I am simply having dinner with a lovely woman." He spared his companion a look. "I do have more important things to do than to chase your little spoiled arse around." He turned to Todd who was watching the scene in bewilderment. "You must be lover boy then? The one who kept our delightful Miss Gosling so entertained this morning she lost track of time?"

"I.." Todd began.

"Don't answer that." Erin cut in, laying a hand on Todd's arm.

She shot a baleful stare in Ethan's direction, hating him with every fiber of her being at that moment.

"That is none of your business, Ethan." She said through gritted teeth, wishing she could strangle him with the dark blue tie hanging from his neck.

Ethan's brow shot up in mock surprise. "He's not the one? Oh my, you do go through them quickly, Erin. Must be a family trait."

Erin's cheeks flamed at the insult. First, the insulting term and now he had resorted to blatant insults and even more humiliating was the fact that he'd done so with an audience present. For heaven's sakes even the concierge and the couple at the next table were watching and listening with rapt attention. She watched the flitting look of triumph that crossed his face and it dawned on Erin that he had deliberately said those words to hurt her, true to his threat. She gritted her teeth, wishing she could throttle him. But no, she would not give him the satisfaction of knowing how much those insults affected her. She would take the high road and simply ignore him, let him stew in uncertainty for the rest of the evening.

Erin took a deep calming breath and slipped her arm through her bewildered date's own. She pasted an indifferent expression on her face and turned to look at the blonde sitting opposite Ethan, the same astonished and confused look on her face as on Todd's.

"Enjoy your dinner." She said, pasting a fake smile on her face though her heart ached from the humiliating experience.

She nodded at the concierge to continue on their way and tugged on Todd's arm, silently urging him to follow. She could practically feel Ethan's eyes burning holes in her back and she straightened her shoulders, determined to not let him see how flustered she was by that encounter.

Erin slipped into her seat, grateful to be sitting down. Her whole body shook from the force of her agitation, pulse racing a million beats per second. She kept her head down,careful to avoid Todd's gaze, even though she could feel him looking at her. But Erin was in no frame of mind to answer the questions he was sure to ask if she looked at him.

How had the evening-which had started out with so much promise- gone horribly wrong? She wondered, studying the floral patterns on the table cloth without really seeing it. What had she done to deserve this?

"That was...interesting." Todd said, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern at her obvious distress. "Bitter ex-boyfriend?"

"No."

"You alright? I could go back and punch his lights out if you like?"

"No, but thanks."

He sighed and reached over, lifting her chin so she could look at him. Erin searched his eyes for signs of anger or derision but found only genuine concern in their brown depths. "Would you like to leave? I completely understand if you don't want to stay and we can go to another restaurant-or do this some other day."

Erin shook her head. "No, it's quite alright. I want to stay." She pushed back her chair and stood. "But I'd like to freshen up please."

"Sure, take your time."

In the ladies room- the place thankfully deserted, Erin stood before the mirror and stared at her reflection. Her make up was still intact, but now it did nothing to hide the pain in her eyes or the furrowed forehead.

"Dammit! Why is he doing this?" she asked her reflection. "Why now, after all this time and what's his end game?"

A million similar questions raced through her mind, but she had no answers for any of them. One thing she was sure of though. Ethan Lachlan was a devil- a mad man with a vindictive edge that was extremely dangerous. And she was his latest target.

Erin reached for a paper towel, moistening it with water and dabbed at her eyes. She reapplied her lipstick and eyeliner then stood back and viewed the result, pleased at how poised she looked. Ethan's words could hurt her, but she would never let him see that. She would go out there and enjoy herself and Ethan Lachlan could burn in hell.

She pulled open the door and stepped into the dim hall and retraced her steps. Just as she passed the men's room, the door suddenly swung open and she crashed into a solid male form just exiting the room.

"Oh!" Erin exclaimed, her purse slipping from her grasp as she reached out to steady herself. To her shock, strong muscular arms wrapped around her waist and her nostrils filled with a familiar heady scent.

"Careful Sweetcheeks." Ethan chuckled, his arms like bands of steel around her middle.

"What the hell do you want now?" Enraged, Erin planted her palms on his upper arms and shoved, trying to free herself from his grasp. Her heart pounded at his closeness and she felt her mouth go dry. "Let me go Ethan."

"You crashed into me." He observed drily,