"The bathroom is around the corner. I'm just going to change into something more comfortable." I pointed Ethan in the direction of the bathroom which he thanked with a nod of his head.

I quickly rushed into my room suddenly nervous. I threw on some shorts and an oversized sweater to aim for comfort. I made sure to text Annie on the way home that we'd be here, only for her to tell me she was out for the night with her dance friends again. The walk home was silent after I laughed off Ethan's question by telling him he'd have to find out.

I made my way back out into the kitchen with my manuscript and red ink pens in my hands.

"You can just throw your coat onto that chair." Ethan stepped out from the hallway giving me a slight smile and pulling his jacket from his shoulders. He wore all black. Black jeans with rips on the knees and a black long sleeve turtleneck with a small chain on his neck. He was clearly fit and hid it well with his lean form. I ventured into the kitchen before meeting him in the living room.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" I began pouring myself a glass needing some courage right about now. "No thank you," he responded from the living room where he took a seat on the couch.

I trailed into the living room with a wine glass in one hand and manuscript in another. He was resting his elbow on his knees when I sat next to him.

He looked up at me and I smiled through my nerves. This was really happening.

"Here she is." I sat the manuscript in front of us on the coffee table. It landed with a thump and the weight felt like it shook through my whole being.

"You know... you never told me what it actually is about." He smirked at me and then reached for his glasses that he had sat at the table.

My cheeks heated and I sipped on my glass of wine as a distraction. Was it getting hotter in here?

"Um. It's about my life with some fictional elements." I described briefly. He squinted his eyes at me now. He probably knew I sounded like a total fool. He was the smartest kid in my class and also happened to be the teacher's favorite. He'd see right through my lying.

"What's the truth." He smirked and tilted his head down staring at me now.

"That is the truth." I gulped looking away from his intimidating stare. "It's just got some intimate scenes is all." Would he judge me?

His eyebrows shot up and his mouth turned into a lazy smile.

"That's alright Rita. You can say sex. Almost every book has it." He smiled at my shyness and then turned to the pages in front of him. I watched his fingers grab the red pen and open to the first chapter.

"Let's get to it shall we?" And we did.

We worked together on editing the first 4 chapters with no problem. They were uneventful in the terms of the next few chapters. So when we got to chapter 5 I cleared my throat and reached for my wine glass. I was going to need at least 10 more of these I believe.

He was so concentrated. Eyebrows furrowed down at the words and not once did he look up. Not even when my character pleasured herself to the words of her favorite book. Not then. He continued editing as if it was nothing and I grew even redder. I remember writing this chapter after I had done the same and I refused to let shame flow through me.

He finished the chapter turning to the next one while capping the red pen. He clenched his jaw and turned to me.

"Interesting." Was all he said before standing. "Do you have some water?" Was he as hot as me? Did he suddenly feel the room temperature spike as well? "Yea. Glasses are in the cabinet by the sink and I've got a pitcher in the fridge." I took a breath and mentally prepared myself for the next 10 chapters.