Souls ReAligned (5 page)

“Tough choice. I think Ethan would love them both,” Rachel says, as she glances at Shannon for her opinion.

“I agree,” Shannon says. “Let’s get both of them.”

“Are you nuts?” Olivia asks. “I’m sure I can’t afford even
one
of them. Besides what would I do with two dresses? I only need one for the grand opening.”

“Well,” Shannon begins with a small smile. “I have an idea. I think the burgundy dress is more elegant and better suited for Saturday.”

“And the other one?” Rachel asks.

“I think we need to rock Mr. O’Connell’s world a little bit. Shake it up. Let him know who’s really in charge of this relationship.”

“I like that idea,” Rachel says grinning.

“Excuse me? Hello? Remember me? I’m standing right here for Pete’s sake,” Olivia protests.

“Tonight the boys are picking up their friends from the airport. They’re taking them to the club and then staying over night in the hotel. John says that he, Ethan, and Scott are planning on taking a cab back to Dufferin County the next day, after they’ve had lunch.”

“So what are you thinking?” Olivia asks curiously.

“I think we need a complete make over. Hair, make up… the works and then send you in, in this halter dress to pick him up tomorrow. I can’t think of a more perfect dress for him to see you in for the first time after…”

“The day of destruction?” Olivia refers to it.

Rachel nods her head, “I like the way you think! It will definitely blow his mind. Among other things.”

“Settled then.” Shannon picks up her phone and starts searching for someone who can squeeze them in for a makeover.

“Just one problem,” Olivia interjects. “I can’t afford to do any of that.” She frowns.

Shannon smiles, “Seriously Olivia? And you accused me of not knowing Ethan very well? Did he not give you a credit card with no limit? Do you think he would do that if he wasn’t dead serious about you using it when you wanted something?”

“Yes, but…” She stops and looks at herself in the mirror again. “I can’t use his card for something like this, it wouldn’t be right.”

Rachel comes out of the fitting room with the burgundy dress and holds it up beside her. “Isn’t this for
him
, after all?” she reminds her.

“But what about work?

Rachel stops her, “Olivia, You haven’t taken vacation in three years. I booked you off both today and tomorrow.”

Olivia stares at herself in the mirror again, then at the burgundy dress, and then back and forth between her two friends, completely conflicted. She closes her eyes and thinks about the look on his face when he sees her. He’s so bossy and controlling; maybe it would do him some good to throw him a curve ball. “I’ll do it,” she says reaching for her wallet.

Shannon quickly sends John a message and tells him to make sure that Ethan is out front of the hotel at 1:30. She tells him absolutely nothing other than it’s a surprise. A little payback for him not sharing any of the grand opening plans for Ireland’s Pub.

“Atta girl!” Rachel says, pleased at her decision. “Next stop… LINGERIE!”

As she lays both dresses on the counter, Olivia looks at the price tags and is overcome with feelings of guilt. “Oh my God, he’s going to have a heart attack when he gets this bill,” she says concerned...

Shannon looks at the tag and waves it off making a raspberry sound. “He won’t even bat an eye at that,” she says confidently. “I’ve seen the bills that his ex ran up, and believe me this is nothing.”

Olivia looks at her curiously, “Really? She spent a lot of his money?”

Shannon frowns, “I’ve probably said more than I should, but yeah. He paid all her bills. I just got the credit card statement for her purchases. She spent an awful lot of time shopping with his credit cards. And that bitch has expensive taste, believe me.”

Rachel chuckles at Shannon’s choice of words.

“Why does he do that?” Olivia wonders aloud.

“I don’t know, I haven’t figured it out yet,” Shannon says. “But it looks like he’s done that for all the girls that he’s been in relationships with. So, I guess you better get used to it.”

“Like hell I will,” Olivia grumbles.

That evening Ethan, John, and Scott wait patiently at the airport for their friends to make it through Canada Customs. They can hear them long before they can see them. Ethan laughs and shakes his head as he hears them singing at the top of their lungs through the long corridor that leads to the airport lobby. When the door swings open, there’s no mistaking the four Irish men. Loud and cheerful, they have made best friends with everyone on the plane. Apparently, they’ve indulged in a few in-flight beverages, as well. “Scott, do you remember the boys?” He points at them one at a time. “Trevor, Nigel, Brian and that ugly mother over there is James.”

After quickly saying their hellos, they pile all of the luggage into the rented limo and head downtown to check into Ethan’s hotel. He offers to forego the evening at the nightclub, thinking that they may need to rest, but the boys are wired and ready to go.

Ethan watches from the bar as the boys take over the dance floor and make friends with every girl in the place, stereotypical Irish men. Life of the party! The girls hang out with them all evening, keeping his friends amused. What man wouldn’t be amused around such young and beautiful women? Two young girls approach Ethan and Scott at the bar, smiling and flirting. Within seconds, the boys surround them, each with a giggling girl or two on their arms.

James, or Griff, as his friends know him, boasts, trying to impress the girls, “Hey, did you lovely ladies know that my friend Ethan here, is one of the owners of this beautiful establishment?”

“Really?” One of the younger blondes asks, moving up against him and rubbing her hand up and down his arm.

Scott leans in and whispers into Ethan’s ear, “What is it with you? Why is it always blondes?”

Ethan laughs, then shrugs his shoulder and shakes his head. “No idea.”

“So, do you really own the hotel?” she asks, slightly slurring her words. Clearly, she’s well on her way to being inebriated.

“Yes,” Ethan nods, taking the chance to have a long appreciative look at her scantily clothed body. She sways on her heels and Ethan reaches out to steady her. Using the opportunity to her advantage, she falls in against him. Positioning herself between his legs, she presses her body against him. Ethan stiffens uncomfortably.

“That’s so cool! This place is clutch.” Clearly a victim of his good looks, she beams, touching his arm and pressing her breasts against his chest.

Ethan places his hands on her hips and gently pushes her away, creating some space between their bodies. “Clutch?” he repeats curiously, as he looks at Scott.

“No idea man,” Scott shrugs. “Fuck. I feel old right now.”

Ethan chuckles. “How old are you, sweetheart?” Looking over at the bartender, he hopes that he’s done his job and checked her ID.

“Oh, I’m 20!” she says tracing her fingers down his chest and leaning in against him. “I’m a big girl.” She grins. “In fact, here’s my room key, why don’t we go upstairs and I’ll show you just how grown up I am.”

Watching her slide it toward him on the bar, Ethan tilts his head to the side and takes a little too much time considering it.

Scott gets nervous and clears his throat, “Ahem.”

“Sorry,” Ethan says, sliding her key card back toward her. “I have a girlfriend.”

“That doesn’t really matter too much to me. I think your accent is hot!” she says, pushing the card across the bar toward him, “Maybe I can make you change your mind before the end of the night.” As she walks away, she turns over her shoulder and blows him a kiss.

“You have a girlfriend? Carter says that you two broke up,” Griff says, staggering over to the bar.

Ethan gets annoyed, “No, not broken up, just working some stuff out.”

“That little bird is eager to get into your pants,” he says pointing to the blonde. “The Ethan O’Connell I know would be all over that.”

“Well, we’re all grown up now, Griff. I‘m not really interested in a one night stand with a girl who is 12 years younger than me.”

Griffin starts to laugh, “Hey boys, come here.” He motions them all to come in closer. “Ethan is going to turn down that beautiful little bird over there because he thinks she’s too young for him.”

They all laugh and Ethan glances over at John who shakes his head.

“Come on, Ethan. Do it for us,” Nigel pleads. “Looks like you’re the only one getting laid tonight.”

“Sorry guys, but I’ve found the girl for me, and I’m not interested in anyone else.”

The boys burst out laughing. “Look at you,” Trevor howls. “You’re a whipped man. I never thought I’d see the day that Ethan O’Connell would be whipped by a woman.”

“Very funny, boys, enough is enough,” John chimes in knowing Ethan is going to be the subject of some pretty heavy ribbing.

For the next hour, Ethan watches the young blonde from across the bar. Her long, lean legs and young, firm body undulating on the dance floor commands all the men’s attention. It’s no surprise that when she raises her finger and beckons him to join her, Ethan stands and makes his way through the crowd. Keeping a careful distance, he dances around her, but despite his attempts, she manages to rub her body against him. Trying to steady her from the effects of several glasses of wine, Ethan holds on to her hips to make sure she doesn’t fall over. She’s a beautiful girl. He inhales a deep breath when she leans back against him, rubbing her firm round ass against his cock. Any man would give his left nut to have her pressed against him like that. When the song ends, Ethan stares at her, his chest expanding while he takes in air. Backing away, he turns and heads toward the bar.

Across the dark room, Ethan watches a man’s arm wrap around her body. When the crowd moves, Ethan realizes that it’s Griff.

Gulping down the rest of her wine, she sways as she makes her way to the far end of the bar to discard her glass. She tries to order another, but the bartender refuses to serve her any more. Ethan watches her protectively from his seat at the other end.

Slowly making her way back out on to the dance floor, Griff greets her half way, getting way too close to her, and taking advantage of the fact that she’s drunk and vulnerable. Ethan watches his friend put his hands all over the beautiful young girl, who just a few moments ago, pressed her breasts against his chest. Picking up her room key, he slides off the bar stool and heads toward her.

“Ethan?” John asks, concerned.

“Oh, shit!” Scott grunts, as he watches him head across the room.

When he reaches her, he stands in front of her, his muscular chest expanding as he holds out his hand. “Yeah! Now we’re talking!” she says, slurring her words in her inebriated state.

Scott and John look at each other concerned. “What the hell is he doing?” Scott asks.

The boys from Ireland all whistle and cheer as they watch Ethan lead the young woman out of the club and into the hotel with her key in his hand.

The alcohol makes her legs weak, causing her to lean heavily against him in the elevator. When they finally make it to the door of her room, Ethan leans her against the wall for support. She giggles when he grabs her hand, stopping her as she reaches down to grab his cock. As he unlocks the door, she throws her arms around him and smashes her lips against his.

Ethan pulls away and wipes his mouth with his hand, staring at her. She’s definitely a beautiful girl, one that wants him pretty badly, right now. His nostrils flare as her hands brush across his chest. Turning her around, he ushers her into the room and toward the bed. When her legs give out, he lifts her into his arms and carries her there with little effort. Lowering her gently onto the mattress, he takes a long look at the tempting curves of her body. Slowly, he begins to remove her clothes.

Filtered by the blowing branches of the trees, moonlight shines through the small window. The cold, dusty room of the cabin doesn’t provide any luxury or comfort. Only a thin blanket nailed to the doorframe provides them any privacy from his brother in the other room.

None of that matters. The only thing that does matter is that she’s here with him. More certain of his love than anything else in her life, she has offered him a gift.

The darkness only allows her a momentary glimpse of his eyes. Unable to read his expression, she wonders where his thoughts are. Feeling the rise and fall of his chest, she waits nervously for him to answer. Hands that caressed her have now become still. His warm lips are painfully distant from her skin. At the very moment when she desires
all
of him, he has pulled away.

Desperate to encourage him, she reaches for him in the dark. The feel of his flexing muscles beneath her fingers makes her tingle with excitement. Caressing her hands over his muscular chest and broad shoulders, she makes him tense.

“Elizabeth, we should wait,” he says, as his body begins to awaken under her touch. Waiting until they’re married is the proper thing to do. The always-chivalrous Owen Jamison would rather die then force himself on her before she’s ready.

“Shh,” she continues to caress him, feeling warmth return to his skin. Lying beside him, wearing nothing but his shirt, she moves closer, forcing her body against him. Pressing her lips against his, she tempts him, opening her mouth and letting her tongue slide in.

Passion builds inside him, thawing his resolve. His hands begin to move across her skin, enjoying the soft, warm curves and edges of her body. Becoming hungry for more of her mouth, he deepens his kiss. Adept fingers work their way down the row of buttons, releasing them to expose what’s beneath. Gentle hands explore her body, taking time to enjoy every deliberate touch. Lowering his mouth to her breast, he surrounds it with warmth. Her soft moans of pleasure make him throb and grow harder.

Her inexperience doesn’t hinder her curiosity. She’s so tangled up in his soul that she can’t wait any longer. Reaching down to the opening in his pants, she boldly slides her hand in and rubs along the stiff shaft, making his need grow stronger. Growling, he grabs her wrist and stops her. “Liz, I’m trying to do the right thing here, and you’re killing me.”

Shaking her hand free of his hold, she leans into his ear, nibbling and teasing as she firmly grasps his trousers on both sides and slides them down. “I want to give this to you,” she whispers. Taking him in her hand, she strokes him, making his breath come in shallow pants.

His lips return to hers, devouring her with his growing passion. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulls her into his chest and against his hard body. As the soft swells of her breasts collide with his bare chest, she purrs. When his hand slips down between her legs, forcing them apart, he finds her wet and wanting.

An unfamiliar feeling builds inside her. An indescribable pleasure that makes her tremble with the anticipation of what’s to come.

That’s the precise moment that his will fades and all control wanes. Leaning forward, he gently guides her on to her back. His hands leave her body only for the purpose of removing his own trousers. Moving over top of her, he hesitates, his heavy swollen cock pressing against her hip. Looking like there’s something that he wants to say, he holds himself above her.

As if on command, the moon shines through the window, illuminating the room. Gazing into her beautiful hazel eyes, he receives the reassurance that he needs. This will change everything. With this decision, he will claim her as his. Binding them together for the rest of their lives. He will never want another woman. There is only her.

Opening her legs to him, she makes room for the masculine width of his hips, and invites him in.

With careful penetration, he presses forward, slowly entering her. Tight muscles squeeze around him as he edges in, until the evidence of her virginity prevents him from progressing any further. Sensing her discomfort, he remains still, allowing her to become accustomed to his girth. Patiently, he waits until she relaxes and encourages him further. Knowing what he has to do next, he holds his breath. There’s no easy way to do it. Gentle pressure, won’t accomplish this task. He needs to be the first and only man that she gives herself to. Lifting his head, he looks into her eyes, “Are you sure?”

Nodding her head, she reaches up and caresses his cheek, tracing her thumb across his bottom lip. “I’m sure.”

Lowering his mouth, he places a sweet and tender kiss on her lips, then whispers, “I love you,”

With controlled force, he pushes his hips forward, breaking through the barrier and sinking all the way in. Hearing her sharp intake of breath, he pauses, letting her catch her breath. They don’t move; just stay this way for a moment, feeling the connection. He’s in no hurry to rush this feeling of bliss
Owen Jamison has thought of this moment a thousand times, but never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that she would feel so good around him.

Elizabeth O’Connor has always known that she would give this gift to no one other than him. She can’t imagine it possible to feel any more loved than she does right now.

Olivia opens her eyes, blinking them rapidly as she tries to calm her racing pulse. Tears steam down her cheeks, soaking her pillow. It’s normal these days, for her to wake from these dreams, with her body thrumming with emotion. Even though she doesn’t recognize these two young lovers, she knows, deep down in her soul that it’s them. That dream was a clear indication that Ethan O’Connell has a very powerful hold on her. She finally understands what he’s has been trying to tell her. A warm, tingly kind of anxiety fills her chest. She’s tried so hard to ignore their strong connection; deny it even. After that dream, she knows that she won’t survive without him.

Not hearing a word from Ethan last night made her restless. He went from calling every ten minutes, to nothing at all. When she couldn’t stand it any longer and sent him a message, he didn’t respond. This incredibly frustrating man has turned her world upside down. She wishes she could put him out of her mind, but she can’t. Now she’s wondering if he hasn’t gotten tired of her nonsense and moved on.

She wouldn’t blame him if he did, but after that dream, she needs to see him. Picking up the beautiful dress she’s bought special for him today, she pulls the soft silky material over her head. Looking in the mirror, she hopes that it’s not too late.

A familiar female voice yells from downstairs.

“Hello? Come down! Rachel and I want to see you before you go,” Shannon hollers.

Putting in her earrings, she makes her way downstairs, stopping when she gets to the landing to do a little spin. Shocked at the cool breeze that brushes under her dress, she starts to feel a little too exposed. She can tell from the look on her friends’ faces that they’re concerned as well.

“You’re screwed if there is any breeze downtown today,” Rachel advises.

“Can you imagine if I accidently expose myself? Ethan will lose his mind,” she says, making her way down the rest of the stairs. Her dark brown hair now glows with beautiful caramel highlights and flowing curls.

“You look beautiful,” Shannon says, snapping a picture on her phone.

Feeling like a proud mother sending her little girl off to the prom, Rachel throws her arms around her in a huge hug. “Olivia, I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done. I hope that you’ve forgiven me for being such a horrible friend.”

Olivia pulls out of her arms. “Rachel, you’re not a horrible friend. I understand why you did it. Just promise me you won’t
help
anymore,” she says with a grin.

“Cross my heart,” she says sincerely. “My husband has put his foot down.” She pauses for a minute then looks over at Olivia. “Come to think of it, Scott has become extremely bossy these days. I don’t think I should let him hang around with Ethan any more.”

Olivia laughs, “As frustrating as he can be sometimes, Ireland is extremely sexy when he goes all caveman. There is just something about his confidence and the way he takes over and fixes everything. Ireland is definitely ‘a fixer’. And do you know what? Sometimes it’s nice to surrender control and just let him take care of me.” She drifts off in a little fantasy and the girls start to giggle.

“She’s got it bad,” Shannon says, pulling her phone out of her pocket.

“Hello? Earth to Olivia! What are you waiting for? Go and get your man, bring him home and claim him as yours once and for all,” Rachel demands.

Reality sets in, making her hesitate, “Am I really going to do this? I mean, really? Ethan and I?”

The girls scowl at her and she starts to blush, “Right! I’m on my way.”

“Girl… you look positively bad ass! There is something else about you today. You look happy… confident. I haven’t seen you look like this in a long time,” Rachel struggles to keep her emotions under control.

Olivia smiles. “It’s the dress.”

Rachel frowns. “No, it’s the MAN!” she corrects her. “Be careful driving that car down town. That thing terrifies me.”

Olivia stops, her hands in her purse clutching her key chain. Looking at Shannon, a very playful grin starts to form on her lips. “The boys took a limo downtown yesterday, right?”

“Yes, why?” Shannon looks at her suspiciously, trying to figure out what’s going on in her mind.

She’s full on smiling now, from ear to ear, “Because that means O’Connell’s Challenger is sitting at his house.”

Rachel looks confused, “How can you take his car?”

“I have my own set of keys,” she says, jingling the key chain in the air.

“He gave you a set of keys to his car?” Both Shannon and Rachel ask in unison and then look at each other annoyed.

“Yup, and he gave me keys to his house, as well.”

“Holy crap! Where have I been?” Rachel asks. “At what point did your relationship move forward into exchanging keys for cars and houses?

“A few weeks ago,” Olivia shrugs.

“Do you have any kids together that I should know about?” Rachel asks sarcastically.

“No, not yet,” she teases, “Maybe nine months from today though.”

Glancing at her watch Shannon hurries her along. “Go!” Shannon insists, pushing her toward the door.

Olivia says a silent prayer, as her car jumps and sputters all the way to Ethan’s house.
What’s wrong with this car?
She still has three more payments left on the last repair bill. Ethan will be furious if he finds out there’s something else wrong with it. She smiles, thinking about how his jaw tenses and his nostrils flare when he’s angry. How that little nerve in his temple starts to jump and the deep, low growl in his voice when he tries to calm himself. Jesus, she misses him. She misses everything about him, his sense of humor, that annoying boyish grin, his temper and the frustrating way he fusses over her safety. Most of all, she misses how she feels alive and loved when he’s around her. Holy Shit! It’s only been two days but it feels like she hasn’t seen him for weeks.

Jumping into the Challenger, she puts on the aviator sunglasses that he’s left hanging over the visor. She turns up the stereo and puts that car through its paces on the highway. Nearing the downtown core, she starts feeling all riled up. Gently flowing air blows through the car vents, circulating the seductive smell of her perfume. The silky feel of her dress, rubbing against her skin, has her hormones working overtime. Her heart races with excitement. She can already feel the ache of arousal between her thighs. Squeezing the steering wheel tightly she has a moment of anxiety. There’s no turning back now. She’s going to do this.

Ethan doesn’t join the boys for breakfast or lunch, leaving John somewhat worried and Scott extremely agitated. The boys are all outside with the smokers when Ethan finally shows up. He’s greeted with cheering and barking from his hometown boys, celebrating what they think is a victory.

“Tell me you didn’t,” Scott pleads.

“I did,” Ethan ignores the look of disapproval from John. “I took her upstairs to her room. I laid her on the bed, and undressed her.” Glaring at them, he briefly pauses. “Then I tucked her in, and I left.” Shaking his head, he’s disgusted that they’d think the worst.

“Are you kidding me, O’Connell?” comes Griff’s voice from behind him, laced with laughter. “You took her to her room and left her there alone? Why the hell didn’t you tap that bird when you had the chance?”

Ethan’s anger rushes to the surface, “Because, Griff! That poor girl was extremely drunk. Somebody responsible needed to make sure she got to her room safely. Away from men like you, who would take advantage of the situation.” When Ethan starts to walk toward him in a threatening manner, both Scott and John are quick to get in between the two men.

“Okay, O’Connell, don’t freak out. We’re just messing around,” Griff says defensively.

The boys tease Ethan about the blonde for several minutes until he can’t stand to hear another word. “All right you bastards, that’s enough. I told you I’ve found the girl for me,” he pauses briefly. “After the dream I had last night, I’m convinced more than ever. She’s not talking to me right now, but I’ll fix things.”

They all laugh. “I still think you could have taken one for the team,” Nigel complains. “Your girl would have never known. And that little blonde bird was looking mighty sweet.”