Ethan
FOUR DAYS. It had felt like an eternity since Ethan last saw Olivia, and she occupied his thoughts daily. Despite the demanding project he was working on to secure a significant contract as the supplier for an East Coast company, his focus kept drifting back to her. The potential windfall from the deal would undoubtedly brighten the company's future, but the thoughts of Olivia loomed largely in his mind.
Each time he examined a document or reviewed figures, her image and their time together would intrude, stubbornly vying for his attention. The allure of Olivia's beauty was something he couldn't deny, but her vulnerability stirred something deep within him. He wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from harm.
Ethan constantly thought about their kiss, shared meal, and the unexpected connection they had forged. Olivia's lips reminded Ethan of the top of a flower bud, petals slightly parted, just enough to tease him. It was a peculiar sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time. Despite his determination to maintain distance and focus on work, he couldn't help but think about Olivia.
Ethan tried to remind himself why it was so important to stay focused. He had a job to do, and his company's future depended on his success. But with Olivia constantly intruding on his thoughts, he found it hard to maintain focus.
The way her lips and body molded to him ignited a fire within that wasn't easy to extinguish. He often imagined the feel of her skin under his fingertips and longed to touch her again. It was an almost unbearable temptation.
He wanted her in a way that he hadn't wanted anything before, but there were too many obstacles between them for him even to consider acting on those desires. Even if she felt the same way he did, they were still considered family; ethically, there was no place for romance between them.
But Ethan couldn't resist the pull of attraction between them despite all the reasons why it simply couldn't be. He felt like he was being pulled closer and closer towards Olivia by an invisible force that he could not control - and yet, somehow, he didn't want to stop.
Damn it! Ethan thought. He decided it was time to act on his feelings. Picking up the phone, he dialed his father's number, hoping for an invitation to the family dinner. It wouldn't be appropriate to show up unannounced.
Fortunately, his father never disappointed when it came to invitations to their family gatherings. While he pretended to be preoccupied with his work, Ethan couldn't resist the allure of reconnecting with Olivia. He accepted his dad's warm invitation for dinner with a sense of relief and anticipation. Finally, the wait would soon be over, and he would have the opportunity to see Olivia again.
As Ethan pulled into the driveway, he felt a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. He knew he shouldn't feel this way, yet he couldn't help himself. The warm glow of the lights in the windows beckoned him in, and he stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
It didn't take long for him to spot Olivia, dressed in a simple black dress that hugged her curves and made her look alluring and sophisticated. His heart skipped a beat as she flashed him a smile.
He tried to play it cool, to act as if he only saw her as a friend and nothing more. But it wasn't easy when he only wanted to push her up against the wall and kiss her deeply. But as he approached, the sight that greeted him caused an unsettling sensation to wash over him. Logan came into view, and with a flourish, he swept Olivia off her feet, spinning her around in an embrace that left Ethan in a state of shock. He couldn't help but think, "What the hell?"
The apparent connection between Olivia and Logan ignited a wave of discomfort within Ethan. He watched as they playfully bantered, Olivia's laughter filling the air as she gently reprimanded Logan for his antics. They continued to share moments of laughter and camaraderie as they made their way to the dining table.
Ethan couldn't deny the simmering tension beneath his skin. He was not about to let his brother make a move on what he considered his territory. The unspoken rivalry for Olivia's attention had just taken a more intense turn.
At dinner, Ethan couldn't help but steal glances at Olivia. She looked stunning in that fitted black dress. Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, and her makeup was subtle and natural, enhancing her beauty without overpowering it. Ethan was drawn to her infectious laughter and sparkling eyes as they ate. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so alive, so invigorated by someone's presence.
Olivia's delicate hand brushed against his arm as she reached for a dish, sending an electric shock through his body. He wanted to reach out and take her in his arms, to feel her warmth and softness against him, but he knew he couldn't. Instead, he found solace in her company, in the way she smiled, spoke, and made him feel like he was the only person in the world that mattered.