As Olivia stepped through the threshold of her cozy apartment, she was enveloped in a sense of anticipation and a soothing familiarity of home. But beneath it all, a gnawing worry for Ethan's safety lingered, refusing to be ignored. She could almost feel his restlessness seeping through the walls, his stubborn nature preventing him from giving in much-needed rest. How she wished he would relax and let go for once. Why was he always so stubborn?
Taking a moment to freshen up, Olivia splashed cool water on her face, the refreshing sensation a welcome relief after the day's events. With a sense of purpose, Olivia reached for the bottle of perfume that Ethan always loved, its delicate scent filling the air with memories of shared moments and whispered promises. A smile tugged at her lips as she sprayed a light mist.
Olivia chose an outfit that reflected her anticipation for the evening with Ethan. It was a delicate balance of comfort and allure. She wore a simple but flattering top that hugged her curves in all the right places, paired with dark, form-fitting jeans. The top had a subtle v-neckline that revealed a hint of her collarbone, and the jeans had a slight flare at the ankles, elongating her legs. The dark red color of her top brought out the warmth in her olive skin, making her look radiant.
Despite knowing that he was still in recovery, she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the thought of being with him, a feeling that intensified with each passing moment.
With a secret tucked away beneath her clothing, Olivia's heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Ethan again. She could already feel the sparks igniting between them as she recalled the magic they created together. Her hand slipped into her purse, fingers delicately caressing the new item she had purchased - a collar adorned with the word "yours." It was her way of declaring to Ethan that she belonged to him and was willing to surrender control. Anticipation bubbled within her, hoping for the perfect opportunity to use it during their evening together. Olivia's body pulsed with excitement as she stepped out the door, eager for what the night had in store for her.
As Olivia approached Ethan's apartment, her heart raced with anticipation. She couldn't wait to see him and spend time together. She called out his name as she pushed open the front door, but all joy and excitement drained from her body as she walked in. Her eyes fell upon a heartbreaking sight - Ethan stood shirtless, his toned muscles on display, while Lauren clung to him tightly. The shock of it all left Olivia frozen, her grip on her purse loosening until it slipped from her fingers and thudded to the ground. It was as if time had slowed down, each second feeling like an eternity as she struggled to process what she saw.
Before Olivia could fully comprehend what was unfolding before her, Ethan began to explain himself, but Lauren's abrupt interruption cut him off like a sharp knife.
"Have you ever heard of knocking?" Lauren's voice was sharp, filled with accusation. "I know you work together, but are you that close?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication, as Olivia struggled to find her voice amidst the shock and turmoil coiling in her stomach.
Ethan's blood boiled with anger, and he could feel the heat radiating off his skin as Lauren's words cut deep into his core. "You're out of line, Lauren," he growled, shoving her away from him with a force that surprised them both. His voice dripped with venomous irritation. "Olivia is not just my secretary. She's so much more than that, and you know it." The intensity in his eyes burned like fire as he defended the woman who held his heart.
Olivia intervened, her tone calm but tinged with amusement. "No worries, Mr. Jameson," she assured him. "I just came over to retrieve something I left behind."
She disappeared into Ethan's room, only to emerge moments later with a hot pink pair of lace panties dangling from her finger. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she held them up. "I thought I left these here," she declared with a playful smirk.
"Mr. Jameson," she continued, her voice dripping with innuendo, "I look forward to reviewing your briefs later." With a saucy wink, Olivia turned on her heel and strolled out, leaving Ethan and Lauren speechless in her wake.
A few moments earlier…
Ethan stirred from his light doze on the couch. His anticipation for Olivia's arrival was the only thing on his mind. With a drowsy groan, he rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock, realizing she should have been there by now.
A sharp knock on the door jolted him fully awake, and he quickly discarded his shirt, eager to greet Olivia and revel in her touch. But as he swung the door open, his heart sank at the sight before him. Instead of Olivia, there stood Lauren, her presence unexpected and unwelcome.
Lauren's unexpected visit caught Ethan off guard as she barged in, bearing a bag containing his favorite chicken noodle soup. Her intentions seemed well-meaning, but Ethan couldn't shake off the discomfort of her intrusion, especially considering their past.
"Ethan, I heard you were under the weather, so I thought I'd bring over some of your favorite soup to help you feel better," Lauren explained with a warm smile, holding up the bag as if to emphasize her thoughtful gesture.
Though he appreciated the kindness behind her action, Ethan felt uneasy about the situation. Lauren's presence, coupled with her overly familiar demeanor, made him acutely aware of the need to maintain boundaries, especially with Olivia's impending arrival.
"Lauren, I appreciate the gesture," Ethan began, trying to navigate the situation delicately. "But it's really not necessary for you to be here. We're just business associates now, and even then, it's important to respect those boundaries."
His words were gentle but firm, hoping to convey his discomfort without causing unnecessary tension.
Ethan felt Lauren's arms encircle him, a sensation that stirred conflicting emotions within him. The feelings tugged at memories of their shared past, but Ethan remained resolute in his decision to move forward.
"Lauren," Ethan began, gently but firmly untangling himself from her embrace. "What we had, it's in the past. I've moved on, and it's not with you."
Lauren's expression shifted, her eyes pleading as she tried to bridge the gap between them. "But Ethan," she implored, her voice tinged with desperation, "I still love you. I want more."
Ethan met her gaze with empathy but unwavering resolve. "I'm sorry, Lauren," he said, his tone soft yet unwavering. "But my heart belongs to someone else now."
Lauren enveloped him in her arms, resting her head against his chest, and whispered, "I know you can love me again." Just then, Olivia walked in.
Present…
Ethan remained rooted to the spot, his mind racing to make sense of the unexpected interaction. He couldn't help but be both surprised and entertained by Olivia's reaction; she had handled the situation with such poise and grace, displaying her natural confidence. She was undeniably attractive, and he found himself eagerly anticipating the possibility of her reviewing his "briefs" and giving them some much-needed attention. The thought alone was enough to get his blood flowing.
Leading Lauren to the door, Ethan spoke firmly but politely, "Lauren, please understand that it's important for there to be no misunderstandings between Olivia and me."
Lauren nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I understand," she replied, her tone tinged with determination. "By the way, are you planning to attend the fundraiser this weekend? Daddy would be thrilled to see you."
Ethan paused, his brows knit in contemplation. "I'll do my best to make it, Lauren," he promised earnestly before closing the door behind her with a gentle click. As Lauren walked away, a small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of her lips; she was determined to fight for Ethan and their relationship, knowing that this was only the first step in her journey. Her footsteps echoed on the pavement as she made her way down the street, resolute and full of hope for what lay ahead.