Free Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) by L Owen Page A

you?”
    “I would really like that.” Caitlin taps her nails against my desk and appears to be battling with something when she suddenly jumps forward, kissing my cheek. “Have a safe journey, Ethan.” Then she abruptly disappears through the door.
    One kiss on my check, and I’m as hard as a rock. This woman does things to me no other has done before. I better not be gone too long.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Eight
     
     
    Caitlin
    E: Just letting you know I got here ok. Haven’t seen Simon yet. Will let you know how it goes. x
    As much as I want him to help his friend, I want him back with me. Does that make me a bad person? It does? Oh well, I never said I was a good one.
    Me: I’m glad you got there ok. x
    E: I will phone you tonight. x
    Me: I look forward to it! x
    It’s been a quiet afternoon, so we spend time on inventory and cleaning out the back room. The bell on the front door rings, so I leave to serve the waiting customer. Once I lay eyes on her, I wish I’d let Kiaya come up front instead. It’s the topless blonde bitch. Ok, she’s not topless right now, and I know she’s called Nicola, but she has proven she is most definitely a bitch. So I think topless blonde bitch suits her better.
    “Hi, can I help you?” I say, being as polite as I can manage. Kill ‘em with kindness, right?
    Speaking of killing, if looks could kill, I’d be a goner for sure. “You can’t. Where’s Kiaya? I don’t want you handling my food. I don’t know where your hands have been,” she says, as if spitting venom.
    “Kiaya!” I call out, but my focus remains firmly on Nicola. “Can you come to the counter please?” I say, smiling at her.
    Kiaya walks out a moment later drying her hands on a tea towel. “Yes, Caitlin, do you need a hand?”
    She takes a moment to look between Nicola and me. “Is everything ok, guys?” She drags out the question, and there’s no wonder being that the tension is pretty high.
    In a sickly sweet tone, I reply, “Yes, thank you, Kiaya. Nicola here would prefer you serve her, as she doesn’t know where my hands have been. But if she were to find out they were all over Ethan recently, maybe she wouldn’t mind!” I say, my smile morphing into a devious smirk. Walking into the back, I hear Kiaya stifling a laugh and notice Nicola with her mouth hanging wide open. It’s not that I wanted to stoop to her level, but it serves her bloody right. Even though I’m lying about being with Ethan, I couldn’t help it. She is such a nasty bitch.
    Len gives a wink as I pass him. Have I mentioned my boss is the best?
    Crap, I should text Ethan and warn him. She may be on the rampage after that comment, but he’s busy with a sick friend.  Ethan really doesn’t need to be bothered with this bull right now. I’ll let him know tonight, and I hope he’s not too mad about my lie. Kiaya pulls me out of my thoughts as she walks in.
    “Nicola is a real piece of work. That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard and seen. You really put her in her place. You should’ve seen the way she ran out of here.”
    “I know. I bet she’ll ring Ethan. He’ll be pissed.” I rub my temple to ward off the headache coming on.
    “With her, not you. I promise you that.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
                 
     
     
     
    Ethan
    Pulling up to Simon and Wendy’s house, I send a quick text to my girl. She may not be ready to admit that fact yet, but she is. Once I get home, I’ll make her see the truth, one way or another. I don’t care how long it takes. From the way she behaves, something bad must have happened to her in the past. You don’t need to be a genius to see it. Having my leg taken from me when it could have very easily been my life has made me view things differently. I’m determined for Caitlin to see it my way.
    “Ethan! It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long.” I’m greeted by Wendy, and although she seems happy to see me, there’s a