Free Morning After (A Reynolds Security Novel) by Melissa Hale Page B

his lips against hers feather light. He started to pull away but she followed him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and deepened the kiss. Her lips parted and his lower lip slid between hers. He groaned and slid his tongue past her teeth to explore the recesses of her mouth. Her arms slid up around his neck and rubbed against the close cropped hair on his head. Ethan reluctantly pulled away while he still had some measure of control.
    "I have a confession to make." He whispered. He felt her stiffen slightly. "I am not a raiders fan either." Her breath huffed out in a silent laugh. "You don't have to wear the hat anymore. It is hard to see it on you." He eased back resisting the urge to shiver as her hands slid down his head, neck, then shoulders. "I have to go." He was still whispering.
    "Now?" She sounded disappointed and he smiled.
    "You make me forget I am a patient man."
    Erica was nearly giddy after Ethan left. She had never felt so twitchy. It was only a kiss but it made her feel like a teenager with her first crush. She alternated between wishing he had stayed and being glad he had made the decision for both of them.
    She didn't fall into bed until after midnight. It made her alarm go off way too early. By morning her mood had done a complete one-eighty. What exactly did he mean when he said he wanted more from her? He said he wanted to wake up with her. Did that mean he wanted a real relationship or just a sexual relationship?
    By the time she opened the shop. She was frustrated with her own mind and wishing she could just turn it off. She missed Zoe and found herself watching the clock until it was late enough that she could call without worrying about waking her up. Finally, it was late enough and she got a break in customers.
    "Hi Sweetheart."
     
     
    Ethan smiled when the picture of Erica in a raiders ball cap lit up the screen of his phone.
    "Hey." He said pushed away from his desk to look out the window as if he could see her below.
    "Hey, listen I only have a minute but I didn't want you to worry."  A PA system announcing a final boarding in the background drown out her words.
    "Where are you?" He hoped his voice didn't betray the panic that was suddenly racing through his veins.
    "I am at the airport. I have to go to San Diego for a few days."  Ethan resisted both asking her not to go and offering to go with her.
    "What happened?" He asked instead because by her tone something was clearly wrong.
    "Zoe's father passed away."
    "I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?"
    "No; I just need to be with her." Erica sighed. She hesitated for a moment and then continued. "Ethan..."
    "Yeah?"
    "I had a really good time last night. I'm sorry I have to go now."
    "I had a really good time too sweetheart. You take care of your friend and I'll see you when you get back. You call me if you need anything at all okay. "
    "I will."

Chapter 8
    Erica paced her borrowed room not quite sure what to do with herself. She had spent many nights in this house as a child but never in the guest room. She and Zoe had often shared a twin bed over the years. Erica had never slept in this house apart from her friend. Now she felt set apart in more ways than one. Zoe had been quiet on the ride from the airport. She expected that but it seemed as if there was something more than that bothering her. Deciding she had to do something besides pace she headed for the hall.
    Erica retrieved a couple of bottles from the liquor cabinet and headed back upstairs.  Zoe called her in when she knocked. Zoe's twin bed had been upgraded to a full sometime in high school and that's where she sat now with her laptop.  Erica slid onto the bed and offered her a bottle. She hesitated only a second before taking the bottle. They passed the bottle back and forth in silence for a few minutes before Zoe finally broke the silence.
    "Thanks for coming."
    "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
    "I know." Zoe took another long swig. "Tell me about