The restaurant was small and intimate. It had a romantic atmosphere. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths covered the tables. The lights were dimmed low and candles were lit on every table. Liz loved the food and Ethan was a wonderful date. She enjoyed talking to him, and he made her laugh with funny stories. He listened to her when she talked and asked for her opinion on several subjects and she was surprised they shared the same views on family values. He held her hand while they were waiting for the food to arrive and kissed her knuckles softly.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” he whispered with a sexy grin on his face.
Liz’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. “Thank you, Ethan. I’m having the best time and I’m so glad we came. I see why Ryan and Lacy like this place so much.”
“Me, too. Next time we’ll see a movie. I guess I can sit through a chick flick.” He sighed dramatically as if it would be an ordeal.
Liz laughed. “How brave of you but I have to confess I like police thrillers and action flicks more. I’d rather be sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense than sniffing into a tissue.”
Ethan looked at her in shock with his mouth open. “We might have to get married right now,” he joked.
Liz felt mushy inside at his words even though she knew he was only kidding.
They lingered, drinking coffee slowly and talking until Ethan looked at his watch. “Wow, we’ve been here a while. Guess we’d better go.”
When he took her home that night she smiled at him. “I had a great time, Ethan.”
“I had fun, too, Liz.” Ethan hadn’t expected that they would find so much to talk about, but Liz was funny and smart and so caring about other people. Her honesty showed in the way she talked and the way she treated the people around her. He had been so wrong about her.
“Let me walk you to your door,” he offered, opening the car door for her and helping her out of the car.
Liz’s smile was flirty. “Do we get to kiss on the first date at least?”
Ethan laughed, walking up the stairs behind her. “You bet. That’s the best part.”
They reached the door and Liz looked at him with a flirty grin. “Want to come in?”
“I’d better not, too much temptation, angel. I’m trying to get on Santa’s nice list and you’re not helping,” he joked but he pulled her close into his own body and she snuggled into his warmth. Liz loved the way his big body sheltered hers from the cold temperatures. “I love how I feel so safe and warm in your arms, Ethan. I love how hard and muscular you are. It’s a big turn-on for me.”
Ethan groaned at her words and felt himself getting aroused. “You are a naughty temptress, aren’t you? Maybe I will come in for a minute.”
Liz turned to unlock her door but it was already open. She looked back at Ethan with a scared look on her face. She knew she had locked her door.
Ethan pulled her back and put her behind him. He called Gabe from his cell phone then told Liz, “Stay here while I have a look. Gabe is on his way. If you hear anything, lock yourself in the car.”
Liz nodded and shivered with fear. She had no intention of leaving Ethan until Gabe arrived, but she wasn’t letting Ethan know that. It had to be Gary. Had he finally lost his mind? Gary had to know they were on to him yet he continued to harass her.
Ethan came out and hugged her, feeling her body shiver. It made him angrier with Gary for frightening her. “It’s empty.”
“Thank God,” Liz whispered, comforted by his strength and his presence. She was so glad she hadn’t been alone then gasped when she remembered her security system. “I have cameras all over the building and they’re recording.”
“We’ll go see the footage. There’s a note on your table and the roses are all broken and stomped on. I’m sorry,” he explained angrily, not wanting to hide how dangerous this situation was becoming. Gary was getting sloppy now and that would be his downfall. Ethan wanted Gary’s snobby butt in jail.
Liz insisted on seeing the note first. Instead of being scared she was angered. How dare Gary call her a whore. She didn’t sleep around.
“Liz, will you stay with my aunt Mary for a couple of days?” Ethan asked. “It’s not safe here and I would feel better knowing you are nearby and not alone.”
“Why can’t I stay with you?” she asked.
“I’d love that but I promised you time to get to know me. I have a one-bedroom cottage. I’d never be able to keep my hands off you, angel,” Ethan explained.
Liz hugged him and rested her head on his chest. “I don’t want you to resist me, Ethan. That was your idea, not mine. I want to make love with you. I’ve wanted you since we danced on Halloween and that hasn’t changed.”
“Now you tell me,” he teased her, kissing her lips. “Go pack a bag. I hear Gabe’s car.”
Liz went to her bedroom and packed enough clothes for overnight and for tomorrow. She was excited yet nervous. She had the feeling she and Ethan would be explosive together, and she couldn’t wait to find out.
When she was done, she went out into the living room where Ethan and Gabe stood talking in low voices. Ethan sensed her presence and looked up and smiled.