Page 36 of The Paris Chapter

He chuckled and I smiled. ‘You have no idea how much I want this. But I’m going to let you sleep now.’

I squeezed his hands to stop him letting go. ‘Will you stay? Just sleep with me again. Please. I really liked it.’

‘I did too,’ he said. ‘Okay, we can do that.’ He climbed off the bed. He took off his jeans and then pulled back the covers, climbing under in his T-shirt and pants. He looked at me. ‘Just sleep,’ he said, smiling at the look I was giving him. Because Ethan’s body was extremely appealing.

I sighed. ‘I promise. Just sleeping.’ I couldn’t help wanting to torture him a little bit though, like he had done to me. I got off the bed and stood by the side of it and pulled off my T-shirt. Glancing up, I saw that he was watching me. I unbuttoned my jeans and slid them off, so I was standing there just in my bra and underwear. I turned around, hearing him groan, and smiled to myself as I unclipped my bra and slipped it off, tossing it onto the floor. I walked to the chest of drawers to pull out a pair of pyjamas. Then I turned around.

‘Jesus, Tessa,’ Ethan said as I stood in front of him in only my thong.

‘What? I’m getting ready for bed.’

‘Come here. Please come here,’ he begged me. Then shook his head. ‘No, no, put the pjs on. I’m turning away.’ But he didn’t. He watched me as I slowly put the top on, buttoned it then pulled the bottoms on and up. When I’d finished, he exhaled loudly. He looked up at the ceiling. ‘I get how many points for that?’

I laughed as I climbed into the bed. ‘You’re definitely going to heaven.’

‘I might already be there,’ he replied as I laid down beside him. He held up an arm and I scooted closer, snuggling up to his chest. His arm wrapped around me as if it had always belonged there. ‘You, though, are definitely going to hell.’

I burst into laughter and he chuckled. I was having such a good time with him.

‘I love hearing you laugh,’ he said into my hair as he held me against him.

‘I love that you make me laugh,’ I murmured back, already feeling sleepy.

This thing between us, whatever it would turn out to be, felt like a breath of fresh air.

16

I woke up still snuggled up against Ethan. I opened my eyes, last night drifting back to me like the remnants of a really good dream. I looked at him sleeping, those bright-blue eyes of his closed, his chest rising with his steady breaths. I remembered the feel of his lips on mine and I smiled.

Kissing Ethan had felt as easy as breathing but sweeter than any kiss I’d had before. I ached to get closer to him. But at the same time, I understood why he had stepped on the brakes. This had been a whirlwind. I had no idea how to feel, especially after that call from Joe. He hadn’t left a message or sent a text so I was in the dark as to why he had tried to contact me. I wanted to forget about him completely, but it was so hard.

My phone buzzed on the bedside table. I rolled over, wondering if it was Joe again, but it was Carly requesting to FaceTime. I grabbed my phone and as quietly as I could, I climbed out of bed and tiptoed out of the bedroom so I wouldn’t wake Ethan up.

‘Hi,’ I said in a low voice, making my way into the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

‘Why are you whispering?’ Carly asked, frowning. ‘Oh, you’re in your pjs. I’m sorry, did I wake you up?’

‘No, I had just woken up anyway,’ I said, switching on the kettle as I was in desperate need of tea. ‘We went to a party last night. It was eventful so I slept a long time. Are you feeling any better?’

‘Your hair is a mess.’

‘Gee, thanks,’ I said as I leaned against the kitchen counter while I waited for the kettle to boil.

Carly peered at me suspiciously. ‘I mean, it’s very tousled.’

‘Christ, are you a detective or something?’ I looked at the doorway and lowered my voice. ‘I maybe kissed Ethan a little bit.’

She shrieked. ‘Tessa! You’re supposed to be swearing off all men and focusing on writing!’

‘I know. But you wanted me to be inspired in the City of Love, right?’ I saw her look of concern. ‘It’s okay. It was just a kiss. I promise.’

‘What was the kiss like?’

‘It was really good. And, God, I want more.’

She sighed. ‘I saw the Instagram picture you were tagged in; you and Ethan looked very cosy together. But you’ll be careful though, won’t you?’ she asked me.

I shifted my feet, uncomfortable with her scrutiny. I decided to change the subject. ‘Are you in the bathroom?’

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