LOVE ON PAPER

CHAPTER 4

Love at first sight.

The following morning, Lily came downstairs and turned mischievously to Patricia while they washed the pots and pans together. "So, what did you think of Ethan? He seemed quite taken with you."

Patricia blushed as she scrubbed her hands quickly under the water to get the suds off. "Oh, I think he was just being friendly. Though I have to say, he knows how to make a girl feel special."

Nodding, Lily's eyes sparkled. "I knew it! I saw how he looked at you. He's got that 'billionaire entrepreneur' thing going on, hasn't he?"

Patricia laughed. "I guess so. But I'm really not looking for anything at the moment. I just want to get back on my feet."

Nodding sympathetically, Lily said, "Of course, sweetie. But sometimes it is very good to have some sort of distraction around, isn't it?"

They moved on to cooking lunch, and conversation flowed easily from men to movies to their favorite books. Patricia felt deep rapport with Lily, who, more than being a good friend, was a kindred soul.

Tam entered the kitchen just then, sniffing appreciatively at the air. "Something smells wonderful in here!"

Lily smiled, her spoon making slow circles through the pot of stew. "Patricia's helping me cook. We're making your favorite."

Tam's eyes twinkled. "Ah, perfect! I'm ravenous. And got something to say to you both."

The wary look had picked up from one pair of eyes to the other, and Patricia pursued, "What news is that?".

Tam sniffed. "Ethan just called me. He's got some big thing tonight, like a charity gala, and he wondered if Patricia could come." The two girls could almost see the intrigue peeping right through Patricia’s widened eyes.

Patricia's thoughts drifted back to the invitation. A charity gala was indeed an excellent networking opportunity, and one did get to meet new people as well. She felt no sort of desire to deal with a large group of strangers with Ethan at her side.

Seeing her hesitate, Lily joined in. "Come on, Patricia! Loads of fun! We'll dress up, nice food and drinks, great cause. And who knows, you might even catch Ethan's eye once more."

Tam laughed. "I think that did happen already, Lil."

‘’Seriously though, Patricia, it really is such a great opportunity to get out and meet some new people. We will be right there beside you.’’ Lily added.

She took a deep breath before finally nodding. "Fine. I’ll take the step, but if I end up cornered all night, I'm pointing fingers at the both of you."

Lily clapped her hands in delight. "I'll get you ready! We can go in search of the perfect dress, do your hair and makeup, and you will blow Ethan's socks off!"

Vaguely, Patricia began to feel as they chatted and laughed that perhaps this was the little string of excitement she needed just about now. Probably this is what she needs to clear her mind off all troubles and start anew. And who knows, maybe a little romance too.

The evening was approaching, and Patricia was all ready to slip into what she had on for the evening ball. Lily dressed her up in a beautiful red gown; did her hair and makeup. When all was done, Patricia barely recognized the woman staring back at her in the mirror.

"You look absolutely stunning!" said Lily.

She blushed and felt a royal princess. "Thanks to you both, I feel like one too."

They entered the ball, and Patricia just couldn't believe the beauty of the place. She was surrounded by people fashionably clad, so many that they seemed to have walked out of fashion. There was the sound of laughter and music echoing in the air. Ethan was dashing in his tuxedo, standing at the door.

"You look beautiful, Patricia," he said, and his eyes didn't move from hers.

Her heart fluttered as he took her hand and waded into the crowd of people. Moving, talking, Patricia began to be more and more at ease. Ethan was so smooth, so charming—how could she not be wildly attracted to him?

The night mixed well with the conversation, and soon—though if not nonconscious—they realized that they were lost to a crowd that they were oblivious to. Patricia knew she was in deep trouble—she was falling so hard for Ethan. But was he feeling the same way? Only time would tell.

His face closed in, his voice low, husky, as the evening drew to an end. "Patricia, it's been really great tonight. How about stopping by my place for a nightcap?"

Patricia's heart lurched once; she knew she had to say no, but that flying spark across between them had her beyond help. "I'd love to," she murmured in a barely audible tone.

Elated and just a bit nervous, Patricia took off toward Ethan's penthouse apartment. What was she getting herself into?

They went out to his roof garden to get a view that stretched out over the city. Sinking into a plush couch, Ethan poured her a glass of champagne.

The drinks did their work, and the words flowed. She relaxed around Ethan. But when he reached out to gently brush a tress of her hair back behind her ear, she knew she was in trouble.

"Patricia," he whispered, holding her gaze in his eyes. "I think I might be falling for you."

Patricia's heart skipped a beat. "I'm falling for you too," she replied in barely an audible voice.

And with that, Ethan leaned forward, his lips meeting hers in a soft, gentle kiss.

That was the way Patricia felt, melting into the arms of Ethan. The world just fuzzed out and left them as the only two that existed in the stratosphere.

Deepening the kiss, Patricia's mind started going off on a tangent about her situation: her unemployment status, living with her friends, Ethan's money, status—was she just a diversion to him?

She must have felt that because he retreated, worried, as he gazed at her. "Patricia, what's wrong?"

She just breathed in deeply; she had to clear her head. "I just…I don't know if I'm ready for this. I am messed up, Ethan—with no job now staying at my friend's place… I really don't think I am good enough for you."

His features seemed to soften, and his hand slid into hers. "Patricia, all those things mean diddly-squat to me. What really matters to me is you being smart, talented, and beautiful, and part of that, well, that is I would want to be here with you, help you. Let me in, Patricia. Let me help."

Suddenly, her throat formed a lump as her eyes met Ethan's. She saw sincerity in his eyes, and she felt he was being honest. Maybe—just maybe—she could let him in. Maybe, finally, she can learn to trust him.

"Okay," she barely whispered. "I'll try."

Their lips touched, and feeling—one she hadn't known in a long while—surged over her. The kiss deepened as she melted into Ethan's embrace.

Light from the city flickered around them, but all Patricia saw was Ethan's—those eyes full of warmth and desire when he looked back at her. She had been caught up in that moment.

As they pulled away for air, Ethan smiled and traced her lips with his fingers. "I've wanted to do that all night," he whispered.

Patricia's face flushed, but she could not help smiling back. "I've wanted you to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan crinkled his eyes at the corners as he smiled, and Patricia knew she was in trouble. She was falling, hard, for this billionaire.

Just then, Ethan's phone buzzed, breaking the spell. He glanced at the screen; his expression changed into a somber tone. "I am so sorry, Patricia. I have to take this."

As he stepped aside to answer the call, Patricia couldn't help but feel that something was happening. Who could that be? Why did Ethan get so serious?