Chapter 3
673 Words
The soft knock on Lara's door barely registered over the low hum of her curling iron. She had just finished getting ready for work -her outfits neat and professional, but with a touch of softness that reflected her personality. A light peach blouse is tucked into a tailored trouser, delicate gold stud, and sheer gloss on her lips. She glanced at her phone. Still no message from Tyler. Two blue ticks stared back at her mocking.
A sign escapes her lips as she unplugged the iron. "Lara"? Mrs Carter's voice filtered through the door. "Breakfast is ready, dear. And Ethan will drop you off today.
Lara Froze, nearly knocking over her perfume bottle. Ethan ? She hadn't even seen him since their awkward first encounter. Her face heated with the memory of that morning - the way he looked at her in that night gown, eyes lingering a bit too long, his smirk cocky and unreadable.
"o- okay! I'm coming! she called out.
She grabbed her tote bag , checked her appearance one last time, and forced a smile. It's just a ride. You're an adult. Don't let that man get under your skin.
"morning Lara. I told Ethan to take you there today. it will make it easier for you.
Ethan was already by the door, toosing is car keys and looking completely unaffected, dressed in a plain black T- shirt and jeans. Effortless dangerous.
Their eyes met briefly. That same smirk.
"Ready princess"?
she clenched her jaw. "Don't call me that".
Mr. Richard Carter chuckled, clearly used to his son's sarcasm.
Minutes later, there were in the sleek black BMV , the tension in the car thick enough to slice through. Lara stayed silent, eyes fixed on the window , clutching her bag like a lifetime.
Ethan finally spoke, voice casual but laced with amusement. So.... video calls, huh?
She blinked. Her heart stuttered .
"What?" She asked, too quickly.
He chuckled. "you know, moaning a guy's name while playing with yourself on FaceTime ? Not the most discreet thing to do when your room's across the hall".
Her stomach dropped
you ..... she turned to him, face flushing red." you spied on me? "
He laughed again." Your moans weren't exactly subtle, sweet heart. Had me wondering if I needed to call the fire department".
" Ethan! " she gasped covering her face with both hands." Oh my God! "
He glanced at her quickly, a devilish smile on his lips . "Relax, I didn't see much. Just Heard. But damn ..... didn't think the sweet little intern had that in her.
she groaned into her hands. "Can we please not talk about this?"
"No promises".
Silence stretched between them again. Her heart is low racing, not just from embarrassment but something deeper, more unsettling. Why did his teasing make her thigh press together? Why did the idea of him hearing her like that - make her feel.... something?
He spoke again, lower this time. "He must have loved that. Your boyfriend".
She didn't respond.
Ethan glanced at her . "Or he didn't appreciate it the way he should have?"
she bit her bottom lip.
"I don't want to talk about him", she said quietly. He looked at her for a long second before returning his gaze to the road. "Fair enough".
The rest of the ride passed in silence, but it wasn't peaceful. Every second buzzed with unspoken energy - his occasional glances, her flushed cheeks, the memory of her moans echoing in his mind.
When they pulled up to the firm , Lara opened the door quickly.
"Thanks for the ride". she mumbled, already halfway out.
Ethan leaned over the center console. "Anytime, princess".
She glared at him , but her eyes betrayed her - more heat than hate.
And as she walked into the building, heels clicking, back straight, Ethan watched her go.
He hadn't planned to tease her like that, but damn if she wasn't fun to fluster and sexy as hell when she blushed .
- Writer
