Premise: Sienna Trinh is tired of everyone thinking sheâs a goody-two-shoes and decides to change her image.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 1,420
A/N: I'm using @choicesflashfics week 18, prompt 1 (in bold). Submission for @choices-february2023, day 12 prompt: Marriage. Late submission for @choicesjanuarychallenge Day 5: Drink.
The bar was packed with the after-work crowd enjoying Happy Hour specials. Max Valentine parked himself on a bar stool with a clear view of the door.
He ignored his cousinâs attempts to convince him of the merits of having a bachelor party. No matter how many times he said no, Tony just kept going.
His day had started at six with a conference call, and he was tired. But Sienna had texted earlier to ask if they could meet for drinks and welcome her old roommate from medical school who had recently transferred to Sibley Memorial.
Max knew how hard it was for Sienna to uproot her life in Boston and move to DC. So, he was doubly committed to seeing her settled and happy here, with her own friends.
When his wife walked in a few minutes later, Max left Tony mid-sentence to grab Sienna before the crowd swallowed her up. When she saw him, her face lit up with a smile that likely mirrored his.
She reached him first, placing her hands on his arms for balance as she stretched on her toes to peck his lips. It was too short and not satisfying at all. He hauled her up to give her a proper hello, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss.
âHi,â she whispered dreamily, her fingers trailing the edge of his jaw.
âHey.â
âAre you two done?â A woman asked, amusement coloring her tone.
Max glanced at the tall brunette standing behind Sienna and extended his hand. âNot even close. Max Valentine.â
âKelly Macintosh.â She shook his hand. âI know who you are. Youâre on Siâs Picta feed a lot. A huge improvement on Wayne, by the way.â
The last was directed at Sienna, who grinned cheekily and nestled against Max. When Tony joined them, she made quick introductions.
âYou look nice,â Tony said, greeting Sienna with a friendly kiss on the cheek. âNow that youâre here help me convince Max that he needs a bachelor party. Itâs a time-honored tradition, and the guys are looking forward to sending him off in style.â
When Sienna looked at him in confusion, Max just rolled his eyes.
âI keep telling you, cuz, Iâm already married.â He held up his left hand and pointed to the wedding band. âI donât need a stag party, not anymore.â
The hostess interrupted to tell them their table was ready, and they followed her to a corner booth. They exchanged small talk while they waited, ordering drinks and appetizers for the table when their server arrived.
When they were alone, Sienna stared at Tony with a steely-eyed gaze. âWhat kind of stag party? Vegas and strippers? Just how, exactly, are you planning to send my husband off in style?â
Tony sputtered, and Max settled back to enjoy his discomfort. He let Sienna grill his cousin while he turned towards her friend, who was trying to hold back her laughter.
âSo, you must have lots of young Sienna stories,â he mused. âWhat was she like in med school?â
âStudious with a hint of mischief,â Kelly replied. âShe was always baking muffins for everyone when we had early morning class and cookies for our weekly study group. Definitely had a reputation for being a good girl, willing to help everyone out.â
Max laughed and winked at Sienna. âSo, she hasnât changed at all.â
âDonât know why everyone thinks Iâm a goody-two-shoes,â Sienna complained. âI can be bad too.â
âOh, yeah?â Max grinned wickedly, picking up the drink the server placed in front of him. âJust how bad are we talking here?â
Suddenly, there was a commotion near the bar, and they looked over to see a woman lying flat on the bar while her friends did belly shots.
âI can prove that Iâm not Little Miss Nice,â Sienna insisted stubbornly, nodding towards the bar. âBody shots, here and now.â
âI know med school was a few years ago, Si,â Kelly cut in with a rueful shake of her head. âBut I donât believe people can do a complete a one-eighty in personality. Youâre not the type of person that strips down and does body shots in a bar, surrounded by a bunch of strangers.â
Max raised Siennaâs hand to his lips and bussed the inside of her palm. âYou have nothing to proveâŠKilla Cream.â
Sienna flushed when she caught his reference to the tag name sheâd graffitied on Edenbrookâs back wall. The incident had been part of a Boston Bucket List she and her friends checked off on Kyraâs last week in Boston. She and Max werenât talking then, so Cassie must have told him.
The conversation topic changed, but Sienna wasnât paying attention. She watched the woman at the bar, now standing upright and laughing, and her frustration rose.
Okay, so she had never done a body shot in her life. Science geeks never got invited to those types of parties in college. And med school students preferred getting drunk and spouting Latin medical terms. But that didnât mean she couldnât do it if she tried.
Besides, who said she was the one who had to strip? Body shots were an equal-opportunity game.
A considering look entered her eyes, and she gazed up at Max, not even trying to hide her eagerness.
âNope, puppy dog eyes are not going to work this time!â he said vociferously, reading her thoughts perfectly.
âBut MaxâŠâ she pleaded. âYou always say youâll do anything for me.â
âWhatâs going on?â Tony asked.
âBody shots,â Max bit out, not taking his eyes off Sienna, and then he sighed in resignation. âTony, get the tequila and lime.â
Sienna knew she looked smug, but she couldnât help it. Kelly caught her eye and grinned, raising her glass in a toast.
Tony returned with a bottle of tequila, a couple of shot glasses, lime wedges and a salt shaker. Max cleared space on the table, took off his jacket and set it aside. Then he unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off his shoulders, but not stripping down completely.
âSienna, you lucky girl,â Kelly wolf-whistled, but Max ignored her.
âWeâre going to keep it beginnerâs level,â he told Sienna pointedly. âAbs or neck, dealerâs choice. One shot, in a glass. Lick, shoot, suck. Got it?â
Sienna nodded and stepped back as Tony helped Max get horizontal. His torso was flat on the table, but his legs dangled off the edge and she stepped between his thighs.
Max cupped her jaw, his green eyes peering into hers. âOne more thing. If we end up in the tabloids, I will take great pleasure in saying I told you so.â
âWhatever,â Sienna said, unconcerned, and shushed him by shoving a lime wedge between his teeth.
She stared down at her husband and thought about where to start. But she knew that if she got one chance only, it would have to be her favorite spot.
Sienna threw him a wicked look and sprinkled salt along his abs, giggling when she saw the laughter in his eyes. She leaned over him, licked the salt from his skin and took a shot of tequila. She bit into the lime and gently pulled the wedge out of Maxâs mouth, enjoying the tart flavor before she tossed it away.
She moved closer to kiss him softly and could still taste the lime on his lips. She felt him smile through the kiss, and his hands gripped the sides of her waist.
She coursed her fingers through his blond hair, enjoying the feel of his warm bare skin beneath her and completely forgot where they were.
Sienna abruptly broke off the kiss when Tony coughed loudly. She stepped back and sheepishly peeked at Kelly and Tony standing beside them, shock and awe on their faces.
She had been this close to climbing on top of Max, which would have landed them on HS Tea for sure.
Max pushed himself off the table and started to button up his shirt. He smirked, once again reading her thoughts.
âI stand corrected,â Kelly teased, fanning herself exaggeratedly with her hands. âMed School Sienna would have never done something like this.â
Sienna blushed when everyone laughed and buried her face against Maxâs chest. His arms enveloped her, and his lips grazed her earlobe.
âWhen we get home, Si,â his voice dropped to a whisper, making her shiver, âitâs my turn to show you exactly how bad I can be. I promise you that it will be downright wicked.â
Book:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Open Heart (Post Series)
Characters: The whole OH Gang / Tobias x Casey are the pairing
Rating:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Teen
Category:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Instagram Edits | Fun | Fluffy(?)
Summary:Â Just a little fun with the OH gang participating in an Instagram challenge to post a photo of the best view they've ever seen. Some stick to the intended nature of the challenge, while others get creative in their own unique ways. (This is what I did when I couldn't sleep last night - I hope it's entertaining. lol)
Posts by: Sienna * Aurora * Bryce * Jackie * Ethan * Casey * Tobias
Late entry for @choicesjanuarychallenge Day 8 - Travel (and more lol)
Thank you to everyone for participating in the final week. Late submissions will be accepted until tomorrow, February 4. Complete event masterlist will be posted on February 5.
In the meantime, check out the Choices February Challenge happening now!
What Happened in Vegas:
Chapter 5: ...and that's a promise.
Book: Open Heart (Book 2)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Some suggestive content, not explicit; cursing; drinking.
Category: Series - AU
Words: Approx 4,900
Series Summary: Casey & her roommates are heading to Vegas, intent on taking down Declan Nash and Panacea, but this time, Dr. Ethan Ramsey is in tow.
Chapter 5: It wasn't planned... but they said I do. While Ethan finds he's OK with it, Casey's not so sure. Some time with her friends gives her perspective, but what does she decide. It seems everyone - including Ethan & Casey - is in for another surprise.
A/N: Hey, everyone; I hope you enjoy this installment. Some have asked how many chapters are left. I'm thinking 2 after this, but I've been known to be wrong before. lol I am participating in @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 24 - all three fit in a way - Give, Take, Friends
Series Masterlist
My Main Masterlist
There are moments in life when you can feel time come crashing to a halt. When everything seems to stand still, and you walk away a little different from the person you were just moments before. Casey had already experienced a couple of these moments since landing in Vegas. Itâs not every day that you wake up to a marriage certificate with your name⊠that you donât recall signing. Nor watch yourself recite the most loving, eloquent vows⊠but there is no recollection of saying them at all.  That was plenty, she thought. She had enough of those moments to last her for a while. But fate, and Vegas, apparently had more in store.
She stood there, stupified. Her face unreadable, mouth agape, the only movement she could muster was looking between Ethanâs face and his hand gently wrapped around her wrist. Never in a million years did she expect him to react like this. She considered asking him to repeat himself, just to be sure⊠but she knew what she heard. Â
Ethan attempted to remain patient as he wordlessly watched her every move. Hoping for the slightest sign of how sheâd eventually respond. He understood her shock, he was still shocked himself, to be honest, but he couldnât deny nothing had ever felt so right. He didnât have a single regret, but he knew her answer could change in an instant.
So he waited⊠allowing time to stay suspended⊠for so much longer than he thought possible. He was beginning to consider checking her for signs of shock when he felt her cold, clammy hand slap across his forehead without warning.
âOw!â He grimaced. âWhat are you doing?â
âChecking you for a fever. It might be heat stroke.â
Pushing her hand away, he smiled. âCasey, I donât have heat stroke.â
âWell⊠a stomach bug, perhaps? Norovirus! Everyone picks that up in places like this! Iâm sure you mustâŠ.â
âCasey,â he interrupted, taking both her hands in his, âIâm not sick. I just want an answer⊠will you stay married to me?â
Her nervous laughter filled the room, and her body quivered. She wondered if perhaps she was the one who was ill as the room began to sway. She pulled away from Ethan once more and began to engage in her new favorite hobby⊠pacing.
âIf youâre not sick, then you must have lost control of all your senses!â
âWhy?â Ethan demanded. âWhy do you say that?â
âStay married? Stay married?â She yelled. âYouâve gone mad!â
âI donât think so.â
âWell, if you want to stay married, then in my professional opinion, you have!â
âCan you honestly tell me that youâve never thought of us getting married?â
Still pacing, her hands began to flail. Flabbergasted, words couldnât be found, but it didnât stop her from trying. âWha⊠huh⊠thatâsâŠ. IâŠâ
âYou OK?â he teased, proud of himself for keeping his cool while Casey unraveled.
âNO! Iâm not remotely OK! And whether Iâve thought of it or not is irrelevant! If we did everything we thought about, I might be president of the United States! Or⊠maybe a stripper at a club here in Vegas!â
His face scrunched in disbelief. âYou what?âÂ
âDonât change the topic, Ethan!â She blurted. âThe point is, we all think things at times⊠but that doesnât mean we should act on them all!â
âSo on a scale of one to ten, with one being⊠youâre now a stripper⊠and ten being youâre seated in the Oval Office, where does staying married to me rank?â
Caseyâs eyes narrowed as her pacing ceased. About to comment on the ridiculousness of his words, she stopped herself when she realized he had only repeated what she had said. With a shake of her head, she sat beside him on the bed.
âEthan,â she replied lovingly. âYou made it very clear that you were not a fan of marriage. You werenât even a fan of commitment⊠look at how long it took for us to get where we are now.â Â
âWhen did I tell you I was opposed to marriage?â
âThe first time was when we tested the fMRI machine!â
âThat was a hypothetical situation!â
âThen there was the time when Dr. Borgas and the nurse from 4⊠whatâs her name?â
âJulia.â
âYes! When Dr. Borgas and Julia got engaged, what did you say then?â
âI donât remember?â He shrugged. âCongratulations?â
âNot to their face Ethan! What did you say when they walked away? You said, âGod help that fool!ââ
âYeah, because in their case, itâs true! Everyone knows Julia is rebounding, and if that hot surgeon she was dating from Kenmore popped back in the picture, sheâd forget about Borgas in an instant!â
âWait!â Casey startled. âHow do you know all this gossip? Who are you, and what have you done with Ethan Ramsey?â
Ethan smiled warmly, placing a loving arm around her shoulder. âYou seem to forget who I have lunch with most days. With Naveen in my life, Iâm going to know garbage whether I want to or not.â
âFine,â she surrendered. âBut answer one thing⊠before this trip⊠did you ever seriously think of asking me to marry you?â
âNo,â he hesitated, âButâŠ.â
âBut nothing! You had no intention of proposing to me, much less marrying me. Thatâs not the way to start something thatâs supposed to be forever. I get it. Our emotions are all over the place right now, but when they settle down, youâll realize this isnât a good idea.â
âWell, I disagree.â He shifted so he could look her in the eyes. âYouâre right. I never thought much of marriage. Was I planning on getting married now? No. But⊠when I heard us say our vows⊠without any preparation? Casey, the only way we could have said those words to each other, drunk as we were no less, is if theyâre true.â
Caseyâs eyes met his, and it appeared as if she was going to speak. But the emotions were too overwhelming, her mind too muddled. She lowered her eyes and turned away, but Ethan wasnât about to let the moment pass. Reaching over, he stroked her cheek, turning her head back in his direction. Then, with a gentle buss on her forehead, his campaign began anew.Â
âDo you believe we spoke the truth?â
âEthan,â she whispered, caressing his chin. âI know we did, butâŠ.â
âNo buts! I never wanted to spend the rest of my life with anyone⊠but I want to do it with you. Besides, the idea of having annulment papers with our names on them, our names,â  he swallowed, and Casey could see the pain in his azure eyes. âI never want to see that. Do you?â
She took a shuddering breath, her head and heart running in opposing directions. She couldnât bring herself to confess how many times she had laid by his side, dreaming of this very future with him. It would be so easy to surrender to it. So easy to give in, butâŠ
âItâs not like weâre breaking up. Weâd just be going back to what we were yesterday, and what we were yesterday was great. Weâre still in love, weâll still be together⊠and if marriage is something youâre open to now, well, who knows what the future holds.â
âI canât explain it, Casey. But now that weâre here⊠I donât want to go back. I want you to be my wife. Today, tomorrow, always.â Â
Her face crumbled, and Ethan knew he had his answer. Still, he allowed hope to burn bright until he heard the words.
âEthan,â she consoled. âI need⊠I ⊠I just donât see how this could work. We just had to stage an elaborate ruse to convince my friends weâre not dating⊠and now⊠weâre going to be married?â
Rising to her feet, she did her best not to meet his eyes.
âIâm⊠Iâm sorry, Ethan, itâs just⊠we canât.â
Deflated, his head fell, and his shoulders sank as he watched her walk to the door. He knew it was a long shot, and he knew she was making sense. Still, the bitter sting of rejection hurt as much as it ever did, which is why he never put himself in this place.
âWellâŠâ he lamented. âI guess thatâs it, then. Iâll make some calls to see how we can have this⊠undone.â
âI think itâs for the best. I⊠I should probably go and check in with my friends. Iâm shocked Sienna hasnât called out a search crew as it is already.â
âYeah,â Ethan replied, his voice soft and broken. âI suppose you should.â
She turned back as she opened the door, and for a moment, he hoped that she had reconsidered.
âIâm sorry, Ethan. You know⊠nothing changes. I still love you. You know that, right?â
âI know,â he said with a painted smile. âI know.â
Wrapping her arms tightly around herself, Casey turned and walked away. Her mind was more muddled than ever as she stepped into the elevator. This changed nothing, right? Theyâd be just fine. Everything would be OK. But as she pushed the button for her floor, one thing became evident⊠she no longer had to fake being sad when she saw her friends. Because, now, she truly was.
~~~~~Â
Casey gingerly opened the door to the suite. It was much quieter than expected, and evidence of why presented itself very quickly. Bottle upon empty bottle lined the floor, the tables, the counters, and the general disarray made it clear they all had a night to remember. She was about to begin cleaning when she saw Bryce sprawled across the couch; Jackie gently snored not far away on the floor.
Couldnât even make it to their rooms, she thought to herself. Knowing the noise would wake them, she abandoned gathering bottles and headed to her room. The thought of a hot shower and collapsing on her bed was beginning to fill her with glee. But just as she pulled her shirt over her head, there was a gentle tap at the door. Sighing, she put her shirt back on, delighted to see a friendly smile on the other side of the door.
âHey, youâre up!â Casey smiled at Sienna.
âYeah, couldnât sleep well worrying about you.â
âIâm sorry, Si,â she faltered, filled with guilt. âI didnât want to worry you. I hope you managed to have some fun.â
âOh, we did!â Sienna assured. âBut I decided to stay sober; I needed to keep an eye on everyone.â
âYeah, I noticed an empty bottle or two out there,â Casey teased.
âIt would have been much worse if I wasn't here!â
âWhere do things stand regarding Panacea? Have you heard anything more?â
âAll the information is in the right hands now. But they wonât keep us privy to the investigation. But all sources say this is not going to just go away.â
âI hope so,â Casey worried. âI just donât trust these things until theyâre over. Iâll feel better when I see Declan in a nice orange suit.â
âYeah, orange is not his color,â Sienna giggled. âI understand being leery, but everyone says it will be a slam dunk. Honestly, the recording Ethan got from Charlotte justâŠ.â Siennaâs voice tapered when she realized what she had just said. âOh, Iâm⊠Iâm so sorry, Casey⊠I didnât mean toâŠ.â
âNo, no!â Casey brushed it off with a wave of her hand. âYou can say their names; it doesnât change anything.â
âI know,â Sienna gently took her friendâs hand. âBut if youâre hurting, the last thing I want to do is remind you.â
Casey hung her head. Lying to her best friend is something she would never get used to. Especially now when she could really use her advice. She considered letting it all out, telling her the whole truth, and letting the pieces fall where they may, but in the end, she didnât say a word.
âLook, I donât know whatâs going on with you and Ethan,â Sienna whispered. âBut Iâm here if you ever need to talk.â
âI know, Si,â Casey sighed, âand I appreciate it, but Ethan and I are just⊠itâs so⊠complicated.â
A line appeared between Siennaâs brows.Â
âIt always has been. But I really hopedâŠ.â
âHoped what?â
âI really hoped, after we almost lost you, that you guys would find a way to work it out. I know he cares for you⊠very much⊠and I wishâŠ.â
âI know,â Casey smiled, squeezing her friend's hand tighter. âItâs just⊠I⊠I donât know what to say.â
âYou donât have to say anything,â Sienna assured. âBut if the day comes when youâre ready to talk. Iâm here.â
The two friends embraced warmly just as a sluggish Bryce schlepped past Caseyâs open door. Half-asleep, he stopped before her door. Rubbing his eyes, he managed to get up a pained grin. Â
âLadies, you know better than this. If thereâs going to be girl-on-girl action, youâre supposed to call me,â he laughed, but that quickly turned to a wince. Â
âYou are such a jerk,â Casey laughed, hauling a pillow in his direction, and though it barely tapped him, he let out a howl when it hit. âRough night?â
âThe night was terrific,â he insisted. âThe hangover⊠not so much.â
âWell,â Casey sprung out of bed. âLuckily for all of you⊠I have all the ingredients for my handy-dandy hangover cure in the kitchen!â
âYou do?â He marveled.
âDid you think I was coming to Vegas, of all places, without? Be reasonable, Lahela.â
As she strode past him on the way to the kitchen, he gently grabbed her wrist.Â
âAll joking aside,â he asked with sincerity. âAre you doing OK?â
âI am,â Casey smiled sadly. âEverything will be OK⊠one way or another.â
âThatâs my girl,â Bryce grinned. âNow, please go make your buddy Bryce that remedy before he dies.â
âIâm on it!â
~~~~~
Several hours later, the gang was gathered around a table at International Smoke. The atmosphere was so light and festive that Casey sometimes forgot her troubles for a moment or two⊠but they always came back. Still, she was enjoying one of the best steaks she had ever had.  Â
âNow, this is the way to celebrate!â Elijah enthused, pouring a glass of champagne.
âI donât even know how you can even look at that stuff!â Aurora soured. âIâm never drinking again!â
Across the table, Jackie rolled her eyes with a scoff before taking the bottle from Elijahâs hand, âAmateurs!â
Casey looked around to ensure no one was in earshot, then spoke softly to her friends. âIâd offer a toast, but should we even be talking about⊠it⊠publicly yet?â
âThe ball may be in motion, but I doubt anyone knows itâs happening yet,â Jackie shrugged. âSo it may be better to keep it quiet for now.â
âYeah,â Bryce agreed. âUnfortunately, I know a thing or two about these sorts of investigations go down. Right now, the gruesome twosome is likely in the dark. Theyâll want them to slip up. But donât worry, theyâll get theirs in the end.â Â
âIn that case,â Casey raised a glass as Aurora cringed. âOh, Aurora!â Casey laughed, âjust toast with water! As I was saying⊠letâs toast to a successful trip. We all got what we came for.â
âHear, hear!â Elijah cheered.
âIâll drink to that!â Sienna agreed.
Bryce took a sip of his champagne, but his eyes stayed focused on Casey. âBut, did we?â he asked.
Casey looked at him nervously. âSo, you donât think this will stick?â
âNo, it will. Iâm talking about you⊠did you get all you wanted from this trip?â
âSure,â she said, taking a si of champagne. âIâm here for the same reason as you.â
âWeâre you?â He asked pointedly. âCasey, youâre among friends; you know weâd never judge⊠and your secret would be safe with us.â
Caseyâs eyes nervously darted around the table, trying to determine what each person knew.
âYouâre kind of the worst-kept secret in Edenbrook,â Aurora agreed. âBut when asked, we all insist youâre just close coworkersâŠ. But itâs not like we didnât know better.â
âYeah, weâll always have your back, Case,â Jackie agreed.
âGuys,â she sputtered nervously, âwhat are you talking about⊠what do you think weâŠ.â
âCasey, you were with your med school friends last night to get your mind off Ramsey. We know that,â Elijah concluded.
âOh, uh⊠yeah, but⊠itâs not like that at all⊠between us⊠itâs just thatâŠ.â
âYou should really give him another chance,â Sienna said softly.Â
âWhat!?!â
âHe was just trying to get information, Casey⊠he didnât want to hurt you.â
âYeah,â Aurora agreed. âAnd you did say you were OK with it in advance. We canât blame you if it was harder to witness than you thought, but we canât blame him either.â Â
âGuys, why are you doing this?â Casey asked.
âBecause we donât like seeing you sad,â Sienna offered.Â
âWe called him to see if he wanted to join us last night,â Elijah offered. âAnd Bryce called him again today to see if heâd come to dinner today.  I mean, if anyone deserves to celebrate, itâs him.â
âDamn straight!â Bryce insisted. âIf I had to cozy up to that snake, Iâd need all the booze in the world to wash that memory away, and Iâd want the reward for being tortured.â
âBut he wouldnât come either time,â Elijah continued. âThe only thing he was worried about is you. Especially today.â
âAnd itâs not the first time,â Sienna chimed in. âWe all saw him at your trial last year. We saw him the night of the attack; the man seriously cares about you, Casey.â
âI mean, we have eyes,â Aurora chuckled. âLook, he dated my aunt on and off for years, and I never saw the look he has on his face when heâs around you.â
âGuys⊠why are you doing this?â Casey asked.
âBecause we know heâs a good man,â Jackie replied. âAnd we know youâre happy when youâre with him. Hell, heâs even willing to subject himself to this bunch of losersâŠ.â
âHey!â Bryce hollered. âSpeak for yourself!â
âThat was geared toward you, meathead!â she scoffed before turning back to Casey. âIâm just saying take your time and think. Donât make any rash moves, OK?â
If anyone noticed Casey choke on her drink, they didnât show it. Rash moves? If they only knew. But her friend's words affected her more than she let on. And thoughts of their time together began flooding her mind. Whenever life seemed at its darkest, he came through for her⊠and she did the same in return. No, they hadnât planned on getting married⊠never even discussed it⊠but she knew sheâd spend forever at his side as long as he wanted her there, and he just asked her to stay there, forever, as his wife⊠and she said no and ran away. She couldnât stop seeing the look on Ethanâs face when she ran away from his room, no matter how hard she tried. She wanted this man. She fought for this man when he tried everything possible to push her away. Casey MacTavish was no glutton for punishment. She did it because she knew. She knew they were inevitable⊠they were meant to be. Now, fate stepped in and delivered them a surprise⊠and he wanted to stay married to her. He wanted her to be his wife⊠his forever.  He loved her that much, and she ran away.
âCasey,â Sienna said, waving a hand in front of her face. âDid you hear a word we said?â
âDid⊠did I? No!â she exclaimed. âI didnât hear a single word, but⊠Iâve got⊠Iâve got to go!â
She took off without further explanation, and Bryce raised his glass once more. âTo Casey⊠go get it, MacTavish!â Â
~~~~~Â
She didnât call him; it was nothing sheâd want to discuss on the phone. But she needed to see him as much as she needed to breathe. She ran down the hallway and into a waiting elevator, cursing silently to herself as it stopped on every floor. When a tour bus full of enthusiastic senior citizens began piling in, Casey reached her breaking point.Â
âExcuse me,â she yelled, pushing through the crowd. âIâm sorry, I need to get off!â she insisted, making it out just before the doors shut.Â
She was only four floors away; she could handle that! She took to the stairs taking two at a time in her haste to reach Ethan. The smile on her face doubled when she reached his floor. Rushing down the hallway, she ignored the stares of other guests as she whizzed past them. They didnât matter⊠nothing did⊠except getting to him.  Â
Finally, she reached his door and knocked furiously, but there was no answer. She knocked again, smoothing her unkempt hair nervously as she waited⊠still, nothing.
âEthan!â She hollered with one final rap on the door. âEthan, itâs me! Open up!â
Damn it! She should have called. Then a lightbulb went off⊠he gave her his room key! She fumbled in her purse, but it was nowhere to be found.
âCome on!â she groaned, pushing lipsticks, coins, and receipts to the side, but she still came up empty.
Discouraged, she was about to walk away when the door finally opened to reveal Ethan, dripping wet, wrapped only in a plush white towel, standing on the other side.
âCasey! Whatâs goingâŠ.â
âShhh!â she pushed her way through the door and locked it behind her. âShhh. Donât talk. I need you to listen.â
âIâm listeningâŠ.â
âSo, you think we could make it work?â
âMake what work, exactly?â
âIf we stay married⊠it would still have to be a secret⊠right⊠it could still jeopardize usâŠ.â
âMaybe initially, I havenât given it much thought⊠since weâre getting an annulment⊠I don't see the need for us to waste energy on that."
âWell, you better start using energy on that. Weâll be back in Boston tomorrow, and we need to figure out how to make this work because youâre my husband, Ethan Ramsey, and there is no way Iâm ever letting you go.â
âWait,â he gasped, eyes bulging and his smile shining bright. âAre you serious? You donât want the annulment⊠you want... to stay married?â
âIâm serious as a heart attack!â She reached up and ran her fingers through his damp, tousled hair, gently smiling as his bewilderment turned to delight. âYouâre right⊠it wasnât planned⊠but nothing about us ever was, yet, itâs perfect. I love you⊠so much⊠how could I ever want to undo this?â
They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity, then Casey grew impatient. Pulling him close, her lips crashed against his and he pulled tighter than she ever thought possible. Their kisses, which began as sparks, now burst into flames, engulfing them as their hands grasped passionately at each other. Casey could feel him smiling against her lips, and when she pulled back, she found his towel had fallen to the floor.
âWell, look at you,â she smiled as her eyes raked over his body. Biting at her lower lip, she leered at the man who was now truly, truly hers. âI am one lucky woman!â
âAnd Iâm one lucky man,â he grinned, taking her hand. âYou're sure about this?â
âIâve never been more sure of anything. I love you, Ethan.â
âWell, then, thereâs only one more thing to be done.â
âOh yeah,â she teased. âWhatâs that?â
âWe havenât consummated this union yet⊠and being that this is Vegas⊠is the marriage even legal if we havenât?â
âIâm not sure,â she giggled, her hands running over his muscular chest. âBut we wouldnât want to jeopardize the legality, now⊠would we?â
âAbsolutely not. But thereâs a problem.â
âOh?â
âYour clothes, Casey. Theyâre still on.â
âOh, that,â she laughed, pulling away and tugging each item away. âI can take care of that, but quick!â
Ethanâs head tilted, eagerly appreciating every inch of skin she bared. âHmm⊠anxious? Not going to show me those amateur striptease moves you dream of?â
âOf course I am!â She said, pushing him onto the bed. âBut youâre my husband now, Dr. Ramsey. You have a life of stripteases and lap dances waiting for you. But right now⊠I need to consummate this thing! FAST!"
âI really am the luckiest man on earth,â he said with a kiss. âI love you, wifeâŠ.â
âI love you, husband. Now⊠consummate me!â
~~~~~
"What do you mean they know!?" He ignored the stinging of his hand as it slammed into the mahogany table, the ice in their drinks rattling in its wake. "How the hell do they know!"
"I... I'm not certain... but I have a lot friends, in a lot places, and when they hear things that involve me⊠they make sure I know.â Â
"Good! Then your friends⊠they can fix this. Right?â he scoffed. "Isn't that how it works?"
Picking her glass up from the table, she took a long sip. Silently closing her eyes, she centered herself before speaking again. Â
"I'm afraid that's not how it works. If it was just a story at the New York Times, I could have it quashed within an hour. But did you miss the part where I said itâs already in the hands of the Justice Department? I have influence, Declan, but not that much influence!â
âJesus fucking Christ,â Declan tugged at his cropped hair as he walked in frantic circles. Charlotte was doing her best to keep her cool, but she could feel panic settling in. Turning away from Declan, she stepped onto the balcony and lit a cigarette. But he was quick at her heels.Â
âHow did they find out?â he demanded.
Charlotte took a long drag of her cigarette as she surveyed the Vegas landscape. She didn't slip up. She could count on one hand the number of times she had slipped up since she was in grade school... and never like this. And for what? A man! Ashamed, she turned away.Â
âWait a minuteâŠ.â Declan scowled in an accusatory tone. âYou were with Ramsey!â
âDeclan, there is no way to know if that had anything to do with this!â
âOh, sure! Itâs all a coincidence! Youâve been so damn desperate to get into his ridiculously long trousers you lost your damn mind. Now⊠what did you tell him!â
âI didnât tell himâŠ.â
âWHAT did you tell him!â
âI donât remember. I had a lot to drink, and I donât remember! OK?â
Declan collapsed onto a settee behind him, his head falling into his hands.Â
âYouâre right,â Charlotte lamented. âYouâre right⊠he has to be involved. When the hell have we ever even seen him at one of these conferences! He came here for a reason, and like an idiot, I fell right into his trap!â
âI told you⊠you should have fucked the cabana boy, Char⊠get it out of your system, but no.. no, youâve got toâŠ.â Declan raised his head, a look of wonder in his eyes. âRepeat what you just said?â
âThat Iâm an idiot? That I fell right into his trap? You know I already feel like shit. Do you need to rub it in?â
âNo! No! Not that part! When did we ever see Ethan at a conference like this?â Declanâs eyes were glowing now as he reached for his phone.
âWhat are you getting at⊠I donât know how thatâŠ.â
âI have,â he interrupted. âOnce, I saw him at a conference⊠in Miami.â
âYes, he was there to score a cure for Naveen. He always has a reason⊠which is why I should have known better!â
âThat wasnât his only reason,â Declan handed Charlotte his phone, a devious grin on his face. âOnly scroll right, babe. I wouldnât want you to see whatâs on the other side.â
Ethan and Casey on the balcony⊠talking, laughing, then a few where his hand cupped her cheek, a kiss, a stare, Casey straddles him on a chairâŠ.
âHoly shit!â Charlotte exclaimed. âYou have pictures of him fucking her?â
âWell, not exactly, but it seems to be that was implied once they closed that patio door. After all, the good Dr. Ramsey was sharing a room with his nubile little intern.â Â
âThat sanctimonious piece of shit,â Charlotte grumbled. âAlways acting like heâs so high and mighty. But why didnât you do anything with these sooner?â
âWhy would I?â He shrugged. âWe got the contract with Edenbrook. Once I had that in hand, getting a dozen more top hospitals to sign on was easy. I just kept these for insurance⊠and now⊠I think Iâm ready to cash this policy in.â
âHello!â Charlotte mocked, knocking her fist against Declanâs head. âEarth to little Deccy⊠what part of it is with the freaking DOJ did you miss! Those photos are lovely souvenirs, but theyâre not giving us any leverage now.â
âOh, no shit. I will be on the phone with my attorney in ten seconds and suggest you do the same. That⊠or escaping to a lovely island with no extradition treaty⊠theyâre our only avenues of protection right now. But⊠if that son of a bitch and his little piece of ass are responsible for taking us down⊠Iâm going to make sure they fall right beside us.â
Charlotte poured two glasses of whisky, and their glasses clinked after she handed one to him. âI love the smell of revenge in the morning. And⊠if we can watch their reputations and careers destroyed aboard a yacht in the Maldives⊠better yet.â
âYou know, I think I have a call or two to make before I call my attorney. I want to guarantee the little lovebirds a rough landing back in Boston.â
I was inspired to draw this after re-reading Guinevere chapter 1.  This takes place when Guinevere hears a commotion outside and rushes out to see what is going on.  That is where she first lays eyes on a âdevastatingly handsomeâ Lancelot sparring with another knight.Â
Similar to the November 2022 challenge, many of the prompts in the first two columns are from the National Day Calendar. The third column are songs to inspire.
The fanworks must be posted in February (with late entries accepted through March 7). The works do not have to be posted on the specific day. You want to use the prompt almonds (from the 16th) and post it on February 5, go ahead. Just make sure in the notes or tags to specify the day or the prompt.
As always, if you have any questions, please ask either here or send a message to my main at @lucy-268.
Return To Dagger Mountain - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart)
Tension - @jerzwriter (Wake The Dead)
Time Together - @alj4890 (Red Carpet Diaries)
(Light NSFW / Mature)
_
Fanfart
A Snowy Kiss - @storyofmychoices (Open Heart)
Family Affair - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart)
Tension - @jerzwriter (Wake The Dead)
Together is the best place to be - @theartoflovingthomashunt (Red Carpet Diaries)
_
Edits & Text Fics
Animal Farm - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart)
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Thank you to everyone for participating this week. If you donât see your submission, please DM me.
The Choices January Challenge ends on Jan 31 but late submissions will be accepted until Feb 4.
Check out all the January prompts.
Remember, you donât have to participate daily or in order. Feel free to use the prompts as and when you get inspired. Check out the guidelines.
ALL CHOICES FANDOMS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE.
All submissions will be reblogged as received and included in a weekly masterlist. Tumblr tags can be unreliable at times. If your submission isnât reblogged within 24 hours, contact @liaromancewriter.
Book:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Open Heart (Post Series Timeline)
Pairing: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)
Rating:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Teen
Category:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fluff/Romance
Warnings: Very mild suggestive flirting
Summary:Â Â An over-tired Casey storms into Tobias's office quite cross, but she leaves with a bright new perspective.
Words: 1150
A/N: I picked up the 30-Day challenge because I needed a creative boost. A little backstory, I picture this taking place when Casey was pregnant but didn't know it yet. It explains her exhaustion and mood swings.
A/N 2: This is for Day 11 of @creativepromptsforwriting 's 30-Day Writing Challenge: Write about two characters dancing together / Also participating in @choicesflashfics (Prompt in bold.) / And @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 12, both Angry & Happy
âExcuse me!â she huffed as she pushed through the hall. Not a trace of her signature bright smile in sight. âI said excuse me!â She barked as an unsuspecting intern cowered to the side.
âWhat is going on there?â Nurse Sarah muttered as Casey slammed Tobiasâs office door behind her.
âGot me,â Maureen shrugged, âbut Iâm glad Iâm not Dr. Carrick right now.â
Tobias looked up from his desk and removed his glasses, a half-smile on his lips. He was always delighted to see his beautiful girlfriend, butâŠ.
âYes?â he asked cautiously, hoping for a positive response.
âWhy the hell did you do it!?â She scowled.
Tobiasâs shoulders fell with a sigh. âDo what, exactly? My job?â
âIs your job screwing me over?â she asked, his cocky little smirk only adding fuel to her already burning fire.
âWell⊠that depends. Are we talking at work or at home?â
Her eyes narrowed; he wasnât flirting his way out of this.
âYou took me off the Porter case! Iâve been on it since day one!â
âI know, and youâve done a wonderful job. Itâs justâŠ.â
âThen why the hell did you take me off? Itâs bad enough you wouldnât back me this morning, but to give the case to Harper! Really?â
âCasey,â he glowered. âI made a decision based on medical need. You know as well as I do home stays home, and work stays here. Iâm not about to side with you just because we share a bed.â
âNor would I expect you to! But my treatment plan was valid! Itâs been tested and is far less invasive than surgery! But neither of you would even give it a chance!â
âBecause his disease is progressing too rapidly. Every case study you supplied was with patients the exhibited a much slower rate of metastasis. Waiting means losing precious timeâŠ.â
âYou still think my opinion doesnât matter just because Iâm the junior doctor on the team! I donât have the experience you, Harper, or Ethan have⊠but Iâm here for a reason! Iâve seen immunotherapy work in cases that are even more progressed than Mr. Porters, and IâŠ.â
âWait!â Tobias interrupted, his face turning red. âAre you suggesting that I donât value you as a doctor?! You better have some sound proof of that because itâs absolutely untrue!â Â
âThen what is it?â She demanded. âEthanâs on vacation for a week, and youâre in charge, so you need to make a statement! You know he would have sided with me!â
âI know no such thing! And, yes! Iâm in charge while Ethan is gone, and I made the call based on the facts presented. Not to mention, Mr. Porter was in favor of Harperâs plan!â
âHe⊠he was?â
âYes! So before you hurl accusations at me, next timeâŠ.â though he was on a roll, his words stopped quickly as Caseyâs face fell.Â
Her lower lip trembled. Embarrassed, her face fell into her hands which did a poor job of muffling her sobs. Tobiasâs head tilted in confusion.
âUh⊠Case? You OK?â
âIâm sorry,â she blubbered. âI should have talked to Mr. Porter first. I justâŠâ
âYou werenât required to⊠I was. I told you Iâd speak to him during the meeting, and I wasnâtâŠ.â
Caseyâs weeping intensified, and she plopped into the chair behind her. Â
âHey, hey, heyâŠ.â Tobias implored, crouching on a knee beside her. âWhatâs going on? Are you OK?â
âIâm fine,â she said, wiping away her tears. âI shouldnât have overreacted⊠I know you wouldnât be unfair to me⊠IâmâŠ. Iâm sorry.â
âItâs OK,â he said, rubbing reassuring circles on her back, âBut youâre all over the place today. Whenâs the last time you slept?â
âSleep,â she laughed deliriously. âWhatâs sleep. I have two more hours on my double andâŠ.â
âIf you need to catch a break in an on-call room or take a nap hereâŠ.â
âNo,â she insisted. âIt's just two hours, then Iâm going home to sleep for twenty-four hours straight. What I need is a diversion to clear my mind so I can finish my shift without biting someone's head off again.â
âWell, then youâre with the right guy,â he grinned.
Casey shot him a look. âTobias, as much as I love accessorizing your desk, Iâm too tired right now.â
âIs that really all you think Iâm able to do?â he scolded. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he found a song and tossed his phone on a side table.
âDr. MacTavish,â he grinned. âIâve been looking at you in that labcoat and scrubs all this time, and I can think isâŠ.â He let out a long, slow whistle. âSo, if you're not willing to get on my desk, would you at least give me this dance.â
She shook her head playfully.
âCome on,â he flashed a bright smile and a peek under his own lab coat. âYou know you want a piece of this.â
Laughing, she slowly rose to her feet. âYouâre an ass!â She laughed.
âYes,â he growled, wrapping an arm around her waist and taking her other hand in his. âBut you love me.â
âI do,â she whispered, snuggling her head into the crook of his neck. âAnd honestly, Iâm the ass today. Iâm sorry, TâŠ.â
âShh, shh, shh, shh!â he insisted as he held her close against him as they swayed to the smooth sounds of John Legendâs crooning. He wasnât leading as much as carrying her, so sleepy, her slight frame felt like lead in his arms. âJust dance, baby,â he whispered.
The song went on for one, two minutes more, and by the time it ended, they both forgot why she initially came to his office. He stared down at her with those piercing eyes and a smile that had her reconsidering the desk after all, but when the music stopped, he took a step back.
âFeeling better?â
âWith you, always.âÂ
âGood,â he grinned, reaching behind her and placing a loud pat on her butt.
âHey!â
âI think you deserve that a little.â
âFor being a good girl or a bad girl?â She winked, delighting over how his cheeks turned red.
âYes!â He answered. âNow, just promise me you'll go home and sleep when youâre done with your shift. Iâm worried about you.â
âDonât worry,â she smiled from the door, âIâm so tired, I'll be heading right to bed. But⊠I should be well rested by the time you get home.â
âGood,â he stared with a lecherous smile. âThen we can dance again.â
âOh, thatâs what weâre calling it?â
She walked out of his office quite differently than she walked in. With a soft expression and that bright smile returned to its proper place, she waved at Nurse Sarah, who was looking her way.
âLooks like everything is better now,â Sarah observed.
âGood to see settling down doesnât mean Carrick lost his touch,â Maureen chuckled. âDr. MacTavish is a lucky lady.â
Premise: Cassie whisks Ethan off for a romantic weekend, much to his discomfort and surprise.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff.
Words: 2,615
A/N: Inspired by this edit I made back in 2021. Submission for @choicesjanuarychallenge Day 31 "adventure". I'm participating in @choicesprompts and using @choicesflashfics week 17 prompt 1 (in bold)
âGrab your coat, leave a note, and run away with me.â
Ethan Ramsey absently glanced up from the computer screen, his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. The temporary annoyance at being disturbed faded from his blue eyes when he saw who it was.
âWho am I leaving a note for, and why are we running away?â he asked nonchalantly, turning back to the screen to finish replying to an email.
After almost three years together, he was well used to his girlfriendâs grandiose statements, often designed to get a rise out of him.
Cassie Valentine swiveled his chair around and leaned in until her face was close enough for him to see the tiny blue-black flecks in her eyes. Her hands gripped either side of his chair, and she teased his lips with her tongue until he parted him slightly.
âLeave a note for whoever needs to know youâll be out of the office for a few days. And because we can.â
He shook his head to clear the fog, somewhat disappointed to not receive a kiss. It took him a minute to realize that sheâd already moved away and was reaching inside the corner closet for his winter coat and scarf.
âYou know what I love about being an attending?â she said without turning around. âHow I can take off after morning rounds if I donât have anything else going on. And not having to fill out time cards. Thatâs gotta be the best deal.â
Still confused, Ethan stood up, the coat sheâd thrown at him clutched in his hand. She started to pack up his laptop, unplugged it from the docking station and unzipped his messenger bag to slip it inside.
âCassie, will you please stop?â he said, exasperated. And then his eyebrows snapped together. âAnd no, you cannot just take off after morning rounds even if youâre an attending. The dayâs work is just beginning, for Christâs sake. I taught you better than that.â
When Cassie burst out laughing, he knew heâd been had. She hugged the laptop bag in her arms as she doubled over, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes.
âYouâre so easily riled, Dr. Ramsey,â she said, her chest heaving as she tried to breathe through her laughter. âCheck your watch, babe.â
Ethan looked down at his wristwatch and saw it was after five oâclock. A quick glance at the twilight outside had him wondering where the day had gone.
âOh,â he said for lack of anything else to say.
âOh, indeed. Itâs Friday, and weâre off the clock for the next two days. Our bags are packed, and a car is waiting downstairs to whisk us away for a ski getaway. Donât ask questions; just go on this adventure with me.â She arched one brow and stared at him intently, holding out her hands as fists. âRed pill or blue pill?â
And thatâs how Ethan found himself sitting in the back seat of a town car. At the same time, Cassie bubbled excitedly about their plans to return to Dagger Mountain.
âRodney reserved the same penthouse suite,â she said. âI want to try the Old Serpentine Trail. I was bummed I couldnât go with you last time. Maybe we can visit the thinking rock, you know, for Picta.â
âI donât know why you hired a car service,â Ethan grumbled. âWe couldâve taken my car. Itâs a bit of a drive, and we probably shouldâve left early tomorrow rather than risk dark country roads at night. We donât even have skis or helmets orâŠ.â
Cassie ignored most of his diatribe. âThatâs why god invented ski rentals. And I never said we were driving to New Hampshire.
Ethan realized what she meant by that when the car turned towards Logan Airport rather than the interstate and drove through a security gate shortly after. He remembered coming here once before when they took a private jet to Inesâs wedding in Hawaii.
âI know you said no questions,â he said slowly as the car pulled up in front of a hanger. People in uniforms milled about. A luxurious helicopter waited not too far away. âBut I will need answers before I leave this car.â
Cassie glanced at the driver and nodded. The man exited the car and stood with his back to the door.
âItâs not that complicated, Ethan. We always talk about going skiing but never do. This weekend has perfect weather conditions, so I decided to surprise you. And yes, hiring a car service and a private helicopter is a bit much. But whatâs the point of having money if we canât indulge ourselves once in a while?â
âI get that,â he countered. âBut weekend getaways in private jets or helicopters and all thisâŠ.â He waved his hands to indicate the car and the scene outside. ââŠis not who I am.â
âWell, it is me, or it used to be once upon a time. Sometimes, I miss being able to say, âfuck it, letâs go to Caboâ. Thereâs nothing wrong with that. Some people find it romantic to be whisked away by their lover.â
Ethan knew he could make several counterarguments, but he wasnât sure what. It was rare for him to see the Valentine side of Cassie, and a part of him wondered if it was long overdue. Lately, heâd begun to question the differences between them. Perhaps this weekend was exactly what he needed to gain clarity.
âThis weekend is my gift to us,â she said, quietly taking his hand. âWhen itâs your turn, we can rent a Pinto and go on a road trip to Plymouth Rock.â
âI doubt my legs would fit into a Pinto, and thereâs not much to see in Plymouth,â he said, holding his hand up when she started to speak. âForget it. Red pill, right?â
Later Ethan would admit, privately anyway, that there was something incredibly efficient in traveling by air. Within an hour of leaving Boston, they were touching down at a helipad near the resort, a car waiting to take them the rest of the way.
He could still remember driving up snowy and winding country roads as a teenager. Contrary to what Rodney said, Ethan didnât come up here on vacation but to work. Skiing lessons were an employee perk, and heâd quickly graduated from green to blue.
He tried to keep his hand in, but his studies and then life got in the way. He racked his brain, trying to recall the last time heâd skied. It wouldâve beenâŠahâŠwhen they solved Paulaâs case two years ago.
âWhat level are you?â he asked Cassie as the resort entrance came into view.
âBlack,â she said without hesitation. âIâm so going to kick your ass out there, babe!â
He smiled in amusement, not really surprised. He imagined someone like Cassie had been skiing since she was old enough to walk. Aspen, maybe Vail every winter, or St. Moritz with the rest of the jet setters.
In another life, their paths might never have crossed.
âAspen?â he mused in a deliberately neutral tone as they walked into the warm lobby. He wasnât sure why he wasnât letting this go. What did it matter now? They were equals and had been for years.
Cassie must have heard the disquiet in his voice because she threw him a considering look. She glanced sideways at the bellman carrying their bags behind them and remained silent. He thought she might not reply, but she waited until they were alone before turning towards him.
âAmong other places,â she confirmed, letting her annoyance show. âMy mom loves to ski, and my dad loves to sail. Max and I learned how to do both well, whether it was in the Swiss Alps or Bora Bora. Is there a point to this, Ethan? Because youâve been silently sneering at everything since we left Boston.â
He started to argue otherwise. but Rodney entered from the small office behind the reception area.
âWelcome back,â he said, shaking Ethanâs hand with a smile. âIâm so glad to see you both. Hopefully, no medical emergencies this weekend.â
Rodney checked them in, making small talk with Cassie while Ethan seethed internally. He handed them the key cards, reminding them of breakfast and the amenities. And then, the bellman accompanied them upstairs with their bags. Ethan couldâve carried them, but Cassie didnât give him a chance, waving at the man to precede them.
By the time the suiteâs door closed behind them, Cassie was vibrating with anger. Ethan recognized heâd behaved poorly, dismissing her grand gesture as unworthy.
âYouâre an ass!â
âBut you love me.â
âNot right now, I donât,â Cassie bit out. âI wanted to do something romantic, just the two of us. But all of youâve done so far is ruin my mood.â
âIâm sorry, Cassie,â Ethan said, ignoring her stiff shoulders to wrap his arms around her from behind. âI donât know what got into me. Letâs start over.â
He turned her around and framed her face between his hands. âIâm an idiot and donât deserve a girlfriend like you.â He kissed one corner of her mouth and then the other.
âYou missed a spot,â she said with a pout.
âMy bad,â he whispered softly as he covered her mouth, keeping the kiss light and sweet, seeking forgiveness.
Their foreheads came to rest against each other, and his hands cuffed her wrists.
âI made reservations for a late supper,â she said, stepping away from him. âWe should get ready.â
âOkay.â
Cassie grabbed her tote and headed towards the ensuite. She stopped in the doorway, her head cocked as she watched him over her shoulder.
âYou know, Ethan, instead of focusing on how different we are, maybe you can try to remember how much we have in common.â
He heard the bathroom door lock click and let out a heavy sigh. Cassie was right. The last few years have proved that they were more alike than dissimilar. But still, that inner voice inside him reared its ugly head at the most inopportune times. It had worsened ever since Cassie had asked if she could go with him to visit his father every now and then.
Ethan had made himself into Dr. Ramsey, a sophisticated and cultured man who gave the illusion of a wealthy background. Very few people in Edenbrook knew heâd grown up in a blue-collar neighborhood of rundown houses with chain-link fences and weedy yards.
He wasnât ashamed of his background but felt far removed from it. Thatâs not who he was anymore and never would be, except when he saw it through Cassieâs blue-blooded perspective.
Hearing the bathroom door open, he shook off the gloomy thoughts and forced a smile on his face. No matter what, he would enjoy this weekend that Cassie had arranged. Even if it killed him.
The following day, Ethan examined the brand-new skis strapped to their feet as the chair lift ascended the mountain. After much debate, he and Cassie decided to buy new gear rather than rent. He saw it as a sign that theyâd use them more, maybe returning here or trying out other ski resorts in New England.
Despite things settling down last night, the silence between them was fraught with unspoken words. As they neared the top station, the chair slowed down. They took their skis off the rest, lifted the safety bar, and got into position to slide off the chair lift and onto the gentle incline.
âThe Serpentine Trail is off that way,â Ethan said once they cleared the chair lift. âI think itâs more beginner, so it might be too tame for a black diamond skier like yourself.â
âMore assumptions?â Her arched tone wiped the teasing grin off his face.
âCassieâŠâ
âIâm sorry,â she cut in. âThat wasnât very nice of me. Letâs just have a good time. Thatâs all I want. We can try the Serpentine, and if itâs too crowded or boring, we can switch trails. I checked the map before we left the resort, and there are several options.â
They joined the other skiers, smoothly sailing down the slope and taking a winding path around each other. She laughed joyously as he overtook her, the arrogant smirk he threw her way setting off her competitive spirit. She raced past him, spraying snow at him from the back of her skis.
The crowds made going faster difficult, and she pivoted towards a parallel trail with a blue circle marker before bypassing it to enter the black diamond slope.
Ethan checked his blind spot and raced after her. She was a demon on skis, zigzagging past trees and using short turns to cut through moguls, her excited cries ringing through the air as she gained speed. He watched her expertly leap off an incline and disappear from view.
It took him a few minutes to adjust to the more challenging trail and lack of practice. He stayed upright, barely, through the first mogul but almost wiped out on the second. Deciding to steer clear of them, he moved to the side where the snow was compressed, flat, and out of the way of more experienced skiers.
He was almost at the spot where heâd last seen Cassie jump when the skier in front of him lost their balance. They cried out loud before toppling off the steep incline, head first, rolling through the snow and coming to rest at the base of a tree.
Ethan took the jump cautiously, the doctor in him already starting the count from the moment of impact. He reached the injured skier just as Cassie skidded to a stop on the other side of the tree trunk.
She pushed down on the heel lever with her pole, released one boot, and then the other to step off the skis and crouch beside him.
âCall for help,â Ethan said.
He placed his ear against the open visor and checked for breathing while Cassie dialed the emergency number on the card sheâd picked up at reception.
Ethan evaluated the patient for possible injuries and recited what he found. âPatient is breathing but unresponsive. Possible head and neck injury, broken tibia. I can feel the bone pushing against the surface.â
Cassie explained the situation quickly and succinctly, relaying their location and Ethanâs diagnosis before hanging up to help him. She didnât want to remove the helmet but braced her hands on either side of the neck for support.
âHere.â She took off her scarf with one hand and handed it to Ethan. âThe right arm is bleeding. We need to put pressure on it.â
âObservant as always, Dr. Valentine,â Ethan muttered.
âI did learn from the best,â she quipped.
Pushing the sleeve away, he cursed at the long and deep cut along the antecubital fossa. He wrapped the scarf tightly around the wound, the blood staining the expensive material.
âRemind me to buy you a new scarf when we return to the resort.â
âBuy me a drink instead,â she said. âI have plenty more scarves in my closet back home.â
The rescue team arrived shortly. Ethan let Cassie debrief them while he carefully helped load the patient onto a stretcher.
Once they were alone again, Cassie leaned against his side, their arms hooked around each otherâs waists. She tilted her head back to gaze at him, laughter making her green eyes sparkle. The tip of her nose was red from the cold, and her lips lightly chapped.
âOne of these days, babe, weâre going to come to this resort and not deal with a medical emergency.â
Ethanâs booming laugh and a quick kiss confirmed that he wholeheartedly agreed.
Do I have too much art of these two? Maybe. Will I stop anytime soon? Nope!
Bryce and Olivia are the cutest rays of sunshine even in the cold winter's snow! This stunning art is by irdeinfierno on Instagram! I love how she captures them beautifully every time!
This magnificent artwork was a commission from the incredible @/artbyainna. This left me breathless! Look at that lighting! Look at them! I love seeing my little people come to life!
I hope you enjoy this beautiful piece, and the accompanying story too! It's nice to take a little break from the angst in my WTD World.
Book:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Wake the Dead
Pairing: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera); feat. Troy Hassan
Rating:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Teen
Category:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fluff / Friends to lovers / Pining
Summary:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â On a rare afternoon of respite, the colonists all find a way to unwind... except for Eli and Zoe. Taking the opportunity to perfect their skills leaves them anything but relaxed.
Words:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2035
A/N: Â I imagine this scene to take place just before the trip to the amusement park in Chapter 10. These two are fighting a hell of a lot more than zombies. :) Participating in @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 17 - Relax
WTD Masterlist
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It was an unusually quiet afternoon at the lodge. The colonistâs hard work had paid off: fortifications and watch crews were keeping the drones at bay, and the gardens and livestock left the pantry full. With daily chores out of the way, Â most were free to enjoy a rare afternoon of tranquility.
Troy reclined on one of the couches, humming quietly as he took in the scene around him. Shannon sat nearby, gripping an old magazine she had found as if it were the holy grail. Published around the time of the outbreakâs start, she was adamant it could contain something to help her research. In a distant corner, Minna was setting up a table with May, who was eagerly prepping a tea party for her stuffed animals. Seeing his friends relaxed and experiencing joy⊠just as he was⊠brought a smile to his face. And then⊠there was EliâŠ.
Troy fully expected to find him crouched in front of the fireplace, working on his bow or doing something else⊠productive. To Troyâs dismay, thatâs how Eli defined âresting.â But today, Troy was amused, watching his friend surreptitiously as he hurriedly walked in and out of the room at least half a dozen times. Stretching his neck in every direction, Eli was definitely searching for something. Troy could have asked what he was looking for⊠as if he didnât already know⊠but this was much more fun. Entertainment like this didnât come along daily, and Troy wasnât about to let it end too quickly. But on Eliâs sixth go-round, Troy took pity on him.
âLooking for something, Eli?â
Eli turned gruffly in his direction. âWhat makes you say that?â
âYouâve been in and out of here six times⊠youâre either looking for something or working up the nerve to ask me to take my night watch shift tonight⊠any chance on that?â Troy begged, using his best puppy-dog eyes. They might have worked on half of the colonists in Olympus but on Eli⊠not a chance.
âKeep dreaming, Hassan.â
âSo then you are looking for somethingâŠ.â Troy winked. âOr better yet, someoneâŠ.â
âI didnât say I was. IâŠ.â
âShe went outside⊠mentioned something about going to the range for target practice on the one afternoon we get some downtime!â  Troy shook his head with disgust and pointed a finger Eliâs way. âI hold you responsible for this! She used to be fun. Now, look at her!â
Eli did his best to suppress a smirk. Shrugging his shoulders, he strode past his lounging friend.
âI donât know who youâre talking about,â he replied straight-faced.
âYeah, my ass,â Troy yelled after him.Â
âTroy⊠I will never be looking for your ass,â he mocked before heading out the front door.
The moment the fresh air hit him, his feet carried him swiftly in the direction of the range. He was moving at twice his normal speed, though there was no need to rush. No drones were on the property, and no one needed immediate protection. His chores were done, so he wasnât completing a task. Still, just the slightest bit faster, the man would have been running. Even the elders from Sunflower Creek seated on the porch commented on it. Eli couldnât help but overhear⊠then his mind went into overdrive.
This is just how he walked, he tried to convince himself. There was nothing suspicious about it. He was headed to practice himself and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Of course, the sun wasnât setting for another five hours⊠but still. There was no reason to be suspect. None at all.
As he neared the range, he could hear the twang of her bow as an arrow released, then seconds later, the dull thud of a target being hit. He waited patiently for the next sound; there could only be one of two outcomes⊠and a smile crossed his lips when it was the one he had hoped for.
âYes!â Zoe cheered. Followed but a string of happy little noises Eli couldnât describe if he tried.
But another sound broadened his smile and made his heart raceâŠ. silence. She was alone, and while heâd reprimand her for being unsafe later, for now, he was delighted⊠Zoe all to himself. He almost surrendered to the rush that washed over him, but without warning, that voice was back in his head.Â
What does it matter if sheâs alone? Sheâs not why Iâm here. Iâm going to practice. Zoe being here is good because we can offer each other tips. If someone else was there, that would just be more input. This means nothing. Nothing at all. His head may have listened, but his heart hadnât heard a word, and Eli cursed it for continuing to hammer in his chest. This. Meant. Nothing.
Zoe was startled when she heard footsteps approaching through the brush, raising her bow in preparation.
âItâs me,â Eli hollered, âDonât shoot.â
Her bright smile appeared naturally when she saw who it was, but she quickly turned it into a coy little smirk by her own design.
âNot so much fun to be on the other side. Is it, Mr. Sipes?â
âAre we ever going to stop talking about that?â he deadpanned, but Zoe was astute, and she didnât miss the smile in his eyes.
âAbsolutely never!â
He walked blithely past her and settled down on a large rock to prepare his bow. Zoeâs eyes trailed his every move, returning to shooting? It wasnât even a thought. She didnât flinch when he looked up, catching her in the act, and only a slight blush rose to her cheeks when he raised his eyebrows in question.
âYes? Do you need something?â
âOh⊠so, so many things,â she chirped, not missing a beat.
His lips twitched as he turned back to his bow, looking anyplace but at her. He tested the strings before standing.
âIt sounded like you had a good shoot when I was walking down here.â
âOf course I did! Iâm good!â she boasted, chest sticking out with pride⊠how he tried not to notice.
âYes,â he chuckled, and now her heart was racing. She couldnât describe how she felt when she made Mr. Grumpy laugh or smile, breaking that cold façade. All she knew was it was intoxicating, and each time it happened, she desperately craved more. âYou are good,â he continued. âVery good. One day, you may even be great.â
âOh,â she teased, slinking over in his direction. âAnd whatâs standing between me and greatness?â
He all but lost his ability to think, though he knew he needed to come up with a response. He could just turn around and aim for the target, ignoring what she had just said, but at the moment⊠he had forgotten how.
âI.. uh⊠I mean⊠youâŠâ
âDonât worry,â Zoe laughed. âI know what I need⊠even if you donât.â
âOh, and what is it that you need?â
âI need to perfect my shot with a standard bow,â she offered immediately, âThatâs why Iâm here. Most of my training back at the tower was with a crossbow, and I rock the crossbow. But there are differences, and I want to improve there.â
âThere are differences. And lucky for you, the traditional bow is my specialty.â
âOh, I know,â she winked. âThatâs why this is my lucky day.â
Her heart fluttered when he smiled again, she could tell he was trying to fight it, but he didnât stand a chance. Again, she was left yearning.
âCome over here,â he demanded, and she quickly complied. âNow, get into stance. Remember, your feet need to be parallel to the shooting line.â
Zoe glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. âIâm not a complete idiot, Eli.â
âI didnât suggest⊠Iâm just taking it from the top!â
âAnd Iâm just teasing you,â she giggled.
âZoe, if you want to perfect your shot, you should take it more seriously.â
For a split second, she almost felt embarrassed, but only for a second. Her sass was quick to return.
âAnd if you want me to perfect my shot, perhaps you should show me and just bark orders,â she goaded.
âFine!â
She assumed heâd get into position, raise his bow, and pull the string with godlike precision. Theyâd watch his arrow fly through the air like the work of art it was until it hit his desired target⊠dead on. Thatâs what she thought would happen. Instead, she gasped silently when she felt his hands on her waist.
âGet into position,â he commanded, and her mind went numb.
Somehow, she managed to raise her bow. Her shirt rose a bit when she lifted her arms. Suddenly the sensation of the rough pads of his fingers brushing against the delicate skin took her breath away.
âNow, turn a little more. Just like this,â he instructed, twisting her the slightest bit to the side.
She wondered if he felt like she did right now, and if her heart wasnât thumping, she would have felt his pounding against her back. For his part, being this close to her was doing things he hadnât fully expected; the feeling was overwhelming. But Eliâs game face was unrivaled, and, despite the longing of every fiber of his being, he presented a somber, almost stone-like effect.
âNow, relax your kneesâŠ.â
Was he kidding? If she relaxed her knees, she was quite confident sheâd dissolve into a puddle at his feet.
âRight⊠relaxâŠâ she muttered.Â
She was flustered, and he saw it. A chill ran throughout his body, and Eli was uncertain. Was he winning or losing? Â
âYour shoulders should be a little more in line with your bow arm,â he began, âand you want to use your back muscles to aimâŠ.â
He hadnât finished his sentence when her back muscles aimed for their intended target, lying flush against his chest. Neither of them could breathe, and if not for the sould of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, they would have believed that time stood still. Each waiting, in silenceâŠ.
âTry shooting,â he blurted. He had to say something.
And she did⊠instantly⊠without a single thought. The ping of her bow was followed by silence as her arrow flew through the air, ultimately falling to the ground. But Eli hadnât moved at all, and neither had she.
âWellâŠâ she stammered. âThat totally sucked.â
The two broke out into a fit of nervous laughter, still leaning in closer to one another when interrupted by an approaching voice.
âThereâs a brawl breaking out in the kitchen,â Angel said breathlessly. âI donât even know what itâs about. All I know is even Feather looked like he was ready to flip out.â
âOh, that canât be good,â Zoe chuckled.
âItâs not. Thatâs why Troy said I should go get youâŠ.â
âOh, Troy sent you,â Eli sneered.
Angel scrunched her brow in confusion, âUh.. yeah⊠I mean, is that a problem⊠orâŠ.â
âNo, itâs not a problem at all,â Zoe said, gathering her things. âLetâs head back now.â
âYeah,â Eli scoffed. âIâll handle Troy later.â
The three made their way back to the lodge, with Angel running ahead. Trailing behind, Zoe looked up at Eli with a coquettish grin.
âYes?â Eli acknowledged with a raised brow.
âI just think I was really getting it back there,â she grinned. âWeâll need to do it again soon. I think Iâm perfecting my shot.â
âReally? I wouldnât say that based on your last one,â he half-smiled.
âI donât know,â she said, starting up the steps. âI think certain good things could be said about it.â
âLike what?
âLikeâŠ.â Zoe opened the door, and they could hear the clamoring and chaos at once. âOh, myâŠ.â She sighed.
âItâs probably best you tell me some other timeâŠâ he smiled. âIt looks like youâre needed in the kitchen.â
âMe⊠needed in the kitchen,â she laughed. âWords I never thought Iâd hear!â
âIâve gotta admit,â he smirked. âNeither did I. Perhaps I should join you.â
âYeah, wouldnât want any cooking breaking out with me unattended.â
âLead the way,â he grinned, âthen when Iâm done⊠Iâll handle Troy.â
(Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries drabble with the January prompts for Days 12, 13, and 14: Angry | Happy | Spa Day, Private | Public | Cuddle, Sunny | Grumpy | Partner
Rating Mature for some light NSFW
Masterlist
A/N I'm back from vacation (and recovered đ€Ł) and was inspired while on vacation for these particular prompts for one of my OTP's. It's a little long and angsty for the most part but that how's my mind with it đ
"Yes, I realize that!" Thomas snapped. "What I don't understand is how you can take a carefully crafted murder mystery and somehow convey it to look like a cheap slasher flick!"
Amanda winced in sympathy as she heard the young man's defensive response from where she was sitting. She knew Thomas was beyond livid over his new film's trailer not going like he had hoped. She also knew there was little she could say to fix the situation.
His usual (and treasured) trailer editor, Nyla Sibiya, was currently at home with the unexpected birth of her daughter. It seemed that little Thabisa did not take film schedules into account when she decided to come seven weeks early.
Thomas was stuck using an editor he'd never worked with and whom he now held a very low opinion of.
"Of course I expect you to try and fix it!" Thomas roared. "Why else would I call you to point out your errors if I thought it was perfect?!"
Amanda quietly escaped outside to the balcony to get a moment of peace.
Her surprise of a vacation for just the two of them seemed to be a wasted effort. Ever since Thomas received the first glimpse of a teaser trailer for his next film, he'd been on a rampage calling everyone back in Hollywood.
She'd been the one to check them in, get the luggage situated, unpack, order dinner, and even start a fire. This mountain resort in Wyoming was supposed to be the perfect place to spend some needed time together without any interruptions.
Amanda might as well not be there at all with what was going on. She knew the trailer was important. She also knew Thomas wouldn't be able to relax knowing it was in shambles. She simply wished it could have happened after their getaway.
"What are you doing out here?" Thomas bit out to her as he scrolled through his contacts. "You don't have a coat on."
Amanda summoned a smile though she didn't feel it. "I was just admiring the beauty of the mount--"
Thomas held his finger up to silence her. "Holly? Where have you been? I need you to drop what you're doing and--"
He shut the balcony door, allowing Amanda a chance to drop against the railing.
He returned a few seconds later with his coat which he draped along her shoulders as he continued to express his displeasure to his assistant.
Amanda tried to feel hopeful seeing him still be the man she'd come to love with such a simple, sweet act, but then he left her once more while griping about the trailer.
She began to wonder if she shouldn't just go ahead and go back home.
***************
The next evening...
"Thomas?" Amanda called out. "Dinner's here."
Grumbling under his breath, he stomped into the main room of their suite.
She smiled warmly at him. "I thought it would be romantic to eat by the fire."
He merely humphed as he pulled her chair out for her.
"Thank you." She tugged him down for a tender kiss.
His response felt absent minded at best.
His frown was still firmly in place as he sat down across from her.
"It's been a long time since we've been able to be alone together." She remarked.
He grunted in response as he poured some wine.
"We've both been so busy that it seems we rarely get a chance to say two words before falling asleep each night."
She continued to talk, determined to be unfazed with his lack of happiness or words.
"I'm so happy we get these next few weeks together to--"
He held his hand up to silence her as he answered his phone once more.
Amanda was starting to get sick of that motion.
"Yes, Holly? You did? Then send it to me at once." He ordered. "I'll review it and see what other improvements can be made to the butcher job that imbecile did."
He left the table to search for a pen and paper. After scribbling a few things down he told her he'd call her back.
Grumbling more about incompetence, he left for the bedroom.
Amanda's eyes narrowed as she heard rustlings coming from the room that had only been used so far for sleep and work.
Thomas returned with his laptop and sat down on the couch. Without a word or even looking up at her, he quickly pulled up the latest version of the trailer.
"Thomas?" She tried to say calmly.
"Hmm?" His brow furrowed as he watched the new edit.
"Thomas?" She repeated a touch more irritated.
He didn't respond. He instead began to jot down some quick notes to send to his assistant.
"Thomas!" Amanda snapped.
His eyes narrowed over her tone as he glanced up. "Yes?"
She gestured silently at the table set up for romance.
"I'll join you shortly." He muttered.
"Can't that wait until after dinner?" She asked.
"No. I would rather do it now."
Amanda's fingers tightened around her wine glass as she counted to twenty to try and cool her temper. She wanted this vacation to be one to remind them both why they were still in love. After the long work hours and being apart due to required travels, all she wanted was time spent with him. Even if they did nothing but cuddle and simply look out at the snow, she needed those moments to help her get through the next round of their hectic work schedules.
As the minutes ticked by, she realized that he wasn't going to return to the table anytime soon. She got up and began to put their plates in the refrigerator. She blew the candles out, set the flowers on the counter, then called for a porter to come take everything away.
Once all that was completed, she left the main room to close herself off in their bedroom. The dress she'd put on earlier in the hopes of sparking his desire was thrown in a wad into the closet. She got into a pair of flannel pajama pants then found an oversized sweatshirt to pull over her head for warmth.
Swiping up a book she'd brought along in the hopes she wouldn't need it on this trip, she flopped down on the bed and settled in to see what romance was like in the fictional world.
Thomas continued to work, having no clue how upset he'd made Amanda.
He saw red when the ex put his arm along the back of Amanda's chair. The closer he got the more of their conversation he could hear.
"I did no such thing!" She exclaimed with a smile.
"You did." Her ex playfully taunted. "And the tree still bears the marks."
She shook her head as the others at the table chuckled, eyes lifting towards the rest of the room, only to pause upon Thomas.
Her smile faltered over the dark expression gracing his face.
She got to her feet to introduce him to those he might not know.
"Thomas, look who I bumped into on the slopes." She slipped her arm around his waist once he stood beside her. "You remember Sir Jeremy Harrington?" She smiled at the rest of their group. "And this is his cousin, Lady Anna Thornton and her hus--"
Her introductions were smothered by his lips crashing down upon hers. She hung lifeless in his arms for a few seconds then slipped her arms up around his neck.
She didn't know what to think about him kissing her in a way he typically reserved for private when they were in such a public setting.
When he ended the kiss, his lips curved over seeing her dazed expression.
"Excuse us." He grumbled to those she was with.
Still dazed, she allowed him to lead her back toward their room.
Once in the elevator, he pulled her close to kiss along the sensitive spots of her neck.
Amanda clung to his shoulders, sinking against him.
His lips grazed her ear causing an involuntary tremble.
"I've missed you." He whispered.
Her eyes popped open at that. They narrowed as she recalled the last few days.
"You didn't have to miss me." She bit out.
Thomas lifted his head to see that her haze of desire had been doused rather quickly.
"In fact," she hissed, "you could have had me at any other time since we arrived."
She wriggled out of his arms when the elevator doors opened. Without a backwards glance she stormed towards their suite.
Thomas stalked in her wake, thoroughly confused by her reaction.
"Wait a moment." He pleaded once they were in their room. "What is the matter?"
"What is the matter?!" She screeched. "You now want to know what's wrong?"
His eyes narrowed. "Yes."
She clenched her fists. "I've been here trying to share time with you. But for nearly five days, FIVE DAYS THOMAS, you've been ignoring me, grumpy, and...and...and unresponsive!"
"I have not." He grumbled.
Amanda's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe he would deny it.
"Really?" Her sudden calm tone made the hairs on the back of his neck rise. "Then tell me, what did we do together last night?"
He hesitated. He knew what he'd been doing. He just wasn't certain what she'd done.
She stepped closer, causing him to instinctively take a cautious step back.
"And the day before, what did we do?" Her voice began to rise in volume. "And the day before that? And the day before that?!"
"I had an issue that needed to be worked on!" He argued. "You saw what they did to my trailer. You knew it needed to be addressed immediately!"
"Of course I knew that!" She snapped back. "I didn't mind you working on it. I minded that I was completely ignored and forgotten about! You couldn't even take a moment to eat a meal with me!" She turned away from him when tears sparkled in her eyes. "I would have listened to your worries and frustrations. But you shut me out completely. I might as well have not been here at all."
Her shoulders slumped as she finally voiced the growing worry this getaway had caused.
"You don't need me, Thomas."
His anger was quickly replaced with fear.
"Of course I do!" He reached out for her.
She moved out of his grasp. "You don't. If you truly did, you'd have shared your troubles over the trailer with me. Instead, you kept to yourself."
She grimaced as the realization became clearer.
"You didn't even try and have sex with me to rid yourself of stress. You didn't talk to me other than in grunts or if I nagged you into doing so."
Her nose wrinkled. "I don't like to nag and have no intention of doing so with my husband for the rest of my life just to get a simple response."
"Amanda," Thomas grabbed her before she could get away, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shut you out. I was--"
"But you did." She looked up at him, allowing him to see the tears in her eyes begin to fall. "And you did it without any thought whatsoever."
She swallowed against the growing lump in her throat. "You are the first person I want to talk to when something goes wrong at court. I need you and your encouragement."
"I need yours too." He argued.
"No. You don't."
He let her go so that he could pace and think. He tried to find the words to help her see that he did need her.
"I do. You don't understand."
She folded her arms while waiting on his explanation.
He blew out a frustrated breath over the skeptical expression upon her face.
"You've never demanded anything from me." He began. "Which, coming from my world, is an anomaly in itself." He snorted. "I can't think of anyone in Hollywood that would put up with not being the center of attention.
She remained silent so he could continue.
"Having you here, demanding nothing from me, was what I needed to get through that trailer debacle. Knowing I could turn to you if I needed to or remain silent was the comfort I had in you being here. Just seeing you sitting there, reading, handling everything else so I could focus..." He raised his eyes to hers.
She still appeared to doubt what he claimed.
"Why do you think I proposed to you?" He abruptly asked.
"Because you said you were in love with me." She mumbled.
"I am very much in love with you." He stepped closer to her. "Yet, I've been in love before and didn't propose to them."
Her brow furrowed as she tried to understand.
"I didn't need them in my life." He explained. "None of the women I was with before you gave me what you give. There was no patience. No comfort. No letting me rant like a man possessed until things were right once more." He gently cupped her face. "You are the only one to give me those and the peace my life lacks."
She bit down on her bottom lip as her stray tears continued to fall.
"Oh." She replied.
He wiped her tears as he waited for her to say something else.
"Can you forgive me?" He asked softly. "May I have a chance to make up for my actions?"
She nodded stepping into his arms.
The tenseness left his body when he felt her arms slip around him. He hugged her close, pressing his lips to her forehead.
He knew that making her his partner in life would take some adjustment. Thomas would now have to remind her from time to time what he appreciated about her, especially when he dealt with the trials of filmmaking.
Thomas closed his eyes when he felt her lips seek his for a tender kiss.
He would find a way to make it up to her.
******************
A few nights later, Thomas popped open a bottle of Champagne. His attention drifted back to Amanda. She was wearing the dress she'd worn that night she'd ordered a romantic dinner for them. He'd been so distracted with the trailer that he had not truly appreciated her figure clad in burgundy.
His eyes moved along her curves as she stood before the fireplace. Her attention was on the flames licking at the wood while being completely lost in thought.
She jumped slightly when he joined her and pressed a glass into her hand.
"What are we drinking to?" She asked.
"To us." He tapped his glass against hers. "And all that encompasses."
Thomas watched her take a sip over the rim of his own glass.
He thought back over the last few days of him trying to make amends. He'd done all he could to make each moment special for her. He'd been nicer when they met up with those she knew back home for drinks one evening. He'd gone skiing with her and even scheduled a late night sleigh ride. They'd spent a lot of time simply cuddling by the fire and discussing their upcoming wedding and future together.
Amanda looked up at him with a puzzled expression upon her face when she noticed his attention solely on her.
"What?"
His lips curved in response. These past few days have been a sweet time for them. But now, he had other thoughts in mind the longer he saw her in that dress.
"Thomas." She prodded. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Like what?" He set their glasses on the mantle.
"Like that." She slid her arms around his neck when he pulled her close.
"I believe you know very well why I'm looking at you like that." He murmured before kissing her.
His fingers trailed up her back until they found the zipper. He slowly tugged it down to allow the velvet material to drift down her body.
He followed it, kissing each new piece of revealed skin until he had her beneath him on the floor. His tongue licked at her most sensitive areas causing the moans he loved to hear escape her lips.
Between the heat of his touch and the warmth of the crackling fire, Amanda could feel her body temperature rise to a fevered pitch.
In the midst of seducing her, Thomas leaned up on his elbows to simply look at Amanda. The flushed skin, shining eyes filled with a mixture of love and desire, and her hair tousled from his fingers; was what he loved seeing.
He needed to see her like this from his touch.
"Thomas?" She said in a breathless voice.
Her hand raised to caress his cheek while her eyes searched for the reason for the intensity of his gaze.
He pressed a kiss to her palm, a soft smile forming upon his lips.
"I love you." He told her. "More than you can possibly imagine."
"I love you, too." Her lips parted under his as he resumed kissing her senseless.
When his mouth moved down her body, her last coherent thought was that his heartfelt words and this, all this, was what she needed from him.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Characters: Cassie Valentine (F!MC), Max Valentine (OC), Robert & Olivia Valentine (OC)
Format: Manip / Fanart
A/N: I had this bold ambition to show the Valentine family together: Cassie & Max with their parents. I wasn't sure I could pull it off, but I'm pleased with the results. It's not perfect, but that's okay.
Submission for @choicesjanuarychallenge Day 14 "public"
