Intractable Souls : Book 1 of the Bound for Ireland Series (19 page)

Her playful manner kick starts a rush of
testosterone that he can’t ignore. “Well that’s your prerogative,
Olivia. But I assure you that it’s true.” His smile fades and he
prowls towards her like a hungry lion stalking his prey as he makes
his way to the desk and places his hands on either side of her,
trapping her there. He smells so good that she feels giddy and her
heartbeat kicks up a notch. Denying her any space, he moves in
closer, pinning her between his desk and his rock hard body. Her
body reacts, heat surging and moisture gathering between her legs.
Afraid she doesn’t have the will to fight him, she plans her
escape. “I really should go find Scott. He’ll be waiting for
me.”

“You’re here to see Scott?” He leans back so
he can look at her, feeling wounded and she can see it in his eyes.
She leans back further, trying to move her body so that her
sensitive breasts are no longer pressed against him.

“Yes, well… kind of. My car is fixed so I
was returning the fleet car. I’m going to do some shopping this
afternoon and then Scott is going to drive me home.”

His mood swings from playful to petulant in
a split second. “You drove all the way to the city to return the
fleet car? Why would you do that?” He snarls at her.

Scott was right. He’s pissed! “I was having
someone arrange to pick it up.” There is no hiding the annoyance in
his voice.

She shrugs her shoulders. “Don’t be mad. I’m
just used to doing things for myself.“ Ethan stands up straight,
releasing her from his muscled cage and moves to the other side of
the desk, growling audibly. Picking up the phone, he pounds one of
the buttons and waits. “Please let Mr. Parker know that I will take
Miss James home myself.” He hangs up and looks extremely pleased
with himself.

She turns to look at him with her mouth open
in disbelief and her arms crossed. “Really? What makes you think
that I want to go home with you?”

“Not home. I have an errand to run and I’d
like you to go with me.“

Ignoring her obvious objection to him taking
control, he picks up the phone again. “Clear my afternoon, I’m
leaving for the day.” He glances over at her as he hangs up the
phone.

“Can you do that?” She’s impressed by his
position of authority. Ethan in charge is definitely a huge turn on
for her and it’s a fact that’s becoming increasing hard to
ignore.

He smiles at her. ”I just did.” Ethan is
used to getting everything he wants. And he wants Olivia. He will
do anything to have her.

“What are we going to do?”

“Shop for my new car. Give me two minutes to
change and then we’ll go.” After heading through a door into a
private bathroom, he returns momentarily wearing a pair of jeans
and a casual plaid cotton shirt.

She wonders if he could ever look anything
but fantastic. His beard is no more than a few days worth of
growth, neatly trimmed, and traces his hard jaw line down to his
perfect chin. She likes how it conveys his masculinity. Without it
he would look too… pretty. His boundless swagger has definitely won
her over despite her best efforts to resist him. She tries to
distract herself from thoughts that are causing her face to turn
red. If he notices her admiring him, it would certainly go straight
to his head.

“So what’s wrong with the car you have
now?”

He takes his wallet and keys out of his desk
drawer and puts them in his pocket. “It’s not mine. It’s a fleet
car as well. Since it looks like I’m going to be sticking around
for awhile I thought I’d buy myself something a little more...
stylish.”

“Sounds like fun. What did you have in
mind?” Olivia has just a little bit of a fetish for fast cars.

“I’m not sure. I thought we could take a few
out for a test drive.”

“Can I pick?”

Ethan laughs. “Pick what? The color?”

“No… the car. I know a lot more about cars
than you think.” She crosses her arms in front of her offended by
his comment.

“Well then, I guess this is your chance to
impress me.” He opens his office door and stands against the frame
forcing her to brush against him on her way out. She knows that
he’s done it on purpose and gives him a daring look as she turns
sideways and slides fully against his body, drawing from him a deep
raspy growl as her breasts brush against the taut muscles of his
chest.

As they reach the foyer, the receptionist
once again throws herself at him as they head for the elevator.
“Are you leaving for the day, Mr. O’Connell? Is there anything I
can do for you this afternoon?”

“No thank you, Hannah.” He pushes the
elevator button and waits, rubbing Olivia’s back with a nurturing
touch. One that she has missed the past few days. Feeling angry
eyes burning into her from behind, she turns her head to look over
her shoulder. If looks could kill then she would most certainly be
dead. The elevator door opens and as they get in and the heavy
steel doors begin to close, Hannah yells again. “Anything at all,
I’d be happy to…”

In the privacy of the elevator, Olivia looks
at Ethan and makes a face. “Amazing!”

“What do you mean?” He asks curiously.

“That she doesn’t tip over when she stands
up. Honestly how does she support those things?”

“What things?” He knows that his best
defense here is to play dumb.

“Seriously? Her boobs!”

“Oh, I hadn’t noticed.” He tries not to
smile.

She rolls his eyes at him. “Whatever, like
I’m supposed to believe that?”

It’s a long way down and Olivia starts to
fidget uncomfortably. As they stop to pick up a few more people she
begins to visibly look distressed. He reaches out and touches his
hand to her hip making her jump. “Are you ok?” He asks
concerned.

She takes a few short breaths. ”Yes, sorry.
I get a little anxious in elevators. I’m ok until people start
getting in and then I start to panic.”

“Claustrophobia? I hear it’s not uncommon in
elevators.”

Unsure on how to explain herself, she makes
a face. “Yeah, but it’s kind of strange. I’ve never had problems
before. It just started a few months ago.” She shrugs. “I have no
idea why.”

“We can get off on the next floor and wait
if you want.” His need to protect her is instinctive.

“No... I’m ok, I’m wearing my big girl pants
today. And besides I need to learn how to deal.”

When the door opens again and a few more
people join them, Ethan moves in front of her, shielding her from
the crowd and impressing her with his chivalry. The valet has his
car waiting for them at the front door and dutifully opens the
passenger door for her. She gets in as Ethan tips him generously.
“Thank you Mr. O’Connell. Have a nice afternoon, sir.”

As they pull away from the front of the
building, Olivia stares nervously at the small psychic shop,
remembering her warning. He will find you! Fear grips her by the
throat making her swallow hard and shiver.

While Ethan maneuvers them through the busy
city streets heading for the highway, Olivia takes a long look at
him. She has never met any Irish men before and she wonders if they
are all as handsome as he is. Who in their right mind leaves
Ireland to live in the little hick town in Dufferin County? It’s an
hour from anywhere for activities and sightseeing. Well it’s an
hour away from any form of excitement really. She’s intrigued now.
“So, why are you here? In Canada, I mean.”

He glances at her from the corner of his eye
while trying to concentrate on driving. “The Board of Directors
felt I needed a change of scenery.”

“Oh.” She figures from his tone that it’s
not something he wants to discuss so she decides not to press him
for more information. This is the first time that they have spent
time together when she’s actually enjoying his company. The
conversation is light and playful and she hasn’t felt this happy in
a long time.

When his phone rings, he looks at the
display and hits the hands free button. “O’Connell.”

“Mr. O’Connell, your offer has been
accepted.”

“That’s good news.” Ethan is pleased.
“Contact my assistant to schedule a time for you to come in with
the paperwork. When do I take possession?”

“Immediately, sir. I can give you the keys
as soon as you sign the paperwork and advance the money.”

“Very well, we’ll do that tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.”

He hits the end button and disconnects his
call then hits the #1 on the speed dial. His call is answered on
the first ring. “McCabe.”

“Hey, when is the next flight?”

“There’s one that gets into the Toronto
airport on Wednesday morning. There are still a few seats available
to book.”

“Nothing sooner?” Ethan is very eager.

“The only other flight leaves this evening
but it has a stop over somewhere in the Far East that requires I
take a two day journey by alpaca to the connecting flight.” He’s
joking of course.

Olivia laughs out loud and there is dead
silence for a few moments. Ethan smirks knowing what’s probably
going through John’s mind right now.

“We’re not alone, Ethan?” John’s voice takes
on a cautious tone.

“Sorry, John. No, we’re not alone.” He might
as well get it over with since he’ll meet her soon anyways.

“John McCabe this is Olivia James.”

“Hi, John.” She says loudly.

“Hello, Miss James. Ethan can I assume your
urgent need to have me there means that things have worked out as
planned?”

“Yes, and I would really like you here as
soon as possible.”

“I’m packed and ready to leave. Will you be
sending the car for me on Wednesday morning or should I learn how
to ride an alpaca?” There is humor in his voice revealing to Olivia
that John and Ethan must have more than a business relationship.
Ethan wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior from an employee.
Scott is very careful to mind his P’s and Q’s around him even when
they aren’t in the office.

The smile on Ethan’s face confirms her
assumption is correct. “It’s very tempting… but Wednesday is
fine.”

“See you then.”

“Travel safe old man.” Ethan disconnects the
call before John can retaliate and embarrass him in front of
Olivia.

She waits for him to elaborate on the
conversation that he has allowed her to overhear, but when he fails
to do so, she finally asks. “Good news I assume? Are you going to
tell me?”

“Oh, sorry. I think its good news. You are
looking at the new owner of the Headwaters Bar and Grill.” He can’t
hold back a proud smile as he says it, turning his head to watch
her expression.

She’s pleasantly surprised. “What?
Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Omg! That’s awesome.!” She’s excited, in
more ways than one.

Before she knows it, they are back in
Dufferin County and turning down the road where all the auto
dealers are. “We should have probably looked in the city. You won’t
find any Lamborghini’s out here.”

He raises an eyebrow in a quizzical manner.
“And what makes you think I can afford a Lamborghini?”

“Hello? Despite the fact that I’ve just
learned you have personally purchased a bar, I’ve also just seen
your office. I don’t have to assume you’re ridiculously rich.” She
laughs.

Ethan shakes his head in amusement. “Not
even close. I’m afraid I’m no where near a financial genius. I made
a few business deals early in my career that landed me huge bonuses
that I invested wisely. I don’t make an obscene amount of money,
just enough to live comfortably and buy the things I want without
having to worry.”

Olivia nods her approval. “That’s pretty
awesome, Mr. O’Connell!”

Ethan is shocked and he looks at her with
wide eyes. “No way! Have I finally impressed you, Miss James?

She rolls her eyes and grins. “Don’t let it
go to your head. I’m sure you’ll do something to spoil it
soon.”

Shaking his head, he chuckles. “No doubt.
You’re a tough crowd to please.”

They spend the next couple of hours walking
through import car dealerships getting in and out of cars and
listening to the well-rehearsed sales pitches of the staff. Olivia
begins to get bored. The last stop on the north side of the road is
one of the few high-end dealers in town. Ethan gets out and is
immediately drawn to one of their top of the line models. She lets
the sales rep jump through all the hoops and patiently tags along
on the test drive. When they get back into the boring grey company
car Ethan is excited. “You’ve been awfully quiet for someone who
claims to know something about cars. Do you like that one?“

Olivia has been itching to get a few
thoughts off her chest and since he’s asked. “It’s ok, for a girl’s
car.”

Ethan looks at her with a confused look. “A
girl’s car?”

“Yes, it looks like a girl’s car, all
little, curvy and squishy. It’s... cute. But then… if the hair
fits.” She pauses and avoids his look knowing this could turn into
a playful conversation or an all out argument.

He raises one eyebrow. “Are you saying that
you don’t like my hair or that you don’t like the car?”

She purses her lips tightly together and
says nothing. Ethan tries to read her body language. “I see.” He
finishes. “You don’t like either then?”

She chuckles aloud. “I didn’t say that.” Her
laughter is a welcome sound to him since he’s experiencing a little
anxiety, not knowing if she is serious or teasing.

“I thought North American girls loved men
with long hair?”

“Yes we do. If they’re wielding a sword and
slaying dragons.”

Her sarcasm amuses him. “Well then, if you
don’t like any of my choices what would you suggest?”

“Well, I’ve never been too impressed with
performance imports.” She smirks, pleased with her likening of him
to one and wondering if he caught on.

He caught on all right and he accepts her
challenge. “Well perhaps you’ve just never given one a chance.” He
raises his eyebrows, flirting competently.