Stitches and Scars Read Online Free PDF Page B

just have some bruising,” he said after a few minutes and gently placed her hand back in her lap. “You may want to put some ice on it when you get home, though.” Their eyes locked, and Kate could feel the palms of her hands getting sweaty. “Well,” he continued, “this is the second time we’ve met, and I still don’t know your name.”
    “That’s because I didn’t give it,” Kate teased.
    “Ah, so that’s how you’re going to play,” he said with a laugh.
    “Play? Why, I don’t believe I know what you’re talking about.” Kate batted her lashes exaggeratedly and didn’t hold back her smile.
    “I’ll go first. My name is Ethan. It’s nice to meet you.” He extended his hand and waited for her move. He had a moment of doubt where he wondered if she’d turn him down, and let out a silent sigh of relief when she placed her hand in his.
    “Kate. And it’s nice to meet you too.” They shook hands and both took their time releasing their grasp, not wanting to lose the connection they felt. They sat in silence, staring at each other for what Kate felt was hours but was pretty positive was only a few seconds. She felt the same tangible energy from yesterday swirl around them and her head started swimming. The room around them began to spin, and Kate knew she had to breathe or it was likely she’d pass out. Slowly pulling her eyes away from his, she looked down at the table, willing herself to take a breath.
    “Do you come here often?” Ethan asked.
    “Sometimes, but only when we want to go hunting,” Kate blurted out. Her eyes grew big upon realizing what she’d just said. “Umm, I mean, yeah, sometimes when my friend’s boyfriend goes hunting.” She stumbled with her words and failed miserably.
    Ethan held back his laugh. “Hunting?” he repeated curiously.
    Kate quickly tried to change the subject. “So, did you have a good time at the gallery last night?”
    “Yes, but I would have liked to have stayed longer. Sometimes my work pulls me away and—”
    The distinctive ring of Ethan’s phone cut him off mid-thought. With a resigned sigh, he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He immediately recognized the number from the hospital and knew that he didn’t have a choice but to answer. “Speaking of work,” he said, holding up his cell. “I’m going to have to take this.” He looked apologetically at Kate as if waiting for permission.
    “Oh. No, go right ahead. I should probably get back to my friends anyway. I’ll see you around.” Kate smiled shyly and started walking back to the dance floor before Ethan could stop her.
    The further Kate walked away from him, the louder the voice of protest in her mind became. What are you doing? The voice yelled. Turn around and ask him for his number or something!
    She knew that if she was going to make a move, she’d have to act fast. Holding onto what little courage she had, Kate closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned around to face him. But when she opened her eyes and mouth to say something, he wasn’t there. Glancing around desperately, she searched the bar thinking that maybe she’d just missed him. He was nowhere in sight.

 
     
    Chapter 4
    Magic
    K ate searched the dance floor looking for Ethan, but it was pointless; he was nowhere to be seen. Disappointment settled in her stomach, and she went to find Sophie and Elle.
    “Did you think we left you or something?” Elle yelled into Kate’s ear. “You looked frantic.”
    “Yeah, are you okay?” Sophie stopped dancing and looked into Kate’s eyes, trying to read the expression on her face.
    “I’m great. Aside from the creepy guy that tried picking me up, refused to take ‘no’ for an answer, and about ripped my hand off, I’m fine.”
    Kate attempted to sound aloof about the whole situation, but she still felt anxious. And it wasn’t because of the creepy guy. It was because of the gorgeous guy who’d saved her from him. It was the second time she’d met him