Cherishing You Read Online Free

friends, so I told them to go ahead. Then of course, they tried to get me to go with them, but I was too worn out from the drive. I tried to lie down and relax, but all I could think about was Ethan. I finally gave in and went down to the old dock, sitting there looking across the water when he suddenly pops out of the trees. It was like, once again, just thinking about him made him appear. I don’t know how this keeps happening, but it’s starting to get kinda weird.
    Not as weird as what happened next though. I don’t even know why I was suddenly so mad—I just was. The next thing I know, I’m in his arms and oh, my God, it felt ah-maze-zing.
    Out of all the little hugs we’ve shared over the years, it never felt that good to be in his arms. All the fantasies and ‘what ifs’ could have never prepared my brain for the fire spreading throughout my body when he pulled me against that sexy-as-hell chest of his. Before I even knew what was happening, he had his big, strong hands circled around my hips and my arms wrapped around his waist. It was reflexive, I think, for both of us, yet it felt like home to me. And to think we almost kissed!
    Where did that even come from? Yes, I’ve had a crush on Ethan since forever, but never did I think he would look at me like he did tonight. His eyes were darker than I’ve ever seen, and they were filled with such desire it took my breath away. When he was staring at my lips like he was about to eat me whole, I think I melted right there in my panties.
    Then it hits me—this is Ethan. We were best friends, not lovers. He has Kelly, and why isn’t he home with her instead of here holding me? I refuse to be a home-wrecker, even if I did love him first. No, I won’t do it, and that’s final. It doesn’t matter how hot I felt with his arms around me, or how much he set me on fire, or how I’ve always felt like we belong together. He chose her all those years ago, not me. It broke my heart then, and it’s breaking me all over again.
    This visit won’t be over soon enough. I love my parents and was looking forward to being here with them, but I don’t think I can handle being around Ethan, especially after tonight. It hurts way too much, the pain just as raw as when I left.
    Being that close to him was more than I could handle, so I ran. I find myself in my room, once again lying on my bed, willing sleep to take me after this long, crazy-ass day. I toss and turn for what seems like most of the night before I finally drift off to sleep. When I finally do, I dream of him. Most of the dream is like all the rest—I run into him, we say awkward hellos, and then decide to talk for a while and catch up. We end up running through the rain, laughing, and then we’re hugging. We tell each other how much we love and have missed one another. Then he bends down to kiss me and . . . I wake up! Ugh!
    It’s the same dream, except this time when I wake up, I feel like I’m charged or something. I think back through my dream and replay it in my head. Hmm, something feels different, but I can’t put my finger on it. Oh well, it doesn’t matter anyway; Ethan and I will never have that kind of relationship, no matter how much he makes me go weak in the knees just by looking at him. Which reminds me of my decision to steer clear from him for the rest of my visit. I don’t trust myself not to throw caution to the wind and jump in his arms the first chance I get. I’ve pushed way too hard and dealt with too many sleepless nights thinking about him to start it all over again.
    It’s early, but I decide to get up and make the most of my day. The city has its perks, but the country life has my heart. I love to enjoy the sunrise on the front porch swing. I should go for my morning run, but I think I’m going to sit out there and relax for a bit this morning. It has a beautiful view, with rolling hills in the distance and green as far as you can see. I go out there with a hot cup of tea and my