Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) Read Online Free Page B

knows him, and on a first name basis!
    “Thanks, Kiaya. I’m sure it will be as you made it,” he says with a wink.
    This time I can’t stop my laugh from flying out of my mouth. “That’s not cheesy at all,” I snicker. All eyes turn to me, apart from Donnie, who is oblivious to the scene around him. Len looks confused, like he’s missed something. Kiaya silently laughs behind her hand. Ethan, well, I’m not quite sure what look he’s giving me, but it’s pretty intense. It doesn’t take me long to work it out though, as he gently brushes his finger up my thigh. My instinct is to expect pain after an intimate touch, so I involuntary flinch. My knee bucks up against the table and scares the life out of poor Donnie, who lets out a yelp. I’m going to be black and blue if I keep this up. First my head, then my arse, and now my knee. My face feels so hot; I know I must be scarlet.
    “Sorry Donnie, something made me jump,” I say as I desperately try to hide the fact I’m a little shaken.
    “That’s ok, Caitlin,” Donnie reassures.
    “So, what exactly made you jump?” Ethan says, his tone challenging as he raises one eyebrow.
    I’m not about to admit the truth, and he knows it, so I try to change the subject. “Kiaya, I better come help you now. Excuse me, everyone.” I need to get away from this guy before I embarrass myself, although I know it’s too late because the damage has already been done.
    “No, no, it’s fine, Caitlin. You stay there and rest; you seem to have had quite the startle. You didn’t get burned by something HOT did you?”
    I glare at her. Bloody friend she is! I’m glad she’s finding it funny. All eyes are on me now while I sit there squirming. A few awkward moments go by before I hear the tinkling of the doorbell. Never in my whole life have I been so relieved to see customers as I am right now. It appears a day-trip from a retirement home was dropped off right outside the door. Phew .
    Laughing, Kiaya says to Ethan, “You better let her out now.” Her help is better late than never, I suppose. Although, if the chance to get her back ever arises, she’d better watch out, friend or not.
    Ethan stands so I can slide out but doesn’t move far from the table. His position forces me to squeeze up against his very firm, beautiful body in order to pass. Believe me when I say it takes all of my willpower not to feel every contour of his muscles with my now sweaty palms. By the look on his face, he knows exactly what I’m thinking. The smirk is long gone, and he won’t take his eyes off me. Dipping my head down to break the eye contact, I say bye to no one in particular and walk off with a giggling-like-a-school-girl Kiaya. Dragging her with me, she whisper shouts, “That’s Ethan Kendricks!” Like she expects me to know what that means. “He’s co-owner of the gym next door, the gym you’ve just joined.”
    I stop in my tracks, “What!?” I say a little louder than intended.
    “You’ve joined my gym?” Great! He heard us, nosey bastard.
    Spinning around and seeing the amused look on his face, I can’t stop my mouth from opening, and I say in as sexy a voice I can muster, “Yes, I’ve heard it’s a good place to get really hot and sweaty.”  My bravery doesn’t last as I run off behind the counter to hide and take orders.
    I feel Ethan’s eyes on me for the next half an hour before he leaves with Donnie, but not before he drops some money in the tips jar. Ethan winks and says, “Thanks for the great service, Caitlin.” What an arse!
    I learn later from Kiaya that Ethan has taken Donnie under his wing. Donnie works at the gym, cleaning the equipment and helping out with whatever else is needed.
    “I’m bloody glad the lunchtime rush is over. That was hectic, and my back’s killing me.” I hopelessly attempt to rub at the sore patch but fail, as unfortunately, I’m not that flexible. 
    “It’s dead now, girls. You can both take your break now. Grab