Regulations

Last night’s dinner with my mother and sister was tolerable, ironically thanks to Ethan. I hate to admit but that son of a bitch really did save me in the moment.

Today was my day off which meant I get to jog in the morning. Luckily no plans with my family but unfortunately I’d have to meet Ethan later at the afternoon to discuss our arrangement, if I could even call it that.

I hope into an outfit that was comfortable enough to jog in, an oversized grey jacket with a white tank top inside and grey shorts that matched my jacket. 

Once I open my door Im greeted by a devilish presence.

"As expected, just on time Cupcake," he said, flashing a pearly grin.

"Ethan," I greeted..

I guess we can talk about our plan right now instead of jogging. Getting work done before leisure time is preferable.

I grab the collar of his shirt and lead him inside his apartment. “Woah, slow down cupcake. I could always take you to bed after you finish your Saturday Jog,” he teased.

“You know I only Jog at Saturdays?” I’m taken by surprise cause I didn’t think anyone else would even notice.

“Yeah. You always wear these kind of things,” he said glancing over my body.

“What things?” I said, suddenly having the urge to cover up.

“You know…” he said as I stared with him with confused eyes.

“All sexy and comfortable,” he clears up.

“If sweating is your idea of sexy then I guess it is,” I stated.

“Mhm” he said with a smirk

"As you know I asked for us to meet so we can discuss what will be occurring between us." I changed the subject 

He snorted and then went straight to the sofa to lean back against the dark leather, appearing carefree. He teased, throwing his big arm behind the sofa, "Getting right to the point aren't we?”.

I spoke in a neutral tone, ignoring his taunting remark and the toned forearm behind me.

"During our relationship there has to be rules so we both feel comfortable. The first rule is that you must dress appropriately when you are to make any appearances with me,” I watched him closely for any indication of disapproval as I said.

“Secondly, you have to go with me to any events I have to go to. Third, you won't humiliate me in front of my family,” I continued.

He laughed, falling deeper. I narrowed my eyes at the position he was in, looking like a teenager being told to take out the trash. "Do you have a bonding contract for me to sign too?" he asked. I wasn't going to reveal to him that I was considering whether or not to draft a contract before coming over, though. Although I believed it would scare him away, I would have liked written confirmation of his agreement to cooperate. It turns out that he finds the idea humorous. 

"Can you take this seriously?" I said with a harsh tone.

He adjusted his position, putting his arm back at his side, sitting up like a gentleman, nodding, and to my amazement, all fun vanished as he abruptly became serious. He nodded and signaled for me to go on.

He nodded, raising his hand like a child, "The fourth rule is no speaking about any subject I haven't trained you to talk about."

"Just wondering what color my leash is,” he said qith a smile on his face.

I repressed the temptation to charge toward him and punch him in the smug face while gritting my teeth and squeezing my fists on my lap.

I shot out of my seat, exclaiming, "Ethan, this is serious. If you screw up, I'll be humiliated again." 

His black brows pulled together, and the grin vanished as he looked at me with softened eyes. His grey eyes were asking the silent question, and I was relieved that he didn't inquire about my error because it caught me off guard.

He said, "Alright, I’m sorry, I'll be serious now," with his eyes fixed on me. Ethan could never disgrace me since he would be accepting these conditions.

“Fifth rule, no flirting or inappropriate behavior with other ladies while you are to be with me,” I stated.

Ethan shook his head and added, "I wouldn't do that. I rolled my eyes and resisted the impulse to tell him to stop being so annoying. That statement was a lie that I had already heard.

I responded, my eyes narrowing, "Sixth rule, no inappropriate touching unless necessary."

"Any other rules?" he asked, raising one brow.

"Not at the moment, no," I said with content.

"Good, now I can tell you my rules." He said with confidence.

His what? 

My smile dropped as I've never anticipated Ethan to have come up with any regulations. He would probably remark something absurd like, "We have to share a bed," knowing him. I nodded after gathering my composure and letting him continue.

"Rule number, one you can't boss me around," he said with a smirk.

I answered, "But that goes against all my rules." He gave me a shrug and leaned back, knowing that I had no choice but to acquiesce since I had already introduced him to my family.

I sealed my mouth and waved my hand as a signal to continue. 

“The second rule is that I can talk to anybody I want, whenever I want, about anything I want.” He stated.

If his next rule was anything like the first two, I could have sworn by grinding my teeth together that I would be toothless. He was purposefully inventing these regulations to conflict with my rules, as seen by the arrogant, self-assured smirk he wore. 

I bit my bottom lip to contain my laughter at the third rule: "Rule number three, you can't have any relationships till this crazy arrangement is over." Did he really believe that if I was capable of a real relationship, I wouldn't have asked him to pose as my boyfriend? The sour truth was absurd; it was profoundly sad but nevertheless absurd.

I shook my head and added, "I can agree to the last one but not the other two." 

He pushed off the sofa and stated, "Not negotiable, babe.” I watched him pass the identical doorless entryway that went into my apartment's spacious kitchen while aiming daggers at his fleeing back.

As I crossed my arms across my chest, I considered the many scenarios. On the one hand, given how much more I depend on his assistance than previously, I could give in to his silly regulations. I could also punch him in the face and tell him to put his sh*t rules up his ass, which is what I've been wanting to do ever since I walked into his place. I wanted to charge into the kitchen and give him a side-kick to the straight nose. 

I need the jerk, as painful as it is for me to admit it. I was ready to call him as I sighed quietly when he came back carrying two beer bottles. I took the open beer and muttered a thank you before glancing down at the bottle and realizing that I had to swallow my pride once more.

"Fine, I agree." I muttered.

He raised the caramel-colored bottle to his mouth while fighting the urge to smile, and for a brief moment I considered retracting my statement. Instead, I drank the perfectly chilled beer, savoring how cold it was as it trickled down my throat. 

As he sat down next to me, he inquired, "What specifically do I need to do?"

I shrugged in response, not knowing what a "normal boyfriend" would say or do. It's not as if my few relationships serve as excellent models and serve as an inspiration for all relationships, real or imagined. 

"You know holding hands, smooches here and there, couple stuff," I continued. 

Nicknames like the ones you warned me not to use when addressing you, he said. 

"Yes, but only in public." I retorted. 

He said, "Hmm, so I can kiss you whenever I want?"

I nodded, swallowing the sour words on the tip of my tongue, knowing they would threaten to sever his beautiful plump pink lips with their poisonous words. Ethan turned his body to the side so that he was facing me. His eyes sparkled, and he grinned lopsidedly. The ass was loving this.

"So I could touch you and you wouldn't-"

I growled at the thug, "Only when it is absolutely necessary or else I will pull your fingers off." 

His deep, rhythmic laughter filled the wide apartment, and the calming, male sound sent a chill down my spine. I detested how something as simple as laughing could affect me in this way. Perhaps I've been alone for too long.

Lifting my chin I rolled my eyes a playful twinkle betrayed his last sentence, no doubt he was half kidding, "Relax cupcake. I was only teasing you." 

"So, when do we begin?" 

I shuddered at the unexpected public gathering that my evil sister had planned on purpose, believing that I wouldn't have a boyfriend, as I remembered Stacy's invitation. 

"Tonight." 

Ethan asked with a tinge of surprise, "Tonight?"

Nodding, I took a sip of my beer again, enjoying the shocked expression that had replaced his smug grin ever since I had entered his home. 

“You met my sister yesterday, and she invited us to her big announcement tonight, and I told her that we accepted the invite,” I said.

He repeated, "Public?" as his eyes grew wide. Not so sure of yourself anymore, huh? I turned to face him and nodded while a faint smile played across my lips in response to his distress. I almost chuckled. Where is Mr. Cool and Confident at this moment? 

I sneered, "Is that a problem?" 

“No, it's not a problem at all,” he said after clearing his throat and again adjusting his position.

As I got to my feet, I set the beer down. Ethan rose up while still appearing as though I had commanded him to go outside butt-naked while I watched. I'll leave this place happier than when I arrived only on the strength of that thinking. Who would have thought the playboy would lose it over a simple public party?

"Where are you going?" he asked

"Jogging, just as I planned to. We'll discuss your payment when I return."

"I don't want your money," he said with confidence and pure dignity..

No money?

""Then what do you want?" I asked, fearing his response.

"Whatever I want, whenever I want." he replied his grey eyes shimmering with a grin on his face.

Ethan followed closely behind me like a lost child trying desperately to get back to safety as I rolled my eyes and headed for the door. His broad handheld me firmly by the elbow while the heat from his palm seeped through the blazer. His touch made my skin tingle like a desperate teenage girl.

"You're just going to leave?" He asked.

I yanked my arm away and stared at him because I detested the tingling sensation that his touch gave me.

"Yes, I'll be back in an hour so we can discuss our story before we get ready.”

With that I continued forward reaching for the door knob hoping we had time to discuss our story before heading to the party. One wrong move and everything could blow up in my face and at a public event never less. Knowing my family they will have plenty of questions and I plan to be prepared for them. I had to be there was too much riding on tonight.

"Dress casual,” I called over my shoulder as I walked out and proceeded with my jog.