Chapter Two

Third Time is the Charm?

I usually hated my Friday evening shift at the Java Hut, it was either really busy or really slow but today I was looking forward to working tonight. It was the only night where I was fairly certain that I would not run into Ethan Carter. Ever since I sat and talked to him, he had been to the Hut every single day, ordering different random drinks. Drinks that I just knew he really didn't want to drink. He was just trying to see me and I couldn't understand why. He claimed that he was interested in me, but I knew that was a lie. He even went so far as to ask me out each time he was in! It was a mean and cruel joke just like the guys in high school would play on me. They would pretend that they liked me and made me really think that they did but then they would pull the rug from under my feet and reveal that it was all a game. I just knew that's what Ethan was up to. He must've been a real mean person to give me so much money in tips just to mess with me in the end. So be it, I enjoyed the extra $1,000 that I had made thanks to him.

I was busy manning the cash register while Kenny was on break. Kenny was awesome. I liked when I got to work with him. Kenny would make a great boyfriend…too bad he was already taken. His boyfriend, Mark, was a cute one too. Of course…just my luck. I was in my own world wishing that Kenny was straight when the bell on the front door rang signaling a customer. I looked up and my stomach sunk. It was Ethan! He was here! Why was he here at this hour? I looked at the clock, it was almost 8! Why was he here and how did he know I was working tonight?! I sighed and put on my professional mask.

"Welcome to the Java Hut. What can I get for you?"

"You can finally say yes to going out on a date with me." Ethan said removing his glasses and hooking them to his shirt.

"I'm sorry, but we don't have that on the menu." I said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Still playing hard to get, huh Mari?" Ethan leaned forward and looked at me deeply. I caught the scent of his cologne…I couldn't put my finger on it but it smelled like Cool Water. I loved Cool Water. Damn Ethan so much right now.

I backed away slightly and cleared my throat. "Is there something on the menu that you would like?"

"Well since you aren't on the menu, I guess I will take a large caramel mocha latte."

"Of course you will," I said taking his platinum credit card and running it through. I handed it back and brushed my hand against his. Sparks again, damn it! "Give me a minute and I will have your order ready."

"I'll be waiting over here for you." Ethan walked over to the waiting area. I shook my head and started on his drink all the while I could feel Ethan's eyes on me, especially when I had to bend down and get more caramel syrup. I finished Ethan's drink and slid the protective sleeve on.

"Here you go." I handed the cup to Ethan.

"Thank you, Mari." Ethan took a slow sip, keeping his brown eyes on me. "Mmmm, so sweet. Just like you."

"Ethan, what do you want from me?" I asked in frustration.

"I've told you what I wanted, Mari. I want you to go out on a date with me."

"Why? Why me? Why not Becky?"

"I don't like Becky. I like you."

"But Becky seems like someone that would be more your type..."

"Well, you're wrong. Now, will you go on a date with me?"

I frowned. He wasn't going to stop until I agreed to go on a date with him. I might as well just get it over with and say yes and wait for the laughs and the teasing that would come next. Maybe I'd be lucky and Kenny would come back from break and save me from the embarrassment that was about to come.

"Fine, Ethan. Fine! I will go out on a date with you." I clenched my fist and awaited for the laugher.

"Thank you. That's all I wanted you to say."

"Excuse me?"

"I said thank you."

"Okay, just get on with it, go ahead and laugh." I said growing angrier

"Laugh? Mari, why would I laugh?"

"God damn it, Ethan." I snapped. I couldn't deal with this anymore. I came from behind the counter and stood in front of Ethan and looked right into his eyes. "Why in the hell would you want to date someone like me? You are rich and hot and you can have your pick of any woman on the planet! Why in the hell would you want to go out on a date and be seen in public with someone like me?! I am fat and hideous and no one wants me! I know this is just a joke and you are going to reveal it so you might as well just do it now so I can get ready for the hurt." I felt myself becoming anxious and I could tell a panic attack was coming on. I had to calm down. I rushed over to a two top off in a corner and sat down to calm my nerves. While I was practicing my calming techniques, I heard a chair scratch the floor...someone was sitting at the table with me and I knew exactly who it was.

"Dayna, you have so much anger inside. Anger from other guys that have hurt you and mistreated you. I promise you that I am not like them. There is something about you that draws me into you. Ever since I first saw you, I can't get you off of my mind. I like you Dayna, I really do. I want you to believe me. I want to go out on a date with you and show you that I am not like those other guys. You are beautiful. I know you don't believe and you don't see it…but I am going to do everything in my power to show you how incredibly beautiful and sexy you really are."

"Did…did you really mean all of that?" I asked

"Yes Dayna. I did mean it all. Will you please give me the chance to show you that I am a real person?"

I bit down on my lip and thought. Did I really want to pursue this? Did I really want to take a chance with someone like Ethan? I took a deep breath. I knew I was going to regret this. "Yes Ethan, I will give you a chance. One chance."

Ethan smiled, his teeth sparkly white. "Mari," he whispered seductively "one chance is all that I will need. Next Saturday, 8:00. Text me your address and I will come and get you."

"Okay, but-"

"No, no buts, Mari. You agreed to the date. No going back now."

I sighed, feeling highly defeated. "You're right."

Ethan smirked and leaned forward on the table, raising my chin so I could look into his eyes...his gorgeous brown eyes. "I don't know what all of those others guys have done to you, but I'm going to show you that not every guy is an asshole. There are still good ones out there."

"Like you?" I questioned.

Ethan smiled this time and gently stroked my cheek. I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Exactly like me. I'll talk you soon." Ethan got up from his chair, grabbed his drink and exited the shop.

I sat there completely stunned for a number of reasons. I had just said yes to a date. A date! Something I hadn't been on in years. And of course, this date just had to be with someone that was completely out of my league. I replayed Ethan's words and they all sounded great, but deep down the negative thoughts just wouldn't let me think otherwise...all I could hear was that somehow...someway I was going to get hurt next Saturday.