Total Control by Desiree Wilder Page A

want when you get home.”
    “ Thanks for understanding, but if you let me have all of you I want, one or both of us could get injured.”
    I laughed . “I can handle it.”
    “Talk to you later, Superman.”
    “I can’t wait, She-Ra.”
    I sat there, staring at the picture of Hotness. I was completely in awe of her. Everything about her was everything I’d ever dreamed of having in my life. I smiled as I thought of her silliness, which pleasantly broke up the seriousness I’d been living for so long. She was a beautiful breath of fresh air and I was head over heels for her. I laid back down on my bed. My head was still throbbing, so I closed my eyes and tried to relax.
     
     

 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 11
     
    Gia
     
    I watched out the airplane window as the city got smaller and smaller. I turned and looked at Dana and Jo. They were both smiling at me. I felt like a child.
    “Gia, we’re so proud of you!” Dana squealed.
    “Yes, and so happy to be able to come with you and spend a couple of days with you before you check in,” Jo added.
    “Thanks for everything , you guys. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” Tears welled in my eyes. I was feeling rather emotional after having to say good-bye to Ethan.
    “It’s okay, sweetie . Let’s focus on having some fun. We can be serious Monday morning, but not until then!” Dana said.
    “How about some wine?” Jo asked as she waved at the stewardess.
    “A toast to Gia, may she get home soon feeling better than ever!” Jo said. We clinked and drank.
    “So,” Dana started, “tell us about Ethan! We haven’t even had a chance to talk since the festival!” She was right, and I couldn’t wait to share my happiness with them.
    I stared at the back of the seat in front of me, trying to find the words. “He’s…well, he’s the fantasy, every woman’s fantasy. Totally gorgeous, with a body that bulges in all the right places, kisses like the first time every time, smart, successful, thinks of my needs before his own, and makes me feel like the sexiest woman in the world.” I sighed and looked back at them.
    “Wow!” Dana said, smiling.
    “Gia, that’s so sweet! Is there anything you don’t like about him?” Jo asked.
    “No. I mean, there’s one thing I didn’t think I cared about, but I’m realizing now maybe I do.” They were both looking at me curiously.
    I told them the whole story about how Ethan had seen me before and wanted to meet me. They both thought that was very cool. Then I told them about how Ethan has had a lot of sexual relationships with women, but not much more with them. Their faces were a little concerned about that.
    “He slept with Bridget Evans a few year s ago, before she was married.” Their eyes grew big. “I don’t know the details, and I don’t want to, but I’m having a little trouble with it. It makes me wonder who else I’m gonna run into. There are a lot of women we know who have been going to shows up there as long as we have. And then, the fact that he hasn’t had an actual relationship with anyone scares me, too.” I was relieved to have said all that out loud. It was the first time I was facing the fears of allowing myself to fall for Ethan.
    “I hate to admit it, but that scare s me too, Gia,” Dana said. “I know he’s a great guy, and I can tell he really cares about you, but I’ve been with the ‘afraid of commitment’ guys and they’re tough to break.”
    “Yes, but if he was too busy to have a relationship, and he told the women that up front, not to mention the fact that he’s had his eye on Gia, you gotta cut the guy a break.” Jo came to Ethan’s rescue.
    “That’s true,” Dana said, “but Gia, you’ve got to be careful. It’s one thing to hook up like you two did at The Lock, but turning that into a relationship is something else. Especially with someone who’s never been committed to anyone before. He could break your heart and you’d never see