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cariantha · 19 hours

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I love that pic of Ethan, too!🥵I wanted him to look younger and I could see him letting it grow out longer while he was still in school and according to the trends at the time.

And the flirting? This quote pretty much sums up Ethan's flirting game...

Thanks for reading, sweet friend!❤️

A Chance Encounter (1/3)

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series) Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Teen Category: Fluff Word count: 2.5K Series Summary: Ten years before meeting at Edenbrook, Ethan and Sawyer have a chance encounter during spring break.

Chapter Summary: Ethan comes to Sawyer’s aid after a minor accident.

Part One: The Meet-Cute

July 2022 - Boston, Massachusetts

As Ethan rounded the corner, he saw the woman waiting in the lobby slump out of her chair and hit the floor. Jumping into action, he rushed over and knelt at her side. Placing two fingers on the side of her neck, he checked for a pulse.

Out of habit, he called out the woman’s vitals. “Pulse is weak. She’s unresponsive.” Quickly scanning the gathering crowd, he spotted blue scrubs - the tell-tale sign of an intern - pushing through the bystanders. When his eyes landed on her concerned features, his heart slammed against his chest. “No fucking way.”

Shaking off the startling surprise and focusing on the blue-faced woman lying in front of him, he pointed a finger at the familiar face and crooked his finger. “You. Rookie. Get in here.”

If he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, the electric current that coursed through him when he clasped the nervous doctor’s trembling hand, was all the convincing he needed.

Once their patient had been whisked away and the crowd began to disperse, Ethan approached the wide-eyed intern, searching for a hint of recognition. He was disappointed when he found none.

“Doctor… that was… absolutely amazing!” she exclaimed.

His ego bruised, he reflexively hardened his demeanor.

She was taken aback when he delivered a harsh critique of her performance. “Amateur?”

The attending wore a look of warning on his face as the intern gave him a once over, sizing him up.

“Maybe you can give me private lessons,” she finally suggested, cool as a cucumber.

Remembering where he’d heard that line before, he couldn’t contain his laugh. “Ha! I just might, Doctor…” Stepping into her personal space, he reached for her ID card and read the name.

Sawyer Brooks

Ten years had passed without him ever knowing her name. They had agreed it was for the best to remain anonymous, to be realistic about their circumstances, to avoid attachment and unnecessary complications.

“Well, so much for that,” Ethan sighed as he made his way to the atrium.

March 2012 - East Hampton, New York

After a cramped five hour drive from John Hopkins University to East Hampton, New York, Ethan sat in a folding beach chair under a large rainbow umbrella. His toes dug into the cool, white sand as a refreshing Atlantic breeze blew through his overgrown chestnut waves.

His roommate and two medical school friends threw a football around at the water’s edge, but Ethan was content to sit and read, glancing up only occasionally when one of them dove into the shallows to make a dramatic catch.

Not far down the beach, he spotted two young women struggling against the wind to spread out a beach blanket. Small children skipped excitedly to the wet sand, scooping it up and filling their plastic buckets.

A short while later, large sets rolled into shore, the loud crashes pulling Ethan’s attention from his book. Giddy laughter called him back to the nearby beachgoers. The brunette woman, who stood knee-deep in the water, kept a watchful eye on the little boy and girl who chased each other with seaweed. At their blanket, the blonde stood and picked up a surfboard. In a cheeky hot pink bikini, her toned physique was on full display as she carried the board over her head down to the water. Her companions waved as she tossed the board over the surf and slid onto it, paddling out to deeper water.

The kids cheered when Sawyer caught her first wave. The young men playing catch nearby joined in, offering their encouragement each time she caught a wave. “Go, go, go!” They also offered a few fist-to-the-mouth “Dohs!” when she wiped out. After a particular gnarly spill, one of the men ogled as Sawyer stood up in the waist deep water and adjusted her crooked bikini top.

With his eye most definitely not on the ball, Tobias caught the incoming throw with his face. “Oof!”

Too exhausted to paddle out again, Sawyer called it quits.

As if it were happening in slow motion, Ethan watched intently from behind his Wayfarers as she emerged from the water. The rivulets running down her sun-kissed skin glistened in the afternoon sun. He found it sexy as hell the way she carried her board under one arm and pushed water from her hair with the other.

Having drifted a ways down the beach, Sawyer started walking back to her claim of sand. “Whoa!” she shouted, jumping back suddenly.

Running backwards into her path, Tobias nearly tackled her as he lept outstretched for the inbound football. “Sorry about that. Are you okay?”

“I’m good,” she sidestepped the stranger with slight annoyance.

He launched the ball back to his friends and signaled that he was done playing, quickly catching up to her. “Those were some impressive moves out there, Gidge."

"Pardon?" she asked with a furrowed brow.

"You know… Gidge… as in Gidget. The old-timey surf movie?"

"Yeah, I got the reference. I'm just surprised you know it."

He shrugged, "I was forced to watch it a thousand times growing up. My mom and sisters watched it all the time.”

As they walked back, Tobias asked if she was from the island. Sawyer shared that she was in New York for spring break with her best friend, Christian. Christian was the nanny for an affluent family from Los Angeles vacationing in the Hamptons for the week. The family, desperate to have their nanny join them on the trip, encouraged Christian to invite a friend to make the trip more worthwhile.

Sawyer asked the same question in return. Tobias explained that his current stepfather, his mother’s third husband, owned the house where he and his friends were enjoying their own break from medical school at John Hopkins.

Approaching his group, she saw a couple guys munching on chips and reaching for beers in a cooler. Behind them sat a dark-haired hunk with broad shoulders, strong pecs, and washboard abs. He had a striking profile, though his eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses.

Sawyer curiously stared back when Ethan turned in her direction. His head robotically tracked her movements as she walked past.

She was the first to break their staring contest, looking away when Tobias asked, “Do you wanna hang for a bit? Have a drink?”

“I should get back to my friend,” she answered, tilting her head toward Christian and the kids, “but maybe we'll see you around later.”

As she left a trail of footprints in the sand, Tobias called out to her. "See ya, Gidge! Maybe you can give us private lessons tomorrow!”

Spinning around and walking backwards, Sawyer shouted back to him with a teasing smile. "You can’t afford me!” Her eyes were drawn to Ethan again as she turned to face forward. There was an intensity in his gaze, even from behind his sunglasses, that made her pause before finally turning away.

“I’m disappointed she didn’t want to hang,” Tobias told his friends, taking a beer from one of them, “but wooo-weee, I am not upset to watch her walk away.”

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

The next day, while his friends were nursing their hangovers, Ethan took advantage of the remaining morning hours to get some exercise. Returning from his jog down the beach, he spotted the brunette and children from the day before, building castles in the sand. His eyes searched for the blonde, finding her out on the water. But as quickly as he found her, she disappeared, a rogue wave taking her by surprise. Ethan slowed to a stop when her board torpedoed to the surface without her. He stood in anxious wait for what seemed like several minutes. On this private stretch of beach, there were no lifeguards. There was no one else to come to her aid, and just as he was about to jump into action, her head finally popped out of the water.

Sawyer struggled to find her footing as another wave crashed into her back. Her shoulders slumping from exhaustion, she coughed violently to clear her lungs of the swallowed salt water.

Urging the kids to stay put, Christian ran to the water, offering her friend a steady hand. That’s when Ethan noticed the streaks of red running down Sawyer’s leg as she slowly dragged her board to shore.

“Oh my god, you’re bleeding!” Christian exclaimed, making her sit down on the board. “What happened?”

“My leash got hooked on a ro–” She stopped as a towering figure suddenly shaded her from the morning sun. Sawyer’s gaze traveled up his sweaty, shirtless body. When she reached his eyes, they mirrored the sparkling blue ocean behind him.

“Are you okay?” Ethan asked.

“I–I’m not sure,” she said looking down at her bloodied thigh. As Ethan crouched down to examine her wounds, she was momentarily transfixed by his handsome face, only snapping out of it when he lifted his eyes to hers. “You… you were with the Hopkins guys the other day,” she coughed again.

“I was.”

“Are you a med student, too?”

“I am,” he answered, returning to his full height. “Did you swallow much water?”

Sawyer shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“We’re staying there,” he pointed to the nearby estate, “If you’d like, I can help you clean and bandage those cuts and scrapes.”

“Could you, please?” Christian interjected. “I would help her back to the house, but I’ve got my hands full with the kids.”

Ethan nodded and waited for Sawyer’s consent.

“Okay,” she said, getting to her feet.

Ethan grabbed for the t-shirt he had halfway tucked into his back pocket. “I promise it’s mostly clean,” he assured, gently wiping some of the sand and blood away for a closer look. “You’ve got a pretty nasty cut here, but I don’t think it will need stitches. You can use this to keep pressure on it while we walk back.”

A jolt of electricity coursed through her when her hand covered his to take hold of the shirt. Sawyer suspected Ethan felt it too, their eyes flitting to each other as he slid his hand out from under hers.

When she made a move to lift her board, Ethan put his hand out to hold her back. “I’ve got it,” he insisted.

“Th–thank you,” Sawyer stammered, butterflies taking flight in her stomach.

They walked in silence for a couple minutes before Ethan burst the bubble of nervous energy that surrounded them. “You know, if you had agreed to those private lessons, I'd be asking for a refund right about now," he teased.

“Jerk,” she giggled, giving him a playful shove. Ethan returned a small smile, barely flinching when her hand connected with his rock hard tricep. “I never claimed to be a professional. Amateur at best.”

“Where’d you learn to surf?”

“Growing up I spent summers at my grandparents' beach house in San Diego. My brother and I found some old boards in the garage one year and we just taught ourselves,” she explained.

“Are you from California then?”

“Technically, Arizona. But I’m currently living in Cali for school. Caltech.”

“Caltech? Really?” he sounded surprised.

Slightly offended by his reaction, “Gee, thanks. Is that really so hard to believe?”

“No! Sorry, I meant no offense,” Ethan quickly apologized. “I meant it more like… damn. Caltech is known as the MIT of the west coast. What are you majoring in?” he probed, his interest peaked.

“Bio with a minor in neurobiology. I’ve been torn between going pre-med or biotech, and I really need to make a decision soon. I’m scheduled to meet with my advisor when I get back, to enroll for next semester.”

If he had not already been smitten by her beauty, her proven intelligence and passion for science would have certainly captivated him.

Before another awkward silence settled in, Sawyer began her own line of questioning. “What about you? Did you complete your undergrad at Hopkins too?”

Ethan shook his head. “No, I went to Brown. Pre-med.”

“Ivy League. Huh.” There was definitely a hint of prejudice in her tone.

“Who’s the judgmental one now?” he asked, whipping his head toward her. “I’ll have you know I was on scholarship and it was conveniently close to home,” Ethan defended.

“I was just messing with ya,” she winked. “That’s pretty cool actually. I’m on scholarship too. So, you’re an east-coaster then?”

“Yeah.”

The disappointing reality settled over them as Ethan escorted her through the garden gate that led into the private property. He showed her to the outdoor shower and propped her surfboard up against the side of the house.

“I’m going to grab a towel and a first aid kit. I’ll be right back,” he said, heading inside the beachside mansion.

Ethan paused just inside the house upon returning with the items. He peered through the large mirrored windows that provide privacy from the outside world. He watched as Sawyer tilted her head back to rinse the sand from her hair, as if she were putting on a private show just for him. The sun backlit her curves as she arched her back, creating a picture worthy of a magazine cover.

Sawyer was wringing out her hair when Ethan reappeared and offered her the towel. Guiding her to a nearby lounge chair, he gestured for her to sit. He knelt beside her and checked her wounds again, making sure all the sand had been washed away. Confident nothing required stitches, Ethan opened the first aid kit.

The mere thought of his touch made Sawyer’s skin prickle with goosebumps.

"This is going to sting," he warned before delicately dragging an antiseptic wipe over the affected areas. When Sawyer hissed in pain, Ethan gently blew on her skin, his eyes shifting up to hers to see if it eased the discomfort.

She wasn’t sure if it was his cool breath that caressed her skin or his mesmerizing azure eyes that distracted her from the pain. Whatever it was, the smile that spread across Sawyer’s face suggested that it had the desired effect.

“How long are you guys in town for?” she asked as Ethan applied ointment over her scrapes and bandaged the deeper cut. Sawyer tried hard not to laugh at the serious expression on his face as he concentrated on applying the bandage perfectly.

“Um… we’re heading back to Baltimore… uh… the day after tomorrow,” Ethan finally managed, smoothing down the edges of the large band aid. “You?”

“The day after that,” she shared.

Lacking an excuse to keep her there any longer, Ethan stood, offering his hand to help her up. “You’re all set.”

“Thank you. If your bedside manner is any indication, you’re gonna be one helluva doctor.”

Ethan’s cheeks blushed a light shade of pink, accepting the compliment with a shy grin. And as if they both realized it at the time, they let go of their still-joined hands.

Reluctantly, Sawyer tucked her surfboard under her arm to take her leave. “Well, thanks again,” she smiled and turned toward the house next door.

Ethan watched her take a few steps, feeling optimistic when she suddenly stopped and twisted sideways with her board.

“Hey-” she began to say, only to be interrupted by the sound of bellowing laughter.

Ethan followed her gaze behind him.

“There’s our always brooding, blue-eyed beauty!” Tobias called out, tackling his roommate with a provoking smooch on the cheek. “What are you making us for breakfast, bro?”

Annoyed, Ethan shoved him away. “Get off me, man.”

When he looked back, Sawyer was gone.

Part 2: The Hook-Up

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn

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cariantha · 22 hours

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This is the look on Ethan's face when Sawyer unexpectedly attends one of his lectures, and during audience Q&A, she steps up to the mic to ask him a question that's so impressive he can hardly contain his surprised but proud smile.😊

#ethan x sawyer #ethan ramsey #choices open heart #open heart #fic ideas

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cariantha · 2 days

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'Tis the season... given it's that time of year again, I was thinking about this fun fic.🥰

Prom

Book: Open Heart, Book 2

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks)

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff

Word count: 2.2K

Summary: Ethan helps Sawyer remedy one of her biggest regrets.

A/N: This fic was inspired by an ask from @jerzwriter who wanted to know whether Sawyer and Ethan attended their high school proms.

Sawyer slept peacefully in his arms for a couple of hours before waves of excruciating stomach aches began to crash over her. Having done everything he could medically, all Ethan could do now was hold her hand through it and hope that the others would be able to manufacture a miracle.

Sawyer could no longer diminish the severity of the pain. She cries and wraps her arms around her waist as the next bout of sharp cramping cripples her body.

“I know, Rookie… I know,” he gently rubs her back, feeling otherwise helpless. As her suffering subsides, Ethan eases her back against the pillow and dabs the tears from her face with a tissue. The dull reflection in her eyes concerns him. As the maitotoxin steals the strength from her body, the hopelessness of the situation robs her of the will to fight.

“What a waste,” she whispers looking up at the ceiling.

“What’s a waste?”

“My life.”

“How can you possibly think that?” he questions, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. With plastic-covered hands, he brushes some stray hairs from her face.

“I spent half of my life doing what I thought other people expected of me. I’ve spent the other half working myself to death to become a doctor. And for what? I’m finally at the finish line and it’s all been for nothing. I could have spent more time with my family. Hell, I could have had my own family by now. I could have traveled. I could have… I could have gone to prom!” she turns and sobs into the pillow.

“Sawyer, you can’t think like that. Don’t think about what you didn’t get to do. Think about what you’re going to do when you get out of this room.”

They both sit in silence for a moment when Ethan shakes his head with a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” she asks, wiping away the new tears.

“Prom? Really? That’s one of your biggest regrets?” he laughs.

Sawyer plays it back in her head and starts laughing with him, realizing how ridiculous it sounded.

“It’s stupid, I know!” she admits, “But it was just one of those rites of passage moments that I missed out on.”

“Why didn’t you go? It’s hard to believe that no one asked the smartest and most beautiful girl in school.”

Sawyer can't help the big smile that spreads across her face. A small win for Ethan as he tries to keep her spirits up.

“Thank you. No one got the chance to ask because I graduated from high school a year early. I didn’t get to do any of the senior year stuff like spring break, ditch day, prom, graduation parties…”

“I didn’t go to my prom either.”

“Really? Why?”

“I couldn’t justify digging into my college savings for an over-the-top one-time date. My dad offered to help with a little extra cash, but I didn’t feel right accepting when he still had to work overtime to make ends meet. And honestly, there wasn’t anyone I was willing to suffer through that kind of evening with.”

“If I had been in your class, would you have asked me?”

Thinking of all the things he would have done differently since meeting Sawyer, “I would have been the first in line to ask and I would have spent my whole damn savings just to impress you.”

She holds onto that thought as another agonizing wave of pain rolls over her.

********************

It’s been several months since the attack and Sawyer slips into a period of depression, the aftermath still too heavy a burden at times. All that hangs in the air as a result of the impending hospital closure causes overwhelming anxiety and sadness.

Ethan begins to notice the signs. Lack of interest. Withdrawal. Tiredness. Dwelling on the past.

To his credit, Ethan’s made quite the effort to remedy his biggest regret. Determined to make every precious moment count, he holds Sawyer in his arms every chance he gets and shows her as often as possible just how much she means to him. But he wants to do something more. Provide a distraction. Give her something to look forward to. Make up for lost time and missed chances. And that’s when the idea comes to him. He’s going to take Sawyer to prom.

********************

“Hey, Dr. Hottie! What brings you to my neck of the woods?”

“Kyra,” he warns.

“Sorry. I need to remember you can report me to HR now,” she laughs. “What’s up, Doc?”

“I was hoping for your assistance with a personal matter.” Ethan takes a seat in front of her desk and explains his idea. “Given your experience with event planning, I figured you’d be the best person to ask. So, what do you think?”

“What I think, Dr. Ro-man-sey… is you just got my vote for prom king.”

Rolling his eyes at the new nickname, “Ok, so where should we start?”

********************

A few days later, Ethan is in the cafeteria waiting in line for the cashier. From behind him, he hears, “Hi, Dr. Ramsey!”

“Trinh.”

“Kyra filled us in last night and I’m so excited for Sawyer. Let me know if I can help in any way.”

“Thank you.”

“So, how are you planning to ask her?”

“I was going to mention it tonight during dinner.”

“No, no, no,” she shakes her head, “You have to come up with a cute prom proposal.”

“A what?”

As they reach the register, Ethan pays for both of their lunches.

“Thank you!” She follows him to a table, sits down, and continues. “A prom proposal. Hold on… let me show you.”

Sienna pulls out her phone and opens the Pinterest app. She starts showing Ethan the different ideas and he vehemently shakes his head.

“No.”

“Ethan, it’s a major part of the prom experience nowadays.”

As he pinches the bridge of his nose, Sienna scrolls down the page, commenting on the different photos. “What about this one?... Ooh, this would be super cute… Aww, look how sweet…”

“Go back up,” he instructs and points. “That one.”

She pauses to consider, realizing that was probably as “cute” as it was going to get coming from Ethan Ramsey. “Yeah, that’s perfect. Here’s what I think you should do…”

********************

The next day, Ethan asks Sawyer to meet him for an afternoon break at Derry Roasters. He arrives twenty minutes beforehand to place a special order with the friendly barista who is more than happy to accommodate.

Arriving right on time, Sawyer greets him with a quick peck. “Hi.”

“Hi. I placed our order already,” pulling a chair out for her to sit. He notices the slump of her shoulders and the circles under her eyes. He reaches for her hand and holds it in her lap until their order is called.

“For Ethan!” the barista shouts.

“Here you go,” Ethan returns, strategically setting the cup in front of Sawyer.

“Thank y– wait, I don’t think this is mine,” she responds, looking around the café for a pair of teenagers.

“That’s your usual. It’s what I ordered.”

“Yeah, but it says, ‘Prom?’ I think this is meant to ask someone to prom,” showing him the writing on the cup.

“It is. So? Will you go to prom with me?”

“What?” she giggles, looking at him like he’s crazy.

“I want to take you to prom.”

Ethan can see the smile starting to form at the corner of her lips and a twinkle of excitement in her eyes.

Raising her eyebrows, “How are you going to do that?”

“I have my ways.”

“And when is this happening?”

“Saturday after next. You can go dress shopping this weekend.”

As she looks at the cup in her hand again, a huge smile spreads across her face. Her eyes start to glisten with happy tears and she moves into Ethan’s lap wrapping her arms around his neck. Placing a gentle kiss on his lips, “I would love to go to prom with you, Ethan.”

“Sawyer! Your date is here!” Sienna sings out. She and the other roommates all gather in the living room to see their friend’s grand entrance.

With one last check in the mirror, Sawyer makes her way down the hall. A vision in glittering gold sequins, but it's the sparkle that has returned to her emerald eyes that captures Ethan’s attention.

“Hi,” welcoming him with an uncontrollable smile. Her fingers run over the lapel of his tuxedo jacket, “Wow, you look great.”

“And you look–”

“Appropriate?” she teases.

“Will that joke ever get old?” he wonders out loud. Leaning close to her ear, “I was going to say hot. If we didn’t have an audience right now…” he trails off placing a kiss on her cheek. Offering his arm, “Shall we?”

“Oh, real quick. Si? Would you mind taking a couple of pictures before we go?”

Minutes later they step out onto the street and Sawyer can’t believe her eyes. “You rented a limo?”

“Of course I did. It’s the prom.” As the chauffeur comes around to open the door, Ethan reaches into his pocket. “I have something for you. Hold out your hand. It’s not the traditional flower corsage…” he explains clasping a vintage Tiffany’s bracelet around her wrist, “but I wanted you to have something to always remember this night.”

Looking up into his sincere eyes, she kisses him. “How could I ever forget?” wrapping her arms around his waist, “And in case I forget to tell you later... thank you for the most amazing night.”

While Ethan and Sawyer enjoy a five-star meal at an exclusive restaurant downtown, her friends change and head to the venue with their plus ones.

As the limo pulls up in front of the hotel and the chauffeur opens the door, Sawyer immediately spots a familiar face. “Alan?” she meets with a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I had to see my boy off to his first prom and get a photo for the mantel.” Taking a step back he squared up his phone, “Squeeze together and say ‘Prom!’”

Alan escorts them inside, and when Sawyer enters the beautifully decorated ballroom, her eyes begin to swell. There is a dance floor in the middle of the room flanked by a couple of tables on each side. On stage, a live band plays a Bruno Mars’ cover of “Just the Way You Are”, a popular song from the year Sawyer graduated high school. As she turns to Ethan, she sees a small crowd gathering behind them.

“What?!,” she spins around in shock, “I can’t believe you were all in on this!”

She hugs each of her friends and exchanges pleasantries with the newcomers. Elijah and Phoebe. Bryce came with his kid sister, Keiki. Jackie, Aurora, and Kyra with dates that Sawyer hadn’t met before. And Rafael who had suggested to Sienna that they go together, knowing she was still struggling to move on after Danny.

Off to the side, Sawyer noticed one other person.

“And where’s your date, handsome?” she kisses the older man on the cheek.

“Oh, I’m not here as a guest, my dear. I’m your chaperone for this lovely event,” Naveen jokingly clarifies.

“Well, I’m going to save you a dance anyway. As you know, I sort of have a thing for authority figures,” she quips, backing up and wrapping an arm around Ethan’s waist.

As the evening carries on, Sawyer hits the dance floor with her friends. Ethan cuts in for nearly every slow dance, only allowing turns for Alan and Naveen. Sawyer tries to get Ethan to stay for a couple of upbeat songs. Arm looped behind her and around his neck, she rocks her hips from side to side. Ethan stands in place, and with his hands on her swaying hips, it looks as though he’s moving along to the beat.

When the band starts playing another lively tune, Ethan makes his way to the bar for a drink.

“It’s like a trial run!” Naveen shouts over the music.

Alan clinks his glass against Naveen’s.

“What are you two conspiring about now?” Ethan interrupts.

“Naveen was just saying tonight could be seen as a trial run… for you know… da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-dum,” Alan hums with a crooked smile.

“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” Ethan rolls his eyes and moves around them. “Bartender, a double?”

After Sienna surprises them both by announcing Ethan as prom king and crowning Sawyer prom queen, the evening begins to wind down. Naveen offers to give Alan a lift back to Ethan’s apartment. The friend group splits off, some heading home while others continue their date night activities elsewhere.

Sawyer finds Ethan, his hand outstretched to tuck her into his arms.

“This has been the most amazing night. I don’t want it to be over yet,” she breathes into his chest while squeezing him.

“It doesn’t have to be,” he says, holding up a hotel key card. “I’ve arranged for a private afterparty in a suite upstairs.” Leaning down to whisper into her ear, “If you think I’m not going to make a play on my girlfriend and try to steal her prom virginity… you’ve misjudged me.”

“Well then, consider yourself lucky, Ethan Ramsey. Because I was definitely planning to put out for you tonight.”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @ofmischiefandmedicine @openheartforeverinmyheart @doriopenheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog

#cfwc throwback fics #throwback reblog #prom season #open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x sawyer #choices stories you play #choices open heart #playchoices

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cariantha · 2 days

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What books are your MC's and their LI's currently reading? What music are they currently listening to?

Hi Ren!👋🏻

Sawyer is currently reading Every Patient Tells a Story by Lisa Sanders, M.D. She's been taking notes, comparing it to Ethan's book, and playfully riling him up and teasing that it's her new favorite.

As for music, she has been listening to Benson Boone's new album.

Ethan is currently reading The Human Trial by Audrey Gail. It's a depression-era medical thriller.

When he's in the car alone, he's been listening to talk/news radio, especially if it has to do with Ed Farrugia's campaign.😡Sawyer has played some Benson for him, and he surprisingly doesn't mind it. In fact, the song Forever and a Day really speaks to him.😉

I bet we already knew our names before we met each other I bet we've sailed the Milky Way, walked on the Sun together How could I forget those emerald eyes? They took me by surprise, but suddenly, I missed your face I knew that smile from miles away I knew that I have loved you Forever and a day A day In all my lives, I've waited every time to hear you say "I'm yours forever and a day" I don't believe in destiny But I might have to say Your melodies, they're changing me I'm yours forever and a day

#thanks for the ask!#ethan x sawyer

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cariantha · 2 days

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It was such a fun one to write. I hadn't originally intended to flip between now and then, but it really tied everything together.

Thank you for supporting this mini-series, Tessa!💗

A Chance Encounter (3/3)

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series) Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Teen Category: Fluff Word count: 1.3K Series Summary: Ten years before meeting at Edenbrook, Ethan and Sawyer have a chance encounter during spring break.

Chapter Summary: Almost two years after moving to Boston and meeting Ethan Ramsey, Sawyer realizes her spring break dream guy and current boyfriend are the same person.

Part One | Part Two

Part Three: The Realization

March 2024 - Boston, Massachusetts

“Okay, okay! Truce!” Sawyer surrendered with breathless laughter. She and Ethan, and most of the surfaces in the room, were dripping wet in the aftermath of their impromptu water fight at the kitchen sink.

Ethan playfully swatted her bottom with a dish towel before he started mopping up the countertop. “Hey!” she jumped with a laugh. “You started it, mister.”

“Uh-uh. You did when you gagged at my recipe idea.”

“Sorry, not sorry. But it was a terrible idea. Who puts raisins in pasta? Who puts raisins in anything? Gross,” she shivered in disgust. Changing the subject, “Hey, speaking of terrible things… did you hear about all those spring breakers who ended up in the E.R. last night?”

“I did. I saw it on the news as well. It’s a miracle no one drowned. Fifty people crammed onto a pontoon boat… what a bunch of drunken idiots,” Ethan commented and shook his head.

“So, I take it you never did anything crazy or reckless on your spring breaks?” She stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. “Did you even go on any spring break trips?”

“Once.”

Nearly a year and a half since meeting in the lobby of Edenbook, Sawyer still hadn’t remembered their encounter over a decade ago. And Ethan didn’t want to tell her. He wanted her to realize on her own and was still hopeful she would. Something would eventually jog her memory and he wanted to witness the moment she finally connected the dots. The more senior doctor had always been fascinated with how his protege’s mind worked, how an everyday random thought became the key to unlocking a medical mystery. He wondered if it would be like that when she finally remembered. But then again, Sawyer didn’t even know there was a mystery to be solved, so maybe not.

“Once what?” Sawyer asked, walking to the dining table to collect the wine glasses, “Once you were reckless or once–” She cut herself off as her foot slipped out from under her. “Whoa!” she yelped, clipping her elbow on a metal cabinet handle as she fell on her rump. “Owww,” she whimpered, cradling her throbbing funny bone.

“Shit! Are you okay?” Ethan rushed to her side and crouched down. He peeled Sawyer’s hand away from her elbow and saw red. “Come here.” Scooping her into his arms, he stood and gently deposited her on top of the kitchen island. Reaching for a roll of paper towels, he tore a couple off. “Here, keep pressure on it. I’ll be right back.” A minute later he returned with a first aid kit.

Needing a distraction from the throbbing pain, Sawyer watched him sort through the kit. “Tell me more about your spring break. I can’t quite picture you partying on the beach in Florida. Isn’t that where all the east coasters go?”

“It was during med school,” he answered. “Tobias’ stepdad had a house at the beach, right on the water. We spent a few days there with a couple of other buddies from school. It wasn’t anything wild like the scene in Florida… pretty upscale… but Tobias did throw a big party while we were there.” Having gathered the needed supplies, he lifted the paper towels and examined the gash on her elbow. “What about you? Let me guess… Mexico? Lake Havasu? Vegas?”

She shook her head as she also assessed her injury. “I was on scholarship. I couldn’t afford to go anywhere. But sophomore year, my roommate invited me to go with her to New York. She was a nanny for a super-rich family from L.A. They let her bring a friend since she was giving up her spring break to travel with them.”

Standing between her legs, Ethan cleaned the wound. When Sawyer turned her head and flinched from the sting of the antiseptic, he leaned down and blew on her elbow.

Sawyer snapped her head back to him. When he lifted his eyes to meet hers, memories of her time in the Hamptons with a handsome young stranger came rushing back. The stranger who traveled with three friends and whose roommate had a wealthy stepfather who owned a house on the water. A medical student at John Hopkins. A coffee snob with eyes the same color as the ocean.

“You– You didn’t say where you went for spring break,” she commented quietly.

Ethan stepped away to dispose of the bloody gauze and paper towels. His back was to her when he answered. “The Hamptons.”

When he turned around, he saw the realization dawning in her glassy eyes.

Sawyer stared back at him for a moment. "Moondoggie?" she asked softly, her throat suddenly tight as she swallowed her choked-up tears.

Ethan smiled as he returned to the counter and rummaged through the first aid kit for the right size bandage.

“You’re… it was… it was you?" she stammered, putting the puzzle pieces together. As he applied ointment to her wound, her mind wandered to the countless times he had lovingly kissed and caressed the barely there scar on her thigh. "Why haven't you ever said anything?"

"It was complicated. You were an intern. I was an attending. Cracking that door open would have made it even harder to keep things professional.”

"When exactly did you realize?" she wondered.

"In the waiting room of the E.R. The moment I saw and called you over to help,” he admitted, tearing the wrapping away from the bandaid.

“But you acted like you didn’t know me.”

“I recognized you immediately. How could I ever forget these bewitching green eyes?” he said, his knuckles caressing her cheek. “I just didn’t know your name.”

She held her tongue as he concentrated on placing the butterfly bandage just right. When he was done, Sawyer slugged him.

“Ow! What was that for?” he moaned, rubbing his shoulder.

“We met. We had this incredible connection. Had a magical night together. And thennn, we meet again ten years later, unable to resist each other, and you still don’t believe in soulmates?!”

Ethan shrugged. “You know I believe in science, not star charts. There’s a perfectly logical explanation–”

Sawyer shook her head and cut him off before he bored her to death with scientific reasoning. “Ethan… I can’t believe this… you were my… my–”

“Spring break hook-up?” he tried to finish for her.

“No… well yes, but you were my– my first.”

He stopped what he was doing and looked her in the eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, clearly it was not very memorable,” he poked fun at himself as he started to move away and clean up.

Sawyer quickly grabbed his shirt and tugged him back. “Are you kidding?! I’ve never forgotten that night, Ethan. I never forgot how you made me feel,” she told him, wrapping her hands around his wrists to keep him close. “You know, the first time I saw a picture of you, I thought you looked like him. The guy I met on spring break. It was always at the back of my mind, but I figured it was just wishful thinking...” She trailed off, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “It's probably why I didn't recognize you as my medical hero when we saved that woman's life. Seeing you again short-circuited my brain," she chuckled. Locking eyes with him, her tone became more serious. "That guy from the beach was my dream guy. I’ve never forgotten him and I compared everyone who came after to him.”

“Is that so?” he asked in a near whisper, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Yes.” Sawyer shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sorry I didn’t remember right away. I suppose once I started to get to know you… once I found the real thing… I didn’t need to hold onto the memory of the dream guy anymore.” She locked her legs around his waist and her arms around his torso, drawing him as close as possible.

“I see,” he said, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “Well, maybe if I play my cards right, I can be your first and your last.”

“Take me to the bedroom, Moondoggie,” she smiled. “You can be my first, last, and right now.”

25 notes · View notes

cariantha · 2 days

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I almost named the series The First and Last, but I was worried it might give things away too quickly.😉Yeah, the fact that they were always meant to find and be with each other was definitely the theme.

Thank you so much for supporting this series. It means a lot.💗

A Chance Encounter (3/3)

Chapter Summary: Almost two years after moving to Boston and meeting Ethan Ramsey, Sawyer realizes her spring break dream guy and current boyfriend are the same person.

Part One | Part Two

Part Three: The Realization

March 2024 - Boston, Massachusetts

Ethan playfully swatted her bottom with a dish towel before he started mopping up the countertop. “Hey!” she jumped with a laugh. “You started it, mister.”

“Uh-uh. You did when you gagged at my recipe idea.”

“I did. I saw it on the news as well. It’s a miracle no one drowned. Fifty people crammed onto a pontoon boat… what a bunch of drunken idiots,” Ethan commented and shook his head.

“So, I take it you never did anything crazy or reckless on your spring breaks?” She stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. “Did you even go on any spring break trips?”

“Once.”

Standing between her legs, Ethan cleaned the wound. When Sawyer turned her head and flinched from the sting of the antiseptic, he leaned down and blew on her elbow.

“You– You didn’t say where you went for spring break,” she commented quietly.

Ethan stepped away to dispose of the bloody gauze and paper towels. His back was to her when he answered. “The Hamptons.”

When he turned around, he saw the realization dawning in her glassy eyes.

Sawyer stared back at him for a moment. "Moondoggie?" she asked softly, her throat suddenly tight as she swallowed her choked-up tears.

Ethan smiled as he returned to the counter and rummaged through the first aid kit for the right size bandage.

"It was complicated. You were an intern. I was an attending. Cracking that door open would have made it even harder to keep things professional.”

"When exactly did you realize?" she wondered.

"In the waiting room of the E.R. The moment I saw and called you over to help,” he admitted, tearing the wrapping away from the bandaid.

“But you acted like you didn’t know me.”

“I recognized you immediately. How could I ever forget these bewitching green eyes?” he said, his knuckles caressing her cheek. “I just didn’t know your name.”

She held her tongue as he concentrated on placing the butterfly bandage just right. When he was done, Sawyer slugged him.

“Ow! What was that for?” he moaned, rubbing his shoulder.

“We met. We had this incredible connection. Had a magical night together. And thennn, we meet again ten years later, unable to resist each other, and you still don’t believe in soulmates?!”

Ethan shrugged. “You know I believe in science, not star charts. There’s a perfectly logical explanation–”

Sawyer shook her head and cut him off before he bored her to death with scientific reasoning. “Ethan… I can’t believe this… you were my… my–”

“Spring break hook-up?” he tried to finish for her.

“No… well yes, but you were my– my first.”

He stopped what he was doing and looked her in the eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, clearly it was not very memorable,” he poked fun at himself as he started to move away and clean up.

“Is that so?” he asked in a near whisper, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I see,” he said, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “Well, maybe if I play my cards right, I can be your first and your last.”

“Take me to the bedroom, Moondoggie,” she smiled. “You can be my first, last, and right now.”

25 notes · View notes

cariantha · 2 days

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I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks that about the "I know." I've always wondered how other writers thought their MC meant by it. LOL I've spent a ridiculous amount of time thinking about all the different ways it could have been meant and interrupted. I knew for those reasons, it would work perfectly in this story.🙂

Thank you for reading and sharing, Mal!🥰

A Chance Encounter (2/3)

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series) Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Teen Warning: Implied sexual activity Category: Fluff Word count: 3.3K Series Summary: Ten years before meeting at Edenbrook, Ethan and Sawyer have a chance encounter during spring break.

A/N: Artwork by the incredible @/artbyainna on Instagram.

Chapter Summary: Knowing the odds of ever seeing each other again, Ethan and Sawyer throw caution to the wind and spend a magical night together.

Part One

Part Two: The Hook-Up

January 2023 - Miami, Florida

“And I’m beginning to realize…” Ethan paused, reaching for Sawyer’s wine glass and placing it along with his own on the patio table behind him, “There are some things that are worth any risk.”

Though it was winter, the cooler Miami temperature was as comfortable as a summer night in Boston. But Ethan wasn’t thinking about home. With the moonlit backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, a scene from his past began to play out before him.

When he turned back to Sawyer, he met her hopeful eyes. Reflecting the bright, silver moonlight, they looked just like sea glass.

It had been six months since the mystery woman he met a decade ago in East Hampton, New York found her way back into his life. If Sawyer had any memory of those days at the beach, she had kept it tucked away. When her shaky hand cupped his dark stubbled cheek, Ethan was suddenly desperate to remind her. “Sawyer, I…”

“I know,” she said softly, never breaking their intense gaze.

Immense relief coursed through him as he closed his eyes and leaned into her caressing touch. With that long-awaited admission, Ethan’s remaining reservations were drowned out by overwhelming lust for the woman he had dreamt of for years. When his eyes opened again, the dam built of steadfast resolve finally broke.

In an instant, she was finally - after all this time - back in his arms. His mouth covered hers in an intense kiss. He held his lips to hers for many heartbeats, needing to make up for lost time.

“Dr. Ramsey, you’re–”

“Ethan,” he insisted. There was no need for formality anymore. They no longer had to pretend they were only ever co-workers. Their pact of anonymity became null and void the day Sawyer walked through the doors of Edenbrook Hospital.

Time was a blur as a frenzy of hands and mouths allowed their bodies to become reacquainted. After a clumsy, lip-locked dance across the balcony, Ethan fell back into a cushioned patio chair. Sawyer lowered herself onto his lap and began slowly rocking her hips against his, matching the lapping rhythm of the shore.

“Sawyer, I’ve never done anything like this. Ever. This is—” He needed her to know he would never take advantage of his position of authority. He would never take advantage of her in any capacity. Hell, it’s why he had kept this memory to himself to begin with. But he could no longer deny their history. Their attraction. Their connection.

Sawyer stopped him mid-sentence, placing her hand over his pounding heart. She then took his hand and held it between the valley of her breasts, and he completely forgot what he was going to say. Instead, he sighed contentedly. “You… feel amazing.”

His blonde temptation smiled coyly. “Wait ‘til you feel the rest of me.”

Her confusing words and a perfectly timed chilly gust of ocean breeze released him from her spell. What does she mean by that? Ethan quickly replayed the last few minutes, realizing he may have made an erroneous assumption. When Sawyer said “I know” was she referring to their past or acknowledging their current and undeniable attraction to one another? The jolting thought made him face the harsh realities of their situation yet again. She was an intern. He was her boss. This can’t happen no matter their history.

March 2012 - East Hampton, New York

The day after her best friend's accident, Christian headed into the big city with her employer on official nanny duty. Having stayed behind, Sawyer took the opportunity to walk to town and explore the local shops and eateries. She enjoyed window shopping at high-end stores catering to wealthy vacationers and locals. But wearing cut-off jean shorts, a tank top, and flip-flop sandals, she didn’t dare go inside fearing a “Pretty Woman” scene the moment a salesperson sized her up.

Deciding it was time for a morning pick-me-up, Sawyer made her way to the crowded Starbucks on the corner. She was about to follow a couple of hoity-toity customers inside when a row of quaint boutiques across the street caught her eye, a little coffee shop nestled between them. She looked both ways before dashing across the bustling thoroughfare, eager to try something different.

The bell on the door rang as she opened it, drawing the attention of several patrons. As Sawyer surveyed the charming and seemingly popular cafe, her face lit up when she saw Ethan at the back of the order line.

Also excited by the surprise meeting, Ethan let the older woman behind him go first so he could stand next to Sawyer in line.

“I didn't take you for a coffee guy," she greeted.

"I'm a med student, remember? We only function on coffee or energy drinks. I prefer coffee."

“And why this place over that one?” she wondered, tilting her head toward the large bay window. The siren in the middle of the familiar green logo smiled back at them.

“In my experience, local coffee shops have better quality coffee. And they tend to be much quieter. There’s a lesser-known place close to campus where I like to go to study. The owner is from Hawaii and occasionally serves an amazing Kona.”

“In other words, you’re a coffee snob,” she poked fun.

Ethan shrugged unoffended.

The barista took their orders when they reached the counter. “Are these together?”

“Yes,” they both answered at the same time.

“Let me,” Sawyer turned to Ethan. “I owe you one for your help yesterday.”

But Ethan wouldn’t have it. “It’s on me,” he overruled, handing his debit card to the barista.

Moving out of the way for the next customer, Sawyer thanked him for the coffee. “That was sweet. But I still owe you. I might just have to give you one of those private surf lessons for free," she smiled coyly.

Clearing his throat, "Speaking of… how's the leg?"

"It's bruised and tender,” she shifted her body to show him. “I found some of that same ointment at the house and rebandaged the big cut this morning."

Ethan nodded satisfied.

Sipping from their to-go cups, they stepped out of the small eatery together. Hoping to extend their time together with a walk home, Ethan asked which direction she was headed.

Looking down the street, she answered, “I was going to take this way around. I wanted to check out a few more of the sights.”

“Care for some company?” Ethan asked hopefully.

Sawyer couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face when she turned her head to respond. “I’d love some.”

Strolling through the village-like setting, they chatted about all sorts of things, especially medical school. With a big decision to make soon, Sawyer wanted to know more about the application process, Ethan’s favorite classes, and his plans after graduation.

“Wait, seriously? I’ve heard of Dr. Banerji! I recently read one of his case studies for my Viruses and Application for Biological Systems class. Wow, I hope things work out and you get the chance to work with him,” Sawyer commented with sincerity.

Spotting a gift shop with tacky tchotchkes and souvenirs, she tugged on his arm to follow her inside. They browsed the displays, making a game of who could find the most ridiculous item. Ethan was determined to outdo himself every time simply to hear her lovely, melodic laughter. He found her minutes later flipping through a rack of novelty t-shirts. Ethan mindlessly flicked through shirts on the opposite side. He found it endearing how she giggled at the silly ones, and more than once their eyes met over the clothing rack, eliciting shy smiles.

When they exited the store, Sawyer handed him a bag. “Here.”

“What’s this?” he furrowed his brow in question.

“Open it,” she instructed.

Ethan pulled a white t-shirt from the bag. The red print said “LIFEGUARD,” and below the cross symbol it said “The Hamptons.”

“I know it’s cheesy, but I owe you a new shirt and you did come to my rescue,” she explained.

With a nod of appreciation, “Thanks. You didn’t need to do this,” he said, tucking the shirt back into the bag.

As they trekked through the neighborhood, their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, like they could share anything and everything without hesitation. Sawyer made him smile often with her carefree playfulness and gentle teasing. Not an easy feat if you ask those who knew him well. Likewise, Ethan made her laugh, even snort a few times, with his dry humor and quick wit. They walked just inches apart, their hands brushing together so many times it no longer felt accidental.

It felt like they had been walking and talking for hours, but it all came to an end too soon when they reached his driveway.

“Thanks for the coffee and company.” She looked nervously at her feet before continuing, “It sucks that you’re leaving tomorrow. Maybe we can–”

"Hey! Is that you, Gidge?” Tobias interrupted as he came outside to unload party supplies from his Jeep. “I see you've met Moondoggie here.”

"What the hell are you talking about, Carrick?" Ethan glared at him.

"It's from an old movie," Sawyer helped to explain.

"Gigde, we're throwing a beach bash later tonight–”

“We are?” Ethan interrupted with a vexed look on his face.

“You and your friend should come," Tobias continued, ignoring his roommate.

"We'd love to come to your orgy… I mean luau, Kahuna," she played along.

Ethan just looked between the two of them, the movie references completely lost on him.

Tobias elbowed him playfully, "I like this one, man.”

Rolling her eyes, Sawyer turned back to Ethan, “Later then?"

Ethan nodded and put his hand up to say goodbye as she continued down the road.

The back of the Jeep was stockpiled with several cases of beer and brown paper bags with various assortments of liquor bottles. “Jesus Christ. How many people did you invite over?” Ethan groaned.

Shrugging, Tobias responded, “Who was counting?”

Ethan jumped when he felt fingers slide into his back pocket. “What the fuck are you doing?” he asked, swatting his annoying friend's hand away.

Tobias patted Ethan’s ass where he deposited a strip of square foil-wrapped packets. “Just making sure you’re prepared for later.”

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

Christian had to put the kids to sleep before going off the clock for the night. By the time Sawyer and her best friend finally made their way next door, the party was in full swing.

As the ladies made their way to the kitchen for drinks, Sawyer’s eyes swept each room they passed, hoping to spot a familiar face. Every room was crowded with college-age partiers, most of whom looked like snobby rich kids. Guys wearing polo shirts and plaid shorts, and who sported expensive watches, mingled with women wearing tight, short dresses, with blown-out hair and manicured nails. Sawyer wasn’t sure if they’d been invited to a spring break party or a country club clambake.

“Gidge! You made it,” Tobias greeted, throwing an arm around her shoulder as he squeezed in between the two friends.

“Kahuna,” she acknowledged.

“Let me introduce my boys, Stinky and Lover Boy,” he joked, nodding to his pals. “Moondoggie, who you’ve met, is around here somewhere. Probably sulking in a corner.”

“Annnd, I have no idea what you guys are talking about,” Sawyer’s friend laughed, “but, I’m Christian.”

Tobias looked her up and down, then said with a smirk, “Challenge accepted, angel. We’ll make a sinner of you before the night is over.”

A while later, Ethan came out of hiding and weaved his way through the party. He scanned the many faces gathered in nearly every room on the first floor of the mansion, searching for a pair of brilliant green eyes. But as luck would have it, they kept barely missing each other. No sooner had he left the room than she entered. After a couple of passes, Ethan grabbed a beer from the kitchen, and with a disappointed sigh, he made his way outside.

Sawyer stayed by her friend's side for a while until Tobias wrapped his arm around Christian's shoulders and led her away for a dance. With a beer of her own, Sawyer ventured outside to get some fresh air. On the far end of the deck was a spiral staircase that led to a second-story balcony. Hoping to at least enjoy the view of the moonlit ocean while she worked through her own disappointment, she coiled up the stairs. When she reached the top step, she saw Ethan leaning on the railing, looking sullen and staring out to the water.

"Oh! Hey,” she tried to contain her sudden excitement, “Sorry. I didn't realize anyone was up here."

"Hi," his voice sounded glad to see her.

"Mind if I join you?"

Ethan shook his head.

"Not much of a party guy, huh?" Sawyer asked, joining him at the railing.

"It's not really my scene."

“Oh? And what kind of scene do you prefer?”

Ethan slightly shifted his body toward her. “Coffee and conversation. A stroll through the neighborhood. Beers on the porch,” he answered, clinking the neck of his bottle against hers.

With knowing smiles, they each took a swig of beer, then fell back into the same comfortable conversation as earlier in the day. There was an undeniable connection between them and, as if they both came to that same realization, a timid silence settled between them.

This was the moment, the one where someone made a move or made an excuse to head back downstairs. Ethan pushed off the railing and stood up straight, setting his beer bottle on the railing. Sawyer followed his lead, doing the same. When she turned to face him, a gust of ocean breeze blew her hair into her eyes. Ethan's fingers were there in an instant to help push it away, and after tucking it behind her ear, his hand lingered on the side of her face. Sawyer wrapped her hand around his wrist to hold it in place as their eyes met in contemplation.

Ethan considered whether the instant gratification was worth it, knowing it would make their inevitable goodbye that much harder. Given their current realities, he was under no illusion that this would be anything more than a spring break fling. But the voice of reason was drowned out by the overwhelming need to taste her lips and feel her skin under his fingertips. In that instant, he decided the reward far outweighed the risk.

During those few seconds of hesitation, Sawyer made her mind up too. When she wrapped her other hand around the back of his neck, the dam broke.

Though their lips were eager to meet, their first kiss was not hurried. It started soft and slow. Ethan pulled back after a moment to gauge Sawyer’s reaction, seeing the smile in her eyes. When he felt the gentle tug on the back of his neck urging him to return to her lips, he angled his head to the other side and kissed her again. Sawyer parted her lips, inviting him deeper. Their kisses grew in intensity, and the longer they stayed lip-locked, the more desperate they became for more.

Tongues still dancing together, Ethan clumsily backed them away from the railing and toward a reclining chaise lounge. Mindful of her wounded leg, he laid down so that Sawyer could straddle him.

Eager to feel more of him, Sawyer lifted his shirt over his head. As her fingers dragged over the contradiction of velvety skin and concrete muscle, Ethan’s fingers found their way under the hem of her shirt. The lower hers traveled, the higher his went. When she reached the button of his jeans, Sawyer hesitated.

His hands instantly dropped to hers, tenderly wrapping them in his own. “If you want to stop, we can. This is probably a terrible idea given the odds of seeing each other again.”

The fact that he was being so considerate only made her want him more. If she was going to check this experience off of her college bucket list, she wanted to do it with him.

Staring down at their joined hands, she shook her head. “No, I want to. I’m just a little nervous,” she confessed, looking up with a shy smile. “And honestly, the fact that we probably won’t see each other again seems like a good enough excuse to just give in. No strings attached. No complications,” she assured him. “Do you? Want to stop?”

“Hell no. I want you,” he insisted, squeezing her hands. “It’s just… I don’t usually do this sort of thing… but I just can’t seem to get enough of you.” Ethan rubbed the knuckles of her hand with his thumb. “I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. No pressure.”

His eyes spoke nothing but the truth, and in response, Sawyer weaved her fingers through his. She then pushed their joined hands over his head, leaning down to capture his mouth in a heated kiss.

When things turned red hot again, Sawyer murmured against his lips. “Do you have–”

“In my back pocket,” he whispered, letting go of her hands.

Sawyer laughed as she reached underneath him and shimmied her hand into his pocket. “For someone who doesn’t do this sort of thing–”

“Let’s just say my roommate is the type to do this and wanted everyone to be prepared tonight,” Ethan defended, plucking the foil packets from her fingers. “As much as I hate to give him the satisfaction, I’ll have to remember to thank him later.”

The stars in the night sky replaced the ones behind her eyes after experiencing something she could only describe as magical. Feeling as though she had finally descended back to Earth, Sawyer shifted in Ethan’s arms, attempting to disentangle herself and stand up.

“Not yet,” he begged, locking her up in his limbs.

She inhaled the scent of his bare skin and placed a kiss over his still thundering heart, “Okay.”

The ocean mist cooled their flushed skin as they stole gentle kisses from each other, hoping the next wouldn’t have to be the last. Propping herself up on an elbow, Sawyer stared down into Ethan’s moonlit eyes.

“What?” he asked, confused.

“It’s just… you’ve been so amazing, and I don’t even know your name,” she giggled.

Caressing the side of her face, “Let’s keep it that way. It will be easier to let each other go. No complications, remember?”

Nodding in agreement, “Okay. No complications,” she echoed. Sawyer repeated the mantra in her head several times as she reluctantly pried herself free of Ethan’s embrace. “I should find my friend before she starts to worry.”

“Right.”

They handed each other pieces of clothing and got dressed. Standing in front of each other, Sawyer reached up and took Ethan’s face in her hands, offering him a final kiss goodbye. Ethan swept his hands over her hair and held her head as he returned the sentiment, not letting go until they were both out of breath.

Slowly they pulled away. Sawyer took a few steps backward, before finally turning her back to him and walking away. Before descending the spiral staircase, she turned her head and met Ethan’s gaze. “Bye, Moondoggie.”

“Bye… Gidge?” he tried to remember.

With an affirmative nod and final wave, Sawyer winded her way down the stairs.

She found Christian inside, sitting on Tobias’ lap. They were watching and laughing as Stinky, whose real name she thought was Andrew, sang a horrible karaoke rendition of Gotye’s “Somebody that I Used to Know.”

When Christian spotted her friend in the doorway, she whispered to Tobias that she’d be right back. “Hey! Are you good? Have you been having fun?”

“Yep,” Sawyer beamed uncontrollably.

“Hold up,” Christian looked her up and down, “Sawyer, did you…?”

Sawyer eagerly shook her head in the affirmative.

“You and your lifeguard?”

Sawyer nodded again.

“Eeeek! Girl, how was it? Are you okay?”

“I’m good. Really good. It was incredible.”

Part 3: The Realization (coming soon!)

31 notes · View notes

cariantha · 2 days

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There's nothing hotter than a smart, confident man.🥵I bet if Ethan had slipped his glasses on, she'd be a goner.🤓 LOL

I love that she's getting all wound up. I desperately want to know what is going on in Ethan's head, too. I can't wait for the awkwardness when they have to navigate the shared hotel room.

It Happened One Miami Night (3/?)

Series Premise: A work trip to Miami means finally accepting that some risks are worth taking. Or are they?

Fandom: Choices Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff Words: 1,430

Series Masterlist

A/N: I live! Seriously, though, I've been really sick the last few days; today's the first day I've actually felt like writing. I also don't know where I'm going with this series except for this idea of filling in blanks for moments we didn't see. Pray that I figure it out before I start rambling.

Submission for @choicesaprilchallenge24; dialogue prompt "come on, it'll be fun"

She might have been invited (ordered, more like) under false pretenses, but that didn’t mean she was wasting this opportunity. Still in awe of hearing medical greats in person, Cassie Valentine put her hands together for the chorus of applause that followed Dr. Hadley’s fireside chat.

Ethan Ramsey, the epitome of medical excellence, was Cassie’s ultimate inspiration. Yet, Rebecca Hadley, with her profound knowledge and charisma, was a close second in Cassie’s admiration.

Cassie's eyes darted hopefully towards the front as the room began to clear. Her heart sank at seeing the long queue of Dr. Hadley’s admirers. Disappointment washed over her, but she was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. However, the organizers pulled Dr. Hadley away before she could step forward.

Cassie checked the event schedule on the conference app and figured she had enough time to grab some swag for Elijah before the next session. She still hadn’t heard from Ethan.

No! She wasn’t going to think about him. This time was for her.

Ethan was her attending, that’s it. No, he wasn’t Ethan. He was Dr. Ramsey. Cassie repeated this to herself, a mantra reminding her of her resolution to move on and break the spell he’d cast on her.

She thought this weekend was already proving challenging, recalling their conversation after the Nash debacle. They hadn’t even been to their suite yet or figured out how they were going to spend two nights in close quarters. Would he casually dismiss her from his presence then, too?

Shaking off the anxiety, she entered the exhibit hall and made a beeline for the first table. They gave out branded pens; they were nothing special, but her friend wasn’t picky. Besides, Elijah lost at least two pens daily and would use them all.

With her tote bag bulging, she was halfway down this row when she spied a booth handing out frisbees. She sped up, grabbing the last one as someone reached for it. Cassie turned sideways and found herself in a tug-of-war with another attendee.

“I was here first,” she tugged the plastic disk a little too forcefully.

“Debatable.” The man grinned charmingly before letting go. “But my mother raised a gentleman,” he glanced at her lanyard, “Cassie.”

“Thanks,” she stared at the name tag in her line of sight, “Evan. My compliments to your mother.”

“Wait till I tell her how her lessons on manners led me to my future wife.” The twinkle in his eyes told her he was joking.

“Wow, you’re easy,” Cassie quipped. “Beat a guy at the Swag Olympics, and his true intentions come out.”

His lips twisted in a half smile, and he eyed her tote. “First conference?”

“Is it that obvious?”

Evan laughed. “First-timers always grab too much stuff. Then, you realize you can’t possibly take it home in your carry-on and start throwing out perfectly good swag.”

That made her pause. The space in her luggage was indeed limited. Still, she promised Elijah goodies, and she would deliver them.

“It’ll be okay,” she shrugged, unconcerned.

“I heard Panacea’s giving out briefcases,” Evan said, stepping closer, just at the edge of her personal space. “I was just heading there.”

Cassie caught the unspoken invitation in his voice and the interested look in his eyes as he peered intently at her. She started to decline, not wanting another run-in with Declan Nash, when their phones pinged.

“Oh wow, I don’t believe it,” Evan exclaimed, staring at his phone. “They just added Dr. Ramsey to a panel. It starts in twenty minutes.”

He glanced at her over his phone’s screen, his eyes filled with eager excitement. “He’s amazing. Man, what I’d do to work with him. I tried matching at Edenbrook last year, but their residency is super competitive.”

“I know,” Cassie said quietly, but Evan didn’t hear her as he continued talking.

“…got into Grady, so not a total loss. How about you?”

“Edenbrook. First year, internal medicine.”

Evan’s eyes widened. “Have you met Ramsey, then? What’s he like? Are rounds with him a masterclass in diagnostic excellence?”

Cassie wasn’t sure how to respond. Was she supposed to tell a stranger that she had not only met Ethan but fallen hard for him? That when he focused those laser blue eyes on her, she melted, heat pooling in her belly, fingers itching to touch him everywhere?

Ethan was a complicated man who hid his emotions behind an austere exterior. But when he let his guard down and let her in, she fell through a rabbit hole, knowing her life would never be the same again.

“Rounds with him are intense,” was all Cassie said, keeping her expression neutral.

Ten minutes later, she reluctantly followed Evan into the ballroom where Ethan’s session was taking place. Despite the last-minute announcement, the room was almost full, with just a few empty seats scattered around the room.

“See? I told you the room would be packed early,” he said, scanning the space.

They shoehorned their way to the center of the room, hopping over bags and feet to park themselves on two chairs in a row of theater seating. Cassie almost tripped over the ankles of a woman who wasn’t keen to let them pass, but Evan helped keep her upright.

Cassie’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Ethan’s tall figure standing off to the side of the raised dais. He must’ve gone to the suite, for he was now wearing a blazer over the black shirt and gray slacks from this morning.

He hadn’t noticed her, and she doubted he would, given the size of the crowd. Still, she slumped slightly in her seat, practically hiding behind the person seated in the row before her.

“What are you doing tonight?”

She turned to face Evan, her brow raised in confusion.

“A few of us are getting together later,” he explained hurriedly. “It’s nothing fancy—cheap booze, music, dancing on the beach.”

“I don’t know,” she hesitated. “I’m here with my attending. He might need me for work.”

“All night?” Evan asked skeptically. “He doesn’t seriously expect you to be on call all weekend? Give the old man the slip and join us.”

When she still looked doubtful, he insisted, “Come on, it’ll be fun. Give me your number. I’ll text you the details.”

Cassie scoffed. “What makes you think you’ve earned my number?”

“My eternal optimism?”

“Nice try,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m on the conference app. Ping me the deets there. No promises.”

The emcee called the room to attention, and the commotion around them died down, replaced by excited anticipation. He introduced the session topic and speakers, reading a brief bio for each panelist.

Despite her earlier intention, Cassie straightened in her seat, unable to look away as Ethan joined his fellow panelists on the stage. As soon as the applause subsided, the moderator smoothly jumped into the discussion, throwing Ethan the first question.

Sprawled in a deep armchair, he held the microphone close to his lips, punctuating his point with a wave of his hand. He spoke eloquently, captivating everyone in the audience and the panel.

Cassie envied his effortless confidence and hoped that one day, she would be as secure in her abilities as a doctor.

She noticed how relaxed Ethan was now compared to earlier. He was in his element now, and it showed. Unlike the uncertainty of the situation with Naveen, sharing his opinions on managing medical resources during large-scale emergencies was easy.

Evan tried to engage her in conversation, leaning too close for comfort, but she ignored him beyond a quick nod. She hadn’t reflected on this topic before but found the discussion and subject area fascinating.

Cassie thought she knew Ethan’s career well, being his biggest fan and all. But she had no idea he’d volunteered in disaster zones during his residency and fellowship. Was there anything the man hadn’t done in the ten short years since he became a doctor?

And was he just as good in bed as he appeared out of it? The naughty voice broke through her thoughts, making her blush.

Cassie surreptitiously scanned faces around her to make sure no one had noticed her face turning red (or the way her skin flushed from the neck down as her breath hitched). It was damn inconvenient.

Listening to Ethan being, well, Ethan, was clearly turning her on.

So much for her resolution. All Ethan had to do was talk passionately about medicine, and she was ready to kiss his breath away.

The weekend just got a whole lot more complicated.

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