Enough Time

  Contents

  Enough Time

  Note from Author

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Other Books

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright

  ENOUGH TIME

  Sharon Haste

  Note from Author

  Enough Time is a novella and a prequel to The Last Time, the first book in my Time Series novels for young adult readers. It includes some of the characters in my other books, but no spoilers. I had a lot of fun writing this book and I hope you enjoy reading it.

  If you want a FREE copy of this book, join my mailing list at www.sharonhaste.com

  You can also pick up a FREE copy of my book of short stories, The Carousel and Other Short Stories.

  For Mark, Aliah, Tiana, Brittany and Jade - forever my strength and inspiration.

  Prologue

  Zoe knows her life is over. She slumps on the bed, heart skipping, and stares ahead. The eyes of her high school life are on her, immortalized in photos on the wall. She takes her time to meander over the familiar faces and crazy antics, but none can make her smile. Reaching forward, she cracks the lid of the vodka and pours a double shot. The glass is tall and frosted and has Mickey Mouse etched on the side. Her slender fingers grapple beneath the mattress and drag the tiny pill bottle into her hand. She prises the lid free with her thumb and watches it tumble to the floor. Then her eyes are on the bottle, and she tips the tablets into her outstretched hand. Is there enough? Should I take them all at once? She counts ten pills, and her heart sinks, knowing they'll do the job. She eyes the glass of vodka. How much should I drink? Will it make the pills work better? Her fingers close. They tremble, and her palm sweats, making the pills dissolve a little. She opens them again and stares at the faint yellow imprint on her skin. She shakes them to the desk and sudden emotion sweeps her back to the party.

  Chapter One

  It's Saturday night and Ethan Walsh, the captain of St Joseph's football team, is having a party. His parents are out of town for the weekend, leaving Ethan's older brother, Matt, in charge. Matt 's an adrenaline junkie who spent the last two years in fast cars, parachutes, and climbing harnesses. He lives hard and parties harder and is failing university because his behaviour is spiralling out of control. Like Ethan, he's over six feet tall and has muscles that only come from a gym addiction and steroids. While the brothers share the same chiselled jaw, intense blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin, Ethan is better-looking and has the most attitude. He wears his blond hair in a military buzz cut and struts around like the world owes him. Ethan is popular with the girls even though there's a string of tears and broken hearts in his wake.

  Zoe's aware of Ethan's reputation, but her heart still canters and her mouth goes dry every time he's near. Adrenaline jolts through her at a single look or smile, and despite having a boyfriend, it's Ethan's face that haunts her dreams at night.

  Charli Richter and Ella Williams are Zoe's best friends. On Saturday night, Charli sprawls on Ella's bed in jeans and a simple blue blouse that exposes bony, brown shoulders. She reads out loud from a magazine, enlightening them about how to 'keep your man'. Ella has them in stitches with witty comments and comic expressions, every time Charli finishes a sentence. Ella's braiding Zoe's hair in front of her full-length mirror while Zoe stares at their reflection. She practices her pout; full, red lips kissing the air. They're getting ready for Ethan's party, and the room is charged with excitement. They'd told their parents a modified version of tonight's plans, reassuring them about adult supervision. Given Matt is over eighteen, it's not really a lie.

  Ella ties Zoe's braid and coils it at the nape of her neck, pinning it and finishing with a few well placed diamantes. She smiles before stepping up to the mirror and Zoe watches, mesmerised, as she peers into the mirror to finish her makeup. Ella's wearing a cute black and white mini that hugs her full figure. Nestled in the soft skin of her rising breasts is a silver locket with Jake's picture inside. Jake and Ella have been going out for two years and are a perfect match. Zoe can't imagine them ever being apart, even though Jake doesn't fit Ella's profile of her dream man. Her life goal is to attract a gorgeous man with a billion dollars in his pocket and have two adorable kids; a boy and girl; in that order. While Jake is gorgeous, he is not a billionaire, although his father owns a lucrative pearling business, so he has the potential.

  Zoe checks her own reflection; she is thrilled with the way her new red dress hugs her curves. She bought it a couple of weeks ago and has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it. She's been working out and living on air since then, so she has dropped a few kilos and knows she looks hot. A shot of adrenaline surges through her every time she thinks of Ethan seeing her in the dress.

  Despite casual clothes and minimal makeup, Charli is naturally stunning. Her hair is swept into a messy bun, and her eyes are lined with thick mascara. Silver hoops dangle from her ears, and there's a slick of gloss on her lips. Zoe doesn't understand why she hasn't got a handsome boy hanging off her arm. After all she has everything: wealth, brains, and beauty. If they weren't best friends, Zoe would hate Charli. Instead, she loves her with a passion and can't imagine life without her in it. Zoe has money, but her grades and looks are average. Ella is a classic beauty with feminine curves and large breasts. While not model material, Ella is witty and funny, which makes her popular.

  Like the majority of students at St Joseph's private school, Ethan lives in a sweeping two-storey house in the Northern suburbs. His house is ablaze with lights and alive with music when the girls arrive in Ella's cute, yellow hatchback. It's a birthday present from her parents and the incentive she needed to get her license. Zoe knows Ella loves the independence and arriving somewhere without parental scrutiny. Zoe tingles inside as her black strappy sandals sink into the grass outside Ethan's house. A twinge of fear spears through her when she enters the estate and wonders how she'll stop her parents finding out about the party. It's mad and already in chaos.

  People spill from the front door onto the veranda, yelling above the din of the music, with glass bottles swinging from their fists. Many are glassy-eyed; some appear dishevelled. She checks her watch; it's only nine. The house inside is no better. Wall-to-wall bodies move like human spaghetti. The beat of the music is deafening. They wind their way through the mass, searching for a familiar face. Zoe feels the tug of Charli's hand and turns to see her eyes wide and face pale.

  'Let's go,' she yells in her ear.

  Zoe shrugs her shoulders, feigning deafness, and pushes further in. There's no way she's leaving until Ethan sees her in the dress. It's stifling inside. The air conditioning vents overhead do little to push cool air into the room. Zoe feels her armpits dampen and her dress start to cling. A little farther in, there's a door, and Zoe steps into the long, galley-style kitchen, where the air is cooler and the crowd is less frenetic.

  Ella is alive with excitement and starts gabbing about the crowd and heat. Her face is lit, and her body is animated. Charli is quiet; her cheeks are pink. Sweat dots her brow. Zoe surges with instant energy.

  'Oh my God, what a buzz,' she says. 'Can you believe we're here?'

  'It's mad,' Ella says, and she digs into a bucket of ice overflowing with drinks. 'What will you have, ladies?'

  Zoe peers over her shoulder and picks out a p
ink vodka cruiser.

  'Are you sure?' Ella asks, grabbing cola for herself and Charli.

  'Just one,' she says. 'To get in the mood.'

  'The mood for what?' Charli asks.

  'To party,' Zoe says, and she leans close to Charli with a crazy expression.

  Charli giggles and says, 'okay, I don't think you need that drink.'

  They all laugh and push their way through the throng to the back door. There are fewer people around the pool, and they manage to find a seat with another group of girls from school.

  'I'm not sure I want to stay,' Charli says, frowning at her friends. 'It's a bit out of control and it's just going to get worse. Everyone is drinking.'

  'Or taking drugs,' Ella says. 'Did you see those guys by the door? They were totally out of it.'

  'What's the worst that can happen?' Zoe asks, reluctant to leave so early.

  Charli's frown deepens. 'Someone could get hurt,' she says. 'Or we could get arrested. My parents would ground me for the rest of the year.'

  'What will we get arrested for? Come on, live a little,' Zoe pleads. 'Let's just stay for an hour and see what happens. If it gets out of hand, we'll go.'

  'Promise?' Charli asks.

  'Promise,' Zoe says, downing her cruiser in a few swallows. 'Who wants to dance?'

  The girls squeeze their way through the mass to a large, open living room, where a small crowd throw themselves into the beat. They're sucked into the throng; the music blaring from surround-sound speakers on the ceiling. Zoe's lightheaded and wired. She moves her hips in time with the beat and throws her arms in the air. Jake materializes behind Ella and grabs her by the waist after pushing his way into their group. He's a typical boy on the dance floor, limbs flailing with zero rhythm, just like Zoe's boyfriend, Harry. They've known each other for years, but they have only been going out for six months. Harry is everything a boyfriend should be - smart, attentive, and funny - but Zoe knows he's not the one. He's away this weekend with the debating team, battling it out in a national competition. Zoe hopes they win.

  The music slows, and Charli leans over, motioning to the door. Zoe nods and starts to follow when there's a tap on her shoulder, and she's suddenly in Ethan's arms.

  'Hey,' he says, flashing a grin that makes her belly squirm. 'Hope you don't mind a dance?'

  He pulls her close. She smells beer on his breath. Electricity shoots through her arm where he is holding her hand. Her heart takes off, making her body tremble.

  'No,' she mumbles into his shoulder. His muscled arms pull her close. Wired with adrenaline, her heart flips, and she's powerless to push him away. He moves her through the other couples before finding a darker corner and slowing down. His hand moves to the small of her back, just above the curve of her buttocks. She swallows, her throat dry, and her mind reeling. Ethan Walsh is dancing with her! She feels his hardened muscles flex and relax beneath her soft skin. His blue eyes pierce her brown ones.

  'You okay?' he asks.

  She nods, not trusting her voice.

  His fingers twine around hers, and her head falls to his shoulder. She listens to the beat of his heart as they sway.

  'You look hot tonight,' he whispers close to her ear.

  She doesn't respond, not knowing what to say, because her thoughts are racing. You always look hot, Ethan.

  They continue to stand close, bodies meshed, with their feet barely moving to the rhythm. When the song ends, he continues to hold her. She feels his hardness beneath his denim shorts and has a moment of panic. At last, he releases her and stands back, still holding her hand. He grins, and her heart melts.

  'Wanna get a drink?'

  She nods, her insides shaking. He takes her hand, and she follows him to the kitchen. A pang of guilt shoots through her; she knows she should pull her hand away and say something about Harry. But it's Ethan Walsh, and she may never get another chance like this. There's no way she'll give up Ethan for Harry. Ethan hands her another vodka cruiser and grabs a beer for himself, amid the raucous banter and shouts of people nearby.

  'Do you know all these people?' Zoe asks, following Ethan outside by the pool.

  'Nah, Matt asked a few people from uni, and word got out. It's out of control.'

  They pass Charli, who is deep in conversation with Melina, a girl from school. Zoe overhears something about equations and snickers to herself. Who talks about maths at a party like this? Charli can be so boring sometimes.

  Ethan pulls her to the pool's edge, and they dangle their feet in the water. He's so close; his thigh touches her leg, and she gives an involuntary shiver. She's aware of his hand on her back and the warmth spreading from her belly to her groin. The second vodka cruiser makes her forget about her friends and focus on Ethan.

  Her eyes are on his lips as he tells her about football and his plans for university. She's intoxicated with the lift of his eyebrows, his dimpled chin, and the way his hand animates the words. Someone is saying her name.

  'Zoe.'

  It's Charli. She is tapping her on the shoulder.

  'Zoe, what are you doing?' she asks, her eyes darting to Ethan.

  Zoe turns and feels her cheeks flame; she is irritated at the interruption.

  'Having fun. What does it look like I'm doing?' she hisses.

  'What about Harry?' Charli asks. 'Don't you think he'll find out about this? Half the school is here. In fact, he probably already knows. Someone's probably posted it online already.'

  Zoe's cheeks glow crimson. She can't believe Charli is talking like this in front of Ethan.

  'He'll get over it,' she retorts, glaring at her.

  Ethan whispers in her ear, and she laughs out loud, hoping it will make Charli disappear.

  'Zoe, I think we should go home now,' Charli says, touching Zoe's shoulder.

  'I want to stay. You go. I'll catch you tomorrow.'

  'But you promised to come with...'

  'Things change. I want to stay and have some fun.'

  Charli crouches beside her and whispers, 'Can I talk to you alone for a minute?'

  'I'm busy,' Zoe says, getting more irate. Is she jealous? Why is she trying to ruin her night with Ethan?

  'Zoe, this is a mistake. Come home with me now before anything happens.'

  'What are you talking about? Have you ever thought that maybe I want something to happen? Maybe I want to be seen with Ethan?' she hisses. 'Go home, and leave me alone. I'm staying.'

  'Are you sure this is what you want?'

  'Yes. Now get lost.'

  'Fine,' Charli says. She turns and walks away.

  'Sorry about that,' Zoe says, turning back to Ethan and smiling.

  Ethan flashes a grin and launches into another football story. His hand is rubbing small circles on her back. Her skin springs to life beneath his touch. Her head spins and doesn't register the movement behind them until it's too late. The shove from behind propels her into the pool, and she sinks to the bottom. The water steals her breath, and she flails in confusion.

  Ethan's strong arms pull her up. She sputters when they reach the top and gasps for air. The pool churns with a half a dozen fully-clothed bodies, diving and splashing. She blinks the water from her eyes and allows Ethan to drag her to the edge.

  He turns and steadies her with both hands.

  'You all right?' he asks.

  She nods.

  'They're idiots,' he says, inclining his head to the boys agitating the water. 'Sorry.' Then he wraps his arms around her and presses himself against her. There's heat between them. He brushes wet lips against hers and teases her mouth open with his tongue. And then he's kissing her. She tastes salt and beer. The kiss reaches deep into her belly and makes her buzz with pleasure. Breathless, he raises his head. Blue eyes meet brown, and he kisses her again. When they pull apart, she hums with desire.

  'Wanna dry off?' he murmurs in her ear.

  She nods, and he entwines his fingers in hers to lead her out. She sways a little and regains her balance out of the water.
She doesn't notice the cling of her dress or the eyes from the pool on her body. All she can think about is Ethan. He walks her just inside the door and finds a towel to drape over her shoulders before taking her up the stairs.

  He stops outside his bedroom and turns to face her. Others pass them on their way downstairs, but she doesn't notice who they are or what they're doing. Ethan digs into his jeans pocket and puts his hand to his lips. Then he presses her against the wall and kisses her in a slow, deliberate manner, leaving something on her tongue. It's sweet and instantly dissolves. She starts to wonder what it is, and he kisses her again, making her forget.

  He releases her to open the door and pulls her into his bedroom. There's a king sized bed with rumpled sheets, posters of football heroes papering the walls, and a scattering of clothes and shoes beneath her feet. She's struck by the faint smell of aftershave and foot odour. Her eyes widen, and she's so thrilled to be in his space she doesn't notice him close the door. Her eyes are on the room. He leads her to the bed and gently pushes her down until her thighs meet the mattress. He leans in and kisses her again before standing up and heading to the door.

  'Stay here; I'll get some dry clothes. The bathroom's through there if you want to fix your hair or anything.' He points to a door behind her.

  Her heart is in her throat, and her hands fly to her hair. She must look a fright. She stares at his retreating back with a sliver of worry that he's changed his mind about her. A sense of wellbeing chases the thought away, and she pushes herself up and staggers to the bathroom, clutching her towel. She locks the door and faces the mirror. Her reflection surprises her. She looks beautiful, even though her hair is damp against her scalp. Her skin glows, her eyes sparkle, and her makeup is intact, even her mascara. She pulls the clinging wet dress over her head and releases her hair from its braid, shaking it over her shoulders. She stands naked, except for a pair of black lace panties, and smiles at herself; she is not critical, but she is in awe. She spins around like a small child, almost toppling over. Her laugh is spontaneous and musical. She steps closer to the mirror and pouts at her reflection, saying Ethan's name in a husky whisper.