I’ve been unpacking for the last forty minutes when someone lightly raps at my door. I turn to see Mom walking into my room with a huge smile on her lips. I don't like the look of that smile, it means she’s plotting something, something that I’m not going to like one bit.
“Dinner is ready, honey.” She tells me.
“Okay, let me just finish the rest of these clothes and I’ll be right down.” I say with a smile that doesn't reach my eyes. I’m still a bit ticked about them inviting my arch enemy.
“Okay hun,” Mom says, eyeing me for a second before leaving.
I hastily finish unpacking the last few pieces of clothes before going back downstairs. I detour to the kitchen that smells like heaven on earth to wash my hands then head to the dining room where I find my parents and Johnny already seated.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to keep everyone waiting.” I say as I take a seat at the dining room table. My mouth waters at the sight of the food laid out. Mom went all out. She didn't just make Macaroni and Cheese which is my favorite but she made everyone else’s favorite dishes too. There are baked potatoes, steak, garlic bread and I'm sure grandma’s famous barbeque sauce.
“This looks great mom,” I say in appreciation.
“Thanks, honey.” She replies.
“Well, let's say grace and then we can dig in.” Dad tells us and we hold each other’s hand and as soon as we bow our heads Dad starts to pray.
“Good then, let’s dig in!” Dad declares after the prayer and we don't waste time to fill our plates.
“This is delicious, Mom.” I say after a few minutes of silence around the table.
“Yeah mom, this is fantastic. Thank you!” Johnny adds with a mouthful.
“Swallow your food before speaking, Johnathan!” Mom scolds, narrowing her eyes at my brother who blushes slightly. “I’m happy you’re both enjoying it.” She continues.
“It’s just a shame Gage couldn't make it.” My fork stops midair on the way to my mouth at my father’s words.
“Yeah, he would have enjoyed the macaroni since that’s his favorite food too.” Mom says and this time I drop the fork on my plate. I think I'm losing my appetite.
“Yes, yes he would have!” Johnny adds, causing me to glare at his grinning face.
“You know, Lori, I thought you and that boy would be a couple by now.” Mom says just as I take a sip of wine. Her shocking and disturbing words cause the liquid in my mouth to go down the wrong pipe and I cough non stop causing wine to come out of my nose as the evil liquid tries its best to kill me.
“Shit! Lorianne are you okay?” Dad says in a panicked voice as he stands to pat me on my back.
“Gage and I will never be a couple,” I say in between coughs instead of answering Dad. “He’s a major asshole!” I continue once my coughing fit has passed.
“Well then, I guess you’re okay.” I hear Dad saying as he walks back to his seat.
“I hate Gage and he hates me. Why would you even think that?” I rant.
“Oh honey,” mom pauses for a second before continuing. “There is a fine line between love and hate and sometimes we get confused and mistake one emotion for the other.” I stare at her like she’s just sprouted horns and said unicorns are real.
“Aha,” is all I say because I don't want to entertain this topic. It's just preposterous.
“So mom, I’ll be leaving early tomorrow to go pick up aunt Grace and uncle Jacob.” Johnny says, thankfully changing the subject completely.
“Oh, they’re coming to visit?” I ask, excitedly. Aunt Grace is my mother’s sister and uncle Jacob is her husband. They live about an hour out of town on a farm and I’ve not seen them in almost three years. It would be great if they were coming to visit
“Oh my God. We’re having a little family get together tomorrow. I’ve been so overwhelmed and happy that you’re home that I’ve forgotten to tell you about it.” Mom tells me.
“Oh that’s great!” I say. It really will be great, it has been a while since we’ve done anything like this and it will be fun to see the close family and friends.
“I’ll need you to be up bright and early Lori, there are still some things that need to be done before the night festivities.” She continues.
“Of course, mom.” I reply. “Okay then, let me help you with the dishes and then I’ll head to bed.” I say, standing up.
“Don’t worry about that honey, I’m sure you're tired after your long trip. You can go rest.” I smile at mom’s words. She’s right, I am exhausted.
“Thanks mom,” I say before turning to leave. “Goodnight everyone,” I say as I exit the room and make my way up.
Sleep will be welcomed after the exciting day I’ve had.
****
I wake the following morning feeling excited, refreshed and ready for the day. Hopping out of bed, I grab my morning gown and shrug it on before making my way down stairs. The delicious coffee aroma that catches me as I descend the stairs has my mouth watering.
“Oh, that smells so good!” I say as soon as I step into the kitchen where I find mom busying herself with making breakfast.
“Morning honey,” Mom greets, smiling when she sees me.
“Morning,” I say, going to her and giving her a peck on the cheek before grabbing a cup from the cupboard and pouring some of the delicious smelling coffee.
“I wasn't expecting you to be up this early, honey.” Mom says as I take a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter. She knows me well, I’m not a morning person. If I don't have to be up for work, the earliest I will even think about opening my eyes and getting out of bed is 9AM.
“I’ve become an early bird,” I joke. “Besides, you asked me to be up early so I can help you. Remember?” I continue.
“Yeah, but I didn't expect you to be up at 7AM.” She says.
“I guess I’m just excited that I’m going to see people I’ve not seen in a long time today,” I say before downing the last bit of my coffee. “So, you need help with anything right now?” I ask.
“No, I’m okay for now.” She answers.
“Okay then,” I say, standing to pour myself another cup of coffee. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” I tell her before turning and heading back to my room. My coffee in hand.
“Okay, honey.” I hear her say just as I exit the kitchen.
Once in my room, I close the door then go stand at the window. I’ve always loved standing in this spot looking down into the backyard. It’s always been so beautiful, especially in the mornings. Opening my curtains, the first thing I see is a half naked man with a body to die for busy cleaning the pool. Oh my God, the view is extra beautiful and sexy this morning.
“When did my parents get this hot piece of perfection?” I say softly as I open the drapes even more so that I can get a better look at who I assume is the new gardener with short, black inky hair and muscles in all the right places.
He’s not doing much heavy lifting but the little movements he's doing cleaning the pool make his muscles move and tighten in a delicious kind of way that has me fanning myself. God, now that is one sexy man. I start to think of all those cliché movies and series where the lonely woman always ends up making out or having sex with the sexy pool boy.
Fantasies of the unknown hunk in our backyard start forming in my brain and I close my eyes. I imagine him spotting me up here then coming up to my room and finding me sprawled on my bed in sexy lingerie. A soft moan slips through my lips when an image of him doing wicked things to my body with skilled hands and tongue fleet through my head. Jesus, my imagination is running away with me with all these sexy thoughts. I open my eyes just as the man turns.
“Oh my God no!” I squeal and jump, accidentally spilling hot coffee all over myself. “Mother of dear fucks!” I curse when the hot liquid scolds my body.
No. Uh-uh. There is no freaking way!
That can’t have been him. I didn't just fantasize about… I take another peek out the window, hoping and p
raying that my eyes just deceived me.
“Gage!” I say in disgust. I just fantasized about Gage of all the people on God’s green earth. Why!
Feeling disgusted with myself, I hurry away from the window and straight to the bathroom for a shower. I need to wash the coffee I spilled off my body and I wish I could wash away all those nasty images from my brain too!
CHAPTER TWO
GAGE
My lungs burn as my feet pound hard on the sidewalk with AC/DC blaring in my ears as I push myself to run the last two hundred meters to my apartment. It's been awhile since I’ve gone for a jog and the only reason I’m doing it now is because I made a mistake and brought my ex home with me from the club last night. She was still sleeping when I woke up so I decided to go for a jog in hopes to find her gone when I get back. I’m not very good with morning afters, which is why I neatly folded her clothes and put a note on top saying ‘It was fun, leave the key under the mat when you go.’ Some might say that’s cold but I honestly just don’t care.
Johnathan pulls up in front of my apartment just as I finally get back. “Hey man!” He greets, getting out of his massive truck.
“Hey,” I reply, out of breath from the torture I just gave my muscles and lungs.
“Were you just jogging?” The disbelief in his tone has me rolling my eyes.
“Yeah, I tend to do that from time to time.” I reply with a smirk forming on my lips.
“Who is she?” He grins as he asks, and his question has my smug smirk disappearing instantly.
“I have no idea what the hell you’re on about.” I play dumb. I don't want to admit to anything right now. If Johnny found out that I brought my ex back home, I’ll never hear the end of it. Especially when he told me that I would be going back to her, even if it was for just a one night stand.
“Dude, you never go jogging unless you want to avoid a woman in your bed.” He says, corking an eyebrow at me. God dammit, the fucker knows me too well.
“Just some girl,” I say.
“It's Jessica, isn't it?” He asks, his smug tone making me inwardly curse.
“What are you doing here?” I change the subject as I turn to start looking for my house key under the mat.
“The key is not going to be there,” he says and I can hear the laughter in his voice. He’s right though, the key really isn't under the mat.
“How the hell did you know?” I turn to narrow my eyes at him.
“Because it's six in the morning and as I know Jessica, she’s not an early bird. Especially not after a night of drinking and sex.
“Jesus Christ!” I groan, throwing my head on my shoulders. He really knows way too much about me and the women in my life. “What did you say you were doing here, Johnny?” I ask. Once again trying to change the subject.
“I’m on my way to pick up my aunt and uncle. Mom asked if you could go help with cleaning the pool and getting the backyard ready for the gathering later tonight,” he says, thankfully dropping the whole Jessica subject.
“Oh, yeah sure.” I agree without hesitation.
I’ll always drop everything and run to help his parents. They are like parents to me too, have been since my mother died and dad decided that he was done being a parent. That his only concern in life would be when and where he got his next drug fix. If it wasn't for the Parkinson’s then I wouldn't be where I am today, a successful mechanic who makes five figures a year. I’d probably also be a druggy like my dad, in jail or dead. Even Lori was there for me even though we’ve hated each other since my parents and I moved here.
“Cool!” He says before climbing back into his truck. “See you later then,” he continues, starting the car then driving off.
Now, to deal with the woman who’s apparently still in my damn apartment. The smell of coffee brewing is the first thing I notice as soon as I open the door. I didn't leave a pot on before I left did I?
“Baby, you’re back!” Jessica says as soon as I step into the kitchen. I guess Johnny was wrong about her still sleeping.
“And you’re still here,” I say and she ignores my sarcastic tone as she stands to grab a mug from the cupboard. It doesn't look like she’ll be wanting to leave anytime soon seeing that she is in nothing but my shirt.
“Yeah, thought maybe we could go out for breakfast and talk about us.” She says as she busies herself with pouring coffee.
“Jessica, there-”
“Yes, there is time for a round or two of hot sex,” she says, doing that annoying thing of cutting me off. This was one of the many reasons I ended things with her. I hate it when someone doesn’t let me finish talking and he tends to do that a lot.
“No, I was going to say there is no us.” I tell her, folding my arms on my chest, already annoyed with her presence.
“Of course there is, silly. Last night proved that we are good together.” She giggles like a teenage girl.
Oh God. This is what I meant about it being a mistake.
“Last night was just sex Jess, nothing more nothing less.” I say before continuing. “I’m going for a shower and then I need to go somewhere. I hope you’re gone when I get out.” I continue before turning and leaving her stunned. I don’t get why she looks so surprised by this because I made it quite clear last night that we could never be a couple again.
“God, you’re such a jerk. No wonder you can't keep a woman past the four month mark!” She says, sounding angry.
“Good-bye, Jessica!” I say over my shoulder before disappearing into the bathroom.
Ten minutes later and I’m stepping out of the shower, ready to start the day and hoping that Jessica has left this time. I make my way to my room and sigh in relief when I don't see her clothes anywhere. Good, she’s gone. I get dressed in record time before heading back to the kitchen for a much needed cup of coffee before heading over to the Parkinsons.
It’s six forty five when I park my car in front of the Parkinson’s, switching the engine off, I take a quizzical look at the house because it looks too quiet. Shit, maybe I came a bit too early? I know Lorianne came home yesterday and they had a family dinner. Maybe the dinner turned into a late night and now everyone is still sleeping?
I’m about to start the engine again and leave but the front door swings open and Mrs. Parkinson steps out; “Gage, why are you just sitting there? Come on in honey,” I hear her saying just as I turn off the engine again and step out of my convertible.
“Hey Mrs. P!” I say, jogging toward her after closing the door.
“Morning, honey.” She says as a frown lines her forehead, making me wonder what could be wrong.
“You okay, Mrs. P?” I ask, slightly worried.
“Did Johnny go and wake you up this early? When I told him to ask you to come help out I didn't mean that he should go wake you up.” She tells me and I immediately relax.
“No,” I smile at her. “I was already awake when he came by ma’am.” I reassure her.
“Oh, good.” She says, a smile forming on her lips. “So, come on in and have some coffee before I put you to work.” She says before turning and heading back into the house.
“No thanks Mrs. P, let me get to work on that pool first. I’ll come for that coffee as soon as I’m done.” I say, following her into the house and closing the door behind me.
She turns for a second to give me that momma bear look she perfects before saying; “Alright, if you’re sure.”
“See you in a bit,” I say before leaning in and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Turning, I make my way out to the pool using the patio. It's not even seven AM yet but it's already hot as hell. That’s the downside about South Africa in mid summer. It gets super hot pretty early. I decide to take off my shirt before starting to work on cleaning the pool. I’m just about to finish with the pool when I hear cursing coming from somewhere. I look around for a minute then up at the house. I feel my eyes rolling hard when I see the curtains to Lori’s room moving so much that it looks like it's been blown by
a gust of wind.
“Jesus,” I say under my breath as I get back to the task at hand. The infuriating woman is still as clumsy as I remember.
Part of the reason I decided to come this early is because I know Lorianne is not a morning person so I was hoping to finish with all I had to do before she woke up. I’m honestly not in the mood to see her just yet, not after the morning I had with my annoying ex. I don’t think I can handle two annoying women back to back, not this early.
My phone buzzes in my pocket just as I finish with the pool and I pull it out to see a text from Jessica.
Think of the devil!
Jessica: You are horrible in bed, jerk face!
I laugh after reading the text. Petty woman. She didn't think I was bad last night when I was giving her multiple orgasms. I put the phone back into my pocket without giving her a second thought or entertaining her by answering her text.
“Gage, my boy. It's always good to see you.” I turn to see Mr. Parkinson stepping out onto the patio.
“Morning, Mr. P.” I greet as I make my way toward him.
“Morning son,” he says when I reach him and we shake hands. “Have you seen Lori yet?” He asks and his question has me frowning for a second. Why the hell would he be asking me that? He knows very well that Lorianne and I do all we can to avoid each other because if we don’t, all hell breaks loose.
“No, sir.” I say, trying to play off his weird question.
“I see,” is all he says, looking deep in thought for a few seconds. I’m about to ask him why he asked but he continues to talk before I can voice my question. “I see you’ve finished with the pool, let me help you with getting the tables and chairs out.” He says before turning and heading back into the house. The slight knowing smile I catch on his lips has me frowning again as I follow him into the house. What the hell is that all about? It's almost like he knows something I don’t and is enjoying the fact that I’m in the dark about whatever it is. But, I guess I find out sooner or later when he’s ready to tell me why he’s asking me weird questions.
Fine Line: An Enemies To Lovers Romance Page 2
