“Hey there sis,” Johnny greets, startling me when I finally come up for air.
“Hi,” I reply, again planting that fake smile back on my face. I don't want any of them seeing that I’m in a bad mood because that would lead to too many questions that I can't really answer. I prefer to keep my family out of my love life. Mainly because I can't keep a man to save my life.
“So tell me sis. Why is Gage promising to murder you?” He asks and a genuine smile forms on my lips. His question makes me forget all about that idiot Thomas.
“Oh yeah, that would be because I made it look like he has a small dick at the store earlier,” I tell him, feeling proud.
“Oh Lori, you don't take a dig at a man’s manhood like that!” He says but I can see him trying to suppress a laugh. “Do I even want to know how the hell you pulled that off?” He continues to ask.
“Nope, you don’t.” I smile up at him.
“I thought as much.” He says before continuing. “And is there any particular reason why you are ignoring Gage’s messages as well as calls?” Johnny asks as he crouches in front of the pool.
“I fail to see how that’s any of your business,” I say before climbing out of the pool.
“Fair enough,” my brother smiles as he stands back up. “Well, I guess I’ll see you later on for dinner, mom invited me over.” He says as he walks away.
“Okay, bye.” I say as I start to dry myself.
Gage must have called after I left my phone in my room because I haven't seen any messages or texts from him yet. I’m surprised when I get the sudden urge to run and grab my phone to see what messages he’s left for me. What the hell is wrong with me. I now get excited and butterflies wreak havoc in my stomach at the mere mention of that man’s name. These feelings are new to me and I honestly don't know what to do with them.
Wrapping myself with the towel, I hastily make my way back into the house. My parents are still in the living area but I don't waste any time by making small talk, I hurry straight to my room.
An excited grin tries to split my face in two when I grab my phone from my bed and see that I have three missed calls and four messages from Gage. I start by reading the text messages.
Gage: My revenge will be when you least expect it
The wink at the end of his first message makes me giggle, it makes me freaking giggle like a four year old. Gage and I have always pranked each other over the years but it has never felt this fun before and I've never actually looked forward to our encounters like I am now.
Gage: Are you still coming over?
The butterflies start flapping uncontrollably after reading his second text.
Gage: Are you ignoring me now?
I grin harder after reading his last message. Well, I guess it's good that I never saw these. I don't want him to figure out exactly how giddy I get when he contacts me.
Me: Yeah, I'll be there later. Send me your address
Excitement is pouring out of me by the time I've finished replying to his text.
His reply is instant.
Gage: Actually I'll pick you up in two hours
Me: Okay
"Shit, what the hell am I going to wear!" I say as I jump off the bed and make a beeline for the closet.
I spend the next thirty minutes rummaging through the closet, searching for the perfect outfit. I'm looking for something that says 'give me multiple orgasms' but not too obvious that's what I want.
An hour later and I've finally chosen an outfit. A jean mini skirt accompanied by a peach off to the shoulder top with black sandal heels. In the next final hour I've showered, dressed and ready to go.
I decide that I don't need my parents knowing about Gage and I so I call him.
"Yes," his voice is seductive as he answers.
"Pick me up at the corner of the street," I tell him before ending the call without waiting for his answer.
"Are you going somewhere honey?" Mom asks when she sees me.
"Yeah, just going for some drinks with a couple of friends," I lie.
"Do you need the car?" She asks.
"No thanks ma, they're picking me up." I say. At least this is not a complete lie. I just omit the little fact of who it actually is that's coming to pick me up.
“Okay honey. Enjoy.” She says and I give her a swift kiss on the cheek before hurrying out. I don't really trust Gage to listen. He might stop in front of the house instead of waiting where I asked him to.
A sigh of relief slips through my lips when I get outside and see that he’s not there. I walk the short distance to the end of our street and I find his convertible already there. This is fun, it makes me feel like a teen sneaking out to go be with her forbidden boyfriend.
“Is there a particular reason why you don't want me picking you up from your house?” Gage asks as soon as I climb into the passenger seat.
“There is,” I smile as I answer.
“Okay, and that reason is?” He’s also smiling.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out,” I say, my smile involuntarily turning into a grin. Who would have ever thought that one day, Gage and I would be cordial enough to be smiling at each other like this.
“It's because you don't want your parents seeing that I’m the one picking you up, isn't it?” He asks, hitting the nail right on the head.
Rolling my eyes, I decide that honesty is the best way to go. “Yes, as far as they know I still can't stand to be around you and I’d rather have them believing that for now.” I answer.
“Are you saying that you can stand to be around me now?” The smirk he’s displaying causes me to give him another eye roll.
“Only just,” I answer as I feel a slight heat creeping up my face.
“The feeling is mutual,” he says before starting the car and driving off.
“So, where are we headed? Your place?” I ask after a few minutes of silence.
“No, not my place yet. Was thinking we should go for a drink first.” He says, bringing those butterflies back.
“As in a date?” The hope I hear in my voice has me frowning. That question was supposed to have come out as a joke.
“If you want to call it that then I guess that’s what it is,” he says.
“Right,” is all I say. Scared to say anything else that might come out wrong again.
We spend the rest of the drive in comfortable silence and now we’re finally stopping in front of a pub and grill.
“Is this place new?” I ask as we step out of the car. I’ve never seen or heard of this place before.
“Yeah, it opened about seven or so months ago,” he says.
Right, that makes sense that I don't know the place. I’ve not been home in over a year.
“Oh okay, looks nice,” I say as we walk inside.
“Yeah, they have the best steak in town.” He tells me as we find some seats.
The place is uniquely decorated with its massive barrels for tables and I can see from the other people's tables that have already received their food that they use weird shaped wood plates instead of the normal kind.
“Good afternoon, I’m Jo and I’ll be your waitress.” The waitress says as she hands us each a menu. “Can I get you anything to drink?” She asks.
“Yeah, I’ll just have a beer.” Gage tells her before swinging his eyes to me. “What about you?” She asks.
“I’ll have any berry cider you have. Thanks,” I tell the waitress who quickly writes our orders down before leaving.
“So, how long are you back for, Lori?” Gage asks as I’m busy reading through the menu, trying to decide on what I’ll be having.
“I’m here for a couple more days. I’ll be heading back this weekend,” I tell him, still distracted by the delicious sounding food I see in the menu.
“That soon?”
“I look up to see a slight frown marring his perfectly sculpted face.
“Yeah, was supposed to be here for two more weeks but I got a call from my boss saying I
have to go back to work on Monday. Why?” I ask, not sure what that look on his face means.
“Just asking,” he says but I get the feeling that there is more to his question than he’s letting on.
“But I will be back again on Tuesday or maybe Wednesday. They only need me on Monday,” I smile at him.
“That’s good, I thought you wouldn't be back for another year or something,” he says, sounding serious.
“No I-” My words are cut off when a stunning redhead comes to stand in front of our table. Her hands are firmly placed on her hips as she glares at Gage. I recognize her as the girl Gage was with at the gathering at my house a couple of nights ago.
“What the hell is going on here?” Her question is filled with venom.
“It's not obvious?” Gage asks as he arches an eyebrow at her.
“It looks like you’re on a date with the tramp you said you hated! And I thought you said you didn't do dates.” She hisses.
“Who the hell are you calling-” My words are cut off yet again when Gage suddenly speaks.
“If you ever insult Lorianne like that, I’ll make sure the whole town knows exactly how you got your latest promotion at work.” Gage’s threat has her eyes widening and taking a step back.
“You wouldn't dare!” She says as tears start forming in her eyes. What the hell could she have done to get a promotion that’s so bad?
“Try me!” He replies, his fuck you smile has her turning and stomping away.
“I’m sorry about that,” he says, looking back at me.
“What the hell was that all about?” I pause before voicing my next question. “Is she your girlfriend?” I can feel the glare im shooting at him right now.
“No, she’s not my girlfriend Lorianne. She‘s just a girl I had drinks with once or twice. It didn't mean anything.” He says and I narrow my eyes at him as I think back to the way he was flirting with her the other night.
“Have you slept with her?” The question is out of me before I can stop it.
“No, I haven’t,” his answer has me letting go of a breath I wasn't even aware that I was holding.
“Is that jealousy I’m detecting?” That smirk is back on his lips.
“Of course not!” I say, denying the startling truth. For a brief second, I really was jealous.
“Good, because you don't have anything to be jealous about when it comes to her.” He says just as the waitress comes back with both our drinks.
I don't say anything as I take a sip of my drink. What the hell is happening to me. First, I get excited by the mere mention of his name and now I’m getting jealous? This is not good. This is not good at fucking all!
My feelings are developing too fast and it’s honestly scaring the crap out of me.
Chapter Ten
Gage
Lorianne is quiet as I open the door to my place for her. Actually, she’s been quiet since our earlier encounter with Chantell, my redhead mistake.
“Would you like something to drink?” I ask Lori as I close the door behind me.
“Sure,” she sounds distracted as she answers. “Nice place you have here.” She says, still sounding off.
“Thanks.” I say before continuing. “Go ahead and make yourself at home.” I tell her, gesturing to the living area.
“Okay,” she says as she walks toward the living area and I go in the other direction towards the kitchen.
I grab a bottle of wine from the fridge and two glasses before heading back. She is sitting on the couch with her head in her hands.
What the hell is going on?
“Lori?” I start and she immediately looks up at me with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask as I place the wine and glasses on the coffee table.
“Yeah, I’m good,” she lies. I can see that there is something bothering her.
“Is it Chantell?” I ask as I pour us each a glass of wine.
“Who the hell is Chantell?” She’s narrowing her eyes at me as she asks.
“The redhead from earlier,” I explain. I don't know why, but I need to know what’s bothering her. I have an overwhelming urge to want to make it all better.
“Oh, no, it's not her.” She says, accepting the wine I give her.
“Okay, so what’s bothering you?” I ask again. This time she sighs before turning to look at me.
“I…” She lets the word hang in the air between us for a second before continuing. “I think things between us are moving way too fast,” she tells me and I stiffen for a second.
“What do you mean,” I ask.
“I mean, we went from hating each other to going on dates overnight.” She says, sighing again. “That’s not normal.” She says before looking away from me like she can't look at me for one more second.
“I know,” I say before deciding to be completely honest with her and myself. “But it's been a long time coming,” I tell her.
Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at me in horror.
“What do you mean?” She asks and she looks genuinely confused by my statement.
I’m momentarily taken back to when we were still in school and I threatened all the guys who wanted to date her.
“Hey man, Lori finally agreed to go out with me,” I hear Jake, the rugby team captain say as I walk into the boys' bathrooms.
“Lori?” Someone else asks and I decide to stay a while longer in the stall so that I can listen to their conversation.
“Lorianne Parkinson, the hot hockey player.” Jake answers and a tug of jealousy makes its way up my spine. What the hell, why on earth would I be jealous?
“Oh yeah,” the other prick says and I can hear the smile in his voice. “But I heard she’s one of those no sex till marriage types. You're never going to get some.” He laughs and for some reason, that brings a smile to my lips.
“Yeah, but I’ve made a bet with the rest of the team that I can get her to give it up.” Jake says, laughing.
“Sweet!” The other guy says.
My blood boils in anger and I shove the stall open before marching toward the two pricks who think it's funny to sleep with girls because of bets. My fist flies and connects with Jake's nose and he goes tumbling down.
“What the fuck is your problem?” He says as he clutches his bleeding nose.
“You are going to stay away from Lori,” I hiss at him.
“Fuck you! You two hate each other, what's it to you who she’s with?” He says. He’s right. Lori and I do hate each other so why the hell do I care?
“This is your first and final warning, Jake.” I point a finger at him. Opting not to answer him because I don't know myself. “If I so much as hear that you approached her, I will break more than just your nose!” I threaten before turning and leaving the bathroom. From that day on, I made sure that no one ever asked Lori out on a date.
“Gage, what do you mean it's been a long time coming?” Lori asks again, bringing me out my memory.
“I’ve always been a little jealous when it came to you being with other men,” I tell her honestly and I didn’t think it was possible but her eyes widen even more.
“What?” She’s shocked.
“Yeah, why did you think I was preventing all the boys back in school to date you?” I’m smiling as I ask this.
“You said that it's because I told on you when you sneaked Cindy into your room.” She says, now frowning.
“I lied,” I shrug before continuing. “And if you think about it now, why do you think you narked on me back then?” I ask her because I know for a fact that she never hated me as much as she let on.
She’s quiet for a few minutes before her eyes widen again, this time in realization. “I was jealous,” she says so softly that I doubt that I was supposed to hear her.
“See, long time coming.” I tell her. “It just took us this long to get to this point because we’re both stubborn.” I tell her and she laughs.
Gently lifting her chin so that she can look at me again, I pl
ace a chaste kiss on her lips. “And surely you remember the night you kissed me,” I smile against her lips as I think back to the day we buried my mother. She came looking for me in my room after the funeral and to my surprise her presence was exactly what I needed. I was sad and angry but when she kissed me I immediately felt soothed.
“That was different,” she says, smiling back at me.
“How was it different?” I ask taking the wine glass from her, placing it back on the coffee table then pulling her into my lap.
“You were hurting and I didn’t know what to do to make you feel better,” she tells me as she gets comfortable in my lap.
“See, even back then you cared about me.” I tell her, making my point about this being a long time coming stronger.
She giggles before saying; “Well all this doesn't change the fact that I hate you, Gage Roberts.” She doesn't even give me a chance to react. Her lips are suddenly on mine and I don't hesitate to return it with as much passion as she’s giving.
I groan when her hands fist in my hair, pulling a little as she starts grinding her crotch against mine. Jesus, this woman is a fucking siren. Without breaking our kiss, I slowly start taking off her shirt then her bra follows. She moans into my mouth when I start teasing her hard nipples. I’m hard as rock when she abandons my hair and starts fumbling with my jeans.
“Jesus, Lori. I honestly can't get enough of you.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them and it’s startling how true they actually are.
She is wearing a short jean skirt so I just snake my hand under and shift her soaking panties to the side. She manages to loosen my pants so I lift my hips and pull them down a bit. My cock springs free under her and we watch each other with hooded eyes for a few seconds before she lowers herself onto me painfully slow.
“Fuck, you’re going to unman me, Lori.” I say when she’s filled herself to the brim.
She doesn't say anything as those hooded blue eyes of hers stare at me with an emotion that usually scares the shit out of me. But when she’s the one looking at me like that it feels right, perfect even.
Her hips start moving slowly, making me groan from pleasure but I can't take it any longer so I grab her hips and start moving her up and down with a faster pace. Her moans fill the room and it's all I can do not to come prematurely. She starts moving faster on her own, chasing both our orgasms. She suddenly screams my name in pleasure before stilling on top of me. I grab her by the waist again and flip her to be on her stomach on the couch. I groan again when my cock easily slides back into her. I want to take it slow but her loud moans make it hard so I start pounding into her hard and fast. I curse when my balls tighten seconds before I blow my load into her.
Fine Line: An Enemies To Lovers Romance Page 8
