Suddenly, the door opened and Janis backed away from me. Amelia came through the door, clutching two grocery bags in her hands. I put my glass of mimosa down on a nearby table and walked over to her to help with the bags. When her eyes met mine, she immediately blushed.
“Oh, hun, you came back faster than I thought,” Janis croaked behind me, sounding slightly upset about the sudden disturbance.
“Yes mom, the store wasn’t that busy this early,” she sighed and quickly grimaced at me without Janis noticing. I stifled a laugh and carried both of the bags to the kitchen. However, when I came back to the living room, Amelia had disappeared.
“Well, hun, she went to her room. It’s just the two of us now. Go on, finish your drink,” she urged me.
I shook my head with a polite smile on my face. “Oh, no thank you, Janis. I have to get going..work,” I turned on my heels and got out of the door as quickly as possible. Wow, that had been a close one.
As soon as I was back in the safety of my house, I couldn’t help feeling annoyed over the fact that I had missed my chance to talk to Amelia. Not to mention that I’d had to endure a flirtatious attack from her mother.
“I’ll try again,” I muttered to myself, feeling determined to not let this one slide. I needed to know why she had kissed me. If I hadn’t bumped into her by next Friday, I would take matters into my own hands and confront her about it.
Chapter 7
Amelia.
I wasn’t sure why I had escaped Lucas by disappearing into my room. It had just taken me by surprise when I’d walked in on him at my house of all places. It was the last place I thought I’d ever see him in. And obviously my mom had been drooling over him. How embarrassing. As much as she claimed to ‘hate’ men, she didn’t seem to be able to resist them.
That unexpected encounter had happened a few days ago and I hadn’t seen Lucas since. Sure, I had deliberately been avoiding him, I had no problem admitting that. But I also suspected that he hadn’t been too eager to see me for one or two reasons: either me escaping him or my mom trying to get with him. And I wasn’t sure which option I liked better.
I felt mortified about kissing him and even thinking back to it made me cringe and relive the embarrassment. So in a way, I was happy that I hadn’t had to face him ever since he had found himself in our living room. Then again, I felt conflicted because I also really wanted to see him. The way his arms had felt wrapped around my body...I wanted to feel that again.
I’d never felt so turned on in my whole, entire life. Sure, I’d always had a vivid imagination and I was no stranger to touching myself to my own fantasies. But I’d never had a man’s arms wrapped around my body like that. It had made me feel tingly in all the right places.
“Why did I have to screw it all up?” I sighed to myself as I got up from my desk. For the past few days I had been spending most of my time alternating between working on my portfolio and looking for internships. So far, I hadn't struck gold. I was slowly starting to get more and more discouraged, even when I tried to convince myself otherwise. I knew it hadn’t really even been that long, but patience had never been my virtue. When I wanted to achieve things, I worked my hardest and went for them. Usually, I had been rewarded for my hard work but this time it was taking longer as many places weren’t hiring.
I just felt stuck. I felt like a 22-year-old child, living with her crazy mother and being at her mercy. I didn’t want to feel like that, I wanted to feel like a 22-year-old young woman, on her way to success and self-reliance. And it felt like I was further away from my dreams than before college. But I couldn’t give in to feeling sorry for myself. At the end of the day I was way better off than a lot of people. I tried to remind myself of this every day, especially when it got hard to stay positive.
I raised my arms up, intertwining my fingers and stretched my back. Sitting down all day made my body feel stiff and sore—like it belonged to a much older person. I opened my door and walked to the kitchen, in need of a drink. Focusing had always been one of my superpowers, and I’d just spent five hours working on a design without taking any breaks. I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and downed half of it in one gulp.
“Amelia, baby! Can you bring me a glass of wine?” I heard my mom call out from her room. I sighed, pulling out a glass from the cupboard and filled it to the brim with white wine. My mom liked her wine glasses full.
I made my way to her room, finding her door ajar. She was lying sideways on her sofa, watching a reality tv-show about rich housewives. How ironic.
“Here you go,” I said and handed the glass to her. She nodded and shooed me off with her hand. As I stepped out of her room, I heard the doorbell ring.
“I think it’s the delivery guy,” my mom shrieked. “I ordered some new shoes. Please sign for it and bring the package to me.”
I understood that I was living in her house but she never failed to make me feel like a total loser, as though my only purpose in life was to serve her. Shaking my head in disbelief, I walked to the door and opened it.
Lucas was standing behind it, wearing a coy look on his face with his dirty blond hair tousled and cute. My stomach lurched up from the surprise.
“What..what are you doing here?” I whispered.
He was wearing a pair of dark blue slacks and a white button up shirt. Luckily, this time around I was wearing a casual summer dress instead of anything worn out or too skimpy.
Lucas observed me from head to toe before stopping at my eyes. “Why have you been avoiding me?”
I was taken aback by his honesty, and it took me a moment to speak. “I...why do you say that?” I asked unconvincingly, avoiding his gaze. I could feel it on my skin, causing my cheeks to burn. I must have been as red as a tomato.
“Mmhm. I think it’s pretty clear that you’ve been avoiding me, Amelia.” There was a hint of sternness in his voice as he spoke. Hesitantly, I looked back up to meet his blue eyes.
Why did he look so good?
“And why did you shut the door in my face?”
I bit my lip. Crap. This wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have. This was exactly why I had been avoiding him. To not have to deal with the aftermath of the biggest mistake of my life.
His blue eyes stayed fixed on mine, only quickly glancing down to my bottom lip. “You know you can’t just run away from things you don’t wanna face in the real world, right?”
I felt like an idiot. He obviously wasn’t into me. He must have thought I was childish—someone who just runs when they do something stupid. I took a deep breath in.
“I know..I, I’m sorry for the door and..and that,” I said apologetically, feeling ashamed about the slamming of the door and the kiss. How childish of me indeed.
Lucas studied my face intently. “Thank you. I want to know one thing though. Why did you kiss me? Aren’t you bothered by our age difference?”
I silently shook my head. He was rubbing the whole ordeal in my face and I felt absolutely humiliated. It was worse enough that I’d done it, I didn’t need to be reminded of it.
“I see. Well, in that case, please don’t apologize for the kiss,” I heard him say and I lifted my gaze up just early enough to see him take a step in. Next moment, Lucas grabbed my waist and pulled me into a kiss. Instinctively, I let out a quiet moan and as my lips opened, his tongue slipped into my mouth, massaging mine. One of his hands lowered down, causing shivers to run down my back before stopping on my butt, where he gave it a soft but strong squeeze. It seemed to only urge me on. My mouth devoured his as my fingers plunged into his hair, running through the golden strands. He brought his other hand to my breast, fondling it through the fabric. I could feel the wetness begin to pool between my legs as need filled me. God, he turned me on so much.
“Who is it, Amelia?” My mother shrieked from her room, causing us to break apart, gasping for air.
I looked up at Lucas who had a faint smile on his lips. I could feel the corners of my mouth tugging as well.
&nb
sp; “I’ll see you later,” he said and smirked before turning around and walking away.
I stood by the door for a few seconds, unable to comprehend what had just happened. My heart was racing, fast and furious, as I made my way back to my mom’s room.
“It wasn’t the delivery. Someone..gave a letter that they had accidentally received. It was for me,” I lied, well aware that my cheeks must have looked blushed.
Mom looked at me oddly from head to toe, as if she wasn’t buying any of what I had said. “If you say so,” she finally said. “Sit down with me for awhile, would you hun.”
Reluctantly, I sat down next to her on the couch, too aware of the fact that I could still feel the wetness from moments ago in my panties.
“What’s going on, mom?” I asked. I wanted to get in my room ASAP.
“Well, there’s something I’ve been wondering,” she began.
Uh oh, this was never a good sign. Usually when she wondered about something, she was looking to get all up in my business or lecture me.
“Yes?”
“Is there anyone you’re interested in at the moment?”
“No, no one at all.” I didn’t like lying to her but she left me no choice.
She nodded her head approvingly. “Good. I want you to be careful with guys. Better to just stay away from them. Men are no good, they are just after one thing. Especially from a young, curvy girl like you. If you give them what they’re after, they will leave after the deed is done. Remember that, Amelia.”
I grimaced. “Yes mom.”
She had a smug expression on her face. “Good girl. And then you won’t mind me striking up a conversation with that handsome guy next door, will you?”
I shook my head, very aware that she must have suspected something going on between Lucas and I, to say something like that. “Of course not,” I said through my gritted teeth and got up. “I’m gonna do some more work.”
I quickly walked to my bedroom and closed the door behind me. Crap. She was definitely onto something. I should’ve never said it had been a neighbour.
I jumped on the bed and closed my eyes. Just moments before, Lucas had wrapped his arms around me and kissed me passionately. His hands had roamed my body, squeezing me all over while his tongue had danced with mine.
As I thought back to our kiss, I felt my body's excitement growing back up until I couldn’t take it for any longer. I lowered my hand down to my panties, finding my own wetness. I imagined how it would feel like to have his fingers on me, delivering me the sweet sensations I was giving to myself now. Just the thought of it was enough to bring me to the edge and my body shivered as the orgasm washed over me.
Chapter 8
Lucas.
When I woke up the next morning, I couldn’t help but feel torn about whether I had made the right choice by kissing Amelia. Even though Xavier had told me to go for it, I wasn’t used to doing something so..brave. I’d always been more of a guy to wait things out to see whether something would happen at all.
I got up from bed and entered the bathroom, staring at myself in the mirror. A man, clearly in his 30s, with his messy and long dirty blond hair stared back at me. I looked about the same that I had always, only this time around there was something different in my blue eyes—a sparkle that made them look like they had more life in them. A grin spread across my face, dissipating any guilt that I’d felt moments earlier. I had done the right thing. I had been brave.
I hopped in the shower and got ready for the day, putting on a pair of denim shorts and a blue t-shirt. I’d be damned if I didn’t pursue this thing. Not that I was sure it even was a thing yet. However, one thing I knew for sure: I was interested in Amelia, and not just physically. And I wanted her to know that as well.
I fixed myself a cup of coffee and a couple of slices of toast and ate them in peace while doing some work on my laptop. I’d received a few files I needed to review before Monday, so I decided to get a headstart. Well, as much of one that I could get after last night—I’d been too preoccupied with what happened with Amelia to be able to focus on work.
I sat on the living room couch, overlooking the street while I worked away. At about eleven, I heard a door slam and saw Janis scurrying off across the street. Immediately, I slammed my laptop shut and stood up. I would have to move fast because Janis could be back any second.
I grabbed my keys and got out the door. I felt surprisingly calm and confident, as if deep down I knew this was exactly what I needed to do. I tapped on their door lightly and waited. A few seconds later it opened and Amelia stood before me in the same skimpy pyjamas. Her cheeks flushed when her eyes met mine.
“Good morning,” I said and smiled. She was so cute when she blushed.
“Morning,” she uttered somewhat quietly, her grey eyes observing my face.
“I was just coming to see if you’d like to get coffee with me?” I asked.
“Oh, yeah sure, why not,” the corners of her mouth twisted up into a genuine smile. She was pleasantly surprised. “I’ll just change. It won’t take long.”
“No problem, I’ll grab a few things from my house as well. See you outside in ten minutes?”
“Sounds good!” she said and closed the door.
I walked back to my place and grabbed my wallet and a pair of sunglasses. Ten minutes later I stood on the curb, waiting for Amelia. She emerged from the house, wearing a light denim skirt and a white top. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and tiny golden earrings dangled from her ears. She was stunning.
“You look beautiful,” I said with a smile plastered across my face. She had the skill of taking my breath away—effortlessly.
Amelia blinked, appearing pleasantly surprised by my words. “Thanks,” she let out a giggle. “Do you have a coffee shop in mind?”
“Yes, actually I do. There’s this nice one just a couple of blocks away. This way,” I told her and pointed in the direction.
We headed towards the spot at a leisurely pace, talking casually. Once we reached the place, I led us deep into the small cafe, before securing two, comfy leather seats from the back.
“Please, sit down. What do you wanna drink?”
She sat down on one of the seats and took a moment to think. “I think I’ll go for a cappuccino. Double shot.”
I nodded at her and went to place my order, then made my way back to the table with our drinks and a slice of key lime pie I had bought for us to share.
“I couldn’t resist getting a slice of this,” I grinned as I handed her the drink and a spoon for the pie.
Amelia chuckled. “I can relate. Sweet treats are my kryptonite.”
I sat down in the other seat and took a spoonful of the pie. “Mine too. And this place has the best key lime pie. Haven’t tasted a better one anywhere else yet.”
We drank our coffees and devoured the slice of pie while carrying a light but interesting conversation. I was happy to be there with her and to me it seemed like she was enjoying herself as well.
“So, I think my mom has the hots for you. You know, I can put in a good word for you,” she winked, changing her tone to a playful one.
I shook my head violently, holding in a laugh. “No thank you. She’s quite the force, isn’t she. But..unfortunately not my..type,” I finished and chortled.
Amelia chuckled. “Oh is that so. How unfortunate.” Her elbows were resting on the table and she leaned forward, crossing her fingers. “So, what is your type then?” she smirked, holding eye contact.
Her intense stare made my body jerk from desire. She was purposefully toying with me in this coffee shop.
“Well, you of all people should know that,” I winked. Two could play at this game. I glanced down at her cleavage which had been exposed from her position. “And what might be Ms. Foster’s type then?”
She immediately blushed, looking flattered. “Tall, handsome, blond hair, blue eyes,” she listed, grinning. It was as clear as day that she found me as attractive as I
found her.
I glanced down at my watch.
“Oh wow, it’s 2:30 p.m.” Over three hours had gone by just like that without either of us realizing it. “I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”
Amelia grinned. “Apparently. Should we get going?”
I nodded and we started back towards home. The sun was still warm but the relentless midday blaze had passed. The streets were calm and no one seemed to be in a hurry to get anywhere.
“What time is your mom coming home?” I asked as we walked.
She sighed. “Honestly, no idea. She could already be home or come in an hour or a week.”
“Oh, boy, it’s like that,” I grimaced and she nodded.
That was unfortunate. I couldn’t imagine living with a parent who was as flimsy as Janis.
We reached our street and I turned to Amelia. “Well, in that case, would you like to come over? I was gonna make some food and it would be nice to not have to eat alone. We could continue getting to know each other better.”
I had to throw it in the air. Xavier’s words were ingrained in my brain. You can’t win if you don’t take the shot.
Amelia smiled. “I would love to.”
We climbed up the steps to my place. I led her to the kitchen and started pulling out ingredients from the fridge.
“What are we making?”
“I was thinking lasagna? How does that sound? I also have a bottle of red to go with that,” I grinned. “But you can just sit back and relax!” I quickly added.
However, without any hesitation from her part, she took over the chopping station. “I’ll be your sous chef,” she smiled and started chopping up the onions that I had just laid out on the counter.
I’d be the luckiest guy in the whole world if I managed to make her mine, I thought to myself as I watched her work.
After snapping out of it, I took over making the sauce. I opened up the bottle of red and poured some in the sauce, then filled two glasses up and handed one to her.
Pretty Little Temptation Page 4
