Chapter Twenty
TWENTY
Micah
I stand there and stare at Aidan, stunned at what I just heard him say about me.
She is the most stubborn, relentless, harsh person I’ve ever met. We’ll never get along.
I can’t be too surprised to hear those words come out of his mouth. Except for our rendezvous in the conference room, we’ve spent the entire time we’ve known each other in near-constant conflict.
I’m not under any illusion that Aidan suddenly is mad about me after one hookup. But I was hoping that he wouldn’t still hate me after we were so physically intimate with each other.
I think back to him on his knees in front of me in the conference room, that look in his eyes. How it was soft and pleading and fiery all at once.
How he looked like he wanted me. How he looked like he actually liked me.
How in that moment, as he touched me and kissed me and drove me wild with his hands and mouth, it felt like he actually liked me too.
And if I’m being honest with myself, I was starting to like Aidan. A lot.
My throat aches when I try to swallow.
But that moment and that feeling were fleeting for him. If he ever even felt that way to begin with, it didn’t last. It disappeared right after he came into my mouth and regained clarity.
He wanted to leave right away. He wanted to pretend like it never happened.
I let myself be intimate and vulnerable with him—I let myself start to like him—and then he trashed me.
God, I’m so stupid for thinking he’d act like anything other than a total jerk.
Aidan’s eyebrows crash together as he aims a panicked expression at me. When he starts to move toward me, I walk off.
“Micah, wait.” He touches my arm.
I yank away and turn around. “Don’t touch me.”
He holds up his palm, like he’s surrendering. “Okay. I’m sorry. I just… I didn’t know you were standing right there.”
I let out an annoyed laugh. “Oh, well that makes it okay, then, for you to talk shit about me.”
He shakes his head. “No, that’s not what I mean. I’m sorry for what I said.”
“Don’t even bother with some half-assed apology.”
His jaw bulges as he bites down. “I’m not trying to half-ass this. I’m trying to tell you how sorry I am, but it’s coming out all wrong.”
I stare at him. “You’re an English professor. You deal with words all day, every day, and you can’t figure out how to convey a sincere apology?” I let out a bitter, annoyed laugh.
Frustration flashes in Aidan’s ice-blue eyes as he looks at me.
And that’s when I know. Any affection he had for me in the conference room when he was touching me, kissing me, and driving me wild with his mouth is long gone now.
“I think we both know that what happened in the conference room was a mistake,” I say.
He stares at me, his expression unreadable. “Yeah. It was. Let’s just forget it ever happened.”
I swallow through the tightness in my throat. “It’s forgotten.”
And then I turn away and walk off, knowing full well that I won’t ever be able to forget hooking up with Aidan.
* * *
“Mom, that’s way too much food for one person.”
I stare at the pot full of leftover pansit sitting on my sister’s stove.
Mom glances at the pot and waves her hand. “Oh, anak , it’s not really that much. That’s for the whole week. You can portion it out.”
“She’s right,” Jordan says from my phone screen. “You’ve got the appetite of a horse, Micah. You’ll demolish that in no time.”
I roll my eyes and laugh as I tell my sister to shut up.
My mom frowns at me. “ Anak , don’t talk like that.”
Jordan laughs. So does Dad. He sets some leftover in the fridge and walks over to Mom, pulling her into a hug. “Come on, Anita. You know our girls are just joking around. They’ve always been like that.”
Mom smiles at Dad and tiptoes up to kiss him. She’s five-one and he’s six-one, so even in her heels she has to reach.
I quickly turn the phone away as Jordan mutters, “Gross!”
“Save it for when you get home,” I holler.
“You girls need to grow up,” Dad teases. “How do you think you two got here in the first place?”
I make a gagging noise. So does Jordan. In the background, Mom cackles.
We’re just finishing up family dinner at Jordan’s place. Mom and Dad came over to cook an early dinner while I was at work. While we ate, we FaceTimed Jordan. We try to do this once a week ever since Jordan moved to London. Even though it’s not the same as when we all spend time together in person, it’s the next best thing.
Dad and Mom kiss once more to annoy my sister and me. We both groan and laugh. It feels really good to joke around after such a crummy day at work.
I think about that argument with Aidan. How he talked crap about me behind my back. How quick he was to admit that he wanted to forget about our hookup completely.
That familiar ache lands at the center of my chest. I swallow it back and push the thought from my brain. I don’t want to waste another second thinking about Aidan.
Jordan says she’s tired and needs to head to bed, so I turn her back to our parents. They exchange I love you s and say goodbye to Jordan. I blow her a kiss and hang up the phone, then I help my parents gather their things.
I walk them to the front door and give my mom a hug.
“Next week, how about I make my grandpa’s schnitzel recipe for dinner?” Dad says as he hugs me.
“Sounds yummy,” I say.
“You haven’t cooked that one in a while. You sure you can still make it?” Mom teases.
He frowns at her. “That recipe is in my genes. Just like my adobe recipe from my mom’s family. No way I’ll mess it up.”
“Too bad I didn’t get your cooking skills,” I say to Dad.
He laughs, his eyes bright. “You got my height and my nose—that’s good enough for me.”
Mom reaches up and ruffles his gray-brown hair. “Come on now, you know our girls look more like me.”
He smiles adoringly at her. “They’re your clones, Anita. Thank goodness for that.”
Mom smiles sweetly at him and drops a quick kiss to his mouth.
Despite how my sister and I give our parents a hard time whenever they display some PDA, my chest always goes gooey at how in love they still are with each other after decades of being married.
I smile at them. “Thanks so much again for everything.”
They tell me of course and head out. I close the door behind them and lock it.
I finish cleaning up, plop onto the couch with the remote, and try to find something to watch. Now that my family is gone, my mind floats back to Aidan. I exhale sharply. I really, really need to stop thinking about him.
I turn off the TV and opt instead to jump on the exercise bike for a hardcore sweat session. But that backfires…because all the panting and sweating reminds me of every filthy thing we got up to in the conference room…
Between my legs, I feel that faint pulse. I groan out of sheer frustration.
I’m still so turned on.
I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve played with myself a handful of times while thinking about my hookup with Aidan. I can’t help it. Despite what a jerk he is, despite what a mistake it was, it was still the hottest moment of my life. And the only way I can feel some sort of release is by grabbing my favorite vibrator, closing my eyes, and imagining Aidan’s mouth and hands all over me.
I make annoyed sound as I finish my session on the bike and hop into the shower. I brush my teeth and get ready for bed. When I settle under the covers, I grab my phone from the nightstand and pull up the one thing that I’m certain will distract me.
I tap on the Scribble Share app and navigate to @ShakespeareInLove’s posts. When I see they’ve posted a brand new story, I’m giddy. I immediately read it.
Trina gazed at Petra. She took in the feral look in his eyes, the way his chest rose and fell with each breath he took. He took one step forward. Her heart raced.
She hated this man. She hated him with every bone in her body, every beat of her heart.
But she also wanted him. She wanted his mouth on hers, she wanted his hands all over her body, she wanted his face buried between her legs, licking her pussy until her entire body trembled with pleasure.
“Tell me to stop, Petra, and I will.”
He took another step forward and stopped.
She let out a shaky breath, her gazed fixed on him standing less than a foot away from her. She didn’t speak. She just stood there and looked at him, daring him to take another step forward.
He did. And then another and another, until he had her backed against the wall. His massive hand gripped her waist. His mouth hovered over hers. He exhaled, his hot breath ghosting over her lips. Her mouth watered and her eyes fluttered.
Petra’s eyes were ink-black pools ringed in ice blue.
“This is your last chance, Trina,” he growled. “If you don’t tell me to stop, I’m going to kiss you. And then I’m going to drop to my knees and kiss you between your legs until you’re screaming my name.”
Trina gasped. A hard swallow moved down her delicate throat. Her entire body was on fire, aching for Petra’s mouth.
She looked Petra straight in the eye. “Do it.”
A half second later, Petra’s mouth was on hers. He kissed her like a mad man, like he was starving and the only thing keeping him alive was Trina’s mouth. She could barely keep up, barely breathe. But she loved it. He was rabid and desperate, like he couldn’t get enough of her mouth, enough of her taste.
She tugged her hands through his hair, pulling hard. He groaned, smiling at the pull and the pain.
“So rough. I like it,” he growled against her mouth.
“I can’t help it. You drive me wild.”
It wasn’t long before they had torn off each other’s clothing. Petra stepped back, his eyes fiery and intense as he ran his gaze down Trina’s body.
A smug smirk tugged at his lips as he zeroed in between her legs. Her clit jumped at the way Petra devoured her with his gaze.
A second later, he dropped to his knees. He pressed his hands gently on her thighs, spreading her apart. Trina gasped, her pussy pulsing. Judging from the way he kissed, she knew it wouldn’t take long for her to come once Petra’s mouth was on her.
He pressed a soft kiss to the inside of her thigh. Her knees buckled.
“I’m going to enjoy this—watching you unravel,” he said against her skin.
Trina tried to scoff, but she was too turned on.
Petra slowly kissed her pussy lips apart. Trina gasped. Pleasured jolted through her entire body like a lightning bolt.
Once more she was pulling her hands through his hair as he licked and sucked her clit. Pleasure and pressure converged inside of her, winding tighter with each swirl of his tongue.
Suddenly he pulled away and looked up at her, smirking.
She whined at the loss of his mouth, breathing hard.
“You hate me, don’t you, Trina?”
She nodded, and Petra’s smirked morphed to a full-on grin.
“But you love my mouth.”
Again she nodded.
Eye still on her, he kissed her thigh once more. “Say it, Trina. Say you love my mouth.”
This arrogant bastard. She said it anyway though. Because it was true.
“I love your mouth.”
With those magic words, Petra brought his mouth back to her pussy. His tongue moved in an achingly slow and teasing rhythm, the pleasuring building and building until Trina’s whole body was trembling.
Her entire body was aching, begging for release. This sweet torture Petra was unleashing on her with his mouth was heaven.
“Petra…please…”
He flicked his tongue faster. Seconds later Trina came, screaming and thrashing as the most powerful orgasm she’d ever had claimed her body.
I kick off the bedsheets, suddenly hot. I immediately message ShakespeareInLust.
Just finished reading your latest post and first of all, excellent Taming of the Shrew fanfic. I love that play! And second, HOLY HOTNESS!!! My phone is on fire! That was incredible!
I toss my phone aside and fan myself with my hand. Reading this fanfic reminded me of the good parts of hooking up with Aidan in the conference room.
Just then I see a notification on the screen. ShakespeareInLust just replied to my message. I smile as I read it.
ShakespeareInLust: Aww thanks! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Inspiration hit so I decided to go for it.
Hot4Hermia: Well, I’m thrilled that you did because that’s the hottest thing I’ve read in a long time. Well done!
ShakespeareInLust: You’re making me blush haha
Hot4Hermia: It was the perfect way to end a crummy day, so thank you
ShakespeareInLust: Shoot, another bad day at work?
Hot4Hermia: Yeah :/
ShakespeareInLust: Ah damn. Was your annoying coworker causing you problems again?
I smile at my phone, heartened that they remember.
Hot4Hermia: Yeah, they were.
ShakespeareInLust: Really sorry to hear that.
Hot4Hermia: It’s okay. That’s work, sometimes it sucks. How are things going for you at work?
ShakespeareInLust: Kind of the same sadly. She still hates me. Oh well.
ShakespeareInLust: Writing this was a nice distraction though. And reading your message turned the day around for me. So thanks for that :)
Hot4Hermia: Anytime! Always here to fangirl over your stuff :)
ShakespeareInLust: I’m just happy to meet another Shakespeare superfan who also loves filthy fanfic. There are so few of us LOL
ShakespeareInLust: Do you write at all?
Hot4Hermia: I used to, but I kind of stopped.
ShakespeareInLust: Why?
Hot4Hermia: It’s a long story, not sure if I want to bore you to death lol
ShakespeareInLust: Aww come on, I love long stories. I write them, remember?
Hot4Hermia: Haha okay good point. So I’ve honestly always loved writing stories, ever since I was a kid. Romance especially. It’s always been a dream of mine to publish my writing, but I was always better at more analytical stuff. So I focused on that in college and started my career. I kept writing in my spare time though. And then I dated this guy. He was a pretty successful author. When I shared some of my writing with him, he outright laughed at me. Told me that writing romance was lowbrow and that I should aspire to something better. Ever since then, I just stopped writing all together.
As I wait for them to reply, my nerves crackle in my tummy. Are they going to think I’m a loser because I gave up on my passion so quickly?
ShakespeareInLust: He seriously did that? What a piece of shit.
I smile, comforted at their response.
Hot4Hermia: Yeah, he definitely was.
ShakespeareInLust: I’m really sorry, Hermia. You didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Your partner should support you and lift you up, not tear you down. And hey, I’d bet anything your writing is really good. Some people, especially writers of other genres unfortunately, love to bash romance. Probably because it’s a women-dominated genre. And some people are sexist assholes and feel the need to minimize something just because women like it or excel at it.
Hot4Hermia: I never thought if that way, but you’re totally right.
Hot4Hermia: He was pretty awful all around. I wish I had dumped him when he criticized my writing. He ended up cheating on me with his coworker.
ShakespeareInLust: Okay, fuck this guy. What’s his address? I’m heading over there so I can leave a bag of flaming dog crap on his porch.
I cradle my tummy as I laugh.
Hot4Hermia: I almost peed my pants, I laughed so hard. Thanks for that :P
ShakespeareInLust: I’m not even kidding, I’ll do it ;)
Hot4Hermia: You need to stop, I’m seriously going to piss myself!
ShakespeareInLust: Okay okay, I’ll stop :P
ShakespeareInLust: I don’t mean to tell you what to do…but I think you should start writing again.
That nervous feeling bubbles up in my chest.
Hot4Hermia: I want to. I’m nervous though. What if it’s terrible?
ShakespeareInLust: I get that feeling, I really do. I struggle with it sometimes. But what if it’s amazing and you’re depriving readers of some incredible stories? ;)
Hot4Hermia: Fair point :) How do you deal with those doubts?
ShakespeareInLust: I have a mantra: Fuck the haters
I burst out laughing.
Hot4Hermia: Bahaha that is perfect and brilliant!
ShakespeareInLust: As fun and rewarding as writing is, it’s also a roller coaster. Because what one person loves, another person hates. You could write the most perfect piece of prose and I guarantee some sad sack would find some ridiculous reason to dislike it.
Hot4Hermia: Okay yeah, I see your point. You’re right. I think I’m still kind of disappointed with myself for letting my ex-boyfriend rattle me like that.
ShakespeareInLust: It’s understandable. It can be really unsettling when someone you love and care about hurts your feelings.
Hot4Hermia: Yeah :/
Hot4Hermia: Men can be the fucking worst, am I right?
ShakespeareInLust: As a man, I definitely agree LOL
My eyes go wide as I stare at my phone screen, shocked at what I just read. ShakespeareInLust is a guy? I had no idea.
Hot4Hermia: Crap, I’m so sorry! I assumed you were a woman because you write such amazing romances!
Hot4Hermia: Ahhh I feel like such an idiot. And a jerk. So sorry!
ShakespeareInLust: It’s okay. Really. Don’t apologize, I swear you didn’t offend me :) I assumed you were a woman too LOL
Hot4Hermia: Haha fair enough
ShakespeareInLust: But you’re totally right, men can be massive jerks. I’ve met plenty of them myself.
I let out a breath, relieved. I guess he could be lying to spare my feelings. But we don’t even know each other. We’re anonymous users on this app. There’s zero incentive to lie to each other.
Hot4Hermia: Thanks for being so great about this :)
ShakespeareInLust: Of course :) And thanks for being so amazing. Your comments and DMs always make my day.
ShakespeareInLust: Can I ask you to do me one favor though?
Hot4Hermia: Sure
ShakespeareInLust: Will you at least think about writing again? I hate to think that your ex is holding you back.
Warmth blooms in my chest. This guy is so kind and sweet to encourage me.
Hot4Hermia: I promise I’ll think about it :)
ShakespeareInLust: *fist pump*
Hot4Hermia: You might be the last person in the world who’s still fist pumping
ShakespeareInLust: Aww really? And I thought I was so cool. I mean, I write Shakespeare fanfic, that’s the coolest thing a person could ever do
I burst out laughing again.
Hot4Hermia: I think still you’re very cool
ShakespeareInLust: That’s all that matters to me :)
My stomach does a little flutter as I read his reply. This feels a lot like flirting…
I instantly shove that thought out of my mind. I shouldn’t be thinking of him in that way. I don’t even know this guy. We’re strangers on an app. And he’s going out of his way to be kind to me and encourage me. I shouldn’t read anymore into it.
He mentions that he has an early day at work tomorrow, so we say goodbye. I set my phone on the nightstand and turn off the lamp. As I snuggle into the covers, I’m smiling. ShakespeareInLust may be a stranger on an app, but one conversation with him turned my entire day around.
Those stomach flutters hit once more. I close my eyes and try to ignore them as I fall asleep.