OLIVIAMy phone buzzes loudly from the bedside table, jolting me from my sleep. I reach out and grab my phone. I squint at the screen, trying to read the message. A wave of relief washes over me when I see it is just a text from Mirabel.The message read, "You need to rest and take care of yourself. You can take the day off. Just relax and look after your health."I bite my bottom lip, feeling a pang of guilt wash over me. I had lied to Mirabel , telling her that I was too ill to come into work.In a way, this is true. I'm really ill, but mentally. I'm mentally unwell. I just want to stay in bed all day, wrapped up in my covers.I know it is too early for me to be missing work, but I can't help myself. It feels wrong to take advantage of Mirabel's kindness, but I can't muster the energy to face the customers and coworkers. I am not just in the right frame of mind for it.I toss my phone onto the nightstand. I try to relax, resting my head on the pillow. I shut my eyes tight, willing m
OLIVIAAiden's breath caresses my ear, making me feel weak in the knees. Even after what he has done to me, he still has this effect on me. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, just as they had the first time I set my eyes on him. I struggle to find my voice.“I don't want to hear anything from you," I pause, stepping back. It takes every ounce of strength I have to create even that small distance between us.“I am mad at you,” I add. Aiden shoves his hands into his hoodie pockets, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes are a deep brown, and they seem to see right through me. I hate how he always looks so calm and composed, no matter what. But, even more frustrating is the fact that I still find him so attractive.I am supposed to be mad at him. So, why do I still notice the way his hair falls across his forehead, or the way his lips look soft and pink. What's wrong with me? Am I even okay? “I know you are probably furious with me, and I can't blame you for that," He utters. "You have
OLIVIAI squeeze my eyes shut for a few seconds, trying to recapture the feeling of Aiden's lips pressed against mine.The memory is still vivid, but it is not enough.“If only he had stayed longer,” I thought. Maybe then we could have done more than just kiss. Maybe then I could have satisfied the desire that had been building inside me for so long.I pick up my phone, and scroll through my messages. When I finally reach Aiden's name, I tap on it. I let out a small chuckle. I can't help but smile at the way I had saved his number.“My sister's best friend”It seems silly, somehow. He's so much more. I know he is more than my sister's friend, especially now that we have agreed to explore the feelings we have for each other. Jolting out of my thoughts, I read his text,"Come over to my place when you are done with your lectures," The corners of my mouth curl up giving a wide smile. I feel butterflies all over my stomach. I place a hand over my mouth, trying to hide from my grin.I
OLIVIA“Olivia, wait!”Aiden's voice calls out behind me, but I keep walking. I can't bring myself to stop. Why should I stop? I can't even bear to turn around and face him. I know I would start crying if I do that. Damn it, I hate how I am so affected by this. But, how can I not be? I'd just seen him making out with another girl at the same time we were supposed to be meeting up.I don't even want to think about it. It is all just so stupid and pointless. I get into my car and start driving home. As I pull out of the driveway, I steal a quick glance at Aiden's house. He is standing on the doorstep, his hands running through his hair. I watch him turn and walk back inside. I can't help but feel a pang of hurt. I know he is going to go back to that girl. I feel like a loser again. I drive away from Aiden's house. I fucking need to get home as soon as possible. I try to quiet the thoughts running through my head. But, I can't help it. Am I overreacting? Am I making a big deal out
OLIVIAMy fingers curl around the towel, holding it so tightly that my knuckles turn white. I try to steady my breathing, but my heart is beating so fast I can barely think straight. I can't think of a single word to say. I can't think of a single move to make. I just stand there, frozen in place, trying to make sense of what is happening.I force myself to meet his gaze, staring into his deep brown eyes. I can't hold his gaze for long. Aiden studies me, his eyes trailing over my face, my lips, my body.I don't like how he seems to undress me with his eyes, like he is staring right through me. I can feel myself growing more and more nervous, even though I know I should not be. I should be mad at him. I should have been boiling with rage. But, all I can manage is a feeling of frozen anxiety. Aiden folds his arms over his chest."Are we just going to stand here and stare at each other?" He asks, a smirk playing on his lips.My brows knit together. He is the one staring at me like he ca
OLIVIA“Oh my fuck, he's incredible!” Ashley exclaims, making me look up from the TikTok videos I am watching. I raise my eyebrows. “Who?” I ask. It might be a new guy she is interested in, but I don't mind. Lately, I am always happy to listen to her latest gossip. My friend is the queen of tea, and a little distraction from my troubles is always welcome. She scoots closer, her phone screen nearly pressed against my face. I catch sight of a long paragraph of text on her phone screen. She is showing me a full paragraph of text on a specific topic."Is that the project?" I probe, already knowing the answer."Yup!" She replies, a big smile is plastered on her face. "My partner sent it over, and he has written so much about the topic. It is insane!"“How can someone be an Instagram influencer, hot, rich and intelligent?” She gushes. My eyelids drop, looking away from her phone screen. “That is great, I guess," I mutter under my breath. Ashley pats me on the shoulder. “It is not your
OLIVIAI lower my gaze.I want to run far away from this place, far away from these people and their words.But, I am rooted to the spot, frozen in place and unable to escape the dirty conversation they are having about my body.I don't know what to do. I can't even say anything to defend myself.And, I am still here, stuck with these people. All because of what? Because of a brown eyed jerk. Because I want to talk to him about a stupid project.One of the guys who are talking about my boobs start, “I think she is fucking hot as hell, way hotter than Sarah. Just look at those - ““Can you just fucking shut up and stop babbling that bullshit about her?” A familiar, deep voice echoes in the head.I force myself to raise my head, my lashes fluttering. Aiden stands tall in front of the guys, his eyes blazing with fury. His gaze is fixed on the guy who is talking about my body.“Who are you to tell me what to do, bro?” The guy snaps back. “You think you are some kind of white knight or s
OLIVIA“This is too boring,” I thought. “I look like a nerd.” I know I am a nerd. I am a goody two shoes. But, I should not look like it today.I pull the t-shirt off and toss it in the corner of my room. It is not the right look for Aiden's house. I don't want to look too plain or casual. I want to look put together, but I also don't want to look like I am trying too hard. Fuck, what the hell is wrong with me? Why do I even want to look “put together”? I should dress the way I used to. Why do I care too much about my look now? It is just a project. I am going to Aiden's house to work on a project. It is not a date or anything like that. “Whatever you want,” The way Aiden had said those words, his voice low and calm. No, I should not deceive myself. I am not just going to his house for a project. There is something more. I might as well wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him as if there is no tomorrow. I am losing control over my intrusive thoughts, and I can't help it.