All Chapters of A Taste Of Him: The One I Was Never Meant to Want : Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

Chapter Two ( 2)I couldn’t stop replaying his words in my head—“I’ve missed annoying her”—as Layla and I barreled through the chaos of Ravenwood Pacific University’s crowded morning halls, praying I wouldn’t run into him again.Layla left me at her locker, and I made my way to mine. My backpack slipped lower on my shoulder as I sprinted, sneakers squeaking against the polished floors. I rounded the corner too fast—and slammed straight into someone broad and solid.“Whoa! Careful there,” a deep, teasing voice said, low and amused. I looked up and froze. The school’s star soccer player stood towering over me, one eyebrow arched, warm brown eyes locking on mine in a way that made my stomach twist. My notebooks scattered across the floor, and I scrambled to gather them, face burning.“Oh my gosh! I—I’m so sorry!” I stammered, fumbling to collect my mess.He crouched slightly, his fingers brushing mine as he helped pick up a notebook. That touch sent an uninvited shiver down my

Chapter FourAurora — MorningIt was the weekend, and today was finally the day Mom and I would properly visit the Graysons. The first time I ever stepped into their house was because of Layla, and it barely counted—i didn’t meet her parents. Today was meant to be a full reunion.I woke up earlier than usual.The first golden rays of the Californian sun spilled through my half-open curtains, washing my room in honeyed light. The Ravenwood's breeze drifted in, soft and salty, carrying faint whispers of jasmine from the yard. It slid across my bare shoulders as I stretched, legs dangling lazily off the bed.I tumbled over my pillow, brushing a cascade of flossy chestnut waves out of my face. The tug pulled a tiny groan from my lips.“Aurora! Be ready in an hour!” Mom yelled from downstairs.My phone buzzed with a notification from the female football group chat.“Official match in one month. I expect more resilience and team spirit — Coach Ramirez.”I squealed quietly. This

Jaxon’s POVStaring speechless at the marbled tiles of the hallway, Jaxon could still feel the sting of Aurora’s slap against his face. His hands instinctively went to his jaw, touching the spot where her nails had dug in. His eyes went flat, icy—cold enough to make anyone think he was capable of murder in that instant.He turned away, heading back to the locker room. Jefferey’s team was still buzzing with victory energy, loud and obnoxious, replaying every moment of the match as if they’d just won the World Cup. Their laughter echoed through the metal lockers—sharp, cocky, deliberately aimed to needle anyone wearing Jaxon’s team colors.“Bro, did you see the knock on Jaxon?” one of Jeff’s teammates cackled. “He fell like a fucking leaf!”More laughter exploded, bouncing off the walls.Jefferey leaned casually against a locker, smirking. “Leaf? Nah. More like a toddler learning how to walk.”Jaxon’s jaw tightened. He walked straight to his locker, trying to ignore them. But Jeff’s voi

Jaxon's povI walked Layla to school, her words spilling out about visiting Aurora after classes.“How would you reach her house?” I asked, low, deliberately casual, though my tone carried authority.“I’d just board a cab,” she shrugged, eyes rolling like she didn’t care.“No,” I said, the single word clipped, final. “I’ll take you.”Her eyebrow twitched, a silent protest, but she let me lead. Good. No one got to her without me knowing. Not today. Not ever.When we reached her house, Layla moved like she owned the place, the kind of effortless ease that comes from familiarity. I followed, legs moving on their own. I didn’t know why I kept stepping closer, creeping up those stairs. Maybe curiosity. Maybe something darker. Maybe the simple truth that I had no control whenever she was around.Then I saw her. Aurora.I couldn’t help it. My eyes caught her—Aurora—slender legs stretched out, ankles crossed just so.the gentle flex as she shifted slightly—it drew my attention in ways