Fine Line: An Enemies To Lovers Romance

by Rachel M Storm

  I’m breathless when I slide off her. Flipping her on her back, I lie on top of her before kissing her, the kiss gentle and not as urgent as the fucking we just did.

  “By the way, I hate you too Lorianne Parkinson,” I say when I break the kiss. My words bring a smile to her lips and in that moment I know without a doubt that this is what… no who I’ve been missing in my life. I now know that Lori is the reason I’ve never been able to keep a woman for longer than a few months.

  ****

  Lori is sleeping peacefully in my bed the next morning when I wake up and to my surprise I don't get the urge to leave her here and go for a jog in the hopes of finding her gone. I want to stay in bed with her for as long as possible and watch her sleep.

  My phone starts ringing from the bedside table and I frown, wondering who the hell would be calling me so early in the morning. I answer it without checking the caller ID.

  “Hello,” My voice is still filled with sleep.

  “Gage, have you seen or heard from Lori? My parents are going crazy with worry. She left yesterday afternoon and is not back home yet, She’s not even answering her phone.” Johnny sounds panicked.

  Shit, what the hell am I supposed to tell him. I gathered from her saying that I shouldn't pick her up at home, that she doesn’t want her family to know about us. But then again I can't very well let them worry about her when I know for sure that she’s safe and sound. Looking at her sleeping face for a second I decide to be honest.

  “Lori is fine,” I tell Johnny who sighs in relief.

  “Wait, how do you know that?” He asks.

  “She spent the night at my place last night.” I say and my confession is followed by a brief silence.

  “Gage, are you fucking my sister?” Johnny’s words come out harshly.

  “Well, I wouldn’t call it fucking-”

  “Holy shit, finally!” He says, cutting me off.

  “Huh,” is all I manage to say because I’m surprised by his outburst. I was expecting him to curse me out or something.

  “That's great news. You two have been hot for each other for years, I’m happy that you’re both over your fake hate for each other.” He says pausing a beat. “But Gage…”

  “Yeah,” I answer.

  “Best friend or not. I will fucking skin you alive if you hurt her, you know that right?” He sounds serious.

  “Yes, I know.” I tell him.

  “Good, I’ll let my parents know that she’s okay. Talk later dude,” he says before ending the call.

  Lori stirs next to me just as I put my phone back on the bedside table. I decide to get up and surprise her with breakfast in bed. I’m sure she’s starving after having sex almost all night.

  I hear shuffling behind me as I’m busy getting dressed. I look back and find Lori sitting up and watching me. I smile before speaking.

  “Morning,” I say as I start to walk back to the bed but she holds her hand up, surprising me. What the hell, does this mean she regrets last night?

  “No no, I wasn’t done watching the show,” she pouts and I smile.

  “I take it you were enjoying the show?” I say as I climb on bed.

  “Show me any sane, red blooded woman who wouldn't,” she says and I laugh out loud at that.

  “The things you say, woman.” I say, shaking my head.

  “Where’s my phone, I should probably call my parents before they come looking for me with the flying squad,” she says, looking around the room.

  “Your brother already let them know that you’re okay.” I tell her. Her eyes widen in horror.

  “You told my brother I spent the night with you?” The panic in her voice has me frowning. Why doesn’t she want her parents to know about us?

  “No, he called a while back looking for you so I told him that you’re here and safe.” I pause before continuing. “I didn't think it would be fair to keep your family worried when I can put their minds at ease.” I tell her.

  “Oh,” is all she says.

  “Why don't you want them knowing about us?” I ask, genuinely curious.

  “Because I’m not sure what we are yet or if it will even last,” she says and I’d be lying if I said her words didn't sting a little. After last night, I would think that what we are would be obvious.

  “Right,” I say as I move off of the bed. “Would you like some breakfast?” I ask her.

  “No thanks, it's too early for me to be awake right now. Just woke up to text my parents.” She says lying back down. “I think I’ll just go back to sleep now that they know I’m fine.” She says.

  “Okay, I’ll leave you to it then.” I say as I grab a pair of sweatpants.

  I think maybe that jog would be good right now although it's for a completely different reason. I thought after all that was said between Lori and I last night that she would be sure about giving us a chance to be more than just enemies who enjoy fucking each other. But in her words, she’s not sure what we are or if we’ll last.

  This jog will help me think of a way to convince her that we’ve become more and that we can make it work.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lorianne

  It's been two days since I spent the night at Gage’s. It was the most wonderful night I’ve had with a man in a very long time. We spent half of it just talking and the other half with him giving me multiple orgasms. What he said about us always having feelings for each other was surprisingly true and I never realized it until he mentioned it.

  My brother really did tell my parents about me spending the night at Gage’s and at first they were pissed that I never let them know that I wasn't coming back home but after that they couldn't shut up about how happy they were about Gage and I finally finding our way together and how they’ve always said that there is a fine line between love and hate. To be honest, I was excited about me and Gage too and I’ve never been so happy with a man like I am with him. It's only been a couple of days but it feels like a lifetime when I’m with him. And it scares me that things are progressing at such a fast pace.

  But now as my time back home is slowly approaching an end, I can't help but think that maybe taking things so far with Gage was a mistake. I mean, long distance relationships rarely ever work. One or the other will end up cheating and then everything will go to hell. Leaving the other a heartbroken mess. And that other will probably be me.

  “Hello, earth to Lori.” Gwen says, bringing me out of my thoughts. Shit, I must’ve zoned out.

  “Sorry, did you say something?” I ask, feeling bad that she’s been talking to me and I didn’t hear a thing.

  “You’ve been really quiet today. Is everything okay?” She asks me as she sits across from me at our favorite coffee shop.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. I’m okay.” I tell her, smiling but I can feel that my smile doesn't reach my eyes.

  “Are you sure?” She asks again.

  “Yeah. Besides, I don't want to bore you with my problems on your last day here.” I say before taking a sip of my coffee.

  “Problems, what problems?” She sounds intrigued as she ignores my comment about boring her.

  “It’s Gage,” the heavy sigh that leaves my lips has her eyes widening.

  “What about him. Have you gone back to hating him or something?” She asks, narrowing her eyes at me.

  “No, he took me out on a date the other day and then I spent the night at his place.” I tell her and the excitement I see on her face has me cracking a small smile.

  “I knew you two wouldn’t end up as just a one night hit,” she says.

  “Right,” I sigh again.

  “What happened, Lori. You don't look very happy about it.” Now she’s frowning.

  “I think I might be falling in love with him, Gwen.” I finally say it out loud and now that I have, I feel tears pricking my eyes. Stupid tears, why can’t I keep them at bay?

  “Okay. And that makes you want to cry? I don't understand.” She says.

  “It's too soon to be falli
ng for him, Gwen.” I sniff as I try my best to stop the tears that have pooled in my eyes from falling. “And then, I’ll also be leaving in a couple of days. Where is that going to leave us?”

  “Oh Lori,” she says as understanding dawns on her. “What are you going to do?” She asks.

  “I honestly don't know. I don't even know how to label our relationship.” I tell her. The morning after our wonderful night I mentioned that I didn't know what we were, expecting him to tell me that we are dating but instead all he said was ‘Right’ then asked me if I wanted breakfast.

  “Have you tried talking to him?” Gwen asks.

  “No, I haven't. Where would I even start if I attempted to talk to him about this?” The stupid tears are now running freely.

  “I don't know but you need to talk to him and tell him exactly how you feel.” She pauses. “Do you know if he feels the same way about you?” She asks.

  “I know that he’s attracted to me and has been attracted to me for a while but I don't know if it goes beyond attraction.” I tell her honestly.

  “You are leaving in two days, you need to go talk to him today.” She tells me and all I can do is nod. She’s right. I do need to go and talk to Gage about this. I need to know once and for all what this thing between us is. Because right now it feels like I’m falling hard while he’s just enjoying the ride.

  “Go now,” she says.

  “He’s at work right now. I think maybe this is something we should talk about in private.” I tell her.

  “Yeah, maybe you’re right. But promise me you’ll talk to him tonight then,”

  “Yeah, I promise.” I reply.

  Gwen and I spent the rest of our lunch talking about anything and everything. Our time together helped me briefly forget about my feelings for Gage. But now that I’m parked in front of his house all the emotions are back and hitting me hard. I have no idea where I’m going to begin by telling him what I’m feeling. And how the hell am I going to react when he tells me that he doesn’t feel the same about me or that I’m stupid for developing such strong feelings for him after a few times of having sex?

  The texts saying that we miss each other that we have been exchanging for the past few days give me a little hope but one can never be sure. Finally gathering the courage I need, I climb out of the car and start making my way toward his front door. Nerves start making the palms of my hands sweat as I knock on his door. The door swings open and my heart free falls to my stomach at the sight in front of me.

  A woman clad in only pink panties and his shirt is looking at me like I’m lost.

  “Hello, can I help you?” She asks and her voice along with her appearance is like razors to my heart.

  “I’m sorry. I must be lost. I’m looking for where Gage Roberts lives.” I say, taking a step back to look at the house number. This is the place we came to two days ago, right?

  “Yeah, this is Gage’s place.” Her facial expression turns into a fuck you smile and I take another step back.

  “Oh, okay.” I turn to leave.

  “So, I take it the red bra belongs to you?” She asks, halting my retreating steps.

  “Excuse me?” I ask, confused. But then I remember that I left my bra here two days ago because Gage said that that was his favorite one because of the pics I sent him.

  “Judging by your blank and shocked expression I take it that it is yours.” She’s smiling. “I was wondering who he was keeping himself busy with while I was away.” She continues.

  “While you were away?” I ask, my heart breaking every second I’m standing in front of this stunning brunette who’s in Gage’s shirt.

  “Oh, you’re one of those slow ones, aren't you?” She rolls her eyes before continuing. “I’m Jessica, Gage’s girlfriend.” She tells me and tears start flowing down my cheeks.

  I don't answer as I turn on my heel and start running back to the car. Gage stops next to me just as I open the car door.

  “Hey there stranger. I wasn't expecting to see you today.” He says smiling at me as he climbs out of his car. His smile falls immediately when he sees my face. “Lori, what’s wrong?” He sounds worried as he asks but I don't believe that he cares.

  “Why don't you go ask Jessica what's wrong with me!” I say, inwardly cursing myself that he’s seeing me falling apart because of him.

  “Jessica? What the hell are you talking about?” He asks, playing dumb. But I won't be falling for that. I know the truth. I point toward his front door where Jessica is propped against the door frame, seeming to enjoy the exchange between Gage and I.

  “Goodbye Gage!” I say as I turn the engine on. “I’m sure you don't want to keep your girlfriend waiting.” I say before driving off.

  Tears are still streaming down my face when I finally park the car in front of my parents house. How could I have been so stupid. How could I let myself fall for a man I've hated for almost half my life? How could I let myself believe all the bullshit about him having feelings for me since we were kids? I should have known that it was all a lie to get me to feel comfortable in his bed. Climbing out of the car I make my way back into the house which I thankfully find empty. I go to the kitchen where I grab a tub of ice cream and a spoon before heading up to my room where I cry my eyes out as I stuff my face in chocolate ice cream.

  I was an idiot and should have never given in to Gage’s seduction. My phone starts ringing and I cry harder when I see his name flashing on the screen. No, I will not give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry. It was bad enough that he saw me earlier. When my phone rings for the fifth time, I decide to switch it off.

  I’ve been crying for what feels like hours when my tears finally dry up. The ice cream is finished so I go downstairs to find something a bit stronger. I come back up to my room with a bottle of wine.

  “I don't want to be here anymore,” I quietly say. With that I make the decision to leave town tomorrow instead of the day after.

  Slowly grabbing my bags, I start to pack them all the while drinking wine straight from the bottle. I stop for a second and grab my phone and switch it back on then I text my brother;

  Me: Please drive me back home tomorrow morning.

  Another thought comes to mind after I've sent the message. Tomorrow is too far away, I need to get out of here tonight! I text my brother again telling him to ignore my previous message then book myself a bus ticket for tonight.

  I switch my phone off again after booking my bus ticket online and go back to the task at hand of packing my bags. I was stupid but now at least I know that there is one thing that will never change.

  I really do hate Gage Roberts. And now I hate him more than I ever did before!

  Chapter Twelve

  Gage

  My chest fills with dread as I watch Lorianne drive off. I swear to God, I’ll never forget the shattered look she just gave me. It’s going to haunt me for the rest of my life. Slowly turning, my eyes land on Jessica who is watching me with amused eyes. Stalking closer toward my front door, I try my best to reign in my temper.

  “Baby, you’re finally home!” She sounds excited.

  “What the hell are you doing here Jessica and why are you wearing my clothes?” I hiss, still trying my best to keep my anger in check. “And where the fuck did you get the keys to my place?”

  “I’ve missed you, babe.” She says instead of answering any of my questions.

  “Fucking answer me, woman!” I don't mean to but my voice climbs an octave and she jumps back, more in surprise than fear.

  I push past her when she doesn't answer me and start hunting for her clothes which I find scattered on my bedroom floor. Jesus, crazy fucking woman. She walks into my room as I’m busy picking her clothes up.

  “Gage, babe. What are you doing?” She drawls. Jesus fucking Christ this woman is delusional.

  “I’m going to ask you one last time Jessica and so help me if you don’t start answering me,” I say, narrowing my eyes at her. “And stop calling me babe!” I add
before throwing her clothes at her. She’s caught a bit off guard as she catches her clothes.

  “I don't understand why you look so angry, Gage.” She says and her words bring my blood to a boiling point.

  “Why are you here Jessica?” I ask again, closing my eyes to keep my anger under control.

  “I’ve missed you.” She says, as if that should be obvious.

  “Where did you get keys to my place,” I ask.

  “Took the spare last time I was here.” She says. “Remember how much fun we had the last time I was here. You made love to me almost all night.” She continues.

  “What did you say to Lori?” I ask not bothering to comment on the lovemaking she’s just mentioned. I didn't make love to her all night like she’s saying. I fucked her all night, there’s a difference.

  “Who?” Great, now she’s playing dumb. She’s really working hard to tip me over the edge of no return.

  “Lori, the woman who was just here.” I remind her. A smirk forms on her lips before she answers.

  “Oh, her.” She rolls her eyes. “I told her the truth. That I’m your girl.” She says, proudly.

  “Have you lost your mother fucking mind?” I snap and she jumps back. “How many fucking times do I need to tell you that you and I are over.” I’m glaring at her. “I. Don’t. Fucking. Want you!” I continue.

  Tears spring to her eyes but I don't feel sorry for her and I honestly don’t give a fuck. She’s brought this on herself. I’ve told her over and over again that our relationship has ended but the delusional, pig headed woman just won't get it through her head.