For Crying Out Loud by J. Preston

4She Who Can Tame The Jerk

When life gives you lemons, keep them… because, hey free stuff.

- Jason

Jenny

“Here you go, sweetie.” Mrs. Bloom puts a bowl of steaming hot soup in front of me and shoots Aiden a disapproving look. “Really Aiden, how could you let this happen? Look at the poor thing!” She pats my cheek, eyes full of concern. Aide’s head hangs low in shame. Eat this sucker!

We arrived at ‘The Cottage’ B&B about ten minutes ago. As soon as we parked and my eyes fell on it, I fell in love with the white stone building, sloped roof, blue picket fence, and the massive apple tree by the main entrance. It looked just like an English cottage. A woman in her seventies ran out to greet us and, upon seeing Aiden, squealed with delight and started hugging him. Then she noticed me and the fuss started… She bombarded me with a million questions and hastily ushered us inside. After I recounted my near-death experience, cough, Mrs. Bloom, who turned out to be English, like Aiden, escorted us through a homely-looking kitchen to a dining area. Aiden and I sat down at a small wooden table and were told not to move until the food arrived. Between Aiden, Mrs. Bloom, and the whole cottage thing, I felt like I was back in England, thirteen again… Ahhh, memories… The rain, London, Big Ben, my old school, being slobbered all over by Aiden… Ew!

“Thank you so much for the soup, Mrs. Bloom,” I say, smiling sweetly.

“Oh, please call me Jill, love. And dig in, you need to get warm from the inside.” She looks back at Aiden sternly, making him cower. Huh. This is proving to be entertaining. Seems there are women immune to his charms. I should probably come here more often and take lessons in ‘How to remain indifferent to hot guys’. Jill sighs loudly before walking away. I eat a spoonful of the warm soup and let out a moan of approval.

“So how do you know this place?” I ask Aiden once I’ve had a few mouthfuls.

He looks up at me, smiling. “I found it my first week in Starwood. I was feeling rather homesick, ready to pack up, go back to London, and I decided to go for a drive, clear my head. So I drove around until I stumbled upon this Bed and Breakfast. It looked like cottages back home and there was a sign that said ‘We serve Full English Breakfast’. I was sold. Then I found out Jill was originally from Cotswold. We started talking, she fed me and…I’ve been coming here ever since. She’s like a surrogate mother to me. Always asking me about my grades, if I’m dating anyone.” He laughs. “That’s probably why she interrogated you when we got here. She wanted to know as much about you as possible. Thanks for telling her about your ‘near-death’ experience.” He makes quotation marks with his fingers. “And how it was my fault… I’m never going to live this down.”

“Ease up, champ! It’ll do your ego some good.” I grin at him, trying to put on an English accent. I fail miserably, I guess, since Aiden chokes on his coke with laughter. Nevermind. I decided to change the topic. “So do you bring a lot of girls here?”

Aiden flashes me a smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

As a matter of fact, yes. I would. But I am definitely not going to let that slip, so I just shrug instead, taking another spoonful of the gloriously hot soup. Aiden’s face falls a little, then that evil smirk of his appears on his face as he says, “Sure, lots and lots of girls.”

I huff inwardly, obviously. On the outside, I am a pristine example of stoicism and indifference. I take another mouthful and bite off a large chunk of bread. Too large. I am now stuck chewing what feels like ten pieces of Hubba Bubba gum at once. Have you ever tried stuffing ten Hubba Bubba’s into your mouth? No? Well, I did. Jason dared me to, and it was agony! Jason managed seventeen, which I’m pretty sure was because his brain is smaller, therefore he had more space. I made sure to share that opinion at the time, to his disdain.

My eyes begin to water as I try to breathe and chew at the same time. Pretty sure I’m looking like a hot version of a chipmunk. Doesn’t bread get soggy with liquid, making it easier to swallow? Worth a try! I take another mouthful of the soup and let it just sit there, embracing the whole chipmunk thing as Aiden decides to speak.

“Listen… Jenny…” My ears perk up, and I try very hard to keep the bread and soup combo in my mouth rather than letting it trail down my chin as it’s currently trying to do. “I think we should talk about what happened.” He continues, oblivious to my struggles. I decide to let him talk. If he wants to talk about how I nearly died, I will not stop him. In fact, I’m pretty sure I will milk this for a long, long time. “I know you said to Jason that we’ve already spoken about this and it’s all good, but we both know that was a lie…” I sit up straighter. Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. He is not trying to talk about that kiss, is he? I mean, does he want me dead? First the ocean, now the bread-soup currently lodged in my throat. My eyes bulge a little, but Aiden is not looking at me. He is examining his cuticles. What a girl… “So the thing is, I never explained what happened or said that I was sorry. Which I am, Jenny. I truly am sorry.” He is what? Aiden looks up at me just as I graciously spit the contents of my mouth all over the table.

No, just take a second and imagine it. Projectile spit. Pieces of wet bread covered in soup scattered around. ALL. OVER. THE. TABLE.

Dumbfounded, I choke out the remnants of the food that was trying to kill me. Did he really just apologize to me? Aiden Vaughn just apologized… Well, color me surprised. Then again, what was he apologizing for? Kissing me? Doing a really shit job of kissing me? Traumatising me for life? Giving me a horrible nickname? Ruining my social life? Ruining any interest I might have had in the opposite sex? Although that last one has clearly backfired, as the interest has come back with the vengeance of a three-year-old who had their lollipop stolen…

I narrow my eyes at Aiden, wiping the drool off my face with the back of my hand, looking like a feral child, no doubt. Aiden looks horrified, grabbing napkins from the table next to us and cleaning up the mess.

“Are you ok?” He asks, panicked. I probably look like I just had a stroke, mouth wide open, narrowed eyes, and disbelief and anger on my face. I rearrange my features into ones that do not resemble a weirdo and nod slowly.

“Sorry, choked,” I say. “What are you apologizing for exactly?”

“Goodness me!” Jill appears out of nowhere, carrying a pot of tea. She sets it down on the table next to us and runs over to me, taking my hand in one of hers. “Are you okay, love?” She looks at me, concerned, then touches the back of her hand to my forehead as if to check my temperature. “What happened?” she asks, shooting Aiden a fierce look. I am about to speak when she whirls around to face him fully. “What have you done this time, Aiden?” She throws a cleaning cloth at him, and he starts wiping the table. “Honestly, look at the poor thing. She is horrified! Why would you scare the first girl you ever brought here? What have you said to her?” She yells at him. I look at Aiden, searching his face. Did she just say ‘first girl’ he’s ever brought here? But he said… I mean… Lots of girls, no? I slump in my chair. Why would he lie to me? I’ll never be able to understand guys.

“I’m really sorry Jill. I just swallowed the wrong way and Aiden surprised me and… I’m sorry,” I say, deflated, looking at my lap. Aiden is still methodically wiping the table.

“Oh dear,” Mrs. Bloom says. “It’s all right, sweetie. Aiden will clean this up, don’t you worry.” She shoots Aiden another disapproving look, and he starts at the table with renewed fierceness. I think I might love this woman. She who can tame the jerk. “Would you like some tea? I’ve got some good old English Breakfast with milk for you.” She smiles at me sweetly.

“I’d love some.” I smile back as she hands me a cup.

Jill swiftly cleans up, then disappears, leaving us alone. We are sitting there in silence not looking at each other. Aiden is picking at his nails, acting all weird and nervous.

“Aiden,” I sigh. His head shoots up. He zeroes in on me, his eyes big and hopeful and so freaking gorgeous and green I have to look away… When I look back at him, he is still gazing at me. I focus on a spot just above his left eye, hoping that it looks like I’m looking back at him rather than a major case of cross-eye.

“Jenny…” he says softly, his voice silky and deep. I’m suddenly glad that I’m already sitting because, man, can I just tell you, this voice would melt any girl into a puddle. And I’d go as far as to say it would probably make straight guys reconsider their orientation. I clear my throat and focus on the tip of his nose.

“Aiden.” My voice is wobbly, so I clear my throat again. “Can we go back to before I nearly choked to death on bread and broccoli soup, please? I’d really like that.”

“Sure.” He smiles. I know that because my eyes wandered down to his lips. Treacherous eyes. I concentrate and move my gaze to one of his dimples. Isn’t it annoying that he has dimples? It’s like God knew all my weaknesses and decided to test me by putting them all in one person…

“Great, let’s go back to what you were saying, then.” I shake myself out of my daze and look him straight in the eyes. “You were apologizing.” He instantly looks down at his hands.

“Yes.” I hear his quiet voice. “I’m really, really sorry, Jenny.” He looks back up at me and I can hear the sincerity in his voice. “I wanted to apologise so many times to you, but I was young and dumb, and so damn proud. I thought the world ended when you rejected me.” He winces. “I’m so sorry for the rumour I spread around school. You hurt me and I just didn’t understand… God, Jenny, I was an idiot. I’m sorry. Just really, really sorry.”

I don’t know what to say, so I keep on sitting here, quietly, just looking back at him. I’m not going to say that it’s okay because, well, it’s not okay. He fidgets a little, and when he notices I’ve got no intention of saying anything just yet, he starts talking again, his words coming out fast.

“Please Jenny, you have to understand. I was a stupid boy, still in school. I was an idiot and I just didn’t realize— no—I didn’t think of how my actions could affect you. God, when you said that I traumatised you and that it was the worst kiss ever… Well, it makes a guy really sober up, I guess. Have you really not kissed anyone since?” He looks up at me, and I blush like the inexperienced school girl that I am. I shake my head. “Damn!” he swears. “Jenny, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me?” He looks at me with his puppy dog eyes. Damn the man and his freaking eyes. I sigh.

“Here’s the thing,” I start. “What you did was a real jerk move, and it obviously impacted me in some way… But at least you’re apologizing and trying to make amends. I can work with that, especially since we now live together. I mean, I have to see your face every day.” I scrunch up my nose as if in disgust, and Aiden laughs, running his hand through his hair. What can I say, having to see his face every day is definitely not a chore; no, no, no. “I’ll tell you what, let’s just start over, ok?”

“I’d love that,” he says with that silky smooth voice of his again, and he smiles at me. I decide to throw the guy a bone and smile back. This will be easy, right?

* * *

We arrive back at the house shortly after four. Carter and Jason are in the kitchen, chatting and drinking beer.

“Who won?” Jason looks up at me, then freezes. “Why the hell are you wearing Aiden’s clothes?” He screams. Carter whips his head around, looking at me just as Aiden walks in. “What the hell, man? Why is she wearing your clothes?”

“Chill Jason,” I step in front of Aiden, shielding him from my brother. “I was cold after my near-death experience. The clothes were in the trunk. I wore them to get warm, duh.”

“Your what?” Jason’s face goes white, and he stills. “Jesus, Jenny, what happened, are you ok?” He rushes over and hugs me.

“Oooh, I want to get in on that!” Carter says, then hops off the stool he was sitting on and runs over to Jason and me, still hugging. He launches himself at my brother and me, wrapping his arms around the both of us. “I love family moments like these,” he sighs. “They make me feel so wholesome.”

I laugh and wriggle myself free out from under them. They’re still hugging.

“Don’t worry,” I say, grabbing my phone and quickly snapping a photo of the two of them, “I’m okay. I just got scared by a shark, that’s all.”

“Seaweed,” Aiden coughs. I let it slide because, well, he’s not wrong.

Jason pushes Carter away and sighs with relief. “Jesus, Jen. Don’t scare me like that! So who won?”

“Who won what?” I ask.

“I did.” I hear a person who’s now dead to me whisper behind me, the adorable English accent suddenly annoying.

“Eh… What?” I whirl around.

“Well, I had to pull you out of the water at around the seventh minute—”

“Aha!” I point at him. “So you admit that you forcefully took me out of the water. I did not ask for it, nor did I agree to it!” Case closed.

“Jenny…you went underwater; you weren’t coming back up. I didn’t want you to drown.”

“Still! I would have stayed in the water until the agreed time passed had you not dragged me out!”

Jason starts laughing. “Jen, I admire your spirit, but from what I am hearing, Superman over here might have saved your life. Least you can do is to cook for the man for one week.”

“And go on a date with me, but we can do it later this week.” Aiden’s quickly whispered words were barely audible.

“Fine! You won. Happy?” I huff and stomp off to my room.

Once I slam my door, I turn and slide down to a sitting position. I thought that might happen, but after our heart-to-heart, I really believed he might let it slide. Would I let him off though if the roles were reversed? Nope, probably not. I sigh and jump into the shower.

After a twenty minute, steaming shower and at least five different interpretations of Aretha’s “Natural Woman”, I wrap my towel around my body, walk back into my room, and jump-squeal. You know, that thing you do, when you’re startled and you scream and jump at the same time? Yup, that one. I did that.

Carter is lying on his back on my bed, his feet crossed and his arms behind his head.

“Did I scare you?” He arches his eyebrow, smiling up at me. His eyes are twinkling. I compose myself then walk over to my dresser and pull out clothes I can put on.

“No, that’s just how I usually greet highly annoying people. What are you doing in my room?”

“Waiting for you…”

“Why?”

“Just wanted to hang out.”

“And you choose the moment I got into a shower to do so?”

“You were gone for a while… I thought you’d be done with your shower by now. Plus, I only got here two minutes ago, so I decided to wait for you. I knew you wouldn’t be much longer and wanted to see your pretty face, and boy, am I glad I waited.” His eyes are smoldering and I can feel my face getting red. He stands up, walks over to me, then reaches with his hand to pull a strand of wet hair behind my ear. I move my face to the side. When I speak, my voice is small and a bit too high for my liking.

“Well, could you please give me some privacy so I can get dressed?”

“I’d prefer to look, or better yet, for you to stay in that little towel, but I can turn around if you really want me to,” he says theatrically.

I blush again because I want him to leave my room, but I also want him to stay. I take a couple of steps back, so I can catch my breath and think for a second, then make a quick decision.

“Do whatever.” I say and walk back into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. Not taking any chances. I quickly dress in the shorts and t-shirt I pulled out of my dresser and towel dry my hair as best as I can. I look over my reflection in the steamed up mirror, then decide to pull my hair up into a high ponytail. That should stop him from touching it, I hope. When I walk back, Casanova is back on my bed, looking as comfortable as an old shoe. I stand in the doorway for a second too long.

“Come, sit down.” He seductively pats the space next to him on the bed. His eyes are dark and hot, and something breaks in me. I laugh. Hard. So hard I can’t stop for a good minute. “Did I say something funny?” Poor guy is looking confused but still trying to pull the sexy, dark, and dangerous thing.

“Man, you really like to try hard, huh?” Still laughing, I jump onto my bed by his feet and make myself comfortable, crossing my legs and pulling a pillow to my chest.

“I am not trying hard at all.” He seductively smiles at me. “You don’t want to see me try. You wouldn’t be able to resist me.” He sits up and moves just a little bit closer. My skin prickles.

“Oh please, try me.” I say confidently. I am such a faker. Inside, I am shaking with anticipation…

“Very well.” He moves closer to me. Once his knees are touching mine, he moves his hand to my wet ponytail and wraps it around his fingers. What is it with him and hair? “I love it when a girl puts her hair up, it’s so sexy.” He drawls the last word. “You look stunning like that. I can see your neck and that very kissable spot just behind your ear.” His fingers, now wet from my ponytail, move to the side of my neck. My breath catches when they connect with my skin, and my heartbeat speeds up when he gently starts sliding them down my jawline. His face is getting closer to mine. My eyes connect with his dark ones. I can see the concentration behind them and something snaps. I start laughing. This time I fall face-first on the bed, thumping my fist into the duvet.

“Nothing?” Carter asks in disbelief.

“You almost had me,” I gasp through laughter. “But I just don’t think this,” I point between us. “Is meant to be. I mean, you’re super hot and everything, but, but, but…”

“I know!” He interrupts me. “There’s just this friendly vibe between us, isn’t there? Plus, I don’t like to compete with my best bros.”

“Exactly!” I exclaim. Wait, why would he be competing with Jason?

“Phew… I probably wouldn’t have been able to just be focused on you anyway. You’re superhot too, but a guy’s got needs!” He laughs.

“Slut.” I punch him in the shoulder and we start laughing again.

“See? We’re besties already. This will work.”

“Oh yes! We can braid each other’s hair –” I start in a mock girly voice, but before I finish he starts laughing so hard that I can’t help but join in.

Soon we’re both lying on the bed giggling at each other. I’m holding onto my stomach, Carter’s eyes are watering when I hear someone clear their throat.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I laugh, putting my hand over Carter’s mouth to quiet him down “Did you hear that?” He chooses that exact moment to lick my hand, making me squeal and laugh even harder. Someone clears their throat again.

Wiping my hand on Carter’s t-shirt, I sit up to see who it is. And instantly stop laughing.

Aiden is standing in my door, his lips shut tight, forming a thin line, his eyes shooting daggers at Carter.

“Oh hey, bro!” Carter smiles at Aiden. “We were just getting to know each other,” he says suggestively. I whip my head towards him and frown. What? Carter just winks at me, then drapes his arm over my shoulder and looks back up at Aiden.

“I can see that. I have eyes,” Aiden says through clenched teeth. What is he so pissed off about?

“What’s up, Aide?” I interrupt this weird exchange.

Aiden looks at me. “I was going to make myself a sandwich and wanted to know if you wanted anything to eat…” he starts, then looks over at Carter, whose arm is still around my shoulders. I try to shrug it off, but Carter is not budging. “But I just remembered, you’re my cook.” He finishes coldly. What happened to the guy who, not so long ago, was apologising to me? I thought we were going to try the friends thing… The guy in front of me looks bored and disinterested.

“Sure.” I shrug, feeling a bit off. “What sandwich do you want?”

I can get through this.