Heather's POV
"Then he lifted her into his arms, and slowly landing her on her feet as she tiptoed and kissed him," I typed on my laptop.
Last week, I got a call from a publisher of Lee Publishing Company, Ms. Joanna Ferett. She told me that my work in the magazine had made so much noise on the internet that they asked me if I wanted to publish my own story. I was ecstatic.
She gave me at least two months to do it. So, after helping out a bit at the bakery that week, I started writing. I juggled my time between writing for Lovers' Digest to writing a romance novel that I haven't been really able to visit Trudy at the bakery. I was either slumped inside my room typing or sometimes went someplace to get some fresh air like the park and enjoy a relaxing moment, watching the kids play or the ducks waddling in the water.
I am already at the last chapters of my book when I heard the intercom. I ran over to press the button, thinking it was the Chinese food delivery guy, and sat down on one of the kitchen stools. I continued typing on my laptop. I was really eager to finish it while all the creative juices kept flowing, and maybe, start another novel sooner.
There was a knock on the door and I expectantly opened it only to find Drake standing behind it holding a white plastic bag.
I placed one hand on my waist as I held on to the door. Despite his cocky attitude, I still find him handsome and.... still annoying.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"I brought you some food," he said as he lifted the plastic bag he was holding to me. "You ordered Chinese, right?"
"How did you-" I grabbed it as he pushed the door quickly, causing me to back up. "Hey!"
He grinned, raising his eyebrows as he went inside the apartment and closed the door behind him.
"I don't allow anyone in here, especially if I am alone. Now, get out!" I told him as I grabbed his arm and pushed him towards the door.
"Hey! Where's your hospitality? Is that how you treat your guest?"
"What?! Guest?! You are no guest. Besides, I'm working so you need to leave."
"What are you working on?" he said, ignoring what I said and walked towards the kitchen island where my laptop is opened.
I dropped the food on top of the island as he sat on the stool I was sitting before. He started reading the chapter I left a while ago before he came, and I took out the food from the plastic bag. I started eating as I haven't had a decent meal since morning.
"Wow! I didn't know you write romance," he said as he looked at me. "You definitely don't look the type."
I narrowed my eyes at him as I sat on the stool beside him.
"What do you mean by that?!" I scowled at him. "I guess you won't recognize me as you are not the type who reads romance."
"Maybe not. How do you do it though? I mean, you don't even have a boyfriend."
"Hey! Just because I am not in a relationship that doesn't mean I am not capable of writing romance stories. My imagination runs wild for years. Unlike you, who probably hasn't had a serious relationship, or if you ever did, you got hurt badly enough to treat every woman you slept with like clothes, discarding them without any kind of compassion."
"Wow! That's harsh. But you're right."
"Right about what? That you never had a serious relationship?"
"That I got hurt, and her name is Ana, who dumped me for his old high school flame after leaving town."
My fork stopped midway to my mouth as I suddenly felt terrible for making that comment. I put down my fork and stared at him.
"Drake... I didn't-"
"No. I know you didn't mean to. Most women actually don't even care, but you on the other hand, just showed me the harsh reality of who I am. So, yeah, I think I should go," he said and started getting up from the stool. He walked towards the door.
"Drake, wait!" I called and he turned as I walked towards him. I crossed my arms as I stood beside him.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Let me make it up to you."
His eyes suddenly lit up and he smiled.
"You're really gonna make it up to me?"
"Well, yeah. What do you want? Tell me and I will do it."
Man, that doesn't sound right. What if he asked for... something else? Something I wasn't prepared to give yet... most especially to him.
"Really?" and he walked towards me. I got nervous and I stepped backward. "Anything I want?"
Shit! That was a mistake. I shouldn't-
Then he bit his lip as his finger touched my arm. Blood rose to my cheeks as little sparks crawled through my veins. I could feel his presence engulfing my personal space as he kept moving forward and I backed up to the door. I froze.
"W-What are you doing?" I asked nervously. My mind becomes foggy as he comes closer, caging me in between his arms. His forearms folding as his body pins me to the door.
I could feel my whole body shivering as he breathes to my face, and his eyes settling down to my lips as he slowly lowered his head.
No! No! No! I panicked and I punched him on his stomach, hard enough for him to fall on the floor, and groaned.
"Ow! What did you do that for?" he asked.
"What do you think you're doing?" I raised my voice intentionally so I could hide its shakiness. I hated how he made me feel but I couldn't let him see that.
"Man, you're strong. How did you ever learn to punch?" he asked, clutching his stomach.
"I got three older brothers. I've learned it from them," I answered, proudly. "So you better get the hell out if you don't want another one."
"Okay. Can you pull me up please?" and he stretched out his arm to me.
I reached out for his hand and tried to pull him up but instead, he pulled me towards him. I landed on his chest. His chest is hard as a rock and a surge of electricity pinched my hands as I red-colored my face. He quickly turned and my back hit the cold floor. I stared at those sky blue eyes as he moistened his lips and I let out a shaky breath.
"I got you now," he said as his eyes settled on my lips.
"Drake..." I was suddenly speechless and I bit my lip. I could feel my heart racing like there were hundreds of rats running in my chest. I heard him sighed and he lowered his head. I closed my eyes, expecting him to kiss me on the lips but instead, it landed on my cheek. I tried to hide my disappointment and I pouted as I hated myself feeling that way.
"That pout just drives me crazy," he whispered and he captured my lips. I was caught off guard as I felt the warmth of his lips on mine. He kissed me softly, with such finesse, that every part of my body asked for more. I know I shouldn't as we haven't really known each other that long and yet, why do we feel this way?
I felt his thumb pressed under my chin as he held my cheek like it was the most delicate thing and slowly his hand traced my neck, and I shivered at his touch. My mind wants to push him away and yet, my whole body just responds. I gripped the collar of his shirt. I have never felt this way before. Tom had never even tried kissing me like this.
This isn't right.
He let go of my lips as I opened my eyes. I can still feel his lips on mine, wondering what just happened. I was just dreaming of that kind of kiss in my novels but I have never imagined that I will be doing it with Drake.
"Wow! That was amazing," he whispered and he caressed my cheek with his finger.
How did this tough guy suddenly become so soft? I never knew that he could be like this or maybe I really just misjudged him.
He looked into my eyes as I looked back at him. The connection was there ever since we met. It was so strong that every time we come close to each other, it ignites us, sending us hating each other's guts and yet, seeking each other's touch. It's strange, but that's how I feel, and I hated it.
"It was a mistake. Now, get off me, Drake!" I scowled at him. I cannot be one of those women whom he discards after getting what he wants. No, I have been hurt already and men like him are no different. He will just break my heart, too, and I am in no mood for playing games.
He laughed and sternly said, "No."
"Get off me, you son of a b*tch. Or you will get what you asked for," I growled and tried to push him off but he took my hands upon my head and chuckled.
"Well, I'm asking for it. Where do you want to start?" he teased.
"Let me go!" I screamed as I tried to pull my hands but he was stronger than me. "What are you going to do with me?"
"Nothing... yet. You tell me," he smiled as his eyes scanned my face down to my breasts. I swallowed and his eyes went back to my face. There was a wicked glint in his eyes and I felt blushed.
"I hate you. Let go."
"No. Not until you agreed to go out with me."
"No," I said sternly. "I don't go out with players like you."
"Yes, that's right. You only kiss them."
I gritted my teeth. "Not that I wanted to."
"You really want me to believe that?" he said huskily. "Do you want me to try again?"
Shit! What did I just say? Now it encouraged him more.
"I'll reserve that for next time. Say yes."
"Why?"
"I like you, Heather."
"Yeah, right?"
"Why not? Give me a chance."
"No."
"Then, we'll stay like this until Red and Trudy come. Wouldn't that be a delight?"
Oh shit!
"And if you protest some more, I could make wonders with my hands, you know."
"Or I could file a harassment case against you."
"I doubt it."
"Try me." I challenged him.
"You like me, Heather."
"No, I don't. Now get off!"
"Say yes first."
I pressed my lips nervously.
"Fine!"
"Is that a yes?"
I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled.
"You're cute when you get angry," he said, letting go of my hands. He sits up as I did as well and we stared at each other for a moment. Then, I pushed him as I stood up and he slightly fell backward, laughing. I walked towards the door as he stood up beside me.
"Now, get out!" I shouted at him, opening the door.
He smiled and bowed. "Okay, my lady. I'll pick you up tomorrow. Seven o'clock. Dress up nicely as a real woman, for once."
"Go home, Drake," I said and I closed the door. I could still hear him screaming, "Yes!" from behind the door and I couldn't help but smile.
Shit! What was I thinking?
I stood behind it as I clutched my chest. Am I starting to feel something for this hump-and-dump Drake? I touched my lips once again. I felt like a teenager who had just gotten his first kiss.
I shook my head. This can't be happening. I just kissed Drake. The one person that I told myself I should stay away from had slowly opened up a part of my heart that had been dormant for years. I knew I would be in trouble since I met him and it will be a big mistake trying to get to know him some more.
He had opened up a part of him today that somehow changed my perspective of him. He has been hurt like me... loving the people we thought would stay with us for a long time. But unlike him, I didn't go chasing other guys. I buried myself in my writing, not wasting any moment crying over pitiless things. I moved on. I wonder if he really did. Is he trying to find a replacement for Ana to mask the pain or really looking for true love?
As much as I hated to admit it, I was intrigued. I wanted to peel every layer of what macho bravado he is showing me.. and dig deeper. Even if I know in myself it will be a big mistake.