We Fight, We Fall Read online

  “You’re just some bar slut who for some reason chose me to tease and buy her drinks!” Todd screeches at me.

  After he says this, I watch his eyes widen as mystery man punches him right in the mouth. Awesome! I see his friends’ jaws drop and then finally go over to help him up off the floor.

  “C’mon, let’s get outta here,” the guy says to me.

  I just nod and follow him out the door, swaying slightly. I don’t notice the other people in the bar around us; I’m only focused on him. Who knew my night would end going home with a guy after all? Nicely done Emma!

  Chapter 2

  “Where do I take you?”

  “What?” Oh my God, did all of that just happen? Or did someone slip me a hallucinogen, and I just came to from a drug-induced trip?

  “I’m taking you home if that’s ok. Or I can call someone for you if you want,” he says to me concerned. “Where do you live?”

  I’m finally able to see all of him even though it’s dark outside. He’s well over six feet tall with broad shoulders and muscular legs. He’s wearing all black and it looks good on him. He’s maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. The one thing that I didn’t notice inside the bar is his amazingly adorable dimples. I’ll have to make him smile and find out just how good they look.

  “Hey, are you ok?” I realize I look like a complete idiot just staring up at him, probably drooling out of the side of my mouth. Get it together Emma! Make him take you home and fuck you, because you know that’s what you want.

  “I’m sorry. Um, I just moved here; today actually. I’m not staying anywhere. I was just going to check into a motel, I guess.” God, why did my voice have to tremble and sound uncertain when I said that?

  “Fuck!” he says under his breath. Ok why is he so mad? It’s my problem finding a place to stay, not his.

  “Look. Can you just…I can just walk to a motel if you could just tell me where one is,” I say, just wanting to be alone. Are all of the guys unstable in this town? Maybe it’s something in the water.

  “I’m not having you walk anywhere; it’s not safe. Especially after what just happened and the fact that you’re drunk,” he says looking intently at me. “I also don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay in a motel.”

  “Ok well, I have no other options….” I say to him confused. What the fuck does he want me to do?

  “You can stay in my guest bedroom if you trust me. I promise not to try anything with you,” he says finally. I hesitate because this too good to be true. For some reason I know he won’t hurt me. I really just want to go home with him.

  “Look, I will even give you my gun so you can keep it with you in case you don’t feel safe around me!” God, this guy is amazing; protects me against other guys and even himself. He doesn’t have to convince me twice.

  “Ok. Emma. Um, my name’s Emma I mean. What’s yours?” Shit, this talking thing is really hard! He looks shocked now. I think he realizes how much of a handful I am when I’m drunk.

  “Aiden.” He’s looking at me intently now. I think he’s looking at all of my facial piercings for the first time. I have six of them on my face and it always shocks people for some reason. I think he likes what he sees, because his dimples perk up. Oh this is going to be so easy!

  “Huh. You look like an Aiden. You know how some people don’t look like their names? Well you do. And I think that I look like an Emma. Wouldn’t that be awful to not look like your name?” Ok, stop rambling you lightweight. You’re weirding him out when you should be sexy. Be seductive for fucks sake! He’s still kind of just staring at me and not saying anything. Oh I hope I didn’t turn him off. Please no!

  “I rode my motorcycle here, but I don’t have a spare helmet. You can use mine and just hold onto me really tight, ok? I live half an hour from here in Cannon Beach.” Ugh, now he’s all business and not making any eye contact with me. Well, at least I get to hold onto him on the ride to his house. I’ll have to come up with a better strategy in seduction later.

  “Here you go.” I look down and see a helmet in his hand. I didn’t even notice him drive over to me on his black motorcycle. Of course it’s black! He hands me the helmet and our fingers brush slightly, a sudden chill running down my spine. I look at him, hoping he felt what I did, but he looks straight ahead away from me. I put the helmet on and jump on the back of his bike. Thankfully I’ve ridden on one before, so I know what I’m doing. I slide my arms around his body and rest them on his chest. He inhales sharply. Oh thank God he reacts to me finally! I link my hands together, and he rests his hand on top of them.

  “Are you ready, Emma?” he asks above the roar of the motorcycle. Damn, I love the way he says my name for the first time. I have a feeling he’s not just talking about the motorcycle ride. Of course, I nod my head yes.

  *********************

  The drive is amazing. I can feel the cool breeze in my hair and the see the stars in the sky. Although I must say, the best part is holding onto Aiden. He’s so warm, and I feel so safe around him. It’s definitely a foreign feeling for me. I’ve never wanted to be protected before, because I can look out for myself. I’ve had so much shit happen in my life, and no one was there to pick up the pieces; just me. Why do I have this desire for him to protect me? Fuck! I must be highly vulnerable, because I’m not myself tonight. Just think about the sex and how good that will be. Leave your emotions out of this.

  After a while of driving, he finally slows down to a stop. I look up, taking my face off of Aiden’s back and see his house. It’s really fucking big and beautiful from what I can tell. I don’t know why, but I expected him to live in a bachelor pad apartment or something. I have to say, I’m impressed.

  I take off the helmet as he gets off of the bike. The alcohol has finally settled itself nicely in my body, so I’m not intoxicated any longer. I may get drunk fast, but I sober up fast too.

  He grabs my hand to help me to my feet, and we just stare at each other. I’m just admiring how beautiful he is. Ok, man up and kiss him before you chicken out!

  I stand on my toes, because I’m so much smaller than him and link my hands behind his neck. Damn, he even has a sexy neck; so broad and soft. He looks down at me shocked, but I feel him come closer to my mouth. I instantly press my lips to his. They are full and soft and feel amazing underneath mine. I snake my tongue out to meet his, and he moans softly. I push my body as close as I can get to his and feel how hard he is. Good because I’m just as wet. I start to moan too, but he pulls back abruptly. Um, is he ashamed that I felt his arousal? I’m already trying to catch my breath, and he barely looks affected. Just great for my ego! I guess he didn’t like that as much as I did.

  “C’mon. Let me show you to the guest room,” he says stiffly, his mouth in a tight line.

  Oh I hope he’s taking me into that bedroom to finish what he started. Because there is no way he can leave me feeling this wired. He opens the door, and I start looking around. The place is very much a seaside home, with light wood floors and blue walls. Not much furniture except for a few couches. My eyes wander over to a shiny black guitar in the corner of the room. He sees my eyes glues to it and gets and uneasy look on his face.

  “It’s this way,” he says abruptly, motioning for me to follow him.

  God, it’s almost as if he doesn’t want me looking around. I don’t know why he’s so awkward now. There’s nothing to look at; no photos on the walls and nothing personal of any sort. He just has music related belongings like records and a nice stereo.

  He takes me to the room and of course it’s pretty bare, just like the rest of the house; only a bed and dresser. I don’t mean to be nosy, but I’m curious about the lack of furnishings.

  “Did you move in here recently? Or are you just one of those bachelors who could care less about furniture,” I say trying to make friendly conversation.

  He clams right up and says, “It’s my old man’s place actually. I’m just staying here temporarily.”

>   Okaaaaaay then. I want to ask more, but I don’t think that would be the best idea. He seems like he’s closed up on me about any and all personal banter. Maybe I can get him naked and forget this uncomfortable cloud that has settled over us.

  He’s standing in the doorway of my room, and I walk over to him, touching his face. He doesn’t move away from me. He just looks into my eyes.

  Holy shit! I see so much pain behind them. Why did I not notice this earlier? Maybe because I was drunk and captivated by him? Or maybe I was just in a lust motivated state of mind? Yeah that’s probably it. Blind bitch! It makes me just want to take all of that hurt away from him. I see recognition in his eyes; almost like he knows what I saw. But how can he? Did he see it in me too? He moves his face out of my reach, wearing an indignant expression. Oh here we go again; hot and cold with this guy! We’ve only met an hour ago, and this is how it’s going to be between us? Fucking great!

  “Look, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea when I suggested you stay here. I’m not going to let this go any farther than it already has. You seem like a nice girl who just had a bad experience happen to her, but I’m not getting involved with you. I make it a rule to not hook up with women in bars; especially ones that are drunk. You barely look old enough to drink, and I have no idea how you got all that alcohol without anybody noticing,” he says fuming.

  Ok, so I guess he’s not interested in me after all. Taking me back to his place was just out of pity. He’s just slinging on the insults now! He thinks I’m a fucking child, and that’s just the cherry on top.

  “You didn’t give me the wrong idea. I’m attracted to you, if you couldn’t tell. My panties are soaked all the way through as proof of that. I thought that you were attracted to me too, or was that hard-on of yours just an illusion?” I say snapping back at him. “I’ve sobered up now, if you couldn’t tell.” Great, now I’m in the zone. I get really sarcastic when I’m being unjustly insulted.

  I think I’ve shocked him, because his mouth is lightly hanging open, a look of bewilderment on his face. Huh, I guess this guy isn’t used to honesty. Lucky him that I get to teach him how it works. Finally he regains his composure, and I just know that I’m going to get an earful. I mentally prepare myself for a verbal ass-whooping.

  “You can stay the night, but I want you out of here in the morning, you understand? I don’t need some little girl spouting off things she knows nothing about. You think saying things like that makes you sound mature and sexy? You’re just embarrassing yourself. Of course my body reacted to yours! You pressed yourself so close to mine that there was barely anything between us,” he says looking frustrated. “You’ve got a smart mouth, and I now see why it gets you into trouble. But let me tell you something; that shit won’t work with me honey. I’ve been around long enough, and I know this game. I swear I better not see your ass here in the morning. Get up early and leave me the fuck alone! Whatever you thought would happen between us is finished. Right fucking now.”

  I don’t think I’ve ever been that speechless before. If I think what that Todd guy said to me back at the bar was bad, this is much worse. Probably because I actually liked Aiden. I’m so fucking sick of people telling me how I am. No one knows me; only Jeremiah knew the real me. I thought that when I looked into Aiden’s eyes at the bar that we understood each other; that we had an unexplained connection. I was so dead wrong about that! He’s just another asshole at the end of a long line of assholes. My guard can never be down over a guy, no matter what. He just confirmed my theory that all men suck! Maybe I should thank him for tonight. Thank him for restoring my hate of all men.

  “Thank you Aiden. I appreciate you standing up for me at the bar and inviting me to stay in your home. I respect your honesty, even if it stung a little. But don’t worry. I won’t make the mistake of inconveniencing you again. I’ll make sure that me and my bar skank persona is gone before you even wake up in the morning. Our meeting each other will just be some bad memory that you’ll hopefully forget with time,” I say, pure venom dripping from my voice. There, take that!

  “Emma. I’m…I,” he says stuttering, looking ashamed.

  “You don’t have to say anything, ok? I’m going to bed now, and I hope you sleep well. Goodnight, Aiden.” With that, I shut the door in his reddened face. Whew, that was intense! I really am getting good at dealing with men.

  I finally hear his footsteps in the living room and then a door slams. I hope he doesn’t sleep a wink; serves him right. I on the other hand will make sure to sleep great. My pride is still intact and glowing and to me, that’s more important than sexual satisfaction. Have fun with your hand Aiden, because there’s no way in hell anybody’s getting you off with that bad attitude.

  I flop down on the bed and blow out a deep breath. I chuckle to myself, letting all of the frustration flow out of me. I keep thinking about Aiden and how the night could’ve turned out between us. He probably sucks in bed, I snort to myself. Good looking, extremely masculine and a good lay to top it off; these qualities just don’t exist. Yeah, tell yourself that to make it all better. Convince yourself that you really dodged a bullet there, Emma.

  Chapter 3

  I look over at the clock on the ground and see that it’s six a.m. Not bad. I got a decent night’s sleep just like I said I would. I won’t lie and say that the experience last night didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth, but that’s what mouthwash is for, right? I kept my clothes on from the night before, because I wanted to make a quick disappearing act this morning. I pray that he isn’t up right now. If he’s a typical guy, which I confirmed last night he is, then he probably sleeps in late on the weekends. I grab my bag and tiptoe into the living room. Whew! He’s nowhere in sight.

  I reach the kitchen and see a coffee maker. Hallelujah! A little caffeine in my system is just what I need. That’s the only way I can fully function in the morning without biting off somebody’s head. Hey, if I was at a hotel I would get free coffee. Let’s just think of this entire experience as me staying at a bed and breakfast. There! Now I don’t feel so guilty about stealing his coffee.

  As I start scooping the coffee grinds into the filter, I get an idea. Let’s make Aiden feel like even more of an asshole than he already does. I smirk, recalling the expression on his face after I tore him a new one last night.

  I look in his kitchen drawers and find a pen and paper, deciding to write a little note to him. Hmmm… what to write, what to write? Ok, got it!

  Dear Aiden,

  Thank you again for letting me spend the night in your guest room. I had a wonderful nights’ sleep thanks to you and your hospitality. I have enclosed $40 with this note, because that is what it would have cost me to stay at a hotel. I don’t want you to think that I am the kind of person who accepts charity, so I’m paying for my time spent here.

  It was a pleasure meeting you Aiden, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

  Sincerely,

  Emma

  P.S. I made a fresh pot of coffee this morning, so help yourself.

  Ha! That was brilliant on my part. You think you know me Aiden? You don’t know shit. As soon as the coffee is done I grab a mug, lightly sipping my hot morning savior.

  Ok, so now I just have to leave this house, check into a motel, get some provisions, and get a job. After last nights’ festivities, I’m more than motivated to get my shit together.

  I decide to take a quick peek at Cannon Beach before I head back into Astoria. I open the back door to Aiden’s house and step out onto a huge wooden deck. I see stairs heading down onto the beach. Um wow, this view is fucking beautiful! You’re one lucky son of a bitch, Aiden. The sun hasn’t fully come up yet, because it’s so early, but I can see the beach and the waves pretty clearly. I walk down the steps, smelling the crisp ocean air. My feet touch the sand, sinking my toes into its silky surface. I wish I could enjoy myself and dip my feet into the water, but I have priorities. I know that the ocean is probably cold as fuck, but I’m more than temp
ted to jump in.

  I reluctantly drag my sorry ass away from the beach and walk back up the steps into Aiden’s house. I track my sandy feet on the floor and silently laugh to myself, picturing him cleaning up the mess later. Damn I’m bad! I finally get out the front door without a backwards glance and try to find the closest bus stop that will take me back to town. I find one near his house and thankfully as I’m walking up, a bus arrives.

  I finally get back into town and start to walk around, checking out my new surroundings. I’m still glad I moved here even if the male population is full of crazies. Nothing can break me, especially some man that I barely knew. What a joke he turned out to be. I will not be one of those women who are obsessed with a man who doesn’t want her. I’d personally bitch-slap myself if I ever chased after a man. I know what it’s like to be wanted by someone, and that feeling can last me a lifetime. It will have to. My heart is permanently off limits, thank you very much.

  I find a cheap motel, hoping that my fellow residents aren’t involved in the wonderful world of methamphetamines. I’ve seen Breaking Bad and I do not, repeat, DO NOT want to be around that shit. The last thing I need is some junkie banging on my door in the middle of the night.

  The motel is not too far from that wonderful bar that I will hopefully be working at. How hilarious would it be to see the look on Todd and his friends’ faces if I started serving them beer?! Aiden would probably be back too, not thinking I would ever show my face there again. He probably thinks that I’m ashamed by my behavior last night. Well, tough shit; I’m not. God, I need some hobbies if I take joy in tormenting the opposite sex. With my past though, I think I deserve to fuck with them a little bit.

  It’s still too early to go to into Leo’s, so I find a nice, quaint coffee shop and grab a warm vanilla latte. I see a thrift store nearby and decide to pick up a few new clothes. My wardrobe is pretty much non-existent, due to the fact that I threw away everything I owned for the trip here. New place, new clothes, and what the hell, let’s try a new haircut and color while we’re at it. After my much needed shopping excursion, I find a salon that does a complete 360 on my hair. I decide on a black choppy pixie cut, something very simple to style. My stylist compliments me, saying it makes me look more mature. Amen for that!