Hunter I couldn't run to the bathroom fast enough. I had been groveling all day, trying to find an excuse to see Tatiana. I even considered falling to her feet and begging for her forgiveness until she took me back. When I left Tatiana's house that day, I was consumed by anger. I thought about going back to my former self. The emotionally distant and detached person who didn't give a shit about love or anything that had to do with love. But who was I kidding? I could never go back to being that person again. Ever since Tatiana came back to my life, I realized something. There was no way in hell I could live without her. Not when McKenna was in the picture too. I knew McKenna couldn't hate me and the thought gave me comfort. But Tati? She hated me so much. So, all I could do was drown in my misery while I tried to figure out how to force her to be with me again. I took the fastest shower I could manage and quickly got dressed. Then stormed back to the living room where everyone was
Tatiana"McKenna, do you mind if I speak to your Dad alone?" I asked.McKenna nodded in understanding. "Sure Mom. Dustin and I will hang out in his room until you're ready to call us back.""There will be no hanky panky, I swear, Ms. Henry!" Dustin said and raised his hands in mock surrender.I smiled at him. "I owe you an apology, Dustin."Both McKenna and Dustin looked at me with a bewildered expression. "Why?" Dustin asked."Actually, I owe an apology to both you AND McKenna. I apologize for letting my anger blind me and stop you from making your own choices, McKenna. And Dustin, I apologize to you because I judged you for no reason. You have been a stand-up guy and supported Mckenna through everything," I said and took a deep breath.Dustin took my hand in his. "It's okay, Ms. Henry. I can come off as brash and arrogant sometimes, so I am not always popular with Moms," he joked."Please call me Tatiana. I give you my full blessing to date McKenna. Just...just don't hurt her, okay?
McKennaOne year later...I decided to take the internship after all. This really was a great opportunity, and it wasn't like I would miss college entirely! I had already been accepted to MIT, so all I had to do was wait.Besides, Hunter said I had been kicking ass at work!"Ready to go?" Dustin asked as I greeted him. We had been going out for a year now, and things have been going well."Yup. Mom will be pissed if we are late," I said as I got into his car.Oh, did I mention Mom was living with Hunter now? She told me I could stay at the house and help with the mortgage since I was making enough at work and I happily agreed. I was just glad she was finally letting me be more independent.Dustin smiled at me, his hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, let's not keep your mom waiting then," he said, revving the engine of his sleek black car.As we drove through the familiar streets of our small town, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. So much had changed in the past
Tatiana Henry, 19 years old..."Ugh! Dammit!" I cried and threw my pen across the room."Ms. Henry!" my Chemistry professor gasped and then glared at me. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as the class turned to stare at me. I hadn't meant to swear out loud, but I couldn't help it. The frustration was too much to contain.I had been struggling with the assignment for hours, trying to balance the chemical equation and failing miserably. My professor had given me an extra day to complete it, but even with the extra time, I couldn't seem to figure it out.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I glanced around the classroom, feeling like everyone was judging me. Then, I saw him.Hunter Brooks, the star student of our class, was sitting in the front row, his eyes locked on me with a mixture of amusement and pity. I could feel my face turning even redder."Ms. Henry, is there a problem?" My professor's voice broke through my embarrassment."No, no problem," I stuttered, try
HunterI prepared for my study date with Tatiana. Hair slicked back, I put on a pair of faded jeans and a designer white T-shirt. I made sure the shirt fit me snugly. Not tight, but enough to accentuate my muscular frame. Because what girl can resist a fit man!"Well, who are you all dressed up for?" my roommate Harry raised his eyebrows."The girl I had my eyes on since the beginning of the semester. Tatiana Henry," I replied with a smirk."Ah, good luck. I heard she is a real prude," Harry said."Where did you hear that?" I asked."Rumors, man, just rumors," Harry chuckled, giving me a playful pat on the back. "But hey, you do you. Just be yourself, and she might surprise you."I shot him a confident smile. "She does act too serious sometimes, but I like that about her.""You like how hot she is," Harry pointed out."She is interesting. Something about her draws me toward her, and I want to make her mine." I grinned. Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yours? You want her to be one of your
TatianaGosh. I couldn't believe Hunter arrogantly announced he would make me his. Who does that!?Well, good luck to him because I was not interested in a guy like him.But...I had to admit, today, he helped me out a lot. The way he explained every problem and equation made it so much easier to understand Chemistry. He really knew his stuff, and it was kind of a turn-on...Turn on? What am I thinking? Hunter Brooks didn't turn me on!I found myself in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts as I thought about Hunter. It didn't help that he was annoyingly good looking. He just wore a basic t-shirt and jeans today, and yet, I couldn't stop stealing glances at his body. Something was seriously wrong with me today."He helps me with Chemistry, and suddenly it's a turn-on? No way," I mumbled to myself, attempting to dismiss the thought. Yet, the undeniable truth lingered in my mind.The idea of being "made his" still irked me, so I decided to turn him down no matter what happens.But it turne
Hunter "Hey, Tatiana," I said when I saw her this morning. Her eyes turned wide as if she saw a ghost. Her throat produced a weird squeaking sound and then she turned to her heels and ran away. Huh? What the fuck just happened? I stood there, dumbfounded, trying to make sense of Tatiana's bizarre reaction. What could have startled her so much that she bolted away without a word? Sure, I was flirting with her a lot yesterday, but that couldn't be the only reason. Determined to uncover the truth, I started following Tatiana, my pace quickening to match her hurried steps. She weaved through the crowded campus with an urgency that fueled my curiosity. Finally, Tatiana stopped under a tree. I decided to confront her, to demand an explanation for her strange behavior. As I approached her, Tatiana spun around with wide eyes, her back pressed against the tree trunk. "What do you want from me?" she hissed. Caught off guard by her defensive stance, I held my hands up in a gesture of pea
Tatiana"Hunter, that idiot..." I muttered as I eyed the box and its contents in front of me. How could he think it was funny to send me a damn vibrator!? Moron!"Tatiana?" I gasped and hid the box under my pillow as my roommate suddenly appeared at my door."Wha...what is it, Emily?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.She looked at me suspiciously. "Why are you so jumpy? I just came here to tell you that I am going to my parents' house. I will spend the night there.""Oh...um...great. I am happy for you, Emily," I stammered, hoping she would leave soon.She lingered a moment longer, her gaze lingering on my disheveled appearance and flushed cheeks. I couldn't meet her eyes, afraid she would somehow see through my façade."Well, have fun with whatever you're doing tonight," she said finally."Thanks. You too," I replied, relieved when she finally left the room.As soon as the door closed behind her, I flung myself onto my bed and buried my face in my hands. Ugh! Why did I let myself
TatianaThe doubts lingered over the months. Despite Hunter's continuous affirmations of love and commitment, I couldn't shake the fear that it was all too good to be true. The fear of vulnerability and potential heartbreak haunted me.As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, my worries became a silent companion. Yet, Hunter didn't look worried at all. He doted on me, showering me with his love.Maybe I was being stupid. I shouldn't be so skeptical. Hunter loved me, and I loved him, so there was no problem!One year later, he invited me to his birthday party. It was at his parents' house. Oh, great. I was not looking forward to seeing his Mom again. But I had to be there for Hunter no matter what.But still...every time we saw each other, she made it clear that she didn't approve of my relationship with Hunter.On the night of the party, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit nervously. The dress, a creation he had once admired, was now complete. I took a deep
TatianaAs Hunter's fingers intertwined with mine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had never done this before, but with Hunter by my side, I felt completely at ease.He brushed my cheeks with his fingertips."I've wanted this for so long," he said softly. "But I didn't want to rush you or make you uncomfortable."I smiled at his words, feeling touched that he had been considerate of my feelings. "I trust you," I told him sincerely."I'm glad," Hunter replied, before leaning in to press his lips against mine.The kiss was gentle yet passionate, igniting a fire in me that I hadn't known existed. His lips moved expertly against mine, and I found myself responding eagerly.As our kisses deepened, Hunter's hands began to explore my body, sending shivers down my spine. We broke the kiss momentarily as he peppered light kisses along my jawline and down my neck."You're so beautiful," he whispered between kisses, making me blush yet again. His hands continue
TatianaIn the dimly lit dorm room, I stood nervously in front of my closet. I stared at the half-finished dress hanging on the door. The fabric was a rich red color, flowing and elegant, with intricate gold embroidery along the hem and sleeves.I haven't shown it to anyone yet, but I thought it was my best work. For some reason, I felt like showing it to Hunter. We have been dating for over a month now, and I figured it was time I shared my work with him. I wanted Hunter's opinion before I called it done.Hunter was waiting for me in the living room area. I hadn't told him why I had called him here yet, so I took a deep breath and went to meet him."Well? What's the big emergency?" Hunter asked.I looked at him, biting my lip as he stared at me. He was dressed casually in jeans and a plain white t-shirt, looking handsome as always."I wanted to show you something," I said."Oh, really? What would that be?" he asked."Close your eyes," I said softly.Hunter raised an eyebrow but obeye
TatianaAs we followed Evelyn to the dining room, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her disapproval lingering in the air.We took our seats, and Evelyn turned her attention to me once again, her gaze filled with scrutiny."So, Tatiana," she began, her voice dripping with condescension. "Hunter's father will join us briefly, but tell me more about yourself.""Um...I am an only child. My parents are from here in New York," I said.Evelyn raised an eyebrow, as if expecting more."That's...interesting," she responded, her tone not quite matching the word. "What do your parents do?""Both of my parents are teachers," I answered, hoping to add a bit more substance to my background.Evelyn's lips formed a tight line, and she leaned back in her chair. "Teachers, huh? They are quite underpaid, aren't they?" Evelyn said."Yes, but they love what they do," I said defensively.Hunter shot me a supportive look, but Evelyn continued, undeterred. "And what about your own ambitions, Tatiana? Wha
Tatiana"Why did you have to be so rude to Hunter?" I scolded Frederick when we met up at the coffee shop later."I don't like that guy, Tatiana. I don't think he is good for you," Frederick said."And how would you know that, Fred?" I asked, feeling annoyed. Frederick and I grew up together, and sometimes he acted like he knew everything about me and knew all my needs, but it was starting to get old. It felt like he was overstepping boundaries, thinking he had the authority to dictate who was good for me and who wasn't."He's just not the right fit for you, Tati. I can see it," Frederick replied, a hint of concern in his eyes.I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fred, you're not my guardian. I appreciate your concern, but I can make my own decisions. Hunter is my choice, and I'd appreciate it if you respected that."Frederick leaned back, crossing his arms. "I just don't want to see you get hurt.""I can take care of myself, Fred," I retorted. "You don't get to decide who's ri
HunterThe corners of my mouth twitched as I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the look on Tatiana's face. "I am sorry, Tati. I didn't mean to scare you," I said slyly, trying to hide my amusement.Tatiana's expression only grew more worried. "Well, you are scaring me, Hunter. We've only been dating for three weeks!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic.Feeling guilty now, I took her hand in mine. "I am sorry," I said sincerely, suddenly concerned that I had overstepped.She looked at me with wide doe eyes. "Why are you apologizing?""I just...I'm afraid I may be moving too fast." My words came out in a rush as I tried to explain myself. "I swear I'm not some kind of psycho. I just..."Interrupting me, Tatiana spoke up firmly. "Hunter, you don't have to explain anything to me. I'm not actually scared.""But you are," I insisted, knowing that my actions had caused her fear and uncertainty. "I know you may not even love me yet and here I am talking about marriage. God...
TatianaI yelped and pushed him off, then quickly lowered the heat on the stove. Hunter burst into laughter, and I joined him, the tension disappearing."Phew...you saved the soup. You are on a roll at saving lives today," he quipped, wiping a mock sweat off his forehead.I rolled my eyes. "You have a talent for turning any situation into a joke.""It's a gift," he replied with a wink."Go sit down on the couch and I will bring you a bowl," I ordered."Yes, Madam!" Hunter saluted and rushed back to the couch.I shook my head and searched for a bowl in the cabinets. Then with the bowl in hand, I returned to the living room, finding Hunter already seated on the couch, looking both amused and hungry."Here you go," I said, handing him the bowl."Ah, the heroine returns with the healing potion," he teased, taking the bowl with a grin.I rolled my eyes. "Just eat your soup before it gets cold."He nodded obediently, blowing on a spoonful of soup before taking a careful sip. "Mmm, deliciou
TatianaI don't know why I was kissing him after I resisted him so much, but I didn't feel any regret doing it. As I pulled away from the kiss, I couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation. Here we were, in a hospital room, surrounded by medical equipment, and we were sharing a tender moment that made the whole environment seem like a dream.But the reality of the situation was far from ideal. Hunter wasn't a hundred percent better, and his recovery was far from guaranteed. He was weak, and I could see the pain in his eyes, even when he wasn't in physical discomfort."I am already regretting kissing you," I whispered, my voice low and barely audible.Hunter smiled with his eyes. "You are lying," he managed to utter. And despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest as I looked at him.We sat in silence for a while, holding hands."Should I call your mom?" I suddenly realized his family may not know about this yet."Nah," Hunter said d
Hunter"Congratulations on getting engaged to the perfect woman, Hunter," Tatiana said, her voice full of bitterness."I am not getting engaged to Natasha," I said irritably. "My mom is always pushing random girls toward me, saying they are 'perfect' for me.""Well, she is. I don't know why you brought me down here, Hunter. I don't belong in your world," Tatiana said, looking around. "My world? What do you mean by that?" I furrowed my eyebrows."A world full of designer clothes and lavish parties. My family isn't like yours. They are simple and could barely afford to send me to the university," she said."Are you suggesting everything was handed to me? Should I feel ashamed of that?" I asked.Tatiana shook her head. "I am not saying that. I am just saying we are not a good match, so this was a mistake."I sighed, feeling frustrated and confused. Tatiana's words struck a nerve, and I realized that our worlds were vastly different."Tatiana, I didn't bring you here to show off or make