All Chapters of Aline's Choice: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

-Jian- I burst into a thicket at the western end of the park near the windmills and Park Chalet. With my nose in the air, I sniff, trying to catch Aline’s unique scent. A few weeks ago, I discovered something about her fragrance during my last botanical garden meeting with the nature conservancy. The workshop was about preserving the state's native plants and the presenters had aromatic samples of California wildflowers. I stayed after to satisfy a curiosity about the composition of Aline’s fragrance. It hadn't come as a surprise to find her identifying perfume was a mix of Nightshade, and Wild Ginger. Both reminded me of her, a bit dangerous, hot, untamed, and spicy. The final blossom in Aline’s bouquet proved the most difficult to uncover. Standing in the deserted meeting room, the discovery of the mystery fragrance brought an immediate smile to my face. I identified Aline’s last delightful scent in a tiny vial labeled, Wild Sweet Pea. Of all thing

-Aline- Incensed, I stomp into my bedroom and slam the door behind me. In silent protest of Jian besting me, I shove myself into his, yet again, just washed goGreen t-shirt. It’s worn cotton falls soft against my bare skin, reminding me of the first time I slipped it on when it carried only his scent. The caress of the fabric against my skin brings a smile to my face, one I don’t realize is there until I catch sight of it in my mirror. Ugh! I roll my eyes, frustrated with myself. Yesterday was ready for a crap day. I planned for it to be a bad one because yesterday was my breakup anniversary. Expecting it to be crap, I spent most of it packing Lance’s stuff into a box and throwing in everything else that even slightly reminded me of him. But today? I expected today to be a great day. And it almost was. The "That Was Lance" box was supposed to be incinerated today. I went shopping with Mei to replace the stu

-Aline- The heat of Jian's lips against mine steals my breath. His fist at my shirt-front curls tighter against my chest and the woven cotton material tightens over my shoulder blades. In response, my hands, which I threw against his chest for balance, fist into his goGreen. This seems to release the scent soaked in the shirt. My own flowery scent fills my head. I hear Jian whimper against my mouth as the same appears to happen to him. This is not a gentle kiss. Jian plunders and demands. I match his ferocity with my own. His fingers wrap more tightly in my hair. It is exhilarating. It makes my head spin. It has to end. Now. Teasing him? OK. Making him want me until crazed? Fine. Making me want him until crazed? Never. Falling for him? No! Definitely not part of the plan. I shove my hands against him, fighting against his hold the best I can in my off-kilter stance. As a last resort, I sink my teeth i

-Jian- "And you do?" The open accusation and twinge of regret in Lance’s question haunts me. "Do you love her, Jian?" His query echoes in my head as I run, still in human form, to my favorite spot in McLaren Park, where the trees tower and the traffic sounds like running water, soothing my tattered nerves. I lean against a moss-covered log, my hands rake over my face. My mind plays with Lance’s questions as I pull off my fragrant shirt and hang it on a nearby branch to air it out. Despite the stiff breeze, her scent lingers on my skin. It's maddening. Stewing, I conclude I don't know if I love Aline. I know, however, that I care more about her than Lance ever did. Because of this, of course, I have a say. My say is that I can't entangle my life with hers right now. I refuse to be the rebound guy even though Aline is the one I want. I've always wanted her. From the moment I saw her on Lance’s arm to the moment I indulged in my long-hel

-Jian- There’s no chance I’ve mistaken her whisper. I stare at her. "Who's going away?" "Aline and me." "What?!" "I'm going to Syracuse and I'm taking Aline with me." I struggle to digest her words, shifting my gaze back to Aline. All thoughts of Mei's confession leave my head. All I see is red as I watch swarthy leather clad-dude snake his arm around the girl I was kissing just last week. I don't bother excusing myself from Mei before stalking over to where Aline is flaunting herself. "She's with me." I fight for calm as I stare down the man Aline drapes herself on. The guy takes in my clear agitation. He frowns and looks up at me, registering my height. I'm a full head taller than him. His brow rises as he takes in the breadth of my chest and the cut of my arms. He backs away from Aline like she's contracted some real funky, contagious disease and I silently thank whatever deity that is looking over Aline tonight for