You Can't Choose Love Read online

  “It isn’t?” Janet was surprised. She always had the impression most guys would hesitate when they learn she was untouched.

  Ethan shook his head.

  “Although…” he continued, the annoying smirk back again. “I’ve never been with a virgin before.”

  Janet rolled her eyes.

  “I guess we’ll both be trying something new.” His fingers gently brushed her cheeks. Janet held his hand there, her eyes closing at his touch.

  “I’m scared,” she whispered.

  “I know,” he replied simply. “Don’t worry, I’ll guide you.”

  Janet nodded and hesitantly reached up to kiss him. She could feel Ethan smiling into the kiss which made her pull away.

  “What?” she asked, annoyed.

  “This was the first time you initiated a kiss,” Ethan said grinning. “Let a guy be happy.”

  He proceeded to kiss her again and slowly started unbuttoning her blouse as he did. Janet unwound her arms from his neck to allow him to slide her shirt off. When he did, she stood in front of him in her black lace bra, feeling extremely vulnerable. No one had seen her like this before. She took the blouse from his hand to cover herself. He still held the blouse as she attempted to hide herself. Amused, he gently pulled the blouse away, releasing it from her hands. It fell at their feet. Janet looked up at him shyly. His eyes were full of lust but they were still gentle, understanding.

  “You’re lovely,” he said, tracing the edge of her bra.

  “A plain serving girl like me?” Janet mocked.

  “Plain but lovely,” Ethan said, his hands palming her breasts. “Didn’t know fierce Janet Price could be so shy. It’s cute.”

  Janet rolled her eyes but didn’t have time to be annoyed because his thumb was now brushing over her nipple which visibly hardened through the thin material of her bra.

  “Relax,” he whispered, watching her reaction intently as he continued to feel her breast. “Would it help if I took my shirt off too?”

  “Sure you’ve never slept with a virgin before?” Janet joked, but she visibly calmed as Ethan laughed and pulled his shirt off with ease. He was built with muscles and prominent abs. Janet hesitantly brought her hands to his chest and ran them down to his abs, appreciating how built they were. Ethan let that distract her while he unhooked her skirt. It fell to her feet and he helped her climb out of it, causing her to stumble. He caught her before she fell with a deep laugh. Leading her to the bed, he laid her down. Ethan appreciated how pretty she looked lying on his golden sheets in her black bra and panties and her brown hair spread across the bed. He wanted to take her there and then but he knew he had to be careful; Janet had never done this before. He kneeled besides her on the bed and proceeded to kiss every inch of her body as she lay on his bed. Janet responded how Ethan intended her to respond. She sighed at his gentle touches and moaned when he brushed a sensitive area. Ethan wanted to hear her say his name but he knew that would have to wait.

  “Up,” he instructed her. He helped her sit up so she was kneeling on his bed. Her body was facing away from him as he knelt behind her. His strong arms wrapped around her waists, decreasing the distance between them as her back pressed to his front. He gently cupped her breasts before proceeding down her body. He skimmed his hand up inside of her thigh as a whimper escaped her lips. It was all so foreign to Janet. She had never been touched like this before. Her head rolled back on his shoulders as he began to rub gently through the thin fabric of her underwear.

  “Ethan,” Janet breathlessly gasped, squirming. He held her close as she squirmed against his gentle touches.

  His fingers slipped into the front of her underwear. She cried out in surprise as his thumb gently moved over her clit, eliciting whimpers from her parted lips.

  “Mmm,” he huskily whispered into her ear. Kisses trailed down her neck as he continued. Janet was slightly startled as he shifted, taking her with him as he sat on the edge of the bed. She still faced away from him, sitting on his lap.

  “Up,” he instructed again. She complied and Ethan’s hands caught hold of her thighs, spreading them so her legs hung on either sides of his lap. Janet caught sight of him bringing his fingers to his mouth through her hindsight. He sucked on them before pulling them out. His fingertips dipped into her underwear again and this time, he eased a finger in gently. Uncomfortable moans fell from her lips as she tried to comprehend the foreign gesture. She struggled to breathe as he pushed deeper. The pleasure pulsing through her body was overwhelming. Janet’s eyes closed, finding it difficult to keep them open. Her head rolled back on his shoulders. Janet exhaled sharply as he withdrew his fingers.

  “I’m going to try two,” he informed her. Janet turned around, panicked.

  “Relax,” he whispered, kissing the back of her neck. “It will help.”

  He pushed his fingers inside again, two this time. With his legs, he spread her thighs wider as Janet tried to breathe. He felt her clench shut as he tried to enter.

  “Janet, you need to relax,” he breathed huskily.

  “I’m t-trying,” Janet managed to say.

  “It’ll be okay,” he mumbled against her neck. “You’ll feel good.”

  Janet breathed deeply as he attempted to enter her again. He pumped in and out causing Janet to repeat his name again and again. When he withdrew, he lay her down on the bed again.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, gently as he lay next to her. Janet nodded, still unable to believe she was in Ethan Reed’s room and about to have sex with him. She watched as Ethan removed the remaining of his clothes. He lowered himself on top of her, supporting his weight as he kissed her. She could feel a bulge pressing into her causing her heartbeat to rise even more.

  “I’m scared,” she blurted out.

  Ethan pressed a passionate kiss to her lips before pulling away. “I know,” he replied softly. “We can stop if you want.”

  Janet shook her head. They were in too far to stop and desire surged through her body. It was all new to her but she knew what it meant. She kissed him again to encourage him. He spread his hands on either side of her head, never looking away from her as he begun to enter her. Janet cried as he rolled all the way in. Tears rolled down her eyes and Ethan attempted to distract her by leaving kisses on her cheeks and jaw. After a moment, Janet begun to relax, getting used to the new sensation. He slowly increased his pace, matching her instructions as their hips moved together. Janet moaned as he moved, still gentle and cautious. It was still a little uncomfortable but in a good way. When she came, she cried out his name, grabbing a fistful of his hair and wrapping her legs around his torso. He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily.

  Finally, he rolled off her.

  “Are you okay?” he asked again. Janet nodded.

  “Who would’ve thought?” Janet joked. Ethan laughed before pulling her closer. She drifted off to sleep in his arms.

  Chapter 7 – The Massacre that Lies Ahead

  When Janet entered the university the next day, she felt like people were staring at her even more than usual. But none of them said anything. The girls who normally didn’t miss a chance to bully her stayed clear of her path. Janet was even more surprised when Kan came up to her and asked that she come with him.

  “Where?” she said suspiciously.

  “Ethan’s calling you to Café rooftop,” Kan said, looking at her curiously. Café rooftop was where all the selected rich people of the university hung out and most other people weren’t welcomed there.

  “Why?” Janet asked.

  “He didn’t tell me why,” Kan said.

  “I’m not coming.”

  “Please come,” Kan insisted. “Or he’ll throw one of his tantrums.”

  Janet rolled her eyes. “Wouldn’t want that, would we?”

  Kan laughed and offered her his arm which Janet took. They began to walk.

  “So Janet,” Kan begun. “I’ve heard you work at The Four Stars.”

  Janet gave him an exasper
ated look to which he shook his head hurriedly. “Oh no, I’m not making fun of you or anything. Sorry about all that you had to hear. I was genuinely curious.”

  Janet sighed. “Yes, I work there.”

  “Must be nice,” Kan continued. “To- to you know serve people and—“

  “Not really,” Janet cut across him, amused.

  “You won’t have to hear those girls again. Ethan forbade them from saying anything to you.”

  Janet nodded slowly.

  When they reached the common room, Janet received more than several curious stares as she entered arm in arm with Kan. He led her to a couch at the corner of the room where Ethan sat with George and Jih.

  “Why did you call me here?” Janet demanded.

  “Stop whining please and sit down.”

  Janet sat reluctantly.

  “Don’t worry, Janet,” George said. “You’re doing us all a favor by being here. He’s been in such a terrible mood since morning. He instantly perked up when we suggested that he should call you here.”

  Ethan hit him while George and Kan roared with laughter. Jih only smiled, ever so mysterious.

  “What’s she doing here?” someone shrieked across the room. It was Michelle, with her finger pointed at Janet. “Ethan, is she bothering you?”

  “The only person bothering me is you, Michelle,” Ethan called back, sounding bored. Michelle was now getting to her feet and making her way over to them.

  “What’s going on?” she demanded.

  “It’s Ethan’s latest order to leave the girl alone,” someone called across the room. “Haven’t you heard, Michelle?”

  “What?” said Michelle. “But she- she defied you!”

  “I’m not some god. She can defy me if she wishes.” Ethan said. “Now if you want to create a racquet, please leave. I like my peace and quiet.”

  Michelle looked at Janet incredulously but eventually, she went back to where she sat with a group of her friends. Her eyes never left their sofa for too long.

  Janet sighed as George and Kan broke the awkwardness with a joke. She spent most of her time chatting with them. Ethan didn’t say much and he did not want to admit it but his mood had improved hugely since Janet entered the room.

  Slowly, the café emptied and Janet was so absorbed in her conversation with George that she did not notice the two of them and Ethan were the only ones left. It was only when George got up to leave that she noticed the fact and pointed it out. When she was left alone with Ethan, they did not speak anything. Flashes of the night before ran through both their heads.

  Ethan broke the silence first.

  “My parents will be back in town this weekend,” he said. “There’s going to be a huge welcome celebration because my dad’s campaign is starting. Would you like to come?”

  Janet considered it for a moment. “I’m not sure,” she replied, finally.

  “Why?”

  “I won’t fit in there.”

  “You’ll be with me,” he said simply.

  “Are you asking me on a date?” Janet asked.

  “I’m not sure. I just want you around.”

  The truth was Ethan didn’t want to ask her out, not just yet. He wanted her around. He wanted to get to know her. But ask her on a date? No.

  Janet didn’t fail to note this but she stayed quiet. They agreed to set up a time for them to meet later in the week. Ethan insisted on dropping her home today. When he opened the car door for her, she received many shocked stares from on lookers, especially the girls. Janet fidgeted uncomfortably. She wondered how this looked to the rest of the campus. They didn’t know about the intimate moments she had shared with Ethan. To them, it must only look plain weird.

  When he pulled outside her apartment and walked her to the door, he pecked her on the cheek before kissing her goodbye. When his lips left hers, Janet felt a strange emptiness.

  Perhaps she was growing too attached to Ethan.

  Chapter 8 – A Cinderella Story

  Is this what Cinderella felt like?

  Janet Price stared at herself in the huge mirror outside the ballroom. She didn’t recognize her reflection; it was of someone too grand to be her. Nel had dressed her up for the day. When Ethan had sent her the dress, she had outright rejected it; it was too expensive and she wouldn’t accept it as a gift from anyone. She had told the man who brought it (which could only be his driver considering the fact he was driving Ethan’s car) to take it back. The man had refused, saying that Ethan had known she wouldn’t accept it and he had been told not to leave until she accepted it. Janet had rolled her eyes and taken the box but she hadn’t so much as touched it. Later in the day. George and Kan came to visit her and begged her to accompany them to Ethan’s house. Janet refused but when they said Nel was waiting, she grudgingly agreed.

  Janet looked at her reflection again. Her dress was pale blue silk with matching heels. Nel had tied up her hair into a lose bun and sprinkled in with blue glitter. Nel’s stylist had done her makeup. When they were up in Nel’s room, they were joined by two of Nel’s friends who were co staring with her in their new TV series. They had greeted Janet politely but didn’t pay much attention to her otherwise. Nel had ushered her downstairs as soon as she was done but she had to run ahead to take care of something and so Janet stood outside the door to the hall, staring at herself.

  I must be Cinderella then.

  She heard footsteps behind her and saw Jih approaching her. She had never had a real conversation with him and so hesitated but he spoke up first.

  “Nervous?” he asked.

  “A bit,” Janet admitted.

  She noted how good looking he was up close with his hair falling into his grey eyes.

  “Shall we?” he said, holding out his arm for her. She was surprised but didn’t say anything as she took his arm. They entered the ball room together and as expected, its grandeur took her aback. It was set in a huge hall adorned with grand chandeliers and lights. The huge, thick pillars were covered in fairy lights giving it a dreamy glow. Closed banquets stood to all corners of the hall for dinner time.

  As Janet looked around, she noticed everyone she knew from university was present including Michelle and her cronies. Other rich kids were present as well, some with their families. They didn’t pay much attention to Janet probably because she was unrecognizable. As she walked up close, recognition dawned on a few people as they stared at her and whispered to their friends. Janet Price was never found at such elite functions. In fact, she was just a plain old serving girl. A few people were dancing in the middle of the hall. As Janet and Jih drew closer, she saw that leading the dance was Ethan with a blonde haired, tall girl who was dressed in emerald green. They synchronized perfectly as their feet moved together yet Ethan did not look at her. The girl was beaming and smiling, looking lovely. Ethan looked straight ahead. Jih glanced at Janet whose expression had remained neutral throughout the observation.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he advised her.

  “I’m not,” she answered.

  “That’s Fiona Evans. Ethan’s parents want them to get together to strengthen their political and business ties with the Evans.”

  “I see.”

  “Yeah but Ethan doesn’t want that.”

  Janet was saved from responding with the arrival of Kan and George who broke the tension with their jokes as usual for which Janet was grateful. She had been growing fond of the two of them and their easy going attitude to all and every situation. Ethan did not get to join them courtesy of his parents who wanted to introduce him to all their new friends and to reintroduce them to all their old friends. Ethan was polite enough and chatted with everyone but he longed to join Janet and the others. He had noticed when Janet entered arm in arm with Jih; he was glad she didn’t have to enter alone, aware of how uncomfortable that might make her.

  Janet was wandering to the tea stand when she felt a pair of strong arms close around her back and pull her into a little nook by the side of the ro
om. The nook was a huge one but still inconspicuous and hid them both easily. Janet knew the feel of his arms and his scent too well to be surprised. He turned her around and pressed a kiss to her lips which she reciprocated enthusiastically.

  “Mmm,” he said against her lips. “You look pretty today, serving girl. A nice change.” The words were interrupted by light pecks. Janet only shook her head at that, knowing it was his attempt at a compliment.

  “You don’t look bad yourself,” she told him.

  “Come on, I want you to meet my parents.”

  “What?” Janet was shocked, not expecting to be introduced to the Reeds.

  “I want you to meet my parents,” he repeated as if explaining something to a five year old.

  “I get that,” she snapped. “But- why?”

  “They’ve met all my friends,” he shrugged pulling her along. They had to wait for his mother to excuse herself from some guests that she mingled with before she turned her attention to her son. She was of medium height and good looking with long, black hair like Ethan’s. Her smile was good natured but calculated and her eyes were gentle but observant. She smiled at Janet as she shook her hand and looked at Ethan inquisitively.

  “This is my friend, Janet Price,” Ethan said. Janet didn’t fail to notice the “friend” part but she didn’t comment.

  “Nice to meet you, Janet,” Mrs. Reed said. “Price, hmm, never heard of that.” Janet realized Ethan’s mother thought she was from one of the known families of Georgia.

  “Janet is just a friend, mother,” Ethan told her. It was his way of telling his mother that Janet wasn’t one of the rich children but a friend. Understanding dawned on his mother and she smiled at them both, quickly changing the subject. Janet shifted uncomfortably as Ethan and she talked about some family stuff. Eventually, Ethan led her away, his hand on her elbow. She saw Michelle throw her an angry look as she passed her.

  This was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 9 – Confrontations

  Janet was in the library, trying to focus on her work when she was interrupted by a group of girls, led by Michelle.