A Taste Of Him: The One I Was Never Meant to Want

Chapter One

Aurora's pov

I slammed the door behind me, sweat dripping from my forehead, football tucked under one arm, the other supporting it.

Mom! Can you just reply to Dad already? He's been blowing up my phone too!" I shouted, stomping towards the couch

My mom snapped, teeth gritted. "Don't you dare sit your ass on my new couch, kid!"

"Urrrgghh! Just do something already! I'm tired of having the same words and arguments between you two!" I retorted, rolling my eyes.

Before my mom could fire back, I stomped upstairs, heart pounding with frustration-only to be ambushed by my best friend's scream through the phone.

"Hey BESTIEEE!" Layla's squealing voice made me wince.

"Goddammit, Layla! You're gonna make my ears bleed?" she groaned.

"Oh, come on! Mom said y'all relocated to Ravenwood, California! OMG girl, I can't wait to see you again!" Layla gushed, practically bouncing through the phone.

"Stop playing with me, Layla. You also live in Ravenwood?" I asked, astonished.

"Yes, babe! five years and we're finally back in the same city!" Layla replied, squealing in excitement.

"My mom didn't mention this to me. OMG! I'll get to see you again ?Yaaayyy!" we both squealed at the same time, our voices echoing across the phone.

Tears welled in my eyes. "I can't wait, Layla! I've missed you so much."

"C'mon, girl! You're stuck with me now! Sleepovers, gossip, rebuild our unbreakable world -everything."

"Clock it, girl, clock it!" I laughed, jumping on my bed in excitement.

And speaking of gossip," Layla added with a low snicker,

"Guess who else is in Ravenwood..."

I groaned. "Don't say his name."

Layla giggled. "Oh, I'm saying it. Jaxon Grayson!"

I nearly fell off her bed.

Great.

The one boy I'd vowed to avoid for the rest of my life.

"Oh, please! Don't spoil my happy mood," I said, rolling her eyes toward the direction of an unseen Jaxon.

Layla laughed heartily. "Girl, it's better if you both still hate each other. That guy's been more of a jerk lately. Ugh, I've got so much gossip for you. Don't worry-I'll feed it to you soon."

"All right, sweet, bye girl!" I said as the call ended, grinning ear to ear.

I sprinted downstairs to the kitchen, shouting, "Mom! You didn't tell me Layla and her family live here too!"

My mom now placing a turkey in the oven, turned to me. "I was going to make that a surprise. Who told you?"

"I just spoke with Layla," I replied, beaming.

My mom rolled her eyes. "I've got another surprise for you, honey.

My eyes shot up instantly. "I'm all ears!"

"You'll be attending the same school as Layla," my mom revealed.

I clutched my head dramatically."Tell me it's a joke, Mom! OMG! I finally got admission into Ravenwood Pacific University? Same school with Layla?"

"Yes, darling," my mom said, smiling.

I sprang on my heels, hugging my mom. "Thank you so much, Mom! You're the best! I love you!"

"I love you too, honey. Now, you really need a bath." my mom held her nose up, making me laugh.

---

Ravenwood Pacific University had been fun so far, especially with Layla around. I hoped coming here would help her mom heal from Dad.

I knew Ravenwood was trouble the first day I set my eyes on Jaxon Grayson, Layla's older brother on campus. I had planned to avoid him like the plague-we were always ready to exchange ugly words-but I didn't expect trouble to answer the door shirtless.

When Layla's front door swung open, the trouble started when he opened the door shirtless. I froze on the porch, gripping my bag like it could save me.

There he stood-Jaxon Grayson-leaning against the doorframe like he owned the city.

Sunlight spilled over his bare chest, catching the silver chain on his collarbone. His hair was messy and damp, like he'd just stepped out of the shower. His storm-grey eyes dragged slowly down my body

it was Slow, assessing, dangerous, before resting on my face with that stupid half-smirk.

"Oh, please," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

"Relax, princess," he said, voice low and lazy. "I don't bite."

My heart tripped. Out of annoyance, obviously.

"I'm not your princess," I snapped, brushing past him into the house.

"Good," he murmured behind me. "I wasn't offering."

I rolled my eyes so hard I felt them click.

The Grayson's family living room smelt warm.vanilla candles and citrus cleaning spray. Soft throw blankets everywhere. Shoes scattered near the staircase. A cozy home... completely ruined by the choking presence of the shirtless devil behind me.

"You weren't supposed to be home," I snapped.

He followed, slow steps tapping the hardwood floor. "Trust me, Aurora, if I knew you were coming, I'd have left."

Lie. The way his eyes lingered on me said otherwise.

I walked deeper into the living room, putting space-any space-between us. His gaze felt like a hand on my spine, warm and distracting. Would he just stop following me like some kid and get the hell out?

"You're in my home, remember?" he retorted with a smirk.

"Oh heavens, please help me," I muttered, eyes closed.

Footsteps thundered down the stairs, saving my sanity.

"Aurora!" Layla shrieked, flying down to hug me, nearly knocking me over. "Finally! I thought you got lost!"

I hugged her back, grateful for her warmth. "Your brother answered the door," I whispered.

She pulled back. "Ugh. Gross. He's home for the weekend. Ignore him."

"I'm trying," I muttered.

Her eyes widened as she noticed Jaxon behind me. "Jax, go put a shirt on!"

And Jaxon smirked.

Not mocking this time.

Something deeper.

"Excuse me! Oh, Layla, let's go to your room-I'm getting sick from someone's presence," I begged.

His smirk deepened. "Sure you weren't."

Layla groaned. "Please go away."

"Can't. It's my house," he replied, walking past us toward the kitchen, still shirtless, still annoying.

I shot dead looks at his ugly-attractive back.

Layla dragged me upstairs to her room, still ranting. I was grateful for the distraction. Her room smelled like strawberries and coconut shampoo. Posters covered the walls. Fairy lights twinkled above her bed.

I barely dropped my overnight bag when Layla flopped on the mattress.

"So," she said, kicking her legs. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"Jaxon and his friends are planning a party at school soon!"

I blinked. "No. Layla, anything with that annoying kid-I don't want it around me."

"Oh, please, ignore him. You need to meet more people at RPU. Socialize. Live a little. Don't forget-we have friendship records to rebuild!"

Before I could argue, a voice drifted from the hallway, sliding under my skin.

"She doesn't need to go anywhere if she's not willing."

My breath stilled.

Layla sat up. "Jaxon, why are you eavesdropping?"

He leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed. That smirk was gone. He wasn't teasing. He was watching me with something sharp, unreadable.

"Parties aren't her thing; she's scared to get drunk or end up with some guy," he said mockingly.

I knit my eyebrows. "You don't know what my 'thing' is."

He tilted his head, eyes dragging over me again, slower this time. "I know enough, princess."

I threw a pillow at him. "Get out!"

But he didn't move. His gaze stayed heavy and confusing.

"Seriously, go away," Layla repeated.

Finally, he stepped back into the hall.

Just before he turned the corner, he said, loud enough for only me to hear...

"I've missed annoying her."

My breath caught.

And that's when I knew...

Ravenwood wasn't trouble.

Jaxon Grayson was.

And somehow... he wanted mine.

Lord, give me strength to survive whatever trouble he brought next, palms pressed together, as Layla laughed at my dramatic reaction.

Chapter Two

Aurora's pov

I couldn't stop replaying his words in my head-"I've missed annoying her"-as Layla and I barreled through the chaos of Ravenwood Pacific University's crowded morning halls, praying I wouldn't run into him again.

Layla left me at her locker, and I made my way to mine. My backpack slipped lower on my shoulder as I sprinted, sneakers squeaking against the polished floors. I rounded the corner too fast-and slammed straight into someone broad and solid.

"Whoa! Careful there," a deep, teasing voice said, low and amused. I looked up and froze. The school's star soccer player stood towering over me, one eyebrow arched, warm brown eyes locking on mine in a way that made my stomach twist. My notebooks scattered across the floor, and I scrambled to gather them, face burning.

"Oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry!" I stammered, fumbling to collect my mess.

He crouched slightly, his fingers brushing mine as he helped pick up a notebook. That touch sent an uninvited shiver down my spine. "Late for class, huh?" he said, smirking, eyes glinting. "Or maybe just trying to run into me?"

I wanted to groan, to disappear, to scream-all at the same time. "I-definitely wasn't trying to," I said, voice squeaky.

"Sure," he murmured, leaning a little closer, his presence impossible to ignore. "You're cute when you panic, by the way."

Heat flared across my cheeks. "Cute?!" I sputtered. "I'm not-"

"Relax," he said, flashing that infuriating grin. "I won't bite... much."

I rolled my eyes so hard I felt them spin. My heart, however, refused to listen.

"I'm Jefferey," he continued.

"I didn't ask," I replied, trying to sound tough, though my heart disagreed. "Anyway, thanks for helping me pack. I'm late!" I sprang off without waiting for a reply.

Jefferey kept his cool, hands in pockets, and smiled. "Pretty tough, huh? I'd see you again, cutie," he called after me, even though I wasn't there to respond.

A few girls in the hallway waved sexily, ready for a hug if he didn't mind. But Jefferey only waved back, modeling his way to class.

***

In class, every eye landed on me as Mr. Peterson's question landed squarely in my lap. I took a quick, deep breath and blurted out the answer before overthinking it. Relief flooded me when he nodded, letting me slide back into my seat.

Next class... Thank God, Layla. I practically skipped to my seat beside her, excitement bubbling in my chest. we both immediately buzzed with energy, whispering and giggling like we'd shared a thousand secrets already. Tiny eruptions of squeals and hand gestures filled the space around us, earning a few amused glances from our classmates.

When we realized they'd been paired for the upcoming assignment, the room practically lit up with our joy.

I leaned closer, eyes sparkling, a playful tilt to my head.

"Bestie," I said, a mischievous grin tugging at my lips, "could you help me find my way around the sports unit? I want to play football for RPU, but I haven't been able to figure it out these past few weeks. You don't want me wandering off and getting lost, do you?"

I added a pitiful puppy-dog smile, almost pleading. Layla laughed-a warm, melodic sound that made even the stiff lecture hall feel friendlier.

It's recess," Layla confirmed. "Sure I'll help you-but football?" She furrowed her brows, confused.

"Yes, football," I whispered. "Since you relocated, I picked something fun to do... and I'm pretty good at it."

Layla wondered how I would adapt to RPU soccer games. Thankfully, there was no queue for registration, which made it faster.

We both gathered their things to leave, the campus around us was alive with movement. students sprinting across the quad, the distant bounce of footballs hitting the turf, and the faint smell of fresh-cut grass mixed with cafeteria aromas. I imagined myself running across the field, the wind in my hair, football at my feet, and cheers echoing through the stadium. My pulse quickened.

Beside me, Layla clapped her hands together, eyes shining. "Don't worry, girl, I've got you. We'll navigate this place like pros. You're going to crush it on the field!"

Gratitude and excitement surged through me. For the first time in weeks, the sprawling campus didn't feel intimidating and annoying.

***

In the cafeteria, I grabbed a tray and quickly scanned the room. I piled on a turkey and avocado wrap, a small Caesar salad, and a slice of cheese pizza-safe, filling, and unassuming. Layla, of course, was already plotting her snack attack, sneaking a couple of sushi rolls and a chocolate muffin onto her tray with a grin.

"Try not to look like a deer in headlights," Layla whispered, nudging me as we moved toward a table.

"Like I care?" I muttered, though my eyes betrayed me. Of course, he was there.

Jaxon. Shirt on today-but somehow, he still radiated effortless trouble, leaning casually against the beverage station, burrito bowl in hand, eyes scanning the room. Naturally, they landed on me.

Fragments of the girls' whispers floated past my ears, teasing and annoying all at once. "My sweet boy..." "My crush..." "Jax, how about a one-night stand with you?"

I flared with irritation. Did none of these girls know the Almighty Jaxon Grayson? The RPU playboy whispered about every secret? Perfect jawline, stupidly attractive, walking disaster. He was every bad decision wrapped in charm and danger.

I thought back to Layla's warning: the university was crawling with guys like him-jerks and heartthrobs I had yet to meet. Except... maybe the cute guy from that morning. He had been different, a fleeting distraction-but nothing compared to the storm that was Jaxon.

I shifted in my seat, irritation and awe twisting together. Somehow, he made every other guy I'd seen that day seem invisible, irrelevant, painfully ordinary.

He smirked. "Ah, the mysterious new girl," he drawled, "Trying to avoid me already?"

Layla rolled her eyes. "Ignore him, Aurora. Just Eat and we get out of here."

"Funny," he added, raising a brow, "how your lunch always seems to be near me."

I stayed silent until Jaxon slid into the seat across from me before I could protest, placing his tray deliberately close. "You know," he said, leaning in slightly, "you don't have to pretend I'm invisible."

"My stomach twisted. "I'm not pretending, you dumbass. Preferable to have you invisible." I snapped.

He smirked, glancing at me with teasing storm-grey eyes, biting his burrito."Touché I'd hate for you to miss out on this view." he teased

I groaned, wishing I could teleport out of the cafeteria. Layla giggled beside me. "Oh, this is going to be fun," she whispered.

Lunchtime at Ravenwood Pacific University had officially turned into a battlefield-and Jaxon had already claimed the first skirmish.

Slowly, almost in slow motion, the guy I'd bumped into earlier appeared fully in view. His features sharpened with each step, and my breath caught. Something magnetic in his presence demanded attention, even without trying. A small, involuntary smile touched my lips. He walked with confident, model-like strides, cutting through the cafeteria's noise until the whole room seemed to fade around him.

Across the table, Jaxon sank a little lower in his seat, feeling invisible. The girls behind him didn't spare him a glance; their eyes were glued to the boy approaching me, as if Jaxon had vanished completely.

Whispers buzzed, excited and breathy.

"Wait... isn't that Jefferey?"

"What's he doing at her table?"

"Are they dating?"

"I wish I was the girl he's going to."

I barely heard any of it. My focus was on him-Jefferey-and the way his eyes were fixed on me alone.

Meanwhile, Jaxon, now suddenly invisible, sank lower in his seat, watching without a flicker of emotion, like he was a stranger passing judgment.

The way he sat still got some ladies attention that moment.

Jefferey appeared.

"Hey, I didn't get your name. You ran off," he said, flashing a smile with emerald braces.

I replied smiling,"Aurora Smith."

He took my phone and saved his contact himself. "It's Jefferey," he winked, leaving the table.

Layla nudged me. "Girl... Jefferey? That's Hot cake!"

I laughed into her arms.

I turned to Jaxon. "You're still alive?" I asked, sarcastically.

His eyes snapped to mine with dagger-like intensity, holding back an emotion too fierce to name. His composed, unreadable face made me choke on my water.

"What the hell, Jax! Quit staring!" Layla rolled her eyes.

He rose suddenly, chair crashing to the floor behind him. Conversations died instantly. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, jaw clenched, and stomped out-every step echoing what he refused to voice.

"Goddamit!" the girls echoed.

"Hmm, that's so cute of him" some were biting down their lips.

I groaned at their obsession with the silly playboy.

Chapter Three

Jaxon's POV

Since I've known Aurora, we've been enemies. She's my sister's best friend, but to me, she's just someone I can mess with-annoy, tease, and push buttons. It's clear how our parents put the siblings'tag on us. Because we all grew up together and our parents were best friends.

When my mom told me Mrs. Smith relocated to the city with her daughter,-a long, nagging expectancy to see Aurora, to see how she'd grown into this... feminine version of herself. I laughed at the thought. I'm sure she would be no match with all the girls I've slept with.

Someway, somehow, I want to see how far she'd have become.

My friends and I had an outing later that night. I stayed home to rest especially before Cole would pick me up with his car.

The door bell rang severally. getting to the porch, There she was. The ugly "Aurora Smith" My sexy self played more than usual that day, and honestly? I had fun.

~~~~ Flashback

She was ten.

I was fifteen.

And for some stupid reason I never understood back then, Aurora had a tiny crush on me.

Back in those days, she followed me around like a little shadow-annoying, persistent, always smiling those gap-toothed smiles. I wasn't used to attention, especially from girls. My brain wasn't built to handle it yet. So every time she hovered, giggled, or tried to talk to me after class, I did what most dumb fifteen-year-old boys did: I pretended I didn't notice.

Or worse-I pretended it irritated me.

Then came the school games.

She tripped.

Her skirt flew up.

And before my brain could catch up with my mouth, I shouted:

"Look! Aurora's wearing cartoon panties!"

The whole class burst into laughter.

I laughed the loudest.

I thought she would laugh too. I thought it was harmless teasing. But the way she froze...

The way her face crumpled...

The way tears spilled down her cheeks...

Something inside me twisted in confusion.

I didn't understand guilt yet.

So I laughed again-louder-hoping it would make the weird feeling in my chest disappear.

It didn't. other kids laughed at her too.

That day put a crack between us-one she never let me forget. Every small interaction after that turned into an argument, a glare, a cold shoulder. I didn't apologize. I didn't know how. And by the time I realized she wasn't laughing with me, she had already changed-completely.

The humiliation stuck to her like a scar.

And to me, I couldn't care less.

~~~~

Still in junior high, right after exams, our parents took us to the kids' park.

I had finally found a group of friends who didn't make me feel like a ghost. Kids who included me, kids I actually wanted to impress.

But of course... she was there.

Aurora.

The little storm in pigtails.

From the moment we stepped onto the swings, she decided to torment me with her presence. Every toy, every pebble, every stupid shiny trinket she found-she ran to me, grinning with her gap-toothed mouth, shoving things into my hands like offerings to a king.

To my friends, though?

It looked pathetic.

Like she was chasing me.

Like I was responsible for her.

I saw the looks on their faces-confusion, then amusement, then irritation.

The whispers started.

And the longer she kept coming back, the farther they drifted.

Until I found myself stranded in the middle of the sandbox, friendless, embarrassed, boiling with a fifteen-year-old's version of rage.

My chest burned.

My hands shook.

And when she came running up again with another "look what I found!"-I snapped.

"STOP coming back!" I yelled, shoving her out of my way. "Your tooth is missing and your stupid toys are scaring my new friends away! Don't come near me again, Aurora!"

She blinked.

One second-just one-her smile fell.

But then, unbelievably, she flashed me that same grin again, like she hadn't heard a word.

That grin-the one with the missing tooth-mocked me.

I hated it.

I hated her for it.

That was the moment something ugly rooted itself inside me.

A quiet vow.

A childish resentment I didn't know how to handle:

She would never embarrass me again.

Even now, thinking back, irritation curls in my chest like an old bruise pressed too hard.

Every memory of her feels like a grain of sand stuck under my eyelid-small but impossible to ignore.

My thoughts lingered to the present laying on the couch in my room.

Then there was the party Layla had mentioned. For some reason, I didn't want Aurora there. Protective? Me? I scoffed at the thought. Something in me wanted her away. Was it because she was too fragile for a RPU party? Or because I didn't want anyone annoying me that day like she always did when we were kids? Ew, protective. What the hell was wrong with me? I don't give a fuck what ever happens.

Maybe I thought she was too delicate for a RPU party.

Maybe I didn't want anyone messing with her.

Or maybe I didn't want her messing with me, irritating me like she always did, getting too close, too loud, too... Aurora.

I shook the thought off immediately.

Ew, protective. What the hell was wrong with me? I don't give a damn what happens to her.

I threw my hands up, told my friends to postpone the party.

Gave them no reason.

Didn't owe them one.

During recess in school, when I should have been sitting with my friends in our usual spot, I found myself making an excuse.

Walking to the cafeteria without knowing why.

Like something restless was tugging at me.

Something that sounded like her voice,

or her laugh,

or maybe her irritation.

Something I didn't want to name.

"The cafeteria? You sure love this girly attention, bruh?," Daniel asked, disgust in his voice. Others laughed, but I didn't care.

"I just wanna see my sister, bet," I replied.

Cole snorted. "Your sister schools here too?"

"Fuck off, dawg," I snapped. "They ain't some toy for y'all to play with!" My words hung heavy in the air, and suddenly everyone echoed in disbelief: "They?!" I rolled my eyes and stepped out, not wanting to argue further.

I smiled as I saw them together-Aurora and Layla-about to eat. Something twisted inside me. I wanted to be irritated by that ugly girl, but not in front of my friends. Somehow, it was fun. Yes, Aurora Smith was the ugly one here.

Still... I always looked forward to our banter. It filled some empty space that no other girl ever had.

Then Jefferey appeared at their table. My chest tightened in a way I couldn't explain. He even saved his contact? Damn it. Today, I'd make sure Aurora knew he was mine to irritate. She succeeded in getting under my skin-now I had to retaliate.

~~~

I hopped on my bike and headed to my favorite spot in town. Amelia, someone I just call and play with-yes, she's obsessed with me-showed up. We ate ice cream, and she chatted about her holiday, but my attention drifted. My mind wandered back to Aurora.

"Amelia," I cut her off, "I'm off to racing already. Let's talk later."

"But baby-" she began, whining.

I didn't care. I had to clear something I didn't understand from my head. Why did they keep appearing?

The wind whipped against my face as I raced down the path on my bike, sharp and exhilarating, a thrill that made my eyes water and heart pound. Leaning low over the handlebars, I grinned, feeling the adrenaline surge through me. Each bump in the road made my chest leap.

"You're so ugly when you smile, Aurora. And fuck you, Jefferey," I muttered under my breath, laughing at myself.

Just then, Daniel and Cole caught up, yelling over the wind:

"Yo, Jaxon! Since when did you get here?!"

"You're not winning this time, I swear!"

Cole laughed breathlessly, wobbling on his bike. "Move hard! You ride like you're scared of speed!"

We tore down the path, the wind lifting our shirts, screaming in exhilaration. Every turn, every surge, was a pure, wild, unrestrained joy. This wasn't just racing-it was another life we had, loud and addictive.

Eventually, we parted ways. I got home late, faced an earful from my parents, and lied about group work with my friends.

In the hallway, I overheard Layla's laugh-addictive, bubbly, unforgettable. Only one person could make her laugh like that- Aurora. I tiptoed to her door, wanting to eavesdrop but quitted on it when I realized how petty it was. "I shouldn't care about ugly duckling Aurora" I thought. A lot of girls are dying to talk to me. It can't be the other way for me.

Aurora's POV

The morning sunlight hit the quad, bouncing off freshly cut grass. The sound of footballs thumping against cleats echoed across campus. Today was my first chance to officially join the RPU female football team. I couldn't afford another awkward moment-especially not if Jaxon was lurking around nearby.

Layla skipped ahead, waving at acquaintances. "Come on, slowpoke! You're going to miss the best part of campus life!"

I adjusted my bag, stomach twisting. Every glance at the field reminded me of Jefferey, the all-star player with those emerald braces that refused to leave my mind.

Rounding the corner toward the sports building, I almost collided with Coach Ramirez, clipboard in hand, barking at a group of sweaty students.

"New recruit, huh?" he asked critically. "You sure you're ready to handle RPU football?"

I squared my shoulders. "Absolutely. I've been playing for years."

He smirked. "We'll see." He blew his whistle, calling everyone together.

The team huddled: seniors, eager freshmen, all sizing each other up.

"Wanna watch, or ready to join the girls? Let's see what you got."

I stepped onto the field determined-but a football whizzed past my shoulder, making me stumble to the ground.

Mia's grin stretched across her face. "Consider that a warm-up."

"What the heck, girl?!" I shouted. She just stared, hands on hips, smirking. Coach Ramirez intervened. "Come on, girls. Let's not pick fights."

We played for a few more minutes, ending the game with me scoring a goal and our team ahead.

Jefferey leaned casually against the goal post, tossing a football with effortless precision. When the game ended, he ran over to me.

"Hey princess, was the push hard?" he asked, smiling.

"No thanks," I answered, brushing it off.

He nudged me. "Careful... she might see you as a challenge."

"Don't mind Mia. She's the captain," he added.

Rolling my eyes "I don't need challenges, I need a team that lets me play without being... distracted."

He raised a brow. "Maybe she wants to see how fit you are for the team."

"It's not her job, right? C'mon, that was unfair to me."

"So... lunch to cool off?" he asked, hopeful.

Layla was already next to me, blushing on my behalf.

I felt heat rise. Could I say no? "Err... I'll let you know when I'm done."

Before we could continue, Mia called Jefferey to train with her, shooting me cold looks. I didn't hold back either.

"Girl, are you good?" she nudged playfully. And continued,

I can't believe you scored a goal! It was crazy.

I sure told you I play really well. I smiled,feeling on top of the world.

Now heading to the changing room, ugly Jaxon shoved his face into my path.

"Ew! Jax, fuck off! I've had a bad day already!"

That infuriating smirk I knew too well spread across his face.

But deep down, a tiny voice whispered, he wasn't going anywhere. And neither was the trouble he brought.