I Still Hate You

Ethan Miller stared at me with his eyes full of disgust. Those baby blue eyes that I love so much were now cold and hard. He hated me with all of his beings and was never afraid to let me know.

"Faggot," he hissed. He wasn't too creative when it came to name calling that's for sure.

"What did I do this time, Ethan?" I tried to keep my composure as his eyes bored into mine. His handsome face was twisted into a frown. A few students walked by and saw us but didn't say anything. Instead, they stood there and watched from a distance.

Brian Green stepped in. He was one of Ethan's current best friends who enjoyed tormenting me on his behalf. Behind him were Allen and James.

"I'll tell you what you did, asshole. I saw you staring at our dicks in the locker room. And this wasn't the first time you did that. Fucking pervert," Brian spit on the floor.

"You guys flatter yourselves too much. There wasn't much to stare at," I shrugged and tried to wiggle myself out of Ethan's grasp, but he was too strong.

"Don't give me that bullshit, Corey. I've seen you stare at me several times in the past, fucking homo. And I'm sick of it. It's time I teach you a lesson," Ethan snarled.

It wasn't like he was wrong. I did have a crush on Ethan since we were in middle school. He had a nicely built body with chiseled abs, gorgeous blue eyes, and a sharp jaw. He was beautiful, like a Greek statue. Too bad, he was so ugly on the inside now.

He wasn't always like this. In fact, we grew up together as friends. Our mothers grew up with each other back when there were in high school, so we became playmates as kids. I thought we'd be best friends forever.

Everything changed when we started high school, and he became taller and better looking. He joined the football team and changed completely. He didn't want to associate with me...the pale, skinny average looking Corey Price.

Girls at our school loved him, and he earned the reputation of a player. Soon, we stopped talking, but by that time, it was too late for me. I had already developed feelings for him and had to settle admiring him from a distance. I thought I was doing a great job hiding it, but his friends noticed me pining over him and turned him against me. So guess what? Now I'm their favorite punching bag.

Lucky me.

"Are you listening to me? Hellooo anyone home?" Ethan barked and knocked on my forehead.

"So what if I did? I've always liked you, and I'm not ashamed," I said determinedly. I don't know where I was getting my courage from, but I regretted it instantly. I could already anticipate the pain as I imagined his fist on my face.

"You like me," his question sounded more like a statement. I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes for a split second. Something other than hatred. Maybe he liked me too and was too afraid to admit it.

But it was only for a second, and his eyes turned cold again.

"Yes, Ethan. I've never tried to keep it a secret, nor did I asked you to return my feelings, so what's the point of doing this? Just let me go," I said desperately.

"Beat his ass, Ethan," Brian encouraged him.

"I don't like the way you look at me, Corey. I don't like it one bit. It makes me angry. So angry that I feel like pounding you to the ground. So I'm gonna give you one last chance to take back what you just said, and I'll consider letting you off the hook this time," Ethan paused and looked at me.

Take it back? Deny that I liked him? Why should I? I did nothing wrong, I thought.

"I won't," I said.

"You won't?" Ethan said through his gritted teeth.

"I think he hasn't had enough beatings, Ethan. Show him what it means to fuck with you," Brian said encouragingly, egging him on as usual.

Ethan leaned closer and grabbed my throat. "Say you made a mistake. Say you have no feelings for me, and I'll let you go," Ethan said. He almost sounded desperate. Why is it such a big deal to him? If he doesn't like boys, why not just ignore me?

"I like you. I've had feelings for you since we were kids. My heart beats faster every time you're near, and I wish you'd kiss me even if it's just for once," I declared, pouring my heart out to him right in front of all of his friends. I must have a death wish.

I honestly didn't know what came over me. I felt a surge of emotions and blurted out my confession. His eyes turned gentle for a moment and his grip on my throat loosened.

"I don't believe this. That bitch just confessed his love to you!" James roared. "Isn't this sweet? Why don't you give your new boyfriend a little kiss, Ethan?" I heard Brian and Allen laugh at his expanse. Ethan's hand on my throat felt tighter.

"Fuck you! I am not gay," Ethan snarled at James then turned his attention back to me. "One last chance, Price. Take it back and promise me you won't look at me again, let alone come near me," he said slowly. The gentleness from his eyes was gone completely and once again, replaced with fury.

Nope. I won't shut my feelings off... the young, stupid, and stubborn me decided.

I smiled. "I still like you, and you can't stop me."

That was the last thing I remembered before I woke up at the hospital with bruised ribs and a broken nose. And that was the day I realized it wasn't just my nose that was broken. He broke my heart into a million pieces. And it hurt much more than my battered body.

Luckily my parents decided to move out of town, and I was forced to leave school. Not that I wanted to stay anyway. My love for him was replaced by intense loathing, and I decided to forget about him. Ethan Miller finally succeeded in making me go away.

That was until that dreaded day I had to face him again.

Fuck my life...

8 years later...

I rolled over to my side and looked at the figure next to me. He was still in a deep state of slumber, judging from his snoring. That means I can safely escape this room without being noticed. I looked at the clock; 11:49 pm. I need to get the hell out of here!

I know what you are thinking. Corey, why are you such a slut? Let me tell you why...

I goddamn deserve it, that's why!

I, Corey price had come a long way since high school. I was no longer the meek, scrawny kid who got pushed around by assholes. I worked hard to get rid of the old Corey and change into who I am now. The new Corey Price. I worked out constantly so I could be strong. I kept my emotions under control and vowed not to fall in love with another man again.

The new Corey was stoic and cool. And with my shiny new job, I was sure to be successful. I felt like I was invincible.

"Are you leaving?" the deep voice spoke suddenly, startling me. Shit...I've been caught.

"Err...yeah. Sorry, I gotta go. I have to get up early tomorrow. The first day at my new job, you know what I mean?" I said. "But I had a good time last night though!" I quickly added.

The 20 something year old in front of me smiled brightly. "Me too! I had an amazing time last night. We should do this more often," he said.

I don't think so, buddy, I thought in my head. He was sexy and all and totally my type, but this was a one-time thing for me. But he doesn't need to know that.

"Sure...um...bye," I said and opened the door.

"Bye Corey," he waved at me cheerfully. I almost felt bad as I struggled to remember his name. What was it again...Ryan? Mike? Oh well, it wasn't important since I wasn't planning on calling him anyway.

I ran into the elevator to leave the hotel as fast as possible then drove back to my apartment. I wasn't lying about getting up early in the morning. It was indeed my first day at the job, and I needed my beauty sleep.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, MISTER!"

I yelped as my roommate Ally shouted from across the room as soon as I entered the apartment. Ally went to the same high school as me and always had been sympathetic towards me. After I moved, she happened to see my Facebook ad and asked me to be my roommate. I was excited that she moved to New York, so I responded quickly and offered her the room. We've been roomies ever since.

She was sitting on the couch, in the dark like a goddamn creeper.

"Jesus H Christ, why do you always do this to me? I nearly had a heart attack just now!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, stop being a drama queen. Where the hell have you been?" she demanded to know.

"What are you, my mama? I am a hot 26 year old single man in New York. It's no surprise I'd be out and about banging someone's brain out," I shrugged.

"Gross...spare me the details, Nancy boy. You forgot, didn't you?" she looked at me with fire in her eyes.

I racked my brain, trying to remember what I forgot but I couldn't figure it out. "What did I forget?" I asked.

"You were supposed to take me to the play, you dick!" she yelled.

"Damn...I am so sorry, Ally. I totally got distracted," I looked at her with my famous puppy eyes, hoping she'd forgive me.

She sighed. "Whatever, I hope he was worth it at least."

"Oh yes. I'll be fantasizing about his piercing blue eyes and raven hair for days now," I chuckled.

"Blue eyes and black hair, huh? Ally smirked.

"What...?" I gave her a puzzled look. What was she on about now?

"You don't see it do you?" she asked.

"See what? You are confusing me with your inconspicuous behavior, Allycat," I said.

"Black hair, baby blue eyes, well-built body. Does that remind you of someone?" Ally raised her eyebrows.

I knew exactly who she was talking about. The person I hated with all my being.

"I told you not to mention him to me ever again," I said irritably.

"Yet, you keep sleeping with guys that look like him. Kind of sick, don't you think?" she said.

"It's merely a coincident," I waved my hands in dismissal.

"Aha...sure. Anyway, I'm gonna head to bed. Goodnight," Ally said and went into her room.

I flopped down on the bed and buried my face in my pillow. Was Ally right? Am I still obsessed with Ethan to a point where I can only sleep with people that looks like him? Damn...I need to change that.

I slowly drifted into sleep as I thought about him.

The next day, I headed to my new job. I got accepted at a prestigious law firm training under the CEO, so it was my time to shine. I couldn't wait to meet my new coworkers. I was especially curious to meet my new boss, who I heard so much about. He wasn't at the interview, and silly me forgot to ask them who I was working under. As far as I knew, he was a man of mystery.

I straightened my tie and checked my hair in the elevator mirror before entering the main building. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I hoped my new boss was sexy. I thought to myself and smirked.

"Oh, Mr. Price, there you are!" the receptionist chirped. I think her name was Linda.

"Please, call me Corey," I said, offering her my friendliest smile.

"Corey. You are just in time. Boss just got settled in his office, so I can take you there and introduce you to him," she said.

Great. My heart thumped against my chest as I could hardly wait to meet him.

We entered a spacious office that was surrounded by glass windows. Bossman sure has it good around here! The office was empty.

"Oh, looks like Ethan stepped out for a moment. Have a seat. I am sure he'll be right back," Linda said.

"Ethan?" I remarked. I suddenly had bad taste in my mouth hearing the name I haven't heard in eight years.

Calm down, Corey. Ethan is a common name. I am sure it's not the same person. It can't be! I tried to convince myself, but a feeling of dread grew inside of me.

I sat down on the couch and tried to control my breathing.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Corey Price? Long time no see," A deep sensual voice spoke behind me, shaking me to my core.

You've got to be shitting me...

I turned around slowly, refusing to believe my own ears. This can't be happening to me. Not now!

But there he stood, my worst nightmare. Ethan fucking Miller in all his glory.

"I thought it was you when I saw your name in the job application but didn't want to believe it at first. But there you are, Corey Price," Ethan said. His blue eyes were twinkling.

"In the flesh," I said curtly. My head was throbbing. This isn't what I had in mind when I started this job.

"You look good. Great, actually," Ethan commented and looked me up and down.

You don't say asshole...

"You look the same as always. Like an insufferable bore," I said nonchalantly. I didn't even care about this job anymore as I felt rage bubbling inside me.

"Whoa, buddy! No need to be so hostile. Don't tell me you're still angry at me. It's all in the past now," Ethan said and smirked, revealing a perfect set of teeth.

I took a good look at Ethan, and it pissed me off even more. He had gotten even sexier over the years. He was six foot three, tall, dark, and handsome. Taller than I remembered. I could see the outlines of his muscles underneath the well fitted expensive white shirt that was paired with an Armani suit. Typical.

His eyes were a brighter shade of blue, and his face looked sharper. The bastard was aging like a fine wine.

He didn't have a ring on his finger, which means he wasn't married or anything. Not that I cared.

Darn...I was hoping he'd be fat and ugly so I could show him I turned out better than him. Karma, you bitch. Why aren't you doing your job right?

I stopped daydreaming as I felt his eyes staring at me intently. I should pretend like he doesn't affect me. I cleared my throat.

"Never mind what I just said, Mr. Miller. I'm here to do my job, so let's not bring up the past from now on," I said.

"No need to be so formal, Corey. We are old friends from high school, so we can be on first name basis," Ethan said and tried to touch my shoulder, but I shrugged his hand off me.

"Let's make something clear. We were never friends, nor will we ever be friends. Not now or in the future. So please, call me by my family name. I want to keep our relationship strictly professional from here on out," I kept my voice firm.

Be strong, Corey. You're not scared of Ethan anymore! I reminded myself.

"Is that how it's gonna be?" Ethan raised one eyebrow. He was grinning like this was all a joke. I tried to compose myself. It wouldn't be professional if I started to throw punches at my boss.

I nodded.

"Very well then. I won't keep you any longer. My assistant Sally will show you to your office and tell you what to do. Welcome aboard," Ethan said and rang his assistant.

A blond woman walked in and greeted me politely. She was beautiful, like a model. I wondered if Ethan was interested in her. Knowing how he was in high school, I wouldn't be too surprised.

We walked into another large office. It wasn't as big and lavish as Ethan's, but it still exceeded my expectations. Maybe working here won't be as bad as I thought it would.

Even if that means I'd have to see that jerkface every day.

I looked in the mirror on the wall and let out a sigh of relief. At least I looked nothing like how I looked in high school. My tousled brown hair was slightly shorter. I styled it perfectly to make myself look sophisticated. I liked what I saw in the mirror, so I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

The rest of the day went smoothly. Sally showed me around the office and let me know what kind of work I was expected to do. I didn't see Ethan again as he never came out of his office.

Good.

"Holy crap!" Ally exclaimed after I told her about my new boss.

"That is correct," I said miserably.

"This got to mean something. Maybe fate brought you guys together so he could repent his sins, and you two live happily ever after," Ally said.

I winced. I couldn't imagine being with that douche bag.

"I wouldn't be with him even if he was the last man on the planet. Besides, he is not even gay," I said.

"You don't know that for sure," she protested.

"I told you what he did to me in high school! Even if he is some closeted gay guy, I won't let him touch me with a six feet pole. He can kiss my ass," I said, irritated.

"Or suck your dick," she added.

"Ally!"

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, jeez. No need to bite my head off," Ally laughed.

"It's just...seeing him again opened some old wounds. He really hurt me, Allycat. And I don't mean just physically," I said quietly.

Ally pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry. We can stop talking about him. I know how hard it was for you to forget him, and now you have to work with him. This must be rough."

She had no idea how hard it was. I needed to find a quick distraction, and I knew just what to do.

I took my phone out and opened the dating app where I met hot single men. After scrolling through a few profiles, I paused as someone caught my attention.

He had shoulder length dirty blonde hair and blue eyes with a sharp nose. Best of all, he looked nothing like Ethan. I looked at his name, Jacob Smith.

I typed hello and hit send. He answered right away. We texted back and forth a few times, then finally set up a date.

This is good...I thought. Jacob was kind of sexy, so he'd help me stop thinking about that douchebag. A hot steamy night with a stranger was all I needed. I thought.