Hate to Love You

By Ada Stuart

"Is that all you can offer me? A fling and nothing more?" Hayden asked.

"Yes," Zoe said, trying to convince herself at the same time.

A man she’s always hated. A teenage crush on her brother’s best friend. A love which was never more than a dream and a painful longing ruining Zoe’s summer holidays.

But thanks to her aunt’s renovation project, Zoe is stuck with Hayden for a fortnight. Living in his house with her bedroom next to his. Trying her best to avoid him and the temptation he represents.

And this year, Hayden notices her. For better or worse. His sexual teasing is getting on her nerves, breaking down the walls she’s erected between them. All in an effort to protect her heart from the boy next door. The man she could never forget.

But something is different. Hayden’s not the carefree Casanova he was. He’s matured. And he wants a lot more than a fuck-buddy.

He wants her. Heart and soul. And he’ll do anything to succeed.

—————————-

“Hate To Love You” is a steamy hot Enemies to Lovers Erotic Romance. Full length, explicit sex scenes, standalone, no cheating or cliffhangers - and Happily Ever After.

Reader advisory: This story contains very explicit sex scenes.

Themes: Enemies to lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Slow burn, Happily ever after, Fling, Opposites attract, Taming the playboy, Alpha male, Matchmaking, Unrequited love

NOTE: This story was previously published under the title “Summer Lovers”. It has been comprehensively rewritten and significantly lengthened.

—————

Excerpt:

Zoe grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom. There was only one bathroom in the summer house, so she leaned on the wall while she waited for Hayden to finish his shower. She could hear him turn off the water and knew that as a man he probably didn't take much time grooming himself.

Well, you could never know, could you? Some men even liked to wear makeup and spend a fortune on hair products and aftershaves. Still, she couldn't recall if Hayden had any particular smell except for the fresh scent of himself and outdoors.

It was actually quite appealing since she hated to be around men who smelled as if they'd just poured an entire bottle of perfume onto their bodies. Her nose hurt just thinking about it.

Soon after the door slammed open and straight into Zoe.

"Geesh," she cursed. "Are you trying to kill me?"

"Oh, sorry. I didn't see you lurking behind the door," Hayden winked at her. "Are you spying on me?"

She just rolled her eyes. "Wishful thinking. I do have an Internet connection."

"You do?"

"Yes, and there are far more interesting men out there to ogle."

"Really?"

"If you weren't living in the middle ages, you would've figured it out."

"Nah, I don't fancy naked men. I prefer women."

Zoe finally managed to forget her pain and lowered her eyes. She gasped loudly. He was only wearing a towel, and even the towel was too small to cover all his waist.

"Oh, for god's sake, Hayden. Get dressed!"

"I've never had any complaints before." He smiled widely.

"You're almost naked."

"I've covered the most important parts."

Zoe just placed her hand beside her head and leaned away from him. "Is the bathroom vacant?"

"Sure. Unless you want to ogle me while I get dressed."

"Why didn't you bring your clothes to the bathroom. Then you could have maintained your privacy."

"I'm not shy. Besides, I forgot."

"I think you've missed that part of your upbringing."

"It's not so important."

"Now I know why it's usually men who flash themselves and get arrested for it," Zoe muttered as she walked into the bathroom. The man was a menace. Keeping her constantly on edge.

"I promise to be shocked if you do the same," Hayden offered.

"I don't believe you," Zoe said as she closed the door and locked it.

——————

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ada Stuart
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005961541

Ada Stuart

'Ada Stuart' is the pen name of a Scandinavian reader that has turned writer - since no one else seems to be writing what I like to read.I simply adore strong-willed heroines and stories with lots of sexy dialogue, so basically, that's what I write.It all started as a challenge from my husband – and that challenge has so far resulted in 50 novels and shorter stories, most of which can be found on Apple, Google, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and Kobo under my pen name. So, feel free to stop by for more stories.You can find me at:Author homepage: https://adastuart.com/Amazon: I've recently been banned from this site due to the erotic content in my storiesApple Books: https://www.apple.com/apple-books/Barnes and Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bought-ada-stuart/1136278200?ean=2940163454860Kobo Books: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=ada+stuartGoogle Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Ada+StuartInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradastuart/Interested in FREE stories? Follow my newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/KATFSqNote! Profile photo has been bought from Depositphotos.

Book preview

Hate To Love You

Copyright 2020, 2019 Ada Stuart

Published by Ada Stuart at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Editors and Beta readers

Ravey19 and AussieGuy52 over at Literotica

Cover photo

Photo from Premium collection on Freepik

Cover design

Ada Stuart

This story was previously published under the title Summer Lovers. It has been comprehensively rewritten and significantly lengthened.

Table of Contents

Brief summary

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

About Ada Stuart

Other books by Ada Stuart

Connect with Ada Stuart

Brief summaries of other books by Ada Stuart

Brief summary

An Enemies to Lovers Brother's Best Friend Erotic Romance. Packed with very explicit sex scenes. Reader caution advised.

----------

Is that all you can offer me? A fling and nothing more? Hayden asked.

Yes, Zoe said, trying to convince herself at the same time.

A man she's always hated. A teenage crush on her brother's best friend. A love which was never more than a dream and a painful longing ruining Zoe's summer holidays.

But thanks to her aunt's renovation project, Zoe is stuck with Hayden for a fortnight. Living in his house with her bedroom next to his. Trying her best to avoid him and the temptation he represents.

And this year, Hayden notices her. For better or worse. His sexual teasing is getting on her nerves, breaking down the walls she's erected between them. All in an effort to protect her heart from the boy next door. The man she could never forget.

But something is different. Hayden's not the carefree Casanova he was. He's matured. And he wants a lot more than a fuck-buddy.

He wants her. Heart and soul. And he'll do anything to succeed.

----------

Hate To Love You is a steamy hot Enemies to Lovers Romance. Full length, explicit sex scenes, standalone, no cheating or cliffhangers - and Happily Ever After.

Reader advisory: This story contains very explicit sex scenes.

Themes: Enemies to lovers, Brother's Best Friend, Slow burn, Happily ever after, Fling, Opposites attract, Taming the playboy, Alpha male, Matchmaking, Unrequited love

NOTE: This story was previously published under the title Summer Lovers. It has been comprehensively rewritten and significantly lengthened.

----------

Chapter 1 The boy next door

Zoe sat with her friend, Maya, at their local coffee bar. Summer was coming closer, and the warm weather made it possible to enjoy their lattes outside.

Where are you off to this summer, Zoe? Maya asked.

Painting walls all summer, I guess. My aunt has this major restoration project going on. For some reason, she's decided to squeeze ten years of renovations and updates into one summer, and she's invited the whole family to assist.

Yikes. Sounds stressful.

Nah. It's not too bad. At least I can do something else than sit behind a desk all day.

So, you're not going to Spain with us this year?

Sure. As long as it's in August as we planned.

Of course. The rest of the girls will join us. It will be amazing. You might need some lounging in the sun after you've been covered in paint for a few weeks, Maya giggled.

It's not the paint that's the problem, Zoe said, looking into her coffee cup.

Oh? What then?

Hayden will be there.

So?

He's the head contractor. So, take a wild guess who'll be on my tail all summer, huh?

Maya laughed. Maybe it's time you faced him instead of running away.

No way. I don't want a fling with him. Besides, he never sees me, unless he's bored and looking for someone to throw insults at.

He might've changed.

Some people never do. Zoe took a large sip of her coffee and swallowed carefully.

He's quite a hunk.

I know, Zoe groaned. And he's well aware of the fact. He walks around shirtless most of the summer. Can't waste all the hours he's spent in the gym.

If he's a contractor he doesn't need the gym, Maya laughed. Real muscles instead of fake ones. Nice.

Don't remind me, please.

Does he know about your crush? Maya asked.

She was one of the few people who knew about Zoe's youthful crush on Hayden. He seemed to have some sort of magnetic pull to both her mind and body. Something she'd never experienced with any other man. It was unsettling, and Zoe had struggled for many years to liberate herself from those ties. To become the strong independent woman that people believed her to be. A hard shell hiding the softness inside, that was what she'd become.

Still, Zoe had no choice. She could either give him the cold shoulder or fall at his feet. The latter was not an option. She'd vowed to never sink that low in front of any man. Particularly not in front of Hayden.

God, no. And I'm passed all that, Zoe said hastily.

Are you?

Sure, Zoe said, looking away from her friend.

I don't think you are. Why else do all your relationships end? Why do you turn down most of the offers you get? Perhaps other men don't measure up?

Because men are idiots. It's no more complicated than that.

Or maybe they simply can't compete with the one you really want? Maya asked, coming a little too close to the truth for Zoe's comfort.

Maya, he doesn't see me. He never has.

It's not easy to get close when you pretend to hate him.

I do hate him.

Defence mechanism, Maya said frankly.

Maybe.

Why don't you try something different this year?

Like what?

Instead of pushing him away, maybe you should let him get close to you? See what happens.

There's no point. I don't measure up unless I get a boob job first.

You need to work him out of your system one way or the other. Or you'll never be free.

Don't even say it. I'll have nightmares, Zoe said.

Or you can be a chicken and tell your aunt you're not coming this year.

Are you crazy? She'll slaughter me and nag me for years about the reason. Not an option.

I guess you'll just have to show up then, Maya said and grinned.

Yes.

What will you do about Hayden?

Avoid him, I guess.

Brilliant plan, you chicken, Maya said and laughed.

Any other great ideas?

Do the opposite of what he expects.

What for?

It will surprise him.

Zoe laughed. Or make him run for the hills.

Exactly, Maya said and grinned.

That might be fun to watch. I'll give it a try. Thanks, Maya.

Anytime. What else are friends for. But I still think you should give him a chance. He's probably a nice person.

Sure. If I'm lucky, Hayden has evolved from scumbag to asshole.

Maya laughed. Or the other way around.

Much later, Zoe walked home to her empty flat. She thought about the advice Maya had given her. She might have to try something different to get through the summer. Still, she always had these great resolutions about how to deal with Hayden. But the moment Zoe met him, she was right back where she'd always been. Being the awkward and clumsy younger sister of his best friend. Watching while he charmed another woman into his bed while she felt jealous and hurt since he never flirted with her.

It was stupid. She knew it. One day, she would manage to ignore him. To watch him kiss another woman without feeling anything. Yes, maybe that day would be this year. She hoped.

* * * * *

Zoe sat beside her brother, Nick, as he drove them to their aunt's summerhouse. Nick talked with someone on the phone, and Zoe guessed it was Hayden.

As they grew up, Nick and Hayden had become friends during the summers they spent together. They were of the same age and similar interests, so it was no surprise that they hung out together. Hayden had always been a regular guest at their dinner table.

They had both tried to ignore Nick's younger and clumsy sister. Zoe was always too boring and cautious to ever be a part of their group. Instead, she'd found other friends during the long weeks that she spent in the summer cottage by the sea.

The beautiful surroundings always tempted her parents to bring them to visit their aunt and uncle. As they grew older, they even spent a lot of time without their parents. Each year, Zoe longed for her holiday by the sea, listening to the waves as she fell asleep after a long day out in the sun. She loved it there. Loved to talk to her aunt and play with her holiday friends.

But everything had changed when she realised that she'd fallen in love with the boy next door. With Hayden. The revelation only caused her pain, and she longed to be the innocent girl she'd once been. But it wasn't to be. Her young heart had found her prince, but he was completely oblivious of her.

Hayden was the most perfect boy she'd ever met. No one had ever been able to make her forget the tall boy with the quick remarks and the broad smile. She'd longed for him, but it had all been for nothing. Zero results whatsoever.

After he'd turned from a lanky boy into a handsome young man, it had become even more difficult for her. He was even further out of her reach. It was as if he was in a completely different atmospheric level and always in the company of beautiful and perfect women that doted on him.

So, she'd stayed away. Far away. Meeting other men that were more at her level, trying to find someone that could replace the image of the one she could never have. It had been fruitless, but she had to keep trying. Brooding over a man that didn't want her would never give her any happiness. She'd decided that it was better to avoid him.

Every year she'd made careful arrangements to avoid meeting Hayden. It had worked quite well. For the last five years, she'd scarcely seen him at all and barely talked to him. It was for the best and for the sake of her well-being. In a few more years she could hopefully remove him from her memory as well as from her vicinity.

Unfortunately, her aunt Molly's renovation project would ruin that plan. Since Hayden was the head contractor, Zoe knew she wouldn't be able to avoid him this year.

She'd have to tolerate his presence for the next two weeks. Those two weeks would probably feel like a lifetime, but she knew that she couldn't refuse to help her aunt and uncle. Not after everything they'd done for her over the years.

No, there was no other solution besides being on her best behaviour and avoid Hayden whenever she could. Or, she could always try Maya's plan. To do the opposite of what she usually did. She wondered briefly if he would stay away from her if she showed a keen interest in him? What if he didn't? How could she deal with that? No, it was better to avoid him.

* * * * *

I hate ladders. I hate to paint, and I definitely hate combining those two. Zoe sighed while she glanced at the large, unpainted wall in front of her.

Nah. It's not too bad, her brother Nick said cheerfully.

Barns are simply too high above the ground, Zoe said, as she was clinging to a steep ladder a few meters above where she preferred to be.

I'm not worried, Nick said as he seemed completely at ease at an even higher level than she'd dare to climb.

You're never worried, Nick. That's one of your deficiencies.

Nick laughed. You won't fall down, Zoe.

Fingers crossed. I just remember I forgot to get that life insurance I'll soon need, Zoe said ironically.

Don't look down. That helps.

Any other good advice? Zoe asked as she took another step up.

At the same time, she felt a brush of wind coming in from her left side. She tightened her grip on the ladder as pure fright went through her mind. Involuntarily she made a whimper which made her feel embarrassed and out of sorts at the same time. She rarely ventured this far away from her comfort zone. She hated feeling weak.

Nope. Except hang on with at least one hand, Nick said.

You're the perfect example that age and wit don't correlate, Nick.

Was that supposed to be an insult? Nick chuckled.

I'm trying to distract myself from looking down.

Nick laughed. Relax, Zoe. Enjoy the fresh air and build up your tan.

What tan? We're in the shade all the time. Thanks to Mr-I-know-everything-better-than-you-two-morons.

Nick laughed. Hayden should know. He restores houses all the time.

I know. It's the way he says it that really annoys me.

Nick laughed. Stretch a leg, and you'll get tanned while you paint. Saves you the trouble of sunbathing.

No way. I'll probably fall down if I tried, Zoe laughed ironically. I prefer to stay alive and work on my tan some other day.

Nice ass, said a deep familiar voice from beneath them.

Zoe froze. Oh no. Not him again. Hayden, the lord-of-renovation, had decided to grant them another royal visit. He kept a close eye on them this morning. He was probably worried about how much damage two amateurs could cause to his project. She felt prickly and annoyed, just knowing he was around.

She hoped he hadn't heard her frightened whimper. It would be just her luck if he did. Hayden seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to watching her make a fool of herself.

Thanks, Nick said in a smug voice.

I wasn't looking at yours, buddy, Hayden said.

Zoe heard the smirk in Hayden's voice. Knowing he gave them a cheeky remark that should make every woman start giggling. She knew him too well to fall for his usual charm. Besides, she didn't feel flattered. Quite the contrary. The man was a walking sex god, but he needed to be cut down a peg or two. It was either that or salivate all over him. And the latter would be too embarrassing.

She'd only been around Hayden for a few hours. He annoyed her terribly. She wondered how she'd survive two more weeks in his presence.

Most likely, she'd go to prison after strangling the man after three days. Unless she found a way to deal with his verbal spikes and return them with interest. An eye for an eye, an insult for an insult. If she annoyed him in return, he might leave her alone. It was worth a shot.

She'd already tried the usual solution by counting to ten. Normally it would've cooled her temper. But Hayden had a unique way of getting under her skin. So, counting hadn't helped at all. She'd counted to 50 the last time she tried. Even then, she wanted to strangle him. No other man could annoy her as much as Hayden did. But it was better to feel annoyed than follow him around with dog eyes and her tongue hanging out. She really hoped someone would shoot her if she ever did that.

Stuff it, Hayden! Or I'll cover you in red paint., Zoe said icily.

Why so prickly? I'm just enjoying the view.

Only you can think a sexist comment is acceptable and make a woman feel flattered.

Just admit you enjoy my attention.

I think you'll look well in red paint, but it might ruin those nice designer clothes you have.

He laughed heartily. Which designer clothes? You must mistake me for some of those nitwits you normally hang out with.

At least they know how to dress.

And I don't?

You're missing something important.

Like what?

A t-shirt.

Nah. I've covered all the important parts, he said. Besides, it's nice and sunny today. I might even get a tan.

You already got one. Ever heard of skin cancer?

Sure. Ever heard of sunblock? Hayden countered.

Nick laughed so hard his entire ladder shook.

You're using every opportunity to flaunt your muscles, Hayden. Just admit it.

Hah. My muscles, eh? He laughed again. At least someone has noticed. I'm flattered.

Zoe felt her face flush. Why had she bothered to say anything? Next time she'd simply ignore him.

I hope you remembered sun lotion, Hayden said.

I don't need any. We're standing in the shadow, Sherlock. In case you haven't noticed, Zoe said.

You can still get sunburnt, Hayden said. He was still laughing as he walked away.

Smartass! Zoe said, scowling at Hayden's broad back. Trying to avoid staring at his muscled legs.

Hayden's right, you know, Nick said.

I know. That's what annoys me most.

Hah. Just admit it, sis. You've got the hots for him.

I certainly do not! I'm not that desperate.

It's obvious. He's already got your panties in a twist.

You're delusional.

Just mark my words. Nick sounded smug. When a woman talks like that to me, she thinks I'm irresistible.

Oh, spare me the details. You're both completely ignorant about what a woman truly wants. Those affairs of yours are only skin deep and nothing to be proud of.

At least, I'm getting laid. How's your love life?

Zoe knew