by K E Osborn
Opening the car door, we slip out and head to the elevator. My heart pounds with every step, even though I know we’re not going up to that apartment. Every time we come here, I can’t help the memories that overwhelm me.
Holding Aiden’s hand tightly, we enter the elevator, riding it to Callie’s floor. We walk down the hall, and Killian opens the door after we knock.
“Hey, hey, big bro and sis-in-law. What’s new?”
“No news from us. Same ol’, same ol’,” Aiden chimes.
Walking in, we see everyone is already here, including Mike, who seems nervous for some reason. His eyes dart all around the room, and he keeps fussing over his shirt and pants.
Too tired to overthink whatever Mike is doing, I make way to the sofa to sit next to Callie.
“Hi, Jeni, darling, how are you?” Callie asks kindly.
“I’m good thanks. How are you?”
“Are you all right? You look like you’ve been crying? Aiden, what did you do?” she chides.
“No, no, he didn’t do anything. I had a busy day today and didn’t sleep well last night. Honestly, I’m just overly tired.”
“You poor thing,” Callie coos while patting my knee, then she gets up and leaves.
“Mom, how come we’re here?” Killian calls out to Callie, who’s in the kitchen with Mike.
“I’ll be there in just a second. Can everyone take a seat, please?” Callie asks.
Everyone’s expressions are a mixture of confusion and worry. As Callie and Mike re-enter the living room, we all turn to face them. Poor Mike looks like he wants to escape. He’s rubbing the back of his neck and hasn’t made eye contact with any of us. I’m excited on the inside because I think—and hope—I know what the news is.
Callie grabs Mike’s hand, and they round the sofa, stopping in front of us. Callie looks at Mike, who glances at us—his face is pale and sweaty. “I have some news I would like to share with you,” Callie starts. Mike turns paler, and his breathing is shallow. Callie squeezes his hand, and he smiles as they stand in front of us. “Mike and I are… seeing each other.” She glows with happiness.
Mike’s eyes shift to Aiden while he cautiously awaits his response. I jump with joy on the inside—I’ve been waiting for this for so damn long. “That’s wonderful news, Mom,” I chime, the first to speak and congratulate them. Standing, I wrap them both in a tight embrace.
Mike’s eyes are still diverted toward Aiden. He’s desperately seeking his blessing.
Brielle stands and hugs them both. “Welcome to the family officially, Mike.”
Mike’s posture is entirely rigid as he watches Aiden—waiting.
While Killian and Daniel congratulate them, Aiden’s blank face is driving me crazy—he’s not giving anything away—and I’m not sure if he’s happy or angry.
Callie glares at Aiden, who eventually stands and walks over to them.
“Mike, I’ve spent all of my life with you in it. I trust you with everything, but I never thought for one moment that you’d end up with my mother.” Aiden is void of any type of emotion. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for you.” His face finally turns into the brightest of smiles. “So welcome to the family, officially.” He chuckles. “Oh, and I think you’d better start calling me Aiden.” He places out his hand to shake.
I smile at my fiancé, so utterly proud of him right now. Mike smiles widely, then pulls Aiden in for an embrace. The look of undeniable relief on Mike’s face is something that warms my heart.
“If you hurt her, I’ll fire you, then punch you in the face. Understand?” Aiden murmurs into Mike’s ear jokingly.
“Aiden!” Callie berates.
“Sorry. Mike, look after her. She deserves someone special in her life. If I could choose who my mom dates, it would definitely be you.” Aiden’s honesty is heartfelt as he lets Mike go. Mike shoulders relax with nothing but pure joy on his face. “Congratulations, Mom,” Aiden says, hugging his mother.
“Now, I prefer it if you would please refrain from talking to your father about this. I think it’s only fair that he should hear it directly from me,” she asks.
Mike raises Callie’s hand and kisses it tenderly as Aiden wraps his arm around my shoulders again, kissing me atop my head.
“See, Mike, it wasn’t that bad, was it?” Callie asks as they walk hand in hand to the kitchen.
Everyone follows the happy couple, and we all take a seat at the dining room table. I’m so glad they have finally admitted their feelings for each other. Callie deserves happiness after being married to Satan’s spawn for the last thirty-seven years.
We’re the first to leave after dinner. Although I love spending time with his family, I can’t wait to go home. The last thing I remember is hearing Aiden start the car. Then I’m out like a light after an emotionally draining day.
After a relaxing weekend, I get up on Monday feeling much better. I dress in a black skirt and blue top. I pull out a black suit, blue shirt, and matching blue tie for Aiden and place them on the bed.
“Matching outfits, huh?” he asks with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
“Yup,” I say, feeling pretty good for the first time in a few days.
The second we sneak out of the house and join Mike by the car, my day turns to shit. When Mike opens my door, my shoe slips as I step into the car. I stumble, twisting my ankle, which causes me to bump my head on the top of the car.
“Ow, fuck,” I say, gathering myself.
“Shit! Jeni, did you hurt yourself?” Aiden asks as he slides in effortlessly.
Dammit!
“I hit my head and my ankle’s hurting like a bitch,” I say while he shuts the door behind him.
He taps his thigh. “Put your feet up here.” I pull my legs up and rest them on his lap. “Which one is sore?”
“This one.” I raise my leg, and he takes my ankle in his hands and massages it all the way to work. Aiden holds my leg and kisses my ankle before I take it away and place my feet on the floor of the car. Slipping my shoes back on, very carefully I get out of the car after Aiden. My ankle twinges a little, but it’s safe to walk on.
Aiden holds my arm and helps me even though I’m not limping too badly, but I let him take care of me. It makes him feel good, and I love him for it.
We proceed to the office where Brielle’s sitting, talking to the asshole. I look at Niall and sigh.
“Good morning, everyone,” Aiden says and helps me to sit at my desk.
“What happened?” Brielle asks.
“Nothing, I’m fine,” I say honestly.
“She twisted her ankle getting in the car and bumped her head. Can you watch her today, please? Help her if she needs it?” Aiden asks.
Bree nods her head, reassuring Aiden she will look out for me.
“Bree, Aiden’s just overprotective. I have a headache and my ankle hurts, but I can walk on my own. Honestly, I’m fine.”
“Bree,” Aiden grumbles sternly.
“Yep, I’ll take care of her, big bro. Don’t you worry,” she chimes.
I shake my head and give in, so Aiden walks to his office.
“If you’re injured, go the fuck home. We don’t need you here whining and complaining all day about your stupid ankle. If you have a headache, you won’t be concentrating on your work, and I need people here who are dedicated,” Niall grunts at me after Aiden disappears into his office.
For fuck’s sake!
“I’m fine! Thanks for asking so kindly after me,” I reply sarcastically.
Niall huffs and walks to his office. I roll my eyes behind his back when he closes the door. I turn to my computer, and there’s an email waiting for me from Callie.
To: Jenifer Taylor
From: Callie O’Connell
Subject: Hello Honey
Jeni,
Just sending a quick email to say that I hope you’re feeling better today. Next time if you’re exhausted, please don’t feel obligated to come, darling. I always want you to look afte
r your health and well-being first.
On another note, thank you for being so supportive of Mike and me. As you could probably tell, Mike was genuinely concerned about how Aiden would take the news, but it seems he’s more than happy with it.
You would tell me if he wasn’t, wouldn’t you?
I hope you have a wonderful day at work, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Lots of Love, Mom. x
I love her subliminal way of asking me if Aiden is really happy with her and Mike being together. I write back immediately.
To: Callie O’Connell
From: Jenifer Taylor
Subject: Re: Hello Honey
Hi Mom,
Thanks for your concern, but I’m fine.
Of course, I’d be supportive of you and Mike. I’ve known for quite a while there was a connection. I’m glad you’re brave enough to pursue it.
As for Aiden, he’s completely excited by the idea. He loves Mike like a father, anyway. It’s kind of like Aiden getting the father he always wanted but never had. He’s very happy for you both. I wouldn’t worry at all.
My day started off a little rocky, but it’s looking up. A bouquet of flowers is being delivered to me from my fiancé as I type this email.
Have a good day, Mom.
Love, Jeni xoxo
I hit Send and stand to sign for the flowers. I look at the arrangement—a mixed box of gerberas, roses, and Oriental lilies in various colors and shades. They’re beautiful as usual. I take the card from the envelope.
To my darling, Jeni.
I will love you as long as
the earth revolves around the sun.
You’re my everything.
Forever yours, Aiden xoxo
“You’re so lucky,” Bree says as she bends down to smell them.
“I know. I’m extremely blessed to have found someone as special as your brother.”
Excusing myself, I walk into Aiden’s office.
He’s looking intently at his computer monitor. “Ah, right on time,” he says, waving his hand for me to come in.
“Right on time for what?”
“Right on time for me to show you this. Come and see.” The excitement in his voice is clear. I make my way around his desk to stand behind him.
“What do you think?” He pulls up an email with photographs attached.
I scroll through the pictures of our house—first the concrete slab, then the framework, and then another with walls erected. It’s huge and looks incredible. The last photograph is a view from a window overlooking the city from the cliff at the Scope. It’s magnificent. I smile broadly while clicking through each and every one.
“Wow! We should take a drive up there and see it firsthand,” I say excitedly.
He smiles. “I was hoping you’d say that. Want to go tonight?”
“Yes, absolutely!”
Aiden swivels his computer chair to face me, and I bend down so my face is level with his. “I’ll love you as long as the earth revolves around the sun,” I say, repeating his word on the card.
“They’re here already?” He leans in to kiss me then pulls, twisting me onto his lap. “I’m so happy right now,” he mumbles, kissing my cheek repeatedly. I laugh at his playfulness and turn my face, so he kisses my lips, then rest my forehead on his.
“I’m so happy, too. Being engaged to you. Our house being built where we can start our lives together. My life couldn’t be more perfect.”
Suddenly the door swings open and slams back on its hinges. Niall’s standing in the doorway. I quickly jump up from Aiden’s lap and straighten out my skirt.
“What the hell is going on in here?” Niall’s voice booms so the entire office can hear.
Aiden stands, taking my hand in his. I look down at the floor to avoid eye contact with the asshole. I’m embarrassed he caught me sitting on his son’s lap, but I’m more worried about the backlash I am about to get. He walks in and throws some papers on the desk.
“Father, nothing’s going on. Jeni was thanking me for the flowers I sent her. That’s all. And anyway, it’s honestly none of your damn business,” Aiden grunts out harshly.
“Well, she can thank you on her own time, not on mine. I’m not paying you to throw yourself at my son like a complete whore while you’re in my building. While you’re here, you’ll work and not jerk off my son’s ego,” he sneers.
Jesus Christ! That shocked me, and I can see by Aiden’s eyes he’s shocked too.
“Get out! Get out, now!” Aiden yells, pointing to the door.
“I own you, son. You’d do well to remember that.”
I look at Aiden, weakly smile, and turn to leave his office.
“Jeni, don’t leave,” Aiden says.
Niall huffs. “She should leave. I don’t know why you insist on keeping her here.”
Aiden glares at his father, anger swarms through him, fury is written all over his face. Adrenaline courses through his veins, and it’s obvious as they protrude from his neck, pulsing with his frantic heartbeat. He’s raging, and I don’t want to be here for the explosion.
“It’s fine. I have work to do anyway,” I mumble and try to leave the office.
“That’s right! Work… that’s what I pay you to do,” Niall yells as I walk past him.
I shut the door and sigh as I scurry back to my desk. Niall always knows how to ruin a moment. I hear Aiden shouting at his father, but I tune out when I hear the usual banter about Aiden leaving the business. It takes a few minutes, but Niall storms out of Aiden’s office, slamming his door shut so fiercely the walls shake.
I sit on my chair knowing I’m the cause and effect.
One man’s willing to fight for me to the bitter end.
One man’s willing to fight to end me.
By the time Mike picks us up, I can barely keep still or contain the grin on my face. I can’t wait to see our new home for the first time. As we drive up the dirt track, through the gates, and climb up the steep hill, a massive two-story construction site comes into view.
When Mike opens the door, we slide out and walk hand in hand to a grinning middle-aged man. His skin is leathery from too many hours in the sun. He’s well over six feet and has a rotund stomach. His gray beard rounds out his odd appearance.
“Ah… Mr. O’Connell. Nice to see you again.” He shakes Aiden’s hand, then turns to me. “And you must be the lovely Jenifer I’ve heard so much about,” the man chimes.
Up close, he looks like a big old teddy bear, and his smile is warm and friendly. We shake hands, and I turn back to Aiden.
“Hi, Steve. This is Jeni. Is it okay if we do a quick walk-through?”
“Of course, you can. Just watch where you step. There’s still some loose wiring and bits and pieces lying around,” he informs, gesturing toward the house.
Aiden nods, and I practically run, dragging him along with me.
“In a hurry, baby?” he asks, laughing at my excitement.
“Ah… yeah! This is going to be our new home. How can you not be as excited as I am? Come on! Hurry up, show me around,” I demand.
We move around the house, and at each room, Aiden tells me what it will be, and I think about how I want to decorate it, and try to visualize what the area will look like with paint and furniture.
The more time we spend here, I fall more in love with Aiden at how much thought he put into this house.
Although it’s nowhere near complete, it already feels like home.
Arriving at work, we say our good mornings.
Niall walks out of his office fiddling with his cast. “I’m going to cut this fucking thing off in a minute,” Niall grumbles, taking one of Bree’s pencils in his hand, inserting it between the cast and his arm to scratch himself.
I try to hide my smile, but I have to admit seeing him suffering is amusing.
“Aiden, cut this thing off, will you?” Niall goads, taking Bree’s scissors and handing them to Aiden, who simply chuckles.
&nb
sp; “This is no laughing matter, boy. I’m serious. Cut. It. Off.”
Aiden places the scissors back on Bree’s desk. “Father, I’m not cutting it off. It needs to be on for a few more weeks.”
Niall looks at Aiden in disgust and picks the scissors up himself. “Fine, I’ll do it myself.”
“If you take it off now, you’ll only hurt your arm further, and then you’ll be in pain and have the cast on for even longer. For a man with brains, you sure aren’t showing me any. Wouldn’t you rather have an itchy arm than a painful one?”
Niall pauses, huffs, throws the scissors back onto the desk, and storms off to his office.
“Great, now he’s going to be in a terrible mood all day,” Brielle murmurs under her breath.
I sigh and walk to my desk as Aiden kisses me on the cheek and proceeds to his office, then I get on with my day.
A little later, I head to the bathroom to freshen up. On my way in, I see Niall walking behind me and decide to quicken my pace to ensure I don’t run into him on the way out. Unfortunately, being quick doesn’t work because as I step out of the bathroom, Niall’s waiting for me, standing between me and the exit. I try to walk past him, but he blocks me in.
The old asshole puts out his hand and pushes me back hard against the bathroom door. My heart starts to race as those nerves creep back. Dammit! I look up and see his face has a glimmer of a smirk. The asshole’s genuinely enjoying himself. I want to call out to Aiden or Bree, but he knows I won’t.
“Look, I have work to do, and you like productive workers, so if you let me go back to my desk, I can get on with things.”
“You could never be productive. You’re a waste of space.” Niall leans in, and my breathing quickens, then he steps closer to me. “Do I need to remind you of what you are?” he asks quietly into my ear.
I shake my head as my breathing shallows. Fuck him and this close proximity. It sets off all my alarms. This asshole’s holding all the cards right now.
“Oh, I do need to remind you. I think you’ve forgotten.”
I hold back the bile rising in my throat while his hand comes up, his fingers gently stroke down the side of my cheek.