Trust Me (The Trust Me Series Book 1)

by K E Osborn

  I let out a huge breath, a slow smile crosses my face as giddiness tingles all the way through my body. Then my excitement shifts to apprehension.

  Is he asking me to be exclusive? Is this all moving too fast?

  I met Aiden less than a week ago, and he irritated me beyond belief at the time. And now, he wants me to be his. If I do this, then I’ll have to trust that he actually wants to be with me.

  Can I do this? Can I truly trust this man I hardly know?

  After Jason? After everything I went through?

  The waiter places a bowl of soup in front of me, interrupting my rampaging thoughts. I let go of Aiden’s hand. I’m conflicted and feeling bad at the same time that I haven’t responded. He exhales as he looks away seeming frazzled by my non-response as he picks up his spoon.

  I know he’s waiting for me to answer him, but I need to think this through.

  Is a week too soon?

  Can I trust him?

  After Jason, can I truly trust anyone?

  I wish I had my phone so I could message Sarah for her opinion. I already know what she’ll say—He’s gorgeous. He wants you, and you want him. What the hell is there to think about?

  I pick up my spoon and eat my soup slowly and carefully trying not to spill any on my dress as I run through the pros and cons in my head. I can’t help but feel Aiden’s anguish as he silently awaits my answer. He’s becoming agitated, his leg jumping up and down beneath the table. I put my hand on his knee to stop him, and he instantly relaxes at my touch. Placing his hand on mine, he entwines our fingers. A warm sensation runs through me, and I know this attraction we both feel will be damn hard to fight.

  I find the courage to look at him and smile. I should give him an answer—a simple yes or no—it’s not that damn difficult. Aiden looks away, taking a mouthful of his Macallan.

  Why am I doing this to myself?

  I should just say yes. It’s not hard. I want to. But instead, I’m going around in circles in my mind making us both miserable by saying nothing. I have to remind myself that Aiden’s nothing like Jason. He’s shown me no signs of anything abusive. So, why should I hold onto the past and stop myself from having a future? If you stay scared all the time, you’ll never truly live.

  Be strong, Jeni!

  I turn to Aiden, my chest squeezing as his beautiful blue eyes meet mine. I lean in close as I tighten my hand in his. He swallows while I try to contain my joy in this moment, but Aiden sees right through me, and he starts to smile. I lean closer, so close people from a distance might think we’re kissing, but I don’t care, I want to be close to him for this.

  “Jeni?” he whispers.

  “Yes,” I reply full of conviction.

  His face lights with the brightest of smiles, his perfectly aligned teeth shine brighter than a summer’s day as his eyes sparkle with happiness. “Yes?”

  I laugh. “Yes,” I reiterate with a slight nod.

  He takes my hand. “Excuse us, everyone. We’ll be back in a moment,” he announces. My eyes widen, wondering where we’re going. Most people ignore him and carry on with their conversations as he virtually lifts me out of my chair, pulling me up by both hands.

  I can hardly keep pace with him as he rushes us out into the foyer again. My stomach flutters with butterflies as I wonder what this is all about. Nerves settle in my stomach at his silence the further we step into the foyer. He leads me to the far end away from the partying crowd. Finally, he stops and pulls me in front of him.

  Suddenly, he has me up against a column, holding my cheek gently in his hand and leans in kissing me firmly but tenderly. I instantly relax, all the tension in my body leaves as I wrap my arms around him while my body tingles as he kisses me. I hope this feeling never leaves us.

  Easing the kiss, he pulls back before kissing me again quickly, then softly rests his forehead against mine as I gaze into his eyes.

  “I thought you were going to say no,” he manages to say softly.

  “I thought you were going to yell at me for not saying yes right away with the way you dragged me out here.” I smile.

  Aiden pulls back in shock and looks at me with furrowed brows. “You thought I’d get angry at you?”

  I look at the floor, nervous about how this could turn out. But his finger lifts my chin to look at him. “I’d never yell at you. Ever,” he says quietly as I stare into his concerned eyes. “Why would you think that?”

  Swallowing, I exhale. “Because that’s how my ex would’ve reacted,” I whisper.

  He slumps his shoulders and pulls me to him in a tight embrace. “Jeni, trust me. I said I’m not like other guys, and I meant it.”

  Warmth floods through me. “I’m starting to see that,” I tell him honestly as he leans into me again.

  “I understand why you could have thought that way, but as I said, I’m different. I’m not going to hurt you. Well, not on purpose. I never could. I guess I’ll simply have to earn your trust the hard way.”

  I sigh, the weight of my past often tries to bury me. “I’m damaged goods, Aiden. You’d be better off if you found someone who didn’t carry around all this past baggage.”

  He grins. “Now where’s the fun in that?” He kisses me once more. “I don’t want anyone but you. You had me at moron.”

  I laugh at his twist to the famous Jerry Maguire quote as he holds me tight.

  “We’re doing this, then?” he asks, searching for the reassurance he obviously needs.

  I stare into his piercing blue eyes. “Yes, boyfriend.” I grin.

  Aiden nuzzles his face into my hair and exhales in what seems to be relief. “Well, girlfriend, I guess we’d better get back. Everyone will think I’ve whisked you off to the bathroom for a quick fuck.” He chuckles.

  I scoff out a laugh. “Let them think that. Now, let me check your lip-gloss situation.”

  Aiden smiles and pouts while I wipe off the excess lip gloss from his perfect kissable lips. I’m excited—a new relationship, new possibilities, perhaps even falling in love in the future. I have a chance at all of this again, and the thought not only makes me ecstatically happy but also terrifies the absolute crap out of me. But for now, I’m going to be optimistic. Aiden seems like one of a kind, and I can’t wait to see how this relationship will progress.

  We walk into the ballroom with his arm around my waist. Everyone’s back at the table when we enter. I look over at Niall who’s assessing me like I’m invading the O’Connell’s turf and violating their territory, and it’s a little unnerving. But the waiter places my meal in front of me, distracting Niall’s incessant staring.

  “This looks delicious,” I announce to no one in particular.

  “Yeah, I can’t wait to dig in,” Aiden agrees. “Want to try some of my steak?” he asks.

  “Sure, want some salmon?”

  “See? We’re sharing each other’s meals already.”

  We laugh as we swap portions of our meals. I feel comfortable with Aiden, a comfort I haven’t felt for so long—if ever. When I was with Jason, I never felt at ease or that I could be myself. Aiden makes me feel normal and not like the twisted-up, broken girl that I know I am deep down.

  I glance up to see Nana watching us with a caring smile on her face, so I return the gesture. She appears happy for the two of us, which only makes me feel good inside.

  The whole meal is tantalizingly delicious, so I finish it and sit back in my chair. Aiden looks over at my plate with a smirk. “I see you still have a healthy appetite.”

  I laugh and roll my eyes. “Shh, it was really good.”

  He laughs at my pathetic answer. “I’m messing with you.” I scowl, trying to look offended. “Oh, you’re cute when you pretend to be angry.” He leans in for a quick kiss, the first in front of his entire family. His father scoffs loudly, which makes me want to throw my wine in his wrinkled, old face.

  “Behave yourself, Niall.” Nana tries to rein him in, but the asshole shakes his head in disapproval and knocks back ano
ther whisky, effectively ignoring us all.

  Aiden starts up a conversation with Daniel, who’s sitting next to him. The waiter comes around with more drinks and dessert for everyone, which is a good thing. Aiden’s father makes me anxious, and sitting across from his death glare unsettles me, even with the happiness of Aiden and I officially becoming a couple.

  “Thank you,” I say to the waiter. He nods in recognition. Sitting back, I take a sip of my wine and listen to the soft music playing in the background. I relax in my chair as the music changes to louder but slow music. The dance floor lights up, and people make their way onto it, young and old alike. I’m sitting here moving some mousse around in the little bowl with my spoon as Aiden turns to me. I’m pretty sure he can see how bored I am, even though I’m trying to remain upbeat.

  Taking hold of my hand, he looks at me and frowns. “Dance with me?”

  I shrug. “If you think I’m clumsy, wait till you see me on the dance floor.”

  He chuckles, then takes my hand in his and lifts me easily from my seat. We make our way to the dance floor as slow music starts to play. He places his arm around my waist and holds onto my hand with the other. The close contact sparks that energy off between us again. There’s one thing I know for sure about Aiden and me, it’s that our chemistry is more than I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never wanted someone so much just from the simple act of dancing. He swings me around, almost lifting my feet off the ground, making me giggle at his strength.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll hold on tight,” he affirms, then pulls me even closer as we sway to the soft melody.

  I feel safe.

  Finally.

  I’m calm.

  I feel like I am home.

  Since Jason, I’ve been happy alone because trusting someone’s too hard. I didn’t want to risk being that hurt again. But as I stare into Aiden’s eyes, all my doubts and concerns wash away. I’m dancing in the arms of a man who’s taken over my life, and I never want to look away from his gorgeous eyes.

  I stare deep into his soul, and at this moment, I think maybe, just maybe, Aiden might be my exception.

  Walking out of the Intercontinental Hotel, I’m exhausted even though I slept most of today away. I think my body clock is out of whack, and I just want to curl up in a nice, comfy bed. I stop to say goodbye to his family, giving Nana an extra hug goodnight.

  “I hope I get to see you again,” Nana expresses, holding me tight in her embrace.

  “Thank you, Nana. I’ll make sure of it.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Brielle rushes over and hugs me so tight I almost fall backward, her energy a welcome delight. “Remember what I said… stick with Aiden. He’s worth it,” she reassures before she runs over to Aiden. She hugs him, and I watch her whispering something in his ear. They look over at me, and Aiden smirks.

  What’s that about?

  Callie makes her way over, still looking as gorgeous now as she did when the night started. She carries herself so well, just like a matriarch should. She’s beauty, grace, and everything I would imagine Aiden’s mother to be. “I want to apologize for Niall’s behavior tonight. There’s no need for it, and I’m truly sorry. You’re a lovely girl, and I see how highly Aiden regards you. Thank you for making him happy,” she offers as she enfolds me in a tight embrace.

  “Thank you, Mrs. O’Connell.” I’m honored she thinks so highly of me.

  “Please, call me Callie,” she retorts as Niall walks out with the last of the stragglers, laughing and shaking hands with a few of them.

  Aiden glares at his father, then turns to Mike. “Ready to go?” he asks.

  “Yes, sir, whenever you are.”

  I give quick hugs to Daniel and Killian as Aiden steps up to me.

  His father strides over to the group in front of our car but says nothing. An awkward silence surrounds us as Niall glances up and down at me. You can cut the tension with a knife it’s that awkward.

  Mike opens the back door of the car.

  I figure now’s as good a time as any to try and make an impression on Aiden’s father, so I walk over to Niall and put out my hand. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. O’Connell.” I put on the friendliest voice I can muster. But Niall stands there glaring at my hand with his eyebrow raised like I’m amusing him, not giving anything in return but blatant disapproval.

  Aiden tugs gently on my arm. “We should go,” he softly suggests.

  Exhaling in defeat, I slowly drop my hand knowing there’s no pleasing Niall O’Connell.

  Aiden threads his fingers with mine and helps me into the car. He slides in beside me, holding my hand tightly. Everyone, except Niall, waves goodbye as Mike closes the car door. Aiden winds down the window as Mike starts the ignition.

  “I love you, Aiden,” Callie praises, bending down at our window.

  “Love you, too, Mom.”

  She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek, then stands back as Mike slowly turns down the driveway.

  Aiden turns to me. “I’m so sorry,” he confides, his eyes flooding with concern.

  “For what?” I’m confused as to why he would be sorry.

  “For my father’s attitude. He’s always been that way with me. I’m used to it. I stopped caring or reacting long ago, but I honestly didn’t expect him to behave that way with you. Fuck, you didn’t deserve the way he treated you tonight. I should’ve done something,” he grunts as he runs his hand through his hair.

  “No, you definitely should not have. He is the way he is. You’re not going to change him, and especially not with violence. I really enjoyed meeting the rest of your family, though. They were unbelievably friendly. They made me feel like part of the family, and… I really liked it.” I catch Mike’s eyes in the rearview mirror watching us. He spots me and shifts his eyes back to the road. It’s adorable the way Mike cares for Aiden.

  “You enjoy feeling like a part of my family?” Aiden asks with a cheeky grin.

  I tilt my head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I tease as I rest my head on his shoulder.

  Aiden moves his arm around me, and we cuddle in the plush leather seat. I’m so tired, I nod in and out of consciousness all the way back to Aiden’s apartment.

  Mike opens the door, waking me as Aiden kisses the top of my head. “We’re here.” He holds out his hand to help me out of the car.

  “What time is it?” I ask, yawning as I clumsily get out of the car.

  “It’s nearly three in the morning, Miss Taylor,” Mike chimes, sounding wide awake. I don’t know how he does it.

  “Thanks, Mike.” Taking Aiden’s arm, we walk to the elevator as I cuddle into him. He holds me tight as I yawn yet again. We take the elevator, the doors opening into his living room where I see the Mornington Vale city lights twinkling through the full-length windows. Kicking my shoes off, I rescue my feet from the blisters I know I’ll be feeling in the morning. Slowly, I walk over to the windows to take in the beautiful view.

  “Come outside,” Aiden invites with a beaming smile. Stepping through the balcony door, I follow him outside. The view is indescribable. The city streets and the twinkling lights in the early morning air glisten brightly. As long as I live, I’ll never get used to looking at this beautiful view. With a few steps, I walk to the edge of the balcony and hold onto the rail. Aiden stands behind me, placing his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder as we gaze out at the city. I feel so comfortable with him—there’s no awkward tension or moments of silence that feel strained. We just fit, and even though I would love to keep this night going, I’m exhausted.

  “I guess I’d better be getting home,” I whisper sullenly, disturbing the peace and quiet.

  Aiden turns me around to face him. “We’ve already slept together… once.” He smirks but then turns serious. “Why not sleep here? I mean that… just sleep.” He chuckles. “If you stay over, then Mike can go to bed instead of driving you home.”

  I can’t believe he’s pulled out the Mike sy
mpathy card. I look at him and shake my head. How can I say no to that?

  “Well played, Mr. O’Connell, well played.”

  He laughs as I take his arm, and we walk inside. He pulls out his phone and sends a quick text to Mike, then moves over to the frosted glass doors leading to his bedroom and walks in with me on his arm. A wave of nervousness swarms my senses, my stomach tightens, and my breathing hitches. It hits me that I’m about to spend the night with Aiden in his bed.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be good,” he declares with a grin.

  I exhale and nod. “I don’t have anything to sleep in.”

  His eyebrows raise infinitesimally, but I notice. “Let’s see what we can do about that.” He walks into his closet and fumbles around for a few moments, then comes back with a gray long-sleeve T-shirt. “Will this do?” he asks, holding it up to show me.

  I nod. “Yeah, that’s fine,” I reply, taking the T-shirt from his outstretched hand. As I turn to walk away, he grabs my hand, pulling me back to him. I smile and wrap my arms around his neck, and his arms loop around my waist. We stare deeply into each other’s eyes, and I’m suddenly very awake.

  My breathing hitches, and I feel those muscles in my core react, stabbing and clenching. I let the T-shirt fall to the floor as he leans in and kisses me. His tongue massages mine, making me want him in every way. This kiss is different from all the others. I’ve felt the wanting in his kisses before, but this is a need, a primal need in him to have me.

  My hands scrunch in his hair, and I feel slightly dizzy as I get lost in him. We kiss enthusiastically. He pulls me closer to him as I feel his every muscle clench at my touch. Demanding and sensual, his kisses make me feel an intense surge of lust.

  I lose my inhibitions and start to loosen his tie as his hands move up to either side of my face. The tie comes free, and I pull it off him frantically, his lips still locked with mine. I start to unbutton his shirt, one tiny frustrating button at a time, baring his chiseled stomach.

  Aiden lets go of my face and slides his jacket off, followed by his shirt. He picks me up in one swift movement and carries me to the edge of the bed with our mouths still attacking each other’s.