by K E Osborn
Sarah pouts as Chris grabs his keys and gives Sarah a quick peck.
“See ya, dude,” Chris calls to Aiden.
“Soon,” Aiden replies as Chris, followed by Sarah, walks down the hall and out the front door.
“Alone at last,” Aiden whispers in my ear as he kisses me softly on the cheek. I turn to kiss his lips, and he takes my hand and pulls me from my seat, catching me in his arms. “I think you should show me your bedroom again.” His voice is low and seductive. I succumb to his advances and head to my room. I sit on the edge of my bed silently as he walks around the other side of my queen-size bed and lies down on the duvet.
“What’cha doin’?” I ask.
Aiden pats the bed next to him, gesturing for me to lie down. “You look worried.” He smiles.
I give him the evil eye. “I’m too sore for more sex,” I tell him, moving closer and laying my head on his chest.
“I know.” He playfully wraps his arm around me as we lay together in complete silence, simply holding each other closely.
It amazes me that in such a short amount of time, I can feel so close and comfortable with someone. At this moment, I feel completely relaxed as my eyelids become heavy.
I wake under the covers, and my room is dark, pitch black, disorientating me slightly. I turn to look at my phone to check the time—just after three in the morning. When I reach out, Aiden’s no longer beside me. Turning on the bedside table light, which makes my eyes squint with the brightness, I turn to see a small handwritten note on the pillow where Aiden was lying.
My Darling Jenifer,
I’m sorry to leave you, but I had to go home to get some sleep to be ready for work tomorrow. I didn’t want to wake you when I left as you were sleeping soundly. You’re so beautiful when you sleep. I hope you don’t mind, but I took off your jeans to make you more comfortable.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Have a good day at work, and I can’t wait to see you again.
Wednesday, for dinner? Let me know if you’re available.
Sweet dreams, my gorgeous girl.
Aiden xoxo
I smile at the note and hold it to my chest wanting to feel as close to him as humanly possible. I eventually stand to take off my top and bra, casually throwing them to the floor. I put on clean panties followed by my pajamas and turn off the light so I can drift back to sleep.
With a loud groan, I get up from my bed. Oh God, my entire body aches. It’s a good ache, though, because it reminds me of Aiden. To turn off the alarm, I pick up my phone then open my message app and text him.
Jenifer: Morning, hope you slept well. Sorry I fell asleep on you last night, but thank you for leaving a note. As for Wednesday, I’m in. Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. Thanks for a fantastic weekend. I had the time of my life. I can’t wait to see you on Wednesday. xoxo
I hit Send. Then stand for a new day—my usual routine of getting ready and driving to work all run smoother than usual. I pull into the parking lot as Mel’s getting out of her car. She waves and waits for me as I exit my car with handbag and keys in hand.
“Morning, sweetie. How was your weekend?”
I smile at the memory of a truly remarkable weekend. “Great, and yours?”
“Mine was good,” Mel replies, grabbing the rest of her things from her car.
“How’s the party planning going?”
She looks at me, rolling her eyes. “Twenty-one years old, and she changes her mind like the wind. First, she wanted purple as her theme color, and now she wants turquoise. Then she wanted cupcakes but changed her mind to a three-tiered cake. Honestly, I can’t keep up.”
I let out a stifled laugh. “Sounds like there’s never a dull moment.”
She chuckles in agreement as we walk inside. “Remember, no presents,” Mel warns as a green van pulls up out the front of the reception area.
“No presents, got it,” I reply.
A young man steps out, moves to the back of the vehicle, and opens it. Mel stops to look as I suddenly realize what’s going on.
“What’s that about?” Mel questions as the driver enters with a large vase of the most beautiful flowers. I shake my head with half a smile as Mel looks sideways at me.
“Delivery for a…” he checks his notes, “… Miss Jenifer Taylor.”
Mel stares at me in surprise. “And who are these from?” Excitement builds inside of me. I can’t hold back my smile as I sign for the flowers that I know are from Aiden. “Is there something you want to tell me, Jenifer?” Mel asks with an air of playfulness to her voice.
The driver collects his paperwork, leaving without saying another word while I smile brightly, placing the vase of pink tulips, roses, and hydrangeas on the counter.
“Oh, c’mon, don’t leave me in suspense,” she blurts out like a teenager, not the middle-aged woman she is.
I can’t help but laugh as I pause for dramatic effect. “They’re from… my boyfriend.” I bite my bottom lip waiting for her response, but her face lights up in a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Holy shit, when did this happen? And why didn’t you tell me? How long have you been together? What does he do?” I laugh as butterflies flutter in my stomach at the mere thought of Aiden. “Sorry, got excited,” Mel gushes.
“His name is Aiden. He’s the guy who crashed into me last week. I didn’t tell you because we only made it official on Saturday. He’s in finance...” I pause. “I think that covers all your questions.”
She rushes forward, her hand coming out and resting on my arm in support. “I’m happy for you. And he spoils you rotten by the looks of it. John stopped buying me flowers years ago.”
I giggle as Bob walks in with his morning iced coffee.
“Morning, Bob,” Mel and I both chime in unison.
“More flowers?” Bob grumbles as he strides past. “He’s got it bad if he sends you two bouquets so close together,” he murmurs, stepping off to his office.
Mel’s face lights up as if she has a brilliant idea. “Aiden’s most definitely welcome on Saturday. I’d love to meet him.”
I nod in agreement. “I’ll ask if he’d like to come.”
Mel sighs. “Guess we better get to work,” she whines, heading off toward her office.
I remove the card from the flowers and open the envelope to read what’s inside.
My beautiful Jeni,
I hope you have a better Monday this week than last. Although I am glad we ‘ran’ into each other. Have a nice day at work, talk to you soon.
Aiden xoxo
I smile at the handwritten card that has a cute little teddy bear on it. I place it back into the envelope and put it in my handbag. I feel like a giddy teenager getting a love note from her crush. I take last week’s dead flowers to the trashcan and place the new vase in the same spot. I pull my phone out of my handbag to find a message already waiting for me.
Aiden: Morning beautiful. I slept like a baby. Sorry I left you. You looked so peaceful. Thank you for a fantastic weekend. I honestly can’t think of a time I’ve felt happier. You want to go to Nana’s on Wednesday? I know she’d love to see you again. xoxo
I smile at the thought of not only seeing Aiden but his nana again as I hit Reply.
Jenifer: Thank you so much for the flowers. Again. You didn’t have to do that. But thank you anyway. They’re beautiful. I love them. You really do spoil me. Seeing Nana will be the perfect way for us to spend Wednesday. By the way, if you’re not busy on Saturday, would you like to come with me to my boss’s daughter’s 21st birthday BBQ?
Turning on the computer, I check the answering machine for any messages.
Aiden: I know I don’t have to, but I like to show you how I feel about you. Dinner will be at Nana’s home, but it’s right behind the café. Hope this is okay? I’ve no plans for Saturday other than to spend every second of it with you ;-) so a BBQ sounds perfect. I have to work now, so I probably won’t be able to get back in touch with you until toni
ght. Have a great day, Jeni. xoxo
I frown at the thought of not being able to talk to him until tonight, but I know we both have work to do. I hit Reply.
Jenifer: Sounds great. It’ll be awesome to see Nana again. Have fun at work. Talk to you tonight. xoxo
With a smirk, I put my cell phone away in my bag as my emails download. Once I’ve sorted through them, I decide to email Sarah.
To: Sarah Carlisle
From: Jenifer Taylor
Subject: Another Special Delivery!
Guess what I got today? Yep, another vase of flowers from Aiden. I’m so spoiled. I had the best weekend. I’ll have to tell you all about it when I get home. Sorry, I flaked last night. We went into my room when Chris left, and I fell asleep. I didn’t even hear Aiden leave.
How was your weekend?
Other than that stupid little tiff our men decided to have, idiots!
The guys’ petty argument was like watching two male gorillas pounding their chests, fighting for the virtue of their mates. I still find it remarkable that when men get into a fight that nearly comes to blows, they’re able to go back to drinking and slapping each other on the back. It astounds me.
To: Jenifer Taylor
From: Sarah Carlisle
Subject: Another one?
I can’t believe he sent u more flowers. I’m so damn jealous! I thought when u guys disappeared into your room u were doing other things than sleeping if u know what I mean.
Glad u had a great time. Tell me this, um… how can I put this? Did he fuck u senseless?
I know, I know, it’s a work email… blah, blah, blah… but did he at least make second or third base? I need the juicy details!!!
P.S. Don’t tell Chris but OMFG!!! Is Aiden HOT or what?
I laugh out loud at her ridiculous email. Hopefully, they don’t read my emails here because Sarah always says the most inappropriate things.
To: Sarah Carlisle
From: Jenifer Taylor
Subject: You know better!
First of all, stop with the sexual innuendo! I’m only going to answer you because if Mel is reading this email, I know she’d want to know the answer as well. Lol. So, for both of you, all I’m going to say is, he hit a home run. And, yes, the crowd went wild, QUITE a few times I might add.
If you know what I mean.
Now I have to get back to work, and you should get to studying, missy.
P.S. He’s H.O.T. hot!
I send the email and get back to the running sheet and clientele task lists for tomorrow. I finish what I’m doing on my computer as the lunchtime alarm sounds. Standing, I walk to the kitchen with a slight spring in my step. I haven’t felt this happy in a long while. I make my way to the refrigerator and take out my usual, but when I turn around, Tim walks in, instantly blowing me a kiss.
Sighing, I reach out grabbing it. “Thanks, Timmy,” I state as he glares at me.
“Don’t call me Timmy,” he grunts like some an angry child.
I smirk. “Okay. Sorry, Timothy,” I mock as I walk out the door.
“Hey, that’s just as bad,” he yells as the guys laugh at him.
I chuckle on my way back to my desk. When I sit down, there’s a reply from Sarah.
This should be good!
To: Jenifer Taylor
From: Sarah Carlisle
Subject: Studies Shmudies!
OMG YAY!
Finally, u got some. Welcome back to the land of the promiscuous, we’re happy to have u. Lol.
I laugh at her email. To be honest, I’m happy to be back in the land of the promiscuous. The way Aiden makes me feel when he makes love to me is indescribable, unimaginable, and let me say, extremely satisfying. I can’t help it as my mind wanders back to the first time he kissed me at the waterfall. A smile crosses my face at the memory.
This man, this relentlessly gorgeous man, is now mine.
Monday and Tuesday are filled with boredom and loneliness at work and endless text messages with Aiden during the evening. Wednesday finally arrives, and the anticipation of tonight’s date grows stronger with every passing second.
Aiden: Morning beautiful, hope you slept well. I’ll pick you up from your place at six thirty. Can’t wait to see you. Have a great day at work, Aiden. xoxo
He knows exactly how I’m feeling, almost as though he’s reading my mind. Even though we’ve only had a short relationship, the connection I feel with him, the ease of how well we fit together, and the undeniable chemistry we have makes me think this could be the start of something quite special.
Jenifer: Morning, I slept well, hope you did too. Six thirty is fine. I’m looking forward to seeing you. I look forward to our hello kiss. Until then, have fun at work. See you tonight. xoxo
Aiden: I’m also looking forward to our hello kiss. I am so affected by you Jeni, you have no idea. xoxo
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one affected in this relationship.
Jenifer: I dream of you all the time. YOU have no idea! xoxo
Aiden: Oh really? You have to tell me all about them. You have me hard just thinking about you, but unfortunately, I need to get to work. I have important meetings all day. See you tonight, beautiful. xoxo
Taking in a deep breath, I close my eyes and exhale. I’m happy. I am perfectly, blissfully happy submerged in my new life as the girlfriend of Aiden O’Connell, wealthy bachelor extraordinaire who, for some reason, seems to be completely and utterly besotted by me as much as I am by him.
Is this all a dream? If it is, please don’t wake me up.
I take the short drive home from work with the anticipation of seeing Aiden pumping throughout my entire body. Pulling into the driveway, I see Chris’ car parked on the street as usual. I’m so excited that in the struggle to get out of the car, I forget to undo my seat belt. Taking a deep breath, I undo my seat belt, shaking my head. With my keys and bag in hand, I exit the car.
I’ll need to hurry if I want to be on time. I walk through the front door and see Sarah and Chris cuddling on the sofa watching television.
“Hey, guys,” I call out, making my way to my bedroom.
Sarah briefly looks up at me. “Hey,” she says, then she goes back to what she’s doing.
Wanting to look good for Aiden, I decide on a knee-length black skirt, black belt, and a pink sleeveless ruffled top. After finishing the look in the bathroom, I step out into the living room and parade in front of Sarah and Chris. “Is this okay?”
They both casually look up. Chris nods and Sarah yawns. “Yup, looks fine.”
Well, that was definitely an apparent lack of enthusiasm, so I sit down on the sofa to watch some trashy reality show they both seem to be enjoying.
When the doorbell rings, I realize I’ve completely lost track of the time. I stand and rush to my room to put on a pair of low black heels.
“Have fun,” Sarah yells as I run through the house, grabbing my bag on the way. I open the door while attempting to shove my keys in my bag which, at the moment, is an epic fail.
“Mike,” I blurt out as I accidentally run into him, not looking where I’m going.
He takes hold of my arms and steadies me. “You seem a little flustered.” That deep voice makes my knees weaken instantly as I look up to see Aiden, not Mike.
I smile at the mere sight of him. “I thought you were Mike,” I state the damn obvious.
He gives me that smirk, and my frantic behavior eases away with his simple smile.
“I gathered. Would you rather it be Mike?” He chuckles.
I shake my head. “No… I like this surprise much better.”
He leans in and kisses me softly and slowly, our lips together at last after days apart. My arms fall to my sides. It’s as though I’m powerless against his touch. The kiss is sensual and seductive, leaving me wanting more. His tongue glides against mine, and I want this to last for as long as freaking possible. My hands slowly make their way to his shirt collar. I pull him closer to me, so our bodies conn
ect. His hands move to either side of my face, and he eases me slowly back against the door. Aiden’s entire body is pushed against mine as we continue the kiss. He moans softly against my lips making me want to take this to the bedroom, but he does the opposite and begins to ease the kiss slowly, leaving me wanting so much more. He gradually releases me, and as our lips part, he sighs like he didn’t want it to stop either.
“Now, that’s a hello kiss,” he says breathlessly.
“Mm-hmm…” I murmur.
“We’d better get going if we’re going to make it on time.”
I regretfully nod as he takes my hand, leading me to the car where Mike’s patiently waiting for us. I’m sure Mike saw everything, but he makes no mention of it as he opens the back door of the car for me to slide in. “Thanks, Mike.”
Aiden moves in next to me while Mike heads to the driver’s seat, and we’re off to Nana’s.
We pull up in front of the cute little café, and Aiden opens the car door, then leads me to the front where the sign shows, Sorry, We’re Closed. Aiden takes out his key, and we step inside. Walking through the café brings back memories of our breakfast together after our first date, which makes my heart flutter. We continue to a pair of wooden concertina doors with frosted glass inserts. They are etched in a filigree pattern but incorporating the most exquisite dragonfly design.
“Nana, we’re here,” Aiden calls out loudly over the music playing in the background. Nana walks in, her gray hair perfectly styled and smiles, holding her arms out to hug us. “Hello, my darlings, how are you both tonight?”
“Good, thanks, Nana. What music is this?” I ask.