by K E Osborn
“Why it’s none other than Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth. The song is called, “Long Ago (And Far Away).” It’s one of my favorites.”
“Nana has a serious crush on Gene Kelly,” Aiden teases.
Nana pats him on the cheek. “He was very handsome back in my era, my dear,” Nana defends. “Come into the kitchen, kids. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“What’s for dinner?” Aiden asks excitedly.
“Your favorite, sweetheart.”
He kisses her on the cheek as I look at him wondering what his favorite meal is. As if reading my mind again, he leans into my ear, “Nana makes the best shepherd’s pie. You’ll love it.”
We head to the kitchen, and she takes it out of the oven—the smell floods my senses. It looks mouth-wateringly tasty as she sets it on a wooden chopping board. Aiden stands behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist as I lean on the kitchen counter.
“Do you need a hand with anything?” I ask, casually.
“No, dear, not at all. You’re my guest, and I won’t have you lifting a finger.”
Aiden lets me go and takes the plates into the dining area.
“See? I’ve trained him well,” Nana chimes.
He walks back into the room with a smirk on his face. “Talking trash about me again, Nana?” Aiden jokes.
“Of course, darling,” she retorts.
Their relationship is one of pure love, and it shows.
“Can you take this to the table for me, Aiden?” Nana gestures toward the pie.
Nana and I pick up the bowls of salad and follow Aiden to the dining table where we take a seat.
“Oh, Aiden honey, I forgot the wine.” Aiden heads off to the kitchen to retrieve it. “How are things going with you, dear?” Nana asks.
“Great, actually. Aiden’s keeping me very happy. What about you?” I ask as Aiden steps back in.
“I’m plodding along. That’s all you can do when you reach my age.”
I let out a stifled laugh. “Looks like you plod along very well for yourself.”
“You’re too kind.” She dips her head as she dishes up the last of our plates.
Aiden sits and pours some wine into our glasses, and I look at him with an eyebrow raised.
“You drink wine?” I ask, surprised.
“Only on special occasions,” he informs me, raising his glass toward his nana.
“Please don’t feel like you have to finish everything on your plate. I won’t be offended if you can’t fit it all in,” Nana states.
I look at my food. I doubt I will be leaving any of this deliciousness on the plate.
Throughout dinner, we chat about various things—the weather, politics, all the usual things you’re not supposed to talk about at dinner. Nana then says something strange which piques my interest. “So, how’s the investigation going at work, Aiden?”
I have no idea what she’s talking about, so I look at Aiden as he not so casually takes a sip of his wine.
“They’re still looking into it,” he replies in a clipped tone I’ve not heard from him before.
Nana realizes right away he doesn’t want to talk about it, so she changes the subject. “What are your plans for the weekend, Jeni?”
I glance at Aiden, who’s intentionally avoiding my gaze, his face tight and strained like he’s full of worry and concern. I’m not going to push him for information about whatever this is so early in our relationship when he’s obviously not ready to confide in me. So, I turn to Nana, who hastily takes a sip of her wine. “Um… I have a barbecue on Saturday, which I think Aiden is coming with me?” It’s more like a question than a statement.
Aiden simply nods his answer.
“Should be good weather for it.” Nana’s eyes don’t leave Aiden’s, but a massive tension fills the air. I watch Aiden out of the corner of my eye, but he’s purposely avoiding me.
Something’s definitely going on right now, but I have no idea what the hell it is.
“So, tell me more about Aiden as a child.” I try to lighten the mood.
Finally, he looks at me, tilting his head as a smile crosses his face. “Don’t say a word, Nana,” he warns lightly.
We laugh as the tension thankfully eases a little. “Wouldn’t dream of it, dear.” Nana stands to take our empty plates.
“Thank you. This was delicious,” I tell Nana, meaning every word.
Aiden takes my hand under the table linking our fingers while Nana exits the room. My eyes shift to his, but he’s completely avoiding eye contact with me. “You okay?” I ask with concern.
“I’m fine, beautiful,” he murmurs with a half-smile, but it doesn’t reassure me one tiny bit as Nana returns with a photograph album and a bright smile.
“Nana, no,” Aiden drones defeatedly.
I laugh as she places the album in front of me. “These are pictures of Aiden, Killian, and Brielle when they were younger.”
Aiden runs his hand through his hair. “We’re really doing this?” he questions Nana as we both laugh.
Flicking the front page of the album over, I notice a very scrawny Aiden and his siblings running through the shallow edge of a lake. It warms my heart to see him so innocent and young. Turning the pages, there are various photographs of him—a few baby pictures, one of him sitting on Santa’s lap, his first day of kindergarten, a few other school events in between including prom and his high school graduation, then they end at his college graduation. As I look over the images, I remember seeing most of the people I met at the retirement party, including Mike, but his father’s missing in all of them. My face crinkles as I try to think why he wouldn’t be at any of these events.
“What’s wrong?” Aiden asks as I study them.
“Why’s your father missing from these photos with you?”
His face stiffens as he runs his hand through his short hair.
Shit.
I’ve overstepped the boundary.
Fuck!
I really have no idea when not to speak out loud what I’m thinking. His nostrils flare, and he tenses seeming angry. I swallow the lump in my throat as Nana steps in to break the awkward silence lingering between us. “His father was always working. He didn’t attend any of these events.” Nana’s worried eyes study Aiden as I close the album, taking his hand under the table. ‘Sorry,’ I mouth to him as Nana moves the album away.
He manages a half-smile and a nod. The hurt in his eyes is abundantly clear. One thing I’ve noticed about Aiden is he finds it hard to hide his feelings, and they are always written all over his face. His father has a lot to answer for which only makes me dislike the asshole even more.
“Tea, coffee?” Nana asks, breaking the silence.
“The usual, thanks,” Aiden manages.
“I’ll have a coffee. Need a hand?” I query.
“You’re my guest,” Nana reminds me.
I smile as Aiden stands abruptly, still holding my hand making me look up at him in confusion. “Let’s go sit on the sofa,” he offers, tilting his head toward the entertainment room.
He’s distant, nothing like the Aiden I’ve known since I met him. He slumps onto the sofa, and I casually sit next to him. Resting his arm on the top of the sofa above my shoulders, he looks at me. I see this as an invitation, so I move closer and lean my head in the nook of his shoulder. Then he moves his arm, so it’s resting around my shoulders, holding me close to him. Softly, he kisses the top of my head easing some of the tension.
Aiden’s mood gradually shifts back to normal as the night progresses. We have coffee, stay and chat about Aiden and what he was like growing up. The mood of the night changes back to the fun-loving atmosphere. The staleness of Niall is all but forgotten as we say our goodbyes to Nana as she leads us out.
Mike’s waiting for us and jumps into action, opening the rear passenger door.
“Thanks for dinner,” I gush as I give Nana a goodbye hug.
“It was lovely having you here. Please come back and visit me again soon.
” She turns to Aiden and embraces him tightly.
“Thanks for a lovely dinner, Nana.” He kisses her on the cheek.
“You’re most welcome, sweetheart.” We watch her turn and walk to her front door, ensuring she gets inside safely. She waves and closes the door. I turn to the car, and as I go to get in, I somehow manage to hit my head being the klutz that I am. “Fuck,” I let out as I rub my head and pout.
Aiden exhales. “You okay, baby?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I mumble as I sit.
Aiden slides in effortlessly as usual. I huff in annoyance. Why the hell can’t I ever look that graceful?
“Always the entertainer,” he teases as Mike shuts the door.
“Hey, I need some sympathy here. My head hurts.”
He playfully pulls me close, kissing my head. “There, all better?”
“Yes, much,” I reply with a smile.
Mike enters the car, and we set off. Aiden wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a tight embrace, and my head naturally finds its place on his shoulder. I feel the energy surging between us, that undeniable chemistry fires making my body ache for him.
“Are you going to come in when we get to my house?” I ask.
He lets out a small laugh. “Why, Miss Taylor, are you trying to seduce me?”
Realizing Mike can hear our conversation, I quickly retort, “Of course not. I’m merely being hospitable.” I look up at him, and he stares at me seductively.
“That’s a shame.” His smirk is wide, taking up most of his gorgeous face.
I crease my brows and whisper in his ear, “Shh… Mike will hear you.”
“Baby, he’s not even listening, are you, Mike?”
When Mike doesn’t answer, Aiden taps him on the shoulder, and Mike pulls a set of wireless earphones from his ears. “Sorry, sir?” he asks.
“It’s okay, Mike, false alarm,” Aiden states.
“Sure thing, sir,” he replies, placing the earphones back in his ears.
“See, not even listening,” Aiden boasts proudly.
“So, I could say anything I wanted right now, and no one but us would hear?”
Aiden looks at me with one eyebrow raised. “Yeah, I guess you could look at it that way.” A crooked smile brightens his gorgeous face.
“So, I could tell you what I want to do to you, and no one would know?” I whisper seductively into his ear.
His face brightens. “Why, Miss Taylor, you are a devious little flirt.”
Slowly, I kiss his neck. His breathing hitches as his arm tightens around me.
“What if I said I wanted to rip all your clothes off and take you right here and now?” I whisper in his ear, then bite down his lobe.
He swallows hard. “Baby, as much as that’s incredibly appealing right now, even though Mike can’t hear, he can still see us.”
I frown. “Hmm… yeah, guess you’re right.” I pretend to move away from him, but he grabs my waist and pulls me onto his lap. “Whoa,” I shriek, as I wrap my arms around his neck in triumph, smiling brightly.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t kiss you, though.” Suddenly, his lips meet mine with a strong and passionate, completely lust-filled kiss. He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, moving his fingers through my strands, holding my lips to his. Aiden makes the world spin in slow motion—just the two of us entangled in each other feeling nothing but pure bliss. It’s as though my heart stops beating at his touch, and only he can revive me. He’s the true giver of life, life as I now know it.
I spend the rest of the trip in his lap, cuddled into him. I nuzzle his shoulder as he strokes my bare arm softly, sending a welcomed tingle down my spine.
“I want you to stay at my apartment over the weekend?”
I look up at him and nod. “Sure. What do you have planned?”
“Anything you want.”
“I think I have a pretty good idea of what you want, Mr. O’Connell.”
We pull up a short time later, and Aiden opens the car door. I move off his lap, and he exits, placing his hand out for me to take. Hand in hand, we walk to the door, and my mood shifts from pure happiness to despair as the overwhelming knowledge hits that he’ll be leaving.
“Wish I could stay,” he admits, pulling me to him when we reach my door.
My thighs clench at the thought of what would happen if he did. “Then stay.”
He exhales but leans in embracing me tightly. “Don’t tempt me... I really wish I could but, I can’t. Friday night? I’ll pick you up?”
Excitement bubbles inside me. “Sounds good. Should I bring anything special if I’m staying for the weekend?”
He grins, moving his forehead to meet mine, making my heart thud a little faster. “Bring anything you want to,” he instructs, staring into my eyes. “Jeni…”
“Mmm…” I murmur as I get lost in his lust-filled eyes.
“I have to go before I can’t,” he pants.
I don’t want him to leave, so I kiss him forcefully taking him by surprise. This time I’m in control, turning him so he’s against the door with me leaning into him. My fingers tug at his hair, and his arms wrap around my waist. We kiss frantically like there’s some sort of impending apocalypse, and these are our last moments together. I push in closer, holding him against the door. Our tongues find their way to each other’s, joining as though they never want to part again. I need him to know how much I want him, how much I care for him, how much I don’t want him to leave.
Then my subconscious kicks in at my apparent lack of self-control.
I’ve only known him for a little over a week.
How the fuck can I possibly be feeling this way already?
Am I letting my guard down too quickly?
How is he doing this to me?
I pull away, leaving him breathless against my door and smirking like a schoolboy.
Suddenly, I’m angry or is it confused at him or at myself, I don’t know.
How could I have let this happen?
How can I be falling for him so damn quickly?
It’s way too soon.
I scrunch my face up with my ever-growing thought processes.
“You okay?” he asks, moving his hand to touch my arm.
I sink against him. “I’m fine. Just really tired,” I lie.
He looks at me, scratching his temple, trying to judge my mood. “You can talk to me.”
I manage a half-smile as I catch a glimpse of his bright blue smoldering eyes staring fiercely into mine. I look away quickly, so I’m not mesmerized by their brilliance and am snared in their trap once more.
“I know. I swear I’m just tired,” I lie again as he continues to watch me intently. My heart races so fast with the building anxiety.
“You would tell me if there’s something wrong, Jeni. Wouldn’t you?” he asks while softly caressing my cheek.
I smile, trying to hide my fears and doubts. “Of course.” I push him toward his car. “Now go, before I force you to change your mind about leaving me.” I should win an Oscar for my acting skills. I’m putting on a brave face while inside I’m secretly freaking the fuck out.
I feel too much for Aiden already.
And if I let myself fall for him, he could break me.
I can’t let that happen again.
My heart pounds, my head’s heavy, and I feel physically sick to my stomach.
He stops, turning to face me, his eyes stern as he looks right into me. “Jeni, I know something’s not right. If we’re going to be in this together, then you need to be honest with me.”
I steady my shoulders, looking in his eyes. “It’s far too soon to be feeling this way,” I admit out loud but not only to him but to me as well.
He looks at me as though I’m speaking a foreign language. “What way?”
I swallow the lump in my throat that feels like the size of a bolder. “I like you. I mean really like you. And I shouldn’t. I barely know you, Aiden. But you have some kind of magical hold ov
er me making me feel things I’ve never felt before…” A slow grin crosses his face as I continue, “You make me feel wanted and cherished, and you put your trust in me...” I blink a few times trying to think of the words I want to use next. “I want to trust you, I really do. But how can I when I don’t even know you? I feel like I’m falling for you, and I don’t know how to deal with that so soon. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more, but I can’t seem to get it out of my head that you’re gonna up and leave me.” I exhale with relief that I managed to somehow get all that crap out in the open.
He takes my hands in his and gives me a crooked smile. “Ditto,” he gushes matter-of-factly lightening the mood.
I look up at him, my eyes wide. I can’t help it as I exhale a small laugh. “Did you just say ditto?”
He smirks. “Yes, ditto, Jeni. I’m falling for you, too. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more. I’m not going to leave you, or cheat on you, or hurt you… not intentionally, anyway. I’m going to love you the best way I know how.”
My mouth drops open as my heart explodes, repairs itself, and then explodes all over again as I stare into his beautiful blue, caring eyes. “Love?”
“That’s the only word you got from that, Jeni, love?” he asks with a chuckle while pulling me into his safe arms.
My breath catches. Is that what this feeling is? Love.
He frowns. “See, when a man tells you he loves you, you’re meant to say something in return.”
I shake my head as he stares at me intensely holding me at an arm’s length as he swallows hard.
I’ve come to a realization.
I know it’s too soon, but there are no laws against it. I’m sure other people have fallen for each other this quickly. It’s what they call insta-love, and who damn well cares what they call it, I know I’m feeling it right now. So… so what? So, what if it’s too soon for most people.
It’s groundbreaking.
Revolutionary.
World-shatteringly obvious.
I’m in love!
With an amazing, incredible man.
“I love you, Aiden,” I reply, staring straight into his beautiful, calm blue eyes. He leans in and kisses me tenderly, pulling me so that our bodies are aligned.
Even though I’m beyond ecstatic right now, I can’t help but have some residual doubts. “This is too soon, right?” I mutter through the kiss as he pulls back.