Trust Me (The Trust Me Series Book 1)

by K E Osborn

  I take in a deep breath and sit up in the bed next to Aiden. “I think I’m okay.” The memory of me heaving while he held my hair comes flooding back. “Oh God, I’m so sorry.”

  Aiden chuckles as I put my head in my hands. “Don’t be. As long as you’re healthy, I’m only too happy to hold your hair. I’d rather be with you, then I know you’re okay.”

  I take a sip of water and clear my throat. “Was I a complete mess?” I ask, feeling like a damn idiot.

  “You were a hot mess.”

  I half-smile. Drinking the last of my water, I place the glass on the bedside table as he watches me intensely. Stumbling out of bed, I walk to the bathroom wearing only my panties and look at myself in the mirror. I have sunburn across my face and down the length of my arms as well as on my chest. I exhale at the sight. “Stunning,” I mumble sarcastically as I pull out my toothbrush and brush my teeth.

  Walking back into his bedroom, I glance at Aiden as he lies on the bed with a tiny part of the black sheet covering his groin. The rest is out on display as he relaxes. I inhale sharply at the sight of his ripped stomach, those thick thighs, and muscled arms. Goosebumps litter my skin just admiring him. I need to be near him, so I run to the bed and crawl my way, so I’m sitting on top of him.

  “You must be feeling better. Either that or you’re still a little drunk.” He lets out a slight chuckle.

  I move down to kiss him as his arms wrap around my back, pulling me to him as we kiss slowly.

  “Try not to do that again,” he demands.

  I look at him, confused. “You don’t want me to kiss you again?”

  He laughs. “No. Don’t worry me like that again. I wasn’t sure if I should take you to a hospital or let you sleep it off. You worried the shit out of me.”

  “I think the sun might have dehydrated me. I kept drinking wine, and that was obviously a bad idea.”

  He kisses my nose. “I don’t care one bit if you drink, just be careful.” He slaps my ass and moves me off him so he can sit up. “Time to get dressed. We have a double date to get to.”

  I look at him and arch my eyebrow. “Um… what?”

  “We’re going bowling. I invited Chris and Sarah. I know you ladies are itching for a double date. C’mon, up you go.” He smirks like he knows I’m shocked right now as he stands to get dressed.

  I laugh, thinking he’s joking. “Wait! You, Aiden O’Connell, want to go… bowling?”

  “Yeah, it sounds like fun, so I organized it with Chris.”

  As I stand, I shake my head and go sort through my packed clothes.

  We grab a quick breakfast, then head to Aiden’s Aston Martin.

  My head’s on Aiden’s lap feeling exhausted from bowling today with Chris and Sarah. We had the best time. Honestly, it was great to spend some quality time with our friends. He rests his arm over me while he clicks the remote to turn on the television.

  “This is the first time we’ve watched TV here,” I inform him.

  Aiden turns on the evening news. A young reporter talks aimlessly about politics, droning on and boring me senseless. I’m all but tuned out when something she says catches my attention.

  A major financial corporation is currently outsourcing personnel in an endeavor to find the person or persons responsible for the embezzlement.

  “At this time, it does seem to point in the direction of an employee within the company, and everyone is being investigated,” says employee, Matthew Jones.

  It’s a waiting game while those in charge find the culprit behind this elaborate scheme.

  This is Rhonda Chimes reporting for Fox News.

  I sit up swiftly and look at Aiden. His face is taut with stress.

  “Matthew Jones? Isn’t that the guy who works with you? Was that about your work?”

  “Yeah. I didn’t know it was going to be on the news, though.”

  “Does your father know?”

  Aiden frowns. “I suspect so. He would’ve chosen Matthew to make a comment.” His brows furrow as he exhales.

  “Why wouldn’t he choose you?”

  “He usually picks Matthew over me for most things.”

  My chest squeezes in sadness for Aiden. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah… I’m fine.”

  But I don’t believe him. I move closer and hold him in my arms as his phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket studying the caller ID. “Sorry I have to take this.” He stands, walking into the kitchen as I grab the television remote and turn the volume down.

  “I know. I saw it. I don’t know why you wanted to announce it publicly like that… I guess you could see it that way, but won’t it just make them cover their tracks even more…” He pauses as he listens on the other end. “I understand. I’ll see you in the morning.” He ends the call as I sit and pretend to watch the rest of the news.

  “Everything okay?” I ask nonchalantly, seeing if maybe he’ll disclose anything to me.

  “Yeah, it’s all good,” he replies without telling me anything, then sits next to me, kissing my head.

  I bite my bottom lip, sighing in despondency as he tilts my face up toward his. “It’s okay. Don’t stress. I don’t want you worrying,” he assures, kissing me softly, then makes himself comfortable as if nothing’s happened.

  About two hours later, Aiden checks his watch. “I better get you home, I suppose.” He unwraps his arms from around me. I yawn and stretch, then gather my things, placing them in my bag. Aiden takes it from me as thunder claps in the skies above us while I push the button for the elevator. We walk in, then proceed to the parking garage for the drive home.

  Honestly, I don’t want to be away from Aiden. I wish I could spend every day waking up with him. I also wish I could be there to support him with the investigation, but my stupid subconscious is playing tricks with my mind. I love him, but how can I trust him? He won’t tell me what’s happening, and it only brings doubts to my mind, and my trust issues rise to the surface even more.

  The rain starts to fall heavily, pounding on the windshield as we pull up at the house. “Stay in the car till I knock on your window,” he instructs as he exits the car, rushing about in the pouring rain.

  I hear the trunk shut, and then there’s a tap on my window. Moving quickly, we jog to the front door, which is sheltered by the porch. A bolt of lightning strikes in the distance, lighting the sky with a shimmer of electricity, then a loud clap of thunder bursts around us like Thor himself is angry at the world.

  We enter my house and into the living room where Chris and Sarah are cuddled together on the sofa.

  “Hey, guys,” Aiden calls out while continuing to my room.

  “Hey, man,” Chris replies.

  Sarah sleeps soundly in Chris’ arms, and as I walk into my room, Aiden’s sitting on my bed with his head in his hands. “Aiden, what’s wrong?” I hurry over to him as he takes in a deep breath.

  “It’s okay. Nothing for you to be concerned about.”

  I look at him sternly. “Honestly, if you want me to trust you, you’re going about it the wrong way. You have to talk to me and tell me what’s going on.”

  His eyes meet mine. “I can’t believe someone’s doing this to my family. I know Father can be unbearable, but to steal money from him and our investors, it’s just… wrong.”

  Finally, he’s opening up to me.

  “The detectives will figure out who’s behind this. It’s their job. It’s what they do.” I try to reassure him, but I’m not entirely sure I’m helping.

  “Can I stay here tonight?” he asks quietly.

  “Of course, you can. You don’t even need to ask.” I’m relieved. I don’t want him to be alone when he’s feeling like this.

  He sits on the bed. My tough man looks like he’s struggling, and I can’t stand it. It feels as though a part of him has broken, and he needs to be with me for reassurance and comfort.

  “Come with me.” I take his hand and lead him to the bathroom. “Let’s get you out of these w
et clothes.”

  He stands here watching me as I undress him, then myself. I turn the shower faucets and adjust the temperature gesturing for him to step in, and I follow. His shoulders droop, and it’s heartbreaking to witness. There’s not a lot of room in our shower like there is at his apartment, but we make do.

  Aiden holds me tightly as the water washes over us. He’s staring at me almost in a dazed state, and I begin to wonder if there’s something more he’s not telling me.

  Something worse.

  Do they know who it is?

  I keep my questions to myself because I don’t want to stress him out any more than he already is.

  Suddenly, he turns and pins me against the wall, his hand in my wet hair, the other at my hip, his eyes intense staring into mine. I make a move and lean in to kiss him, and he gets lost in me as the water engulfs us.

  I pull up in front of work, noting that the green delivery van is already here. I shake my head but smile. It makes my heart happy.

  “When does Aiden get the time?” I ask no one in particular.

  Mel’s signing for the flowers as I walk into the reception area. “Another bunch for you.”

  I smile as she walks off, and I open and read the card.

  Meet me at the Intercontinental Bar.

  7:00 p.m.

  Aiden xoxo

  I raise my eyebrow. “Short and sweet.” I walk around my desk, pull out my phone, and send a text.

  Jenifer: Where do you find the time to buy these flowers for me every Monday? Thank you, they’re beautiful. See you tonight at seven. xoxo

  After a long day with no problems from Tim, I make my way home and call for an Uber to take me to the Intercontinental after work. I pulled on a little black dress as I wasn’t sure what to wear to such an elegant place.

  I find my way to the bar and see Aiden sitting alone, his hand in his hair, wearing a blue suit. His tie is still on but fitted very loosely around his neck.

  “Another one, please.” Aiden taps the bar as I walk up to him. “Hey, it’s my baby,” he slurs quite loudly. I’m sure he’s wasted as he sways from side to side.

  “Are you okay?” I ask as I lean in to kiss him.

  “I’m just fine.” He laughs.

  “Are you drunk?” I crease my brows.

  “I may be intoxicated.”

  “How long have you been here?”

  “Since two-ish-ish.” He chuckles to himself like that’s the funniest thing he’s ever said.

  I exhale, lifting him from his seat. “C’mon, let’s get you home.”

  He smells of whisky and pretzels, a sour combination. I walk arm in arm with my man as he stumbles out of the bar where Mike’s waiting, as always, with his vehicle.

  He jumps out and steps over to us. “Here, let me help you,” Mike offers, holding Aiden upright while I open the back door.

  “Thanks, Mike.”

  “Anytime, Miss Taylor. Is he all right?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t think so, Mike.” I can’t help the concern that washes over me.

  We head back to Aiden’s apartment as Aiden falls in and out of consciousness mumbling about his arrogant ass of a father. I gather from his rambling, they’ve had some sort of argument.

  We pull up in the parking garage, and Mike comes around to help me with Aiden. Mike opens the door and pulls Aiden out, holding him up, while I shut the door. We make it to the elevator and up to the living room.

  “Where shall I put him, Miss Taylor?”

  I think for a second. “Probably on his bed,” I instruct as I walk with Mike into Aiden’s room. He lays Aiden on the bed while my stomach swirls with uncertainty.

  “Do you know what this is about, Mike?” I ask, wanting a straight answer.

  He exhales. “I do. Aiden and Mr. O’Connell had an argument about the embezzlement. I’ve never seen them argue like that before. Apparently, the detectives are narrowing in, and it’s probably an executive. They’re currently looking at Mr. O’Connell, Aiden, Matthew, and their PAs as the main suspects.”

  My subconscious strikes me a blow again.

  Is he drunk because he’s worried about his family business?

  Or is he worried they will find out that it’s Aiden’s involved somehow?

  Is it him?

  No, it can’t be.

  He wouldn’t do that to his family. Would he?

  Mike senses my rising concerns. “Miss Taylor, I hope you don’t mind me saying, but he needs you. Things are going to get a lot harder for Aiden in the next few weeks and months. He’ll need your full support.”

  I peer at Mike and nod. “I understand.” Aiden rolls over on the bed making himself comfortable. “Thanks, Mike.”

  “Can I help you with anything else, Miss Taylor?” Mike asks as I begin to untie Aiden’s shoelaces.

  “No, Mike. Thanks for your help.”

  He weakly smiles and leaves me with my man, who seems to be falling apart at the seams.

  “Oh, Aiden,” I whisper as I pull off his shoes.

  I try to undress him as best I can, but he’s too heavy for me to move him under the covers, so I search for a spare blanket to place over him.

  I make my way to the kitchen and fill a glass of water and raid the cupboards for painkillers. Once I find them, I take the water and tablets to Aiden’s room and put them on his side table. I pull out my phone and place it on the nightstand.

  Once undressed, I slide in next to Aiden and hoist the blanket up.

  Staring at the ceiling for hours, I’m going through conflicting thoughts as I wonder if I really know Aiden at all until I eventually fall asleep.

  A blasting squeal rings through the room as I jolt awake. “Oh, crap,” I murmur as my alarm sounds, waking Aiden from his drunken stupor.

  “Fuck! My head.” He clutches at his forehead.

  With a flick, I turn off the alarm and assess him. Honestly, he looks terrible. His eyes are sunken, and his face is pale as he tries to sit up on the bed. “How did I get here?”

  “I met you at the hotel last night, but you were wasted by the time I got there. Mike drove us back here, and we put you to bed.”

  He checks under the blanket to see himself completely naked. “Uhh… Mike helped get me into bed?” he questions, looking a little sheepish.

  I laugh at his assumption “No. He put you on the bed and left. I undressed you.”

  He sighs, sounding relieved. “Right.” He rubs his face with his hands, and I check the time.

  Shit! I’m going to be late for work.

  He lets out a heavy sigh. “Did I say anything stupid last night?”

  I smile at him reassuringly. “Not really. You passed out on the way home and mumbled something about your father being arrogant. That’s pretty much it.”

  “We had a huge fucking argument.”

  I decide to let him talk rather than tell him what Mike had already told me.

  “So, you thought you’d get drunk?”

  “That was never my intention. I wanted one to calm my nerves, and I just didn’t stop, I guess… I’m sorry for ruining our night. Did you eat anything?”

  “You didn’t ruin my night... I was surprised to see you that way, though, especially when I don’t know why.”

  “They’ve narrowed the search....” Aiden finally starts to confide in me.

  “That’s good, isn’t it?”

  “Depends on how you look at it. It’s either me, Matthew, Rachelle, Daniel, Brielle, or Father. It’s definitely not Father or Brielle, and it’s obviously not me. That leaves Matthew, Rachelle, and Daniel. I can’t see how any of them would be involved, especially Daniel, he’s like a brother to me. I don’t know what to think.” His eyes are full of sorrow and despair, so I lean over and hug him.

  “I know this is hard, but they’ll find the right culprit soon. I can’t imagine Daniel would do such a thing. I’m sure it’s not him, he’s probably as stressed about this whole thing as you are.”

  He manages
a sort of smile. “You didn’t answer me. Did you eat anything?”

  “No,” I reply quietly.

  He frowns. “Can we take that sick day you’ve wanted, today?”

  “You don’t want to go to work?”

  “Not really. I’d rather stay here with you. Plus, I’m more than a little hungover right now.” He looks over at his bedside table and takes the painkillers with the water I left there for him.

  He obviously needs this.

  He needs to be here with me.

  “Okay… we’ll take that sick day.”

  He kisses my cheek and reaches for his pants, pulling out his phone. “I’ll send an email to Daniel to let him know I won’t be in today, and I will let Mike know, too.” He taps away on his phone.

  “I’ll call Mel.” I pick up my phone off the nightstand and dial her number.

  Once I’ve finished pretending to be sick, I lean in to kiss Aiden and pin him to the bed. He laughs, and the sound is heaven to my ears. Hearing him happy after seeing him so sad is a relief. I cuddle into his side with my head on his chest, my fingers tracing circles on his chiseled stomach.

  “Aiden,” I query quietly.

  “Yes, baby?” His mood seems lifted, and he turns his face toward me.

  “I’m here for you, no matter what. You know that, right?”

  He nods. “Of course.”

  We spend most of the day in silence cuddling on the bed until our stomachs grumble too loud to ignore.

  He slowly lifts his arm from around me and stands. “Hungry?” he asks as he pulls on some jeans.

  “You read my mind.” Standing, I look at my little black dress and crinkle my face. Aiden notices my lack of enthusiasm for getting back into my dress.

  “Here, wear these.” He offers a pair of gray sweatpants and a T-shirt from his closet.

  “Thanks. I really don’t want to wear that today,” I admit, gesturing to the dress as I pull on the pants and top.

  “You look better in them than I do.”

  I chuckle, walking up to him, stretch on my tiptoes, and thread my arms around his neck. He takes in a deep breath and kisses me, holding me around my waist. His kiss is strong as he moves his hands to my ass and gives it a tight squeeze, making me laugh.