by K E Osborn
I stammer, but nothing comes out and shake my head at the fierce intent in his eyes.
“Dan, don’t be so dramatic,” Killian dismisses, rolling his eyes. “Let her go, you’re hurting her.”
Daniel scoffs. “It’s not your job on the line here, Killian,” he chides, still holding tightly onto my arms. The seriousness washing over Daniel almost scares me.
“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything to Aiden.”
Running his hand through his hair, Daniel lets me go completely. “Jesus, Killian. I told you someone would find out,” he growls.
My stomach flutters with nerves, but I can’t hold back my smile. “I think it’s sweet. I had my suspicions, anyway,” I admit, looking at Killian. He smiles at me while Daniel paces the room frantically.
“Oh, Dan, stop being so intense and tell them already. No one’s going to care.” Killian is obviously far more relaxed about their ‘situation’ for want of a better word than Daniel is.
Daniel gives Killian a death glare. “As I said, it’s not your job on the line, Killian. Your father knows you’re gay. If he found out I am as well, he would fire me on the spot. You and I both know that.”
My eyes widen slightly knowing Niall’s a douchebag, but what I didn’t know is he’s a homophobic douchebag.
“Then let him fire you. You can come and work with me. We’ll spend more time together.” Killian waggles his eyebrows up and down suggestively.
Daniel shakes his head. “I don’t think Aiden will appreciate having to find a new PA.” He continues to pace the room.
Killian looks at me for an answer, so I glance at Daniel. “I think that—”
“No one is interested in your opinion,” Daniel interrupts harshly.
My head jerks back in shock.
“Dan, stop that! Where’s my fun-loving, caring, honest, lovable Dan gone?” Killian asks.
Daniel slumps his body like he’s ashamed of himself. “Sorry. It’s a stressful time for me.” He runs his hand through his hair.
I decide to say what I’m truly thinking, anyway. “Daniel, I think you should be proud of who you are, and if you’re in a relationship with Killian, be proud of that, too. You shouldn’t have to hide who you’re with because you’re scared of one small-minded man’s reaction.”
Daniel sighs as Killian takes his hands. “C’mon, baby, we got this. Let’s walk out there holding hands. We won’t even have to say anything. They’ll just figure it out on their own.” Killian’s almost begging.
Daniel looks at me, furrowing his brows with a saddened frown. “What’ll Aiden think?” he asks me directly.
I smile brightly and pat him on the shoulder. “He’ll be thrilled. Aiden already thinks of you as part of the family. Now it’ll simply be official. If you’re worried about Aiden being upset or angry, the only thing he’ll be concerned about is you keeping this from him.”
Daniel’s face crinkles as he looks at Killian, then he leans in kissing him gently on the lips. Daniel exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay,” he hesitantly says, instantly making Killian and me smile.
“You’re doing the right thing,” Killian tells him as he takes Daniel’s hand.
“If I get fired, you’ll have to pay me the same wage,” Daniel instructs Killian.
“Deal,” Killian agrees as he walks out of the library and into the dining room. I follow behind, smiling and feeling happy that I can be witness to something so wonderful.
The two lovers stop at the doorway of the dining room where everyone’s now seated, waiting for us. I stroll in and sit next to Aiden. He takes my hand under the table, and I smile at him widely, making him arch his brow in confusion at my apparent sudden happiness. Killian stands by the end of the table taking a glass and tapping it with a knife to gain everyone’s attention. They all look up as Daniel turns pale, sweating profusely as he loosens the tie from around his neck. He swallows hard as he looks directly at me. I give him a big smile and nod, offering the encouragement he needs.
“What are you doing, Killian?” Niall asks loudly in annoyance.
“Father, Dan and I have an announcement.” Killian’s face is radiating happiness, but Daniel’s is growing pale and pastier by the second.
“Well, get on with it. I’m hungry,” Niall groans.
Killian takes hold of Daniel’s hand.
Aiden looks at me with his eyes almost bulging out of his head.
“I’d like to officially announce that Dan and I are finally coming out. We’ve been a couple for over a year, and we thought this was as good a time as any to tell you all.”
Brielle claps uncontrollably and squeals. “It’s about time,” she calls out, and Killian laughs at her as the rest of the table reacts to the news.
Nana and Callie both jump from their seats, walking over to hug them.
Aiden stands and shakes Daniel’s hand. “You had me fooled.” Aiden shakes his head. “This is great news, guys. I’m so happy for you both.” He hugs his brother.
I look over at Niall and watch as his face turns beet red and his nostrils flare. I don’t like the look of this.
“Did you know about this?” Aiden questions me.
I shrug. “I might have been slightly suspicious.”
“How come they announced it today?” he asks me quietly as the other people in the room continue to congratulate the two men.
I lean in close to Aiden. “Because I saw them kissing. Daniel’s scared your father will fire him.”
Aiden looks over to Niall, who’s still sitting at the table silently fuming and looking angrier with every passing second. “Unfortunately, he probably will.”
Suddenly, Niall stands and pounds his fist on the table, making everyone jump. “Is this a joke?” He stares at Daniel, who instantly looks away.
Why is Niall such a miserable old bastard?
Can’t he let his son be happy?
Killian takes Daniel’s head in his hands and kisses him to prove a point. Everyone instantly snaps their heads to Niall, waiting for his reaction. Instead, he sits, takes a deep breath, and talks calmly as the tension fills the room. “Daniel, I’m extremely disappointed in you. You’ve proved that you’re not only a liar, but that you can’t be trusted. I have no other option than to terminate your position at O’Connell Finance. You can pick up your personal items before we return to work on the seventh of January.”
Everyone’s jaws drop.
The unthinkable has happened.
Daniel’s eyes shift to Killian who’s staring at his father in shock.
Aiden glares at his father with undeniable disgust pulsating through him. “Father, you can’t fire my PA. Daniel is a part of our family. To say you don’t trust him is complete bullshit, and you know it.”
“This isn’t up for discussion. Now let’s have Christmas dinner as a family. Daniel, that includes you. You’re part of our family, but not part of O’Connell Finance. Is that clear?” Niall’s heated stare is directed at Daniel whose mouth is still open with shock.
“Yes, sir,” Daniel huffs as he sits at the table.
Nana exhales quietly as she proceeds to dish out the meal. An awkward silence overtakes the room, and I feel like I am a little responsible for everything that has transpired. But I guess at least Killian and Daniel are free to be themselves now. I just hope Daniel can find his way in this world. With Killian by his side, I’m sure he can.
Aiden and I have only small portions after our large lunch with my mom. The dinner is eaten in complete silence with people occasionally looking at Daniel to check he’s okay. The tension in the air is rife and thick with disdain. Everyone’s angry at Niall, and Niall is angry at the world like the asshole he truly is. This sure as shit is not how I pictured my first Christmas dinner with the love of my life.
“This is ridiculous. It’s Christmas. We should be happy and jolly, not miserable and cautious,” Callie commands while shaking her head.
Nana stands up and raises her glass. “To the ne
w couples, Aiden and Jeni, Brielle and Logan, and Killian and Daniel, may you all have long and fruitful relationships filled with love and trust.”
We raise our glasses.
“To the new couples,” everyone chimes, except Niall, and we clink our glasses together.
I think of Nana’s words. Filled with love and trust. Aiden and I have no problems with the love part of our relationship, but the trust part is a different story for me. My subconscious raises her ugly head, making me think about the investigation. I don’t for a minute think Aiden did it, but there’s a part of me that wavers every now and then, and that part annoys me for even thinking it.
The conversation picks up around the table. Nana stands and begins to clear the plates, and I move to help her. We head to the kitchen with the dirty dishes. Nana and I are halfway through cleaning when Daniel enters and walks up to me as I turn to greet him. “I’m sorry you lost your job, Daniel. I honestly never thought Niall would do that.”
He rests his hand on my shoulder and half-smiles. “It’s fine. I knew he would. I’ll work for Killian at his gallery, so there are no losers here today.”
“Couldn’t you sue Niall for unfair dismissal?”
Daniel laughs. “Yes, I’m sure I could. But I won’t. He’s like family, and even though I know why he fired me isn’t technically legal, I wouldn’t do that to Killian or Aiden. Now I have to find a replacement for Aiden. Know anyone?” He raises his eyebrows.
I look at him, confused. “Who? Me? I’m not sure Aiden would like that, me being around him all the time.”
“He’d love it. Are you kidding me?”
I tilt my head as I look at him. “Have you talked to him about this?”
“It was his idea.”
I shake my head, not knowing what to say. “Honestly, I’ll have to think about it.” I love my job, but the Tim issue makes shit awkward.
I have a lot to consider.
“Go on… you know you want to,” Daniel goads as Killian comes in and hugs him from behind, kissing him on the cheek.
“So, you’re going to be Aiden’s new PA?” Killian asks.
I chuckle. “Does everybody know about this except for me?” I ask jokingly.
“Yeah, pretty much.” Killian chuckles as he lets Daniel go.
I bite my bottom lip as I think about Tim and the massive amount of awkwardness that fills the room every time we’re in it together. “You took a leap of faith, Daniel. Maybe I should as well.”
“I’m sure you’ll look after him better than I did.”
I scoff. “I doubt that very much, but thanks for saying so.” I walk toward the living room where everyone’s seated.
Aiden gestures for me to sit on his lap by tapping his legs. I do as I’m told. He looks at me with such loving eyes. “How about it?” he asks, knowing full well Killian and Daniel have been talking to me.
I sigh. “Why do you want me as your PA?”
“Mainly so I can see you all the time. You’re never far from my mind, Jeni. Knowing you’re outside my office means I can get my fix any time of the day. It would make me so fucking happy to be with you all the time,” he exclaims.
I smile and lean in closer. “You’re such a sweet talker.”
“I know. So, what do you think?”
“I don’t know. What if you get sick of me?”
“You mean the world to me. Life was meaningless before I had you in it. Please, will you do it, for me?” He looks so happy at the thought I might say yes. His beaming smile is so luminous I can hardly concentrate. It sets my heart in a flutter. I take in a deep breath and look him in the eyes, my stomach swirling with anticipation. “Yes, I’ll do it,” I tell him.
He leans in to kiss me, and I don’t care who’s watching. I kiss him back with all that I have.
My announcement comes as a shock to Mel and John when I tell them that I’m leaving to work with Aiden. Mel gave me special permission to leave earlier than the two-weeks notice I handed in. Honestly. she was so good about it all, it made me question about leaving at all.
But I know I’m doing the right thing.
When it’s time to leave, I regretfully hug Mel goodbye.
“I don’t know how I’ll cope without you here. You’ve kept me sane with all the men around this place.” Mel hugs me tightly. “Just remember, if things don’t work out, you’ll always have a place here with us. You’re family, and you better keep in touch.”
Tears start to well in my eyes. These guys are like a second family to me, and it’s so hard to say goodbye.
“I’ve arranged a farewell dinner for you on Saturday night, and all the staff is attending. Please bring Aiden. I’d love to tell him how angry I am at him for stealing you away,” John jokes, making me laugh.
I sniffle back a tear. “Thank you, both, you’ve been so good to me. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“Repay us by enjoying your new job and staying happy. But remember, if you ever find yourself unhappy, then come back here, okay?” John informs me, sincerely.
“Thanks, guys.”
Aiden asked me to move in with him after Christmas. We’re officially a live-in couple now.
Sitting on the bed next to Aiden, my core aches from the passion he showed me the night before. It’s a welcome twinge as I walk to the closet and pick out a shirt for him, placing it and his blue suit on the bed. Returning to the closet, I select my work attire for my first day at my new job.
Aiden’s still asleep on his stomach, his face buried in the pillow as I walk back into the bedroom. I make my way over, then lean down to kiss him on his bare back, making him shuffle beneath my touch. I kiss him softly up the length of his spine and onto his neck as he turns his head.
“Morning, beautiful.”
I kiss his tender lips with a smirk. “Get up,” I tell him sternly.
“Yes, ma’am,” he chimes as he slowly rises out of bed, rubbing his eyes.
“How did you get up for work before I moved in?” I ask.
“I never had such a thorough workout in bed the night before.”
Playfully, I smack him on the ass and urge him to get ready. By the time I’ve put my shoes on, he’s ready to go, and we head out to meet Mike.
“You look lovely today, Miss Taylor,” Mike greets me, opening the rear passenger door.
“Thanks, Mike.” I get into the car with Aiden following behind.
As we pull up in front of O’Connell Finance, I realize I’ve never actually been here before. The building is huge with full-length windows and is many stories high—it’s impressive and imposing.
We drive into an underground parking garage, and Mike lets us out of the car. Aiden takes my hand and walks us to the stairs.
My nerves are ever-present today as those pesky butterflies make their appearance, not to mention working in the same building as Niall has me a little on the terrified side. As we walk up the front stairs leading to the building with my rapid thoughts firing, I lose my footing and trip. Aiden catches me as I fall up the stairs. He smiles, holding back a laugh as I straighten myself out.
“Thanks,” I smirk.
“Always the entertainer.”
He holds my hand as we step through the large automatic doors and enter into the main reception area. There’re two stunningly gorgeous women working away at the front reception desk.
“Good morning, Mr. O’Connell,” one of the girls at the desk calls out.
“Good morning, Josie.”
Josie? I wonder if that’s the same girl who was talking about me in the restroom at the retirement ball?
We ride the elevator to the second-to-the-top floor while the elevator plays soft, melodic music in the background. Aiden side-eyes me. “You okay?”
The sheer terror inside me rips through me like a hot knife. I have no idea what to expect or how this is even going to work. I’m so out of my comfort zone, but I’ll do this for Aiden because I love him. So, I decide honesty is the best policy. “No,”
I reply quietly.
“Don’t worry. It’s easy. Daniel left a list of notes to help you out.”
I’m glad for that. At least my nerves are slightly eased by that knowledge. It’s hard starting a new job with no training at all. “Should I call you, Mr. O’Connell?”
“I haven’t thought about that. I think if there are important clients around, then probably yes. Any other time, I think we can get away with gorgeous, handsome, babe—”
I raise my eyebrow. “Douchebag?” I interject, making him laugh.
“Mmm… that, too, I guess.”
As the elevator doors open, Aiden lets go of my hand, and we walk into the main foyer. The carpet is burgundy and embossed with the O’Connell Finance logo.
There are two main offices on the floor’s opposing sides. In the middle are two office desks. The office to the right has Aiden O’Connell written on the door label, and the one to the left has Matthew Jones.
“This is your desk. You can personalize it however you like. The phone needs to be answered with ‘O’Connell Finance, Mr. O’Connell’s office.’ To switch a call through to me, you press this button and let me know who it is before patching it through with this button. You basically organize me. I need to know what meetings I have for the day, and you have to make sure I get to those meetings on time.”
“I think I can do that,” I say matter-of-factly.
“Would you like to see my office?” He raises his eyebrows, and I laugh at him. I place my bag on the desk, then follow him in.
He opens the door to a large office furnished with dark mahogany furniture. The back wall is covered by a bookshelf filled with what looks like finance reference books. The full-length window looks out over the busy, bustling city of Mornington Vale. On the other side of the office are two, three-seat sofas facing each other, and in between, there’s a coffee table that matches the bookshelf and his desk. A burgundy rug sits under the coffee table embossed with the O’Connell Finance logo. It’s very sophisticated, but still has his flair—rugged and manly—just like him.
Shutting the door, Aiden takes my hand and leads me over to his huge desk. He sits as I pick up the picture frame he has located on his desk—it’s the one of us I gave him for Christmas.