by K E Osborn
I try not to show him how unsettled I really am, so I nod.
“Jeni, talk to me. I can tell you’re not.”
My eyebrows pull together as I turn to look at him, while trying to hide the fact that all I can picture right now is him in those damn handcuffs being dragged away. The memory of all that time without him. How alone I felt, and how scared I was that he wasn’t going to make it through jail and back to me.
His eyes meet mine with some sternness. “I know you’re scared, but nothing is going to happen. We’re both safe, and no one is going to hurt you.”
I scoff. “It’s not that I think someone is going to hurt me, Aiden. It’s the memory of you being taken from me. Of thinking of you in that place. I…” I pause because I wasn’t the one who was in jail. I don’t have any right to be upset. It should be Aiden, and I’m making this all about me as he pulls me into a tight embrace.
“I know it was terrible, what I put you through. I’m never going to leave you again, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I’m not going anywhere, Jeni.” He kisses me and takes my hand.
“You didn’t put me through anything, Aiden. God, please don’t think that. This isn’t your fault, not even a little bit. I’m just glad you’re here.”
He turns, and we continue up the stairs. Walking through the sliding doors, we enter the reception area where Josie and the other girl sit at the main reception desk. They all turn to watch us as we step to the elevators, and I notice Josie eyeing Aiden lovingly. I roll my eyes. I don’t know what her problem is. It seems as though she’s really into him, but, of course, Aiden’s oblivious to it.
“Glad you’re back, Mr. O’Connell. I never thought for one minute it was you,” Josie gushes, fluttering her eyelashes.
“Thanks, Josie, glad to be back,” he chimes, flashing his panty-dropping smile as we enter the elevator.
As the doors shut, he pulls me closer to him and turns to face me, gently kissing me. Too soon the elevator doors open, forcing us to quickly separate and walk into the main area. Before I can stop it, my breath catches, and I bite my bottom lip at the sight of the dead flowers on my desk. Without a word, Aiden wraps his arm around me, and we continue our way to his office.
Reaching his office door, my brows furrow in confusion when I notice his name plaque has been removed. “Why’s your name plaque gone?”
Aiden cocks his head. “I have no idea.” Opening his office door, he guides me into a completely empty space. Everything is gone. Looking up at him, I see he’s just as shocked and confused as I am. With a deep inhale, he puffs out his chest, then walks back out toward my desk.
“Everything’s gone from your station as well.” He picks up my phone and dials. “It’s me. What’s going on with my office?” His tone is curt, even a little angry. He listens to the voice on the other end of the line—I have no idea who he’s talking to. “We’ll come up now.” Slamming the phone down, frown lines crease across his forehead.
“Who was that?” I ask.
“Father. He wants to talk to both of us in his office.”
Oh God! I fake a smile. I can’t help but think something strange is going on. “Well, I guess we’d better go see him then.”
“What the hell is he up to?” Aiden asks, concern etched on his face.
With no words to reply, I simply shrug as we step over to the elevator where Aiden pushes the button with a little more force than necessary.
The soft music in the elevator turns to a somber, slow violin solo which doesn’t help our anxiety levels. Sensing my growing apprehension, Aiden holds my hand while we ride the elevator in silence.
The doors open to a floor I’ve never been on. It has the two main offices opposite each other with two PA desks that sit at the front, mirroring our level. But this floor is more sophisticated, actually, way more sophisticated. The wood is so polished I can see my reflection.
Sitting at the desk on the left is Brielle.
“Hey, Bree,” Aiden calls loudly.
She looks up from her desk, jumps out of her chair, and runs over. “Oh, big brother, it’s so good to see you and have you back. I’m glad you’re out of the big house.” She leans in, hugging him tightly while giggling at her own joke.
“This place is kind of like a jail, just a bit more upmarket,” Aiden jests.
Bree hits him on the arm as she lets him go, then she turns to me and lunges into another embrace. “Jeni, I’m glad you’re here, too. We’re going to have so much fun.”
My eyes shift to Aiden, confusion running through me as he shrugs, raising his eyebrows.
“You’re here. Good,” Niall grunts out as he walks from his office, looks at Bree, and yells, “Bree, act your damn age.”
She instantly lets me go and walks to her desk. She glances back at me behind her father’s back, then sticks her tongue out at him.
Niall starts to talk while I try to hide my amusement. “I guess you’re wondering why your office was cleaned out?”
Aiden peers at me and then to his father. “Ah, yeah, I’m a little curious,” he answers sarcastically.
“Don’t be a smartass, boy. You’ll find your things in there.” Niall points to the office opposite his. Aiden’s eyes widen as we both realize he’s been promoted to Vice President of O’Connell Finance.
“Congratulations, Aiden,” Brielle yells across the room.
Aiden stands with his mouth open as my chest fills with so much pride. “Father, I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything, boy. Just get to work. We have a lot to deal with including our Tokyo acquisition.” He wraps his arm around his son’s shoulder and walks him to his new office. I don’t follow deciding to give them time alone together. Maybe this will mend their broken relationship.
I casually walk over to Brielle’s desk, and her face alights as I approach.
“Oh, it’s going to be so good working with you. I’ll be able to help you out with anything you need. This is like your first day, I suppose, so anything you need at all, let me know,” she gushes chirpily.
I love her enthusiasm. “Of course, I’ll need heaps of help. I’ve no idea what I’m doing,” I reply honestly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll talk you through everything. We can have lunch together. This is going to be so great.”
I can’t help but laugh at her rambling as I head over to my new desk. The first thing that stands out is the big, comfortable looking office chair. Without hesitation, I sit and let out a sigh. I could definitely get used to this. Switching on my computer, I open the email program. I figure I can start sorting emails by importance, but I immediately frown.
“Bree?”
“Yeah?”
“How do I know whether emails are important or not?”
She laughs as she stands to make her way over. For the next couple of hours, she sits with me, helping me prioritize while we generally chat about work.
Niall eventually goes back to his office, not seeming to mind that Brielle’s helping me.
The elevator chimes, and a delivery man walks in with a bunch of flowers. I shake my head as Brielle looks up keenly.
“I have a delivery for Miss Taylor,” he announces as Brielle shrieks with excitement.
I stand and take the flowers, placing them on my desk. He shouldn’t have.
“Oh my God, they’re so pretty. I didn’t know my brother was such a romantic.”
“You have no idea. Though you should get used to it. He has this thing where I’m showered in flowers every Monday.”
“Oh, that’s gorgeous. He’s such a softy.” Her face lights up.
This week, they’re a beautiful bunch of tulips in all different colors. The arrangement is magnificent. Signing for the flowers, the delivery man leaves while I pull out the card tucked between the flowers and read.
My beautiful Jeni,
I love you more than words can express.
Thank you for sticking by me. I treasure you
more every day.
I intend to make this first day much better than the last.
Love you with all my heart.
Your Aiden, xoxo.
I hand the card to Brielle.
As she reads it, a huge smile crosses her face. “I wish Logan was this romantic.”
“Your brother sure is special. I’m sure Logan will be, too, once you guys settle into the rhythm of things.”
“I hope so. But I am glad you two found each other. You make Aiden incredibly happy, you know?”
“Thanks. He makes me super happy, too. I’d better go thank him.”
“If I hear any strange noises coming from in there, I’m going to know what’s going on.” She winks at me as she sits at her desk.
“No strange noises. Check.” I knock on his door.
“Come in.”
Stepping into his office, the room is spectacular, and the view is magnificent. So much so it takes my breath away. The furniture from his old office has been moved with the addition of a few more filing cabinets along the wall. I notice his beaming smile, and instantly know he’s in a good mood. Makes me wonder if he and his father have begun to patch things up.
“Thanks so much,” I tell him, shutting the door behind me.
“For what?”
“The flowers. You shouldn’t waste your money on me like that. I love them, but—”
“But nothing. I already told you that it’s non-negotiable. Every Monday. Plus, I love how you thank me for them.” A mischievous grin alights his face.
I cock my head. “Oh, I see… and how would that be?” I ask, knowing exactly what he means.
“Like this.” He stands, walking toward me, and when we meet, he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me to him. I giggle as he leans in, kissing me gently, then he lets go, pulling his lips from mine. “Like that,” he relays.
“Hmm… not sure I completely understand. Could you show me again?”
Aiden smirks, pulling me in close, so close our noses are touching, and suddenly he dips me down like they do in the movies and kisses me. I can’t help but squeal as he lowers me, but he muffles my squeal with his lips. The feeling is good, oh so good, as he pulls me back up into a tight embrace.
“Mmm… I think I should thank you more often,” I mumble as he lets go, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles.
“Sounds good to me.” He starts to walk off, but I grab his tie and pull him back to me for one last kiss, and he smiles against my lips. That spark of electricity flows between us as goosebumps invade my skin from the surge. I regretfully let go of him and straighten out his tie.
He exhales, shaking his head when he looks at me. “You’re amazing.”
“I know,” I cheekily reply as I walk to the door.
“Hey,” he barks.
“Okay, okay, you’re amazing, too.” I open the door as Brielle glances at Aiden and me and starts laughing when I shut his door behind me.
“I heard some squealing. I think that counts as strange noises, Jeni.”
I sit at my desk with a shrug and smile, effectively ignoring her comments as I get back to work.
There are meetings to be held in the boardroom this week, which is on the other side of the office. The boardroom is large, and the walls are made of see-through glass. I’ll be able to watch Aiden when he’s in there with clients working his magic. There’s a long rectangular table with many boardroom chairs surrounding it. A large electronic smartboard is situated at one end, and, at the other, is a bench that stretches from wall to wall.
There are no scheduled meetings in the boardroom today, so Brielle shows me how to set it up for the future. It seems easy enough, and I’m grateful that Bree’s here helping me through it.
At around five-ish, Aiden and Niall come out of their offices. Brielle is packed up, ready to go as I finish off the last of my work.
“You did well today, Aiden.”
“Thank you, Father.” Aiden smiles.
Niall walks straight past, completely ignoring me. Seems nothing has changed there. Rolling my eyes, I stand, and Aiden walks over, placing his arm around my waist. Together we join Brielle and walk to the elevator.
“Thanks again for all your help today,” I say quietly to Brielle while stepping into the elevator.
“Aiden,” Niall shouts, making Brielle and me jump.
“Yes, Father?”
“Make sure she works quicker tomorrow, will you? We’ve important meetings, and I can’t have her being slow and dim-witted.”
My head jolts back a little as I glance at Aiden to see his face turning red. I take his hand and shake my head at him infinitesimally. He frowns, furrowing his brows in confusion but keeps quiet. It’s hard to believe his father talks about me as though I’m not even in the same room. But I guess Niall is a nut I’m just going to have to try to find some way to crack.
Brielle’s fallen face shows nothing but sympathy for me as I shrug and takes my other hand in support.
The elevator chimes, interrupting the strained moment, followed by a quick exit by Niall, leaving the three of us to step into the lobby. Brielle then makes her leave to catch up to her father.
“Jeni, what the hell was that about?” Aiden asks, with agitation in his tone.
“If you say something to him, it will only make matters worse.”
Aiden runs his hand through his hair. “He’s so fucking frustrating. I really wonder why I even bother to work for him,” he grunts as I inwardly cringe. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I don’t want Aiden and his father to be each other’s throats again because of me.
“He is who he is. I’m not going to let him get me down or get in between the two of you. He’s your father. You shouldn’t let it bother you either,” I try to placate him.
“Always the peacekeeper, but I won’t have him talking to you like that.” Aiden exhales.
We walk down the stairs to the parking garage, and I say nothing more.
Mike opens the door, and, as usual, I clumsily climb in while Aiden slides in beside me effortlessly and takes my hand in his.
“Jeni, I have to speak with my father.”
I shake my head. “It’ll make matters worse. I can handle it. I think I can handle most things now considering what we’ve been through. After all, he is your father, and I need to harden up where he’s concerned. I’m hoping he’ll grow to like me… eventually.”
“I can’t stand the way he treats you. He has to get used to the idea that he’s not the number one person in my life anymore. The minute you change your mind or it gets too tough, I want you to let me know, and I’ll let him have it. I won’t have him treating you badly.”
“Deal!”
Once inside our apartment, I feel the overwhelming tiredness from a full day of work. I haven’t worked that hard since the end of last year, and my overall health has declined since then. We walk to our bedroom, and I throw myself on the bed, kicking off my shoes. “This working for a living is no fun.”
Aiden chuckles. “Tell me about it. It’s hard trying not to call you into my office to take advantage of you every five minutes.”
“Oh, really?”
He grins mischievously. “Uh-huh.” He raises his eyebrows up and down.
“Maybe we’ll have to stay back one night after everyone’s gone home, and you can take full advantage of me on your desk, on your sofa, on the floor, on the—”
“How about I take full advantage of you now?”
I raise my eyebrow at him. “Seriously?”
“No, I’m too tired.”
“Thank God.” My body slumps in relief.
He chuckles. “Thank God, you said, was it?”
“Yes.” I smirk.
“Oh really?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’ll have to do something about that, then,” he mocks with a large grin. Suddenly, he pounces on top of me, his weight holding me to the bed. “You’re in trouble, miss,” he whispers in my ear.
; I giggle as Aiden moves his hands down my sides, gently stroking my skin. My body tingles in response. He slowly kisses my ear moving his way down my neck and collarbone, and I exhale at his touch. His strong hands take hold of my hips.
Abruptly, he starts to tickle my sides, holding me down with his weight.
Laughing uncontrollably, my legs squirm underneath him in an attempt to get away. “Aiden!” I yell.
He chuckles with amusement. “I told you, you were in trouble.”
“Aiden, stop!” I say, laughing.
He stops, gently moving in to kiss me.
“Thank God,” I say again cheekily.
He tuts and shakes his head. “You never learn, do you?” A smile beams across his face as he tickles me again, this time, taking his weight off me and rolling me on top of him. He stops tickling and holds me tightly. My arms rest on either side of his head while he moves in for yet another kiss, then he sets me down on the bed next to him.
Eventually, we both get up and change into something more comfortable—me into a little flowing black negligee and him into running shorts.
“Hmm… I like you in that, but I’ll enjoy you out of it later,” he teases with his eyebrows raised.
“I like you in or out of anything.” I giggle as I walk into the living room.
Sitting on the sofa, he follows and takes the television remote and turns it on. Sitting next to him, propping my back up on some cushions, I place my legs on his lap. He immediately takes my feet and begins massaging them.
“Mmm, I could get used to this.”
The evening news starts, though I’m not watching. I’m enjoying my foot rub and feel myself beginning to relax when the news reporter catches my attention.
The financial corporation, O’Connell Finance, has finally caught the embezzler of the ten million dollars stolen from their company. Mr. Matthew Jones and his accomplice, Miss Rachelle Sanderson, were arrested today and are currently in custody awaiting a trial date.
Their lawyer is claiming Mr. Jones will plead insanity while the depth of Miss Sanderson’s role in the scheme has not yet been determined.