by Lilly Wilde
Aiden smirked and slid his tie in his pocket. “They’ll think I whisked you upstairs for a quickie.”
“Does that ever bother you?” I asked, pulling my dress over my head. “Having them know things like that?”
“I’m used to it. I don’t really give it a second thought.” He buttoned his shirt and then slipped on his shoes.
It was still odd for me to have someone tend to my every need, not to mention the lack of privacy. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to that.
Once we were somewhat presentable, we went to the nursery to collect Lyric. We thanked Dianna for watching him and she excused herself, saying good night and reminding me to grab Lyric’s favorite teething ring. Based on the way she surveyed our disheveled appearance, I was sure she knew what we’d been up to.
“Let’s not allow my parents too much alone-time with Lyric,” Aiden said, once Dianna left.
After bundling Lyric in his blanket, I looked up and saw Aiden standing in the doorway watching us. “Where did that come from?” I asked.
Aiden stepped toward us, and once the baby was all swaddled, he reached for him. “I’m sure you don’t oppose.”
“No. I don’t. I don’t like the way Connor looks at him. It gave me the creeps during Christmas, especially when I saw how Lyric took to him.”
“Yeah, I noticed that, too,” Aiden replied, grimacing as he continued. “And I really don’t want my mother using him to make up for how she failed with her own children.”
Had something else happened? “Is there anything you’d like to talk about?” I asked.
“Nope.”
The topic of his parents had always been a tender subject, even before I knew more about them. He loved them—I knew that, but the level of resentment he had for them became increasingly apparent, as evidenced by his departure from Raine Industries.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” I grabbed Lyric’s bag and followed Aiden out of the nursery.
* * *
Aiden had decided to leave Raine Industries, intending to only step in when his siblings Nicholas or Sloan, encountered issues that only he could circumvent. Other than that, he would be taking more of a hands-on approach with his many foundations and charities.
I was busy reacquainting myself with Raine Publishing House, preparing to assume the CEO role from the interim executive. I was disappointed that my return to RPH would not include Raina Willis as my executive assistant. She and I would still work closely, but it wouldn’t be the same as when she was there for me every day. I’d come to rely on her far more than I should have. Although I didn’t think anyone could fill Raina’s shoes, one of my many pre-return tasks included reviewing countless resumes, and so far, none seemed promising.
Lia and Bianca’s studies were going well at Ohio State. They were enjoying college life and their semi-independence. I was so proud of my sisters and I really missed them. I wished they were closer, especially since other than Lyric, they were the only family I had. I’d casually mentioned the possibility of their transferring to Boston State, but I didn’t want to coerce them, so I didn’t press the issue.
I still hadn’t heard from, or made any attempts to connect with, my former best friend, April. I didn’t think I’d ever talk to or see her again, and while the thought of our broken friendship was a source of sadness, it wasn’t enough to make me forgive her for violating my trust.
Communication between my ex-boyfriend Kellan and me had started to dwindle. He wasn’t really an ex in the traditional sense. He’d been a friend, a lifeline, and a much needed source of emotional support during my pregnancy. He’d been the man with whom I thought I’d raise my son. We’d only spoken twice in the last few weeks, and both times, it was awkward. Regardless, I kept my word and continued sending updates and videos of Lyric to him. Kellan was moving on with his life, and while I missed our friendship, I understood why things had to be this way.
Lyric was growing like a weed. He’d be five months old in a couple of days, and he was already teething. That meant a lot of sleepless nights for all three of us. Aiden and I typically rotated getting up with him. On more than one occasion, I’d awakened to find Aiden and Lyric asleep on the sofa in the rear of the nursery. I couldn’t resist the urge to capture some of those moments, so I’d snapped a few pictures and added them to my blog.
A few nights ago, Aiden must have been exhausted, because he’d barely moved when I slipped Lyric from his chest. I’d placed the baby in his crib and watched him sleep. I guessed he was enjoying a sweet dream. His mouth curled up into a wee smile that was so adorable I wanted to pick him up and shower his plump little cheeks with kisses, but I knew that could result in hours of unrest, and no way did I want more of that. I reluctantly stepped away, walked to the rear of the nursery, and watched the love of my life asleep on the sofa. Both he and his son slept with partially spread lips. I was sure they’d have tons more in common as Lyric grew into a little mini-Aiden. Watch out world.
I was enjoying my family life and I didn’t want anything to ruin it, but I could sense trouble brewing. Aiden was happy and engaged, I could easily see that, but I also noticed something was missing. The glint in his eyes that was ever present when he was working with Raine Industries had started to fade. As much as I hated to admit it, I think he and I were both wrong about the enjoyment he found working as the company’s chief executive.
I wanted to casually introduce the topic, throw it out there and see if there was a nibble, but I was actually afraid there would be. If he confirmed my suspicions, it would mean a very different life than the one I was contemplating with him. Should I ignore the elephant in the room and hope it eventually walked away? If I went that route, I knew it wasn’t fair to him, but after remembering the disconnect and loneliness we’d experienced when he was CEO, I chose to keep quiet—I didn’t want that life again. I wanted to be selfish and keep him all to myself. But he wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with if his passions remained unfulfilled.
He enjoyed his work with the foundations, but there was more to Aiden Raine than foundations, music, and family. They were all a part of him, and I was recognizing, regretfully so, that Raine Industries was a part of him, too.
I didn’t want to ignore what I knew was staring over our shoulders, but I wasn’t ready to let go of what we’d started…not just yet. Aiden just needed something else to distract him, to stimulate him. So, I set out on making a list of things we could do together. Some I knew were more for him than me, but I saw it as the lesser of two evils.
* * *
I was in the kitchen when Aiden came in from his morning run. He removed his cap and I noticed drops of perspiration glistening on his brow.
“Kiss me,” he said, stepping around the counter.
I held up my palm to him and moved back. “No. Get away.”
“So you only want me when I smell good?” he teased.
“Something like that.”
He chuckled and made another move toward me.
“Aiden, I’m serious. Don’t.”
“Is Lyric still asleep?” he asked, as he retreated.
“Oh God, yes. Please don’t say his name too loudly. I’m convinced he cries just to torment us.”
“The last few nights have been brutal,” Aiden said.
“I know. And you’ve been so amazing.”
“Hey, just doing my part.”
“I made your favorite after-workout smoothie,” I said, as I started toward the fridge.
“Thanks, babe.” He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it on the stool.
I watched the beads of sweat trickle down his chest as he grabbed the straw from the counter. He smirked when he caught me staring, and then he reached for the smoothie.
I looked on as he tried my concoction, and was relieved when he smiled. “This is good.” He took another pull. “Really good. You know, I think I’ll keep you.”
“That
’s nice to know, although I didn’t think your ‘keeping me’ was up for debate.”
“It won’t be once you finally reply to my letter,” he said, bringing up our unfinished exchange.
He assessed my reaction to his reminder that he was awaiting my answer, but I still didn’t have the response he wanted. “I added some extra ingredients,” I said, dodging his prompt. “I thought you’d like it.”
“I do. Thanks, princess.” He removed the straw and then gulped the remainder of the drink. “I’m going to grab a shower and then maybe, just maybe, you’ll grant me a kiss.”
“Maybe,” I teased and made a kissing noise, and then laughed at his tiny frustration with me.
I grabbed his cup and turned toward the sink, and he slapped my behind. “I like it tight like that,” he said, and then strolled out of the kitchen.
I was about to start on a grocery list for dinner when Lyric’s cries poured through the baby monitor, so I rushed upstairs to the nursery. Thankfully, I was able to settle him down, and he was back asleep in no time.
The doorbell rang as I stepped back into the kitchen. Dianna’s timing was perfect. I’d called her earlier and filled her in on my plans for the day, asking her to watch Lyric, and she couldn’t have been more excited.
After greeting Dianna, I went back upstairs to check on Aiden. As I entered the room, he stepped from the bathroom wearing only a towel, which momentarily distracted me from my surprise.
He glanced at the empty bouncy gym. “Where’s my little guy?” he asked. “I heard him crying a little while ago, so I figured he was awake.”
“He’s with Dianna. I asked her to watch him so I could do something with you.”
He reached for the top of his towel.
I shook my head. “Not that,” I said.
“Why not that?”
“Because we have plans. And by the way, your clothing for the day has been selected for you.”
He laughed at my echoing him. “Are you attempting to take the reins?”
“And if I am?”
“Let’s see what you’ve selected for me.” He headed toward the closet, and I excitedly trailed behind him.
“So where are they?” he asked.
“Check that top one,” I said pointing at the bureau.
He pulled the drawer open, and chuckled as he lifted the box and placed it on the counter.
“There’s another one in the drawer to the left,” I said. “Open that one first.”
He grabbed the second box. It was long and thin. Once he removed the lid, he looked up at me, his brows furrowed. He reached into the box and lifted a riding crop.
“So. You want me to use this on you?”
“Uh…no. Get your mind out of the gutter. Open the other box and it will all make sense.”
A few moments later, when he pulled the riding gear from the box, I saw that my intentions were clear.
“So you’re ready to do this now?” he asked.
“Not really, but I figure it’s time. And I’d rather do it now, when it’s my idea, as opposed to when you bulldoze me into it.”
“I’m shocked. You weren’t really up for this when I first asked.”
“I know.” I remembered the last time he’d suggested we go for a ride, and the weather allowed me to ease out of it. I never told him I’d fallen from a horse years ago, and that I’d vowed to stay away from them from that point on. But since I was trying to find ways to keep his mind focused on us, I was going to bite the bullet…at least in part.
After Aiden was dressed, he looked up at me. “Why aren’t you changing?”
“Er…my plan was to watch you ride this time, and then next time I’ll do it.”
“That’s not how it works. Come,” he said, extending his hand.
“I don’t think so.”
“Why not?” he asked.
“Because I’m not overly fond of falling.”
“You’re not going to fall.” He gently cupped my face and lifted my gaze to meet his. “I’ll never let you fall. You know that, don’t you?”
I knew he was referring to more than just horseback riding. “You’re not going to take no for an answer. Are you?”
He grinned and planted a quick kiss on the tip of my nose.
“What’s the smile for?” I asked.
“I like that it’s becoming easier to open your mind to new experiences,” he said.
“I’m sure you do.”
“Why do you say that?” he asked.
“Because you like controlling me.”
“You’ve said that a few times. Do you really believe that?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Perhaps I do, but only in certain situations. This is not about control, Aria. It’s about exploring and trying new things.”
I sighed.
“I’ll show you. You can ride with me first, and then you can try out Blue Diamond.”
“Blue what?”
“Blue Diamond. He’s one of my favorites. You’ll love him. He’s calm and gentle—excellent with novice riders. Let’s go.”
We left the house hand in hand, walking toward the rear of the Raine property. Luckily we had another one of those days when it wasn’t too cold out. He pointed to a tree house near the stables and I was surprised to learn it was his.
“You? In a tree house?” I smiled. The thought of him climbing the rope ladder to hang out with friends among the branches of the large oak tree didn’t mesh with the Aiden I knew, but I was glad some parts of his childhood were like that. It seemed normal, or at least as normal as could be for someone who’d grown up in the lap of luxury.
“Yes. What’s so odd about that? I was a boy once.”
“Really? I thought you skipped boyhood.”
He looked into the distance as his lips fell into frown. “In some ways, I did.”
“I’m sorry,” I quickly added. “I was just kidding.”
“I know, just as you know my childhood wasn’t one I look back on with the best of memories.”
I exhaled and thought about how it would feel to have it all, but still miss out on so much. His parents loved him. They loved all of their children. That was easy to see, but the way they displayed their love left a lot to be desired.
“Lyric will have great memories. Memories he can tell his kids about and his kids will tell their kids,” I said. A happy upbringing for Lyric was as important to Aiden as it was to me. Neither of us wanted our childhoods repeated.
“Can we go to the tree house? I would love to see inside,” I said. Although I’d referred to it as a tree house, the multi-leveled structure nestled amongst the three large oaks was no ordinary childhood hangout.
There were two points of entry—one that led to the area itself. It was a large stone walkway that stopped near the wooden bridge path that led to the three trees. At the foot of the path were two large tree stumps with lanterns atop each. On the largest tree was a rope ladder that led to the second entrance. The tree house had a bottom and top level, and the upper one even had a deck.
“I would if I could,” Aiden said.
“What do you mean? Is it unstable?” I asked.
“No, it’s fully intact,” he said.
“Then what’s the problem? Why can’t I go inside?”
“Because you don’t have a penis.”
“What the hell?”
“It’s for boys only.” He laughed and pulled me behind him. “If you look right here, you’ll see the sign.” He pointed to a wooden carving on the front of the right tree stump.
“But we both know you’re no longer a boy. And as you so eloquently stated, I don’t have a penis; therefore, I’m certainly not a boy so—”
“Rules are rules. Aren’t you the one who insists on following the rules?” he asked.
“And aren’t you the one who enticed me to break them all?” I replied.
“Nope. I’m a changed man.”
“Yeah right. So, according to your rules, you can no longer go into your own tree house. That makes no sense. Your silly rule can’t still apply.”
“Oh, but it does. And it’s not my rule. There were five of us, and when we voted on this particular rule, we added the stipulation that it could never be amended. So looks like you’re out of luck, sweetheart.”
“Surely there must be something that allows for an exception,” I said.
He cocked his head. “Now that you mention it, there was one thing that permitted us to overlook our pact.”
“I knew it. So what was this one thing?”
“You had to agree to make out with one of us.”
I rolled my eyes. “Was that the only way you geeks could get girls? Were there any takers? And what, exactly, did making out consist of?”
“There were several takers. They were lined up in fact. And the cost of entry was just a kiss…or maybe allowing one of us to grab her tits.”
“Oh, well, I can do that.” I started toward the walk way.
He grabbed my arm. “Wait. That was then. Making out now is much more than a kiss and a grope.”
“Oh, really?”
“Of course. The exceptions have to stay in line with the times…and times have changed, princess.”
“Exactly what will I have to agree to in order to take a peek inside?”
“The kiss and the grope are a standing protocol, but now it also includes a blowjob.”
“Oh, is that all?”
“One last thing. You also have to let me finger you until you come.”
“Since there’s pleasure on both sides, I fail to see an issue here. I’m all in, Mr. Raine.”
“Glad you agreed. And so easily. That will never cease to amaze me.”
I waved him off. “Whatever.”
“We can check out the tree house later. For now, I want to get you on a horse.”
We turned away from the tree house and entered the stables. As I went to the tack house to change, Aiden instructed the stable hands on the two stallions he wanted. Once dressed, I walked out to find Aiden feeding apples to one of their many horses. Aiden rubbed his mane and then turned toward the sound of my approaching steps.