She shuddered. “If I ever start going to bed that early please get me help. You know, unless there is a man joining me.”
“I promise to keep you up all night, unless you are going to bed with a man not for sleeping,” I vowed raising my right hand.
“Ok nerd, when are you going to bed for non-sleeping reasons?” “I think I need to make a stop by Planned Parenthood when we get back to town,” I hinted. “Oh! My little girl is growing up,” Toni gasped dramatically placing her hand over her heart.
“Enough smart ass. Are you going to go with me or not?” I demanded. “What are friends for?” Toni answered casually.
“Thanks Toni, for making me come up here.” “I am great, aren’t I?” she asked rhetorically.
"Speaking of great. You and Jeremy seemed to get close," I said fishing for information. Toni smiled. "Yeah he's awesome. Too bad he's gay."
"I thought you and Miguel were on again?" I asked confused. "Nah, that only lasted a few days. Hell, he didn't even make it down to visit. Clark, Miguel's best friend, let it slip that he was hooking up with some chick," she answered reluctantly.
"Isn't Clark your friend too?" I asked confused. "Yeah he is. But I'm not a guy. The two of them were always closer. Clark and I drifted apart when I started dating Miguel."
"I'm sorry that happened. I wish you could leave Miguel in the past. He isn't good enough for you," I told her.
"Miguel is my weak spot. Anyway, Clark felt really bad for being the one to tell me what Miguel was up to this time. Not because he wanted to keep the secret, but he didn't like seeing me get hurt."
I reached over and patted her hands that she was mindlessly twisting on her lap. "He sounds like a good friend. Don't let him be lost in the fall out with Miguel." Toni turned to stare out the window. "I won't."
Two hours later we pulled up to our house off Capitol Ave, close to the hospital where Kate worked. “Oh my,” Toni said fanning herself. “Is that Cameron’s car?”
Cameron is Kate’s twin brother. He is stunningly beautiful, and a long time object of Toni’s lust. He is one of the sweetest, smartest, and funniest guys I have ever met.
“Why do the really hot ones have to be gay or dating you?” Toni whined. “Because you are still in love with you-know-who, and purposefully find guys you can never be with?” I answered with a question.
She waved her hand to dismiss what I said. "Well you-know-who is a douche and I'm ready to be done with him," she said trying to convince herself.
"So this Clark you never talk about is ugly then?" I pestered. "Lord no, that man is H-O-T hot. But it would be weird. So, yeah, not going there ever," she said emphatically. "Well there is always gawking at Cameron," I said to lighten her mood. "Thank god for that!" She exclaimed, and hurried out of the car.
We walked in and greeted Kate and Cameron. “Hey Cameron what did we do right to get a visit from your hot ass?” Toni flirted. Cameron laughed.
“Kate didn’t tell you?” We both shook our heads no. “I registered for classes,” he explained. “Really? That's great! Are you seeing someone?” Toni asked fishing. “No, I’m single,” he replied a little confused.
I knew where this was going. Jeremy and Toni had become close friends at the lake. Toni was up to a little match making.
“That’s good. I met this guy while I was at my parent’s cabin. He is unbelievably gorgeous, tall, muscular, black hair and light blue eyes. He is really charming and funny,” Toni taunted. “Are you trying to make me jealous sugar?” Cameron asked smirking.
They always flirted back and forth, even though they both knew the other wasn’t into it. Toni’s heart was stuck on Miguel, whether that would ever work out again or not.
“No see, I flirted, but he was never interested,” she said. “Now that can’t be possible. Any straight red-blooded male wouldn’t be able to resist you,” Cameron commented. Toni smiled wickedly. “Exactly. Wanna meet him?” “You naughty girl,” Cameron playfully admonished.
My phone rang, and I went into my room to answer it. “Jeremy is really upset. He misses you a lot,” Aiden said. “He is huh?” I started laughing hard. I may have even snorted.
“What is so funny?” Aiden asked confused. “Uhm,” I began, breathless from laughing, “Kate’s twin brother is here.” “So…” Aiden trailed off suspicious.
“Oh no, Aiden it isn’t like that. Toni is playing matchmaker. She wants you to come over for dinner, and…bring Jeremy.” “Ah, now I get it,” Aiden said chuckling.
“Should I tell him or spring it on him?” he asked. “It’ll be a nice surprise. Cameron is great, and if Jeremy’s tastes are the same as most women’s then he will be a happy guy,” I answered.
Aiden groaned. “Red, I try and be all enlightened and shit, but my acceptance has limits.” I sighed. “Just come over for dinner." “Are you going to cook for me Red?”
“Now that I know why you call me that it's kind of embarrassing,” I mumbled. “Are you blushing right now?” Aiden’s voice rumbled over the phone. “You know I am,” I admitted. “You’re killing me Red. Can I come over now?”
“Actually I have an errand to run before I start dinner, but I’ll call you when I get back and you can watch me cook,” I told him. “Where are you going? Wait, did you say you’re going to cook for me?” Aiden asked, getting distracted. “I’m going to make lasagna,” I answered his second question. “Oh Red,” Aiden moaned.
“Where are you going Becca?” Aiden asked regaining focus. “You know where I’m going Aiden.” “Do you want me to go with you?” he offered. “That is really sweet, but Toni is going to go with me. She knows what it’s like,” I declined. “Alright Red call me when you are ready and I’ll be there.”
18
Aiden
Before I could knock, Toni threw open the front door. She ushered us inside. “You two are up to something,” Jeremy muttered. I slapped him on the back. “Let’s go Casanova.” “Huh?” he grumbled.
“You’ll see Jer,” Toni evaded. “I think I hate you for this,” Jeremy said to anyone listening. “Oh no baby. You’re going to love me for this. Trust me,” Toni insinuated.
“Where is Becca?” I asked. “Gettin’ hot and sweaty in the kitchen. Why don’t you go see her while I go introduce Jeremy here to a friend of mine,” Toni answered, and pulled Jeremy in the other direction.
“You did not bring me into a set-up,” Jeremy argued. “Jeremy are you the only guy on the planet who isn’t interested in hot blondes?” Toni asked facetiously.
Becca came out dressed in tight jeans, a frilly top, and an apron. It was cute and sexy at the same time. “I don’t want to miss this,” she whispered to me. “Aiden, this is my roommate Kate Kennedy and her twin brother Cameron. Guys this is my boyfriend Aiden Ryan and his best friend Jeremy Anderson,” she introduced.
Toni sat on the arm of the couch, biting her lip in an attempt not to laugh at Jeremy's glazed over expression. Kate and Cameron were obviously related. They both had thick honey blonde hair and large brown eyes.
Kate was beautiful, in an understated and sophisticated way. If Jeremy found her brother as attractive as any straight male would his sister, then he was in heaven right now.
“I hear you’ve become good friends with our girl here,” Cameron said breaking the ice. Jeremy nodded, still dazed. “She’s a mischievous little hell cat, don’t you think?” Cameron asked, and winked at Toni.
“Definitely, too bad I can’t be attracted to her,” Jeremy pretended to be disappointed. “I know right? If only I was attracted to women, it would be you demon,” Cameron told Toni.
“Demon huh?” I asked Becca. “You’ve met her right?" Becca asked me. I smiled. She had a point. "Come in the kitchen with me. Let’s leave them to entertain themselves,” she ordered, and pulled me into the kitchen.
The kitchen was hot from the oven running. Becca opened a bottle of wine and left it on the counter to breathe. It smelled like oregano and marinara sauce. I leaned in to k
iss her when my phone began to ring. Becca looked away from the food she was examining. “Is that the Imperial March from Star Wars?” she asked.
“Yes, and it is so hot that you know that. It’s actually my mother’s ring tone,” I admitted. “I think I’m going to need you to tell me that story, but you better answer it,” she said gesturing to my phone.
I really didn’t want to talk to my mother. I didn’t have the kind of relationship with her that I did with my father. “Hi mom,” I sighed into my phone.
“Aiden why didn’t you tell me you and Vanessa broke up a week ago!” she demanded. And it began. “I didn’t realize you needed to be updated on my relationship,” I answered sarcastically. “Aiden, think of how this looks. You know people know about the scandal. How are you going to show your face in society?”
“Mom, I don’t give a shit what your snobby friends think. I couldn’t stand to be with her for one more minute so I ended it. Plus, I’ve met someone else. I’m happy for the first time in years. Can’t you just be happy for me?” I asked tired.
“You’ve met someone already? Aiden you can’t possibly be over Vanessa, you have been in love with her for years,” she argued.
“No mom. I love Becca. I was trapped with Vanessa for years. There’s a difference. I never felt for Vanessa a fraction of what I feel for Rebecca.” I grabbed her apron and pulled her to me. I needed to hold on to her. Talking to my mom made me afraid she would disappear and my happiness would leave with her.
“Don’t be ridiculous Aiden. I expect you to fix this right away. If you don’t I’m going to speak to your father about cutting you off financially,” she threatened. “Go ahead,” I challenged.
“I’m not kidding Aiden.” “Neither am I mother. You may learn a few things about me.” “Your father and I are stopping in Ellensburg tomorrow. We would like for you to join us for lunch at that restaurant your father likes. I think I would like to meet this girlfriend of yours,” she said in a derisive tone.
“I won’t bring her if you are going to be nasty,” I warned. “Give me some credit, I know how to behave in public,” she snapped. “We’ll see. She’s important to me mother. I’m only going to give you one chance with this.” I hung up and gave Becca an apologetic smile.
“I get to meet your parents tomorrow?” she asked anxiously. “I’m sorry in advance. You’ll like my dad. But regardless of what either of them think I love you, and nothing they say or do will change that. You believe me right?” I asked.
“I believe you, but I’m still nervous,” she said, looking away from me. I kissed her gently. “Don’t be nervous. I think you are perfect,” I reassured.
She smiled sadly at me. “I’m far from perfect Aiden. I know I’ve told you most of my secrets, but I’ve done things I’m not proud of.” “And none of it matters to me. You are perfect for me and that is all that matters,” I insisted.
Jeremy burst into the kitchen ending the tense and sappy moment. “I think I’m in love!” he gushed. Becca giggled. “How could you not be Jer? He’s as hot as you are,” she said flirtatiously.
I scowled at her. “I don’t think I like anything about that statement.” “Honey, you might not see it, but Jeremy here is smokin’ hot. I’m surprised the house isn’t burning down with the three of you in here,” Becca teased, and fanned herself dramatically.
“I’m included in this description then?” I grumbled. Jeremy and Becca nodded enthusiastically. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you agreeing with her Jer.”
“Aiden, just because you are like a brother to me doesn’t mean I don’t see what Becca sees,” Jeremy teased. “It’s the eyes,” Becca said dreamily. “Honey, it’s the entire package,” Jeremy agreed. “Mmm, true,” she sighed.
“Enough you two. Jeremy, go talk to your new friend. And Red, I would be more than happy to show you my package in private” I suggested.
“I plan to take you up on that offer. In one month,” she murmured. I leaned close to whisper in her ear, and I felt my voice drop low. “There are things we can do in the meantime,” I propositioned. Her blush told me she would think about it.
19
Rebecca
“Come home with me,” Aiden whispered seductively in my ear. “But, the birth control isn’t effective after the first dose,” she stammered.
“Becca, we don’t have to do anything you aren’t ready for. I want you near me. I need you in my arms tonight. Hell, I need you in my arms every night. I won’t push you, but remember there are other methods of birth control we can use if you change your mind.”
Was I going to change my mind? He watched me closely as I thought it through. His sinfully full lips curled up mischievously. His square jaw was shadowed with dark blonde stubble. His deep blue eyes sparkled with anticipation, and love. I felt loved when he brushed his fingers across my face, when I was folded in his arms, and when he kissed me. I trusted him, I loved him, I wanted him, but was I ready?
“Yeah I’ll come home with you. Let me go grab a few things and I’ll be right back,” I answered. I was scared. I had always run away or sabotaged my relationships before they got this far. But the idea of being without Aiden made me feel ill.
Aiden reached out and grabbed my fingers. “Grab what you want to wear tomorrow to lunch with my parents. I don’t want to have to be away from you tomorrow.” I smiled at him, and squeezed his hand. I didn't want to be away from him either.
In my room I grabbed clean underwear and a matching bra. I reached back into my closet and found a backpack and shoved them inside. Then I found a cute tank top and a pair of short shorts to sleep in.
A change of clothes went in next. I took out a knee length green dress with a conservative neckline. It was modest, but it showed off my hourglass figure, and I still felt pretty wearing it. I put a pair of nude colored heels in my bag. I added my toiletry bag inside with my minimum make-up and hygiene products.
Aiden took my bag, and slipped his other arm around my waist. I could see him eyeing the dress I held in my other hand. I batted my eyes playfully at him, and he swallowed hard.
“You like?” I asked. “How can a dress have so much material and still make me want to see it on you this bad?” he groaned. “Just wait, it is way better on than you can imagine,” I tormented. “I think this is going to be a very short lunch,” he muttered in his sexy growl.
Aiden and Jeremy’s house was different than I expected. It wasn’t the typical bachelor pad with pizza boxes stacked all over. It was clean, with dark leather furniture, and a few sports related decorations. Even those were different than I expected. There were no beer ads with sports figures, but there were black and white photos of athletes. They were artistic and abstract.
“Not what you expected?” Aiden interrupted my thoughts. “No, but I should have,” I admitted. His eyebrow rose up. “It's just so put together. You and Jeremy are both very confident. I should have expected your home would reflect that.”
“Where is Jeremy by the way?” I was wrapped up in Aiden all night, and I couldn’t remember anyone's plans for the rest of the night. “He and Cameron decided to go play some pool. They’ll probably end up back at Cameron’s hotel room.” Aiden shrugged. “So we are alone then,” I observed.
“Mmm, you have me all to yourself Red. What are you going to do with me?” I loved it when his voice went all low and growly. It made my stomach flip and my heart race. “I suppose first I should let you continue the tour,” I said and trailed my finger down his chest.
Down the hall Aiden stood in the doorway to his room, and I walked in past him. I sat down on his large bed, and kicked off my shoes. “I like seeing you in my bed,” Aiden said in a low timbre. He pushed away from the doorframe and stalked forward.
He sat next to me, and his restraint made me snap. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him down on me. “Kiss me,” I breathed out. He brushed his lips across mine softly, gently, and chastely. I flicked my tongue across his lower lip. His eyes opened and he
gazed deeply into my eyes. “Are you sure? You have to tell me what you want.”
“You Aiden. Only you.” His smile promised love and passion. “You have me. Even if I have to wait years to touch you I’m where I want to be.” “I don’t want to wait years, a month, or weeks. I don’t want to wait five more minutes. Make love to me Aiden,” I demanded.
Aiden kissed me again. This time his hands tangled in my hair, stroked my skin, and tugged at my clothes. Something clicked inside of me. I locked my legs around his waist and flipped us over. I straddled him and pulled my top over my head. “Beautiful,” he whispered. I tugged off his shirt next, and traced his muscles with my fingers.
He flipped us back over, and with little effort I found myself lying in only my underwear. I reached for the button on his pants, and he stopped me. “Not yet,” he groaned. I gave him a confused look, and he smiled nervously.
“I’m, uh, a little…excited. I need the barrier until I know you are ready, to slow myself down. I have to make sure you are ready, otherwise it will hurt more,” he explained a little embarrassed.
“I love you,” I sighed. His smile radiated happiness. “I love you too. I’m going to marry you when you graduate,” he told me. I kissed him. “When you ask I’m going to say yes.”
With a flick of his fingers he unhooked my bra. I tossed it on the floor and heard him suck in a breath. Aiden brushed his finger across my breast teasing my nipple.
“Red,” his lip curved up devilishly, “I was right your nickname fits.” I felt the blush burn across my exposed skin. “Just like strawberries,” he moaned, and tormented me with his mouth.
He stroked and teased my skin until I was writhing underneath him. “Now Aiden,” I begged. He left me for a second and removed the rest of his clothes. I let my eyes wander his naked body. He was beautiful, and he was mine.
I heard him open up a box, and take out a foil packet. “I uh bought these when you were running your errand today. I wasn’t expecting anything, but I wanted us to be ready.” “I’m glad you thought ahead. Now come here,” I directed and stretched my arm out.
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