“And you already know you want babies, as in plural?” I asked. He nodded his head. "Wanna practice?" I whispered. Aiden chuckled a low sexy rumble. “I think I’ve awoken a monster.” I rubbed my leg against his inner thigh, brushing across his groin. “Is that what you call it?”
Aiden groaned. “Red, please go to sleep. I can’t touch you again today. Aren’t you sore?” I shrugged. “A little I guess, but the feeling goes away when your voice gets low and gravelly. I’ll be good I promise. I just want to be close to you tonight. I need to be close to you. Just hold me Aiden.”
He smirked, “I need you too. I was so afraid my mother was going to run you off. When you panicked earlier I was afraid you were telling me goodbye. I need to hold you as much as you need to be held. Promise me something.”
“Anything,” I promised without hearing what he wanted first. I meant it though, I would give him anything, promise him anything, just to see him smile. “Promise me you won’t let anyone or anything come between us, and I will make that same promise to you.” “I promise,” I yawned. “Good, now sleep Red. I won’t let you go.”
22
Aiden
The ringing of my phone jolted me awake. I answered it and carefully got out of bed, because I didn’t want to wake Becca. I put the phone to my ear in the hallway and realized I didn’t check the caller ID.
“Aiden are you there?” my dad asked. “Yeah dad. Sorry, I was asleep.” “I’m sorry to call this early, but I wanted to talk to you while your mother was out shopping or whatever it is she does when we come to these fancy hotels,” my dad began.
“What did you want to tell me?” I asked nervously. “I wanted to check on you, make sure you were alright after yesterday,” he said. “I’m ok now. Becca had a hard time with what happened. I can’t believe mom called her a slut. What the fuck was that?” I seethed.
My father sighed. “I don’t know Aiden. Honestly. She and I talked about what happened after you left. She had no idea you haven’t touched your trust fund in years. She also had no idea I created provisions that prevented her from limiting your access to your accounts without the trustee’s approval. That approval is dependent on proof you have a medical condition that makes you unable to care for yourself. I have to tell you, I really enjoyed telling her that.”
“I’m sorry if I put you in an awkward position,” I apologized. “Aiden you should be able to bring your girlfriend to have lunch with your parents. If it works for the two of you I would like to come to Ellensburg this weekend and we can try again. I don’t think Rebecca had a chance to say anything before your mother went on the attack. Can I stay in your guest room?”
“Would you be uncomfortable if she were here when you stay over?” I asked. “Huh,” my father started chuckling, “I take it things are going well?” “I love her dad. I wasn’t just trying to piss mom off when I said I want to marry her. She is everything I want and thought I would never get a chance to have.”
“How long have you been together?” my father asked carefully. “Look it is going to sound bad when I say this, but we have known each other a little over two weeks, and we have been together for a little over a week. I know you probably think that this is moving too fast. Just hold your opinion until you meet her though please,” I urged.
“You’re being careful?” he asked. “Yes dad, very,” I answered. “She’s beautiful Aiden. Striking really. And you seem very happy. Right now I’m so glad you are away from that viper I could hug the girl myself. Just be sure before you make it permanent. You managed to escape one noose, don’t set yourself up in another one. Marrying the wrong woman can make your life a living hell, trust me.”
“Is it that bad with mom?” I asked concerned. “I shouldn’t talk to you about your mother,” he replied sadly. “Are you happy?” I pushed.
“No. I won’t lie to you. I’m not going to go into the details, but no I’m not happy. She would be pissed if she knew I told you this, but we have been talking about getting a divorce. Life is too damn short to be this miserable,” he admitted.
“Just be happy dad. I’ll support you. You never answered my question. Would you be uncomfortable staying here if she is here too?” “No son, I’ll be fine with it. You might want to check with that girl of yours though, because she strikes me as shy.”
I laughed. “Well it seems like you did get to know her a little. I’ll ask her, but she’ll probably insist on staying at her place. I managed to get her to stay the last two nights, but I doubt that will work every night. I just don’t want her to leave.”
I got off the phone with my dad and crawled back into bed with Becca. “Where were you?” she asked cuddling back into my arms. “My dad called, and I didn’t want to wake you up.”
“Is he upset?” she asked nervously. “No, well at my mother yes. He is disappointed he didn’t get a chance to get to know you. He would like to come back this weekend to take us out to dinner.”
“I would really like that.” Becca’s smile lit up her face. A pink flush spread over her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled. I was learning pink meant she was either flattered or embarrassed, or perhaps both. Red meant that she was turned on, my personal favorite.
“He will probably stay over that night,” I said testing the waters. “That’s fine, I should probably go back to my place today anyway,” Becca responded quickly. “No,” I blurted out.
“I mean yeah if you need to, but I really don’t want you to. I only told you about my dad staying over because I wanted to see if you were comfortable being here while he is. I already talked to him, and he was fine with it, but said you seemed shy and I shouldn’t spring it on you.”
“Won’t that be weird?” she asked concerned. “Not for me, but if it is for you I understand. I don’t want to sleep without you,” I explained. “I can’t sleep here every night. I have an apartment, and you have a roommate that might get irritated. I like Jeremy I don’t want him getting annoyed with me.”
“Why would I be annoyed with you?” Jeremy asked from the doorway. Becca squeaked and tried to pull the covers over her tiny tank top and shorts. Jeremy started laughing. “Aw sweetie covering up that sweet ass is just mean,” he teased.
“Dude, don’t check out my woman. Dammit, you’re gay, I shouldn’t have to worry about you too,” I grumbled. Jeremy shrugged. “I guess I’m not a hundred percent gay. I mean, I liked kissing her, and even I can tell she’s hot.”
“She’s also right here,” Becca reminded us. I was still stuck on the idea that my gay best friend just admitted that he was kind of attracted to my girlfriend. “What exactly are you saying?” I pressed. “I’m mostly gay, but I like to look,” he answered like it was no big deal. I shook my head.
Becca cleared her throat. “Jeremy I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your own house, so if I’m here too much just let me know ok?” “I like having you here. Not just because you’re cute,” he said flashing her his lady-killing grin. “Cute? She isn’t cute she’s sexy,” I pointed out.
“Like I said, I’m mostly gay. Seriously though, I don’t mind if you moved in. Aiden is much easier to be around when you are hear,” Jeremy told her. “Really?” I asked surprised. “Sure. We used to have another roommate until we discovered what a prick he was. This would be even better, because we would still have a guest room.”
Becca’s eyes were wide and bouncing back and forth from Jeremy and me. I studied her for a second. She didn't seem scared, but perplexed. “Be serious Aiden. We’ve been together for a week. I have roommates I can’t just abandon them,” she argued. “What if there was someone who could take over your portion of the lease?” Jeremy asked. “I don’t know,” Becca replied hesitantly.
“What if someone could take over your lease? Would you consider moving in with me? I didn’t think about it before, because I honestly didn’t think you’d go for it. But I don’t want you to leave. I don’t want to come here and sleep in this bed without you,” I asked, partially thinking al
oud. Jeremy interrupted, “That is my cue to go and let you two finish this discussion.”
“If I didn’t think about how insane it is to move in with you after only knowing you for two weeks, I guess I would go for it. I don’t like the idea of being away from you either. But two weeks Aiden. I’ll think about it. I think that we should at least wait a full month,” she reasoned.
“I want to know who he thinks is willing to take over your lease,” I pondered. “Jer,” I shouted. “What?” he called back. “Who did you find to take over Becca’s lease?” I asked when he returned to the doorway.
He smiled like he was up to something. “Cameron just moved here, and it's really hard to find roommates when you are gay. Kate said she would love to live with him, but she can’t leave either Becca or Toni. I’ve seen the way you two are, and I figured it was only a matter of time before you guys shacked up,” Jeremy explained.
I tugged on one of her red curls to get her attention. “I don’t want you to move in with me unless you are positive it is what you want. Don’t worry about anyone else.” “It’s really hard for me not to think about everyone else,” she admitted. “I know. That’s why I said it,” I replied. “The thing is,” she began, “I do want to live with you. It doesn’t feel too soon. I just never pictured myself living with a boyfriend.” “Would you think about it?” I asked. “For you anything,” she promised.
23
Rebecca
I punched my pillow. My blankets circled around my body, and I scissored my legs trying to get free. What I really wanted was to crawl into the warmth of Aiden’s arms, but I insisted on staying at my apartment tonight. Why would I do such a thing? Well, that’s easy. I’m a freakin’ idiot.
I promised Aiden I would think about moving in with him. I thought if I gave myself a chance to miss him a little, it would be easier to decide. It worked. I miss him, and now I’m not sure I can sleep without him. How pathetic does that make me?
Toni had a few things to say about it. "What the hell are you thinking? Kate said Cameron might be taking over your portion of the lease? You know I have no problems staring at his fine ass every day, but what the hell are you thinking?" "Jeez Toni. Tell me what you really think," I said sarcastically, and rolled my eyes at her.
Toni put her hand on her cocked out hip, and gave me a scathing look. "I like Aiden. I think he's good for you, but what's the harm in dating for a while? Just because it's good doesn't mean it has to happen all at once."
I took a deep breath, and nodded slightly. "I know logically it doesn't make sense, but I can't stay away from him." Toni's confrontational posture relaxed. "Your relationship intense and has moved hella fast. But if you're happy, I support you." I reached out and squeezed her hand. "You are the bestest best friend ever, you know that right?"
I tried to quiet my mind, but my Toni's words continued to play in my head. I rolled over to see the time on my alarm clock. The red light glowed midnight. I had been trying to sleep for about two hours. It was possible that Aiden was still awake. I picked up my phone and sent him a text, in case he was actually asleep.
Me: Are you sleeping?
Aiden: Are you next to me?
Me: You know I’m not.
Aiden: Then I’m not sleeping.
Me: I miss you.
Aiden: Then quit torturing us and get your ass over here.
Me: I know it's stupid, but I need to see at least one night through.
Aiden: If it is what you need. I love you.
Me: I love you too. I just needed to see what I’d be missing if I didn’t live with you.
Aiden: It sounds like you’ve decided to move in with me.
Me: Well, I’m sleep deprived.
Aiden: I could think of a few ways I could help you sleep.
Me: That is part of the reason I wanted to stay here tonight. You’re right I am sore. But tomorrow…
Aiden: You know I’m coming over the moment I wake up right?
Me: I hoped you would say that. Good night Aiden.
Aiden: Good night Red.
I eventually fell asleep as the sun was coming up. I heard a knock on the front door. Muffled voices came from the living room, but I ignored them. I tried to go back to sleep, then my bed dipped down next to me. I felt strong arms encircle me and pull me into a hard chest. I rolled over and opened my eyes.
Aiden's eyes were slightly blood shot, with dark circles underneath. I gasped. “You look awful!” He gave me a half smile. “Gee, thanks sweetie.” “For you Aiden. Awful for you. Of course you're gorgeous, but did you sleep at all?”
“I tried Red, but it didn’t work. How about you?” “Maybe a couple of hours, if that,” I answered. “Come here then, and let’s get some sleep,” Aiden said pulling me back into his arms.
A few hours later I woke and slipped out of bed. After a quick shower I went into the kitchen to cook a large late breakfast. “Good afternoon Sleeping Beauty,” Toni teased, and hopped on the counter. “I noticed that Prince Charming looked a little rough around the edges this morning. What's going on with you two anyway? Did you fight?” Toni pried.
I giggled. “Uh no. We didn’t fight. I told you Aiden wants me to move in with him. Neither of us were able to sleep last night, and he showed up this morning.” “Don’t you think this is really fast Becca? I know I've already said this to you, and I promised I would support you, but I really think you're moving too fast. You aren’t actually thinking about this are you?" Toni demanded.
“Toni, would you really be upset if I did decide to move in with him?” “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. You move in with a guy, eventually you want more, but what reason does he have if you are living with him?” she argued.
“I fully intend to marry her after she graduates,” Aiden announced as he walked into the kitchen. “If that's true then why didn’t you propose instead of asking her to move in with you?” Toni countered.
“Do you think a two year long engagement is too long?” Aiden asked her. “Really? The reason you haven't proposed to Becca, after dating for a week, is because you want to wait until she graduates before getting married?” Toni asked in disbelief. “I want her to have her degree before changing her name, having a husband, and maybe starting a family,” he answered casually.
“Is this a private conversation or can anyone join in?” I asked irritated. Aiden looked at me apologetically. Toni ignored my irritation and continued to interrogate Aiden. “If your intent is to propose, and she knows this aren’t you kind of engaged already?” “Red, what do you think?” Aiden asked, finally including me. “Uh, I don’t know. I’m getting a bit confused,” I replied.
"Duh, because this is totally whacked!" Toni shouted. "Hey," I began, but Toni waved her arm to stop me. "You said he wanted you to move in with him, but you failed to mention he was talking about marriage. There is no way you can be sure about the future after a little over a week of dating."
Aiden focused his navy eyes on me as he answered Toni. "If I weren't living it I wouldn't believe it either. I never in a million years would have believed I could feel so much so fast. I could have waited spent more time with her, but it would feel like a lie. I know now. I don't want to hide how I feel."
Toni's attention bounced between Aiden and me. She must have seen something because she nodded quickly and hopped off the counter. “I’m going to let you two talk.”
I waited until Toni was out of earshot before I said anything to Aiden. “It isn’t that I’m worried about us working out, or anything. But, I think you're right. We should enjoy college before getting married.” Aiden narrowed his eyes at me. “What are you saying?”
I pressed him against the counter, rubbing my hands up his arms and his chest. I kissed his neck, and felt him holding his breath. “I’m saying we should enjoy every step in our relationship and not speed through anything. I want to marry you too, in a couple of years. I bet being engaged to you will be fun, in a year. Until then, let’s have fun with this part.”<
br />
“What is this part? Are we dating?” he asked suspiciously. “Well, I’ve never done this before. What is more serious than dating, but not quite engaged?” I asked.
“Hmm, I guess our parents would have called it going steady,” he teased. “We are a bit old fashioned. Now we call it being together. I’m serious about you Aiden. I don’t think of us as just dating. That would mean we were taking our relationship date by date. I couldn’t even spend one night away from you,” I reasoned.
His deliciously devilish smile emerged. “Does that mean you will move in with me?” “Yes, I don’t see any other option,” I replied vaguely. “No other option for what?” he asked puzzled.
“It seems we are only able to sleep if we're together. If we ever want to sleep again we need to live together,” I said semi-seriously. “Yeah?” he asked excited. I nodded enthusiastically. He picked me up and spun me around.
24
Aiden
“Red, the place looks great. Quit stressing yourself out,” I told her, while she frantically straightened up. There were only minor changes made to the house since Becca moved in last week.
The only thing I was worried about living with Becca was that she would redecorate with lace, flowers and those creepy pictures of babies dressed as flowers or bugs. I should have known Becca wasn't the fussy type. Instead she added some red throw pillows, which were really comfortable.
Jeremy and I had hung some of my black and white photos on the walls. Naturally they were all abstract pictures of baseball. The sport has been a big part of our lives since we joined t-ball when we were five. She didn’t even take those down, but she did add some others.
I took some un-posed pictures of her in profile, and some of just part of her face. Jeremy took some pictures of my hands spread on her back, her hair spilling down my arm, and her small hands in my hair. Becca took some pictures of both Jeremy and I.
Self Destruct Page 10