by Paige Hill
Sitting down at my desk in the shop office, I go over my business and personal finances, trying to sort out how I’m going to swing the hospital payments. It doesn’t look good, but if I take on a few more clients per day, extending the shop hours, and working six days a week, I should have her bill paid off in the next six months. It’s going to suck royally, but it’s worth it. She deserves everything I can give her, and more.
The picture pinned to the cork board above my desk draws my attention. I smile as the memory comes back to me. Alex decided we needed to do something spontaneous that day. He wouldn’t tell me where we were going until we got there. He refused to let me back out. I look back at the photo of the two of us, just moments before we were hurled from a plane.
Skydiving is not my idea of fun, but it was an experience I’ll treasure the rest of my life.
I haven’t seen or heard from Alex since the scene at the hospital. I’ve tried to call him a couple of times, but I figured we both needed time to cool off.
What am I going to do about you, Alex?
“Knock, knock,” Bennie voices as he appears in the doorway. “Sweets, your 3 o’clock is here.”
Looking back at the computer screen, I stare at the spreadsheet and sigh.
“Thanks,” I say closing the laptop.
As I exit the office, the middle-aged woman with bright red hair greets me, diving immediately into a story about the latest gossip in her book club. I love how easy it is for clients to share when they are in my chair. It gives me pride to know they trust me. The things I know about people, I say to myself with a smile.
Bennie joins the conversation and they continue discussing the latest book boyfriend and my thoughts trail off. I hate how often Aiden pops into my mind. He screwed me and just left. I don’t understand why that bothers me. It was just sex; that’s all I wanted. That’s all either of us have to give.
The kind of sex that ruins you forever.
I don’t have the time or patience for feelings to get involved.
My phone rings loudly, making me jump. I still have the shears in my hand, and I come incredibly close to fucking up Mrs. Davis’s hair.
I stare wide-eyed for a second, praying she didn’t notice. Seeing Teagan’s face light up the screen, I decide to answer.
“Will you excuse me for just a moment, Mrs. Davis?”
“Oh course, darling,” she says over the rim of her champagne glass.
“Hello?”
“Hey girly, you feel like having dinner with us tonight? You need to relax a little and I might die if I don’t get some Italian,” she laughs.
My feet are killing me and all I want to do is faceplant in my bed, but I have cancelled the last three times she’s asked, and quite frankly, I miss her.
“Is he coming too?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“He’s Declan’s best friend. Please try to play nice,” she pleads.
“Only if he does,” I mumble, wanting to do anything but play nice with Aiden.
I end the call and finish up with Mrs. Davis before heading back into the office.
Shifting in my seat, my body aches and I’m reminded of how delicious the ache was after my night with Aiden. The memory sends a jolt of need to my core and I curse my biological urges. I wish Aiden wasn’t such an asshole. I know we could have some great times together.
I’ve never felt anything quite like that. In so many ways I hate him, but he played my body like a finely tuned guitar. It was a colossal mistake, but I couldn’t help myself. I was wound up tight and needed to feel something real.
He took everything I threw at him and gave just as much. The memory of his rough fingers as they glided over my skin makes me squirm.
I force a reminder on myself of why I hate him. He had no right to talk to me like that. He doesn’t know Alex and this situation is none of his business.
AIDEN
“You better be nice when she gets here,” Teagan threatens as I take a sip of my ice water. I cock an eyebrow, refusing to comment.
“Briggs, I’m not kidding. She’s been working herself to the bone.” Her eyes start to water, and it makes me uncomfortable. Shit gets messy when women cry. “Her mom didn’t have medical or renter’s insurance to cover the attack. Her mom doesn’t know, but Celeste has been working overtime to pay off the debts.”
Suddenly she smacks a hand over her own mouth. “Shit, I didn’t tell you that. She made me promise not to tell.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I smile, and she kicks me playfully under the table.
“Goof.”
“Sunshine, do you really think you’re going to be able to keep Christmas presents a secret?” Declan chuckles, earning himself a death stare.
“Dude don’t poke the bear- Oww!” she kicks me hard in the shin, but it only makes me smile harder.
My phone vibrates, cutting through the laughter. Pulling it from the pocket of my jeans, her name lights up the screen. There isn’t a damn thing she could say that I want to hear. Silencing the call and turning my phone off, I can feel eyes on me.
“O’Connor, don’t,” I warn, shutting down whatever unpleasantry Declan has to say.
“Celeste, over here,” Teagan waves behind me.
Shaking off feelings of guilt and anger, I watch her maneuver around tables decorated with linen and glass bottles. I thought that over time seeing her would get easier, but it hasn’t. I’m thrust right back into the memory I’ve worked hard to forget. Her scent lingered on my skin afterward. I’d love to claim that I showered immediately, washing the indiscretion and distinct tropical smell down the drain, but I’d be a damn liar.
She takes the only open seat, right next to me. The scowl on her face is like a hostile warning beacon. Stay the hell away.
Too bad I don’t like being told what to do.
“Thumbelina,” I quip, nodding her direction.
“Aiden,” she says, her voice low.
The group falls into comfortable conversation and the rest of dinner goes pleasantly. The only caveat being that Celeste does everything in her power to avoid speaking to me. I don’t blame her, though. I’ve been an asshole every chance I get.
I can’t stop thinking about the exhaustion taking over her small frame. Dark circles mar the skin under her now bloodshot eyes, and her shoulders slump heavily. I haven’t seen her in a while, but this is not the beautiful, lively woman that tests me. I’m sure she’s in there, but what I see before me is nothing but a shell of the fierce woman I know she is.
The longer I think about it, the easier my decision becomes. I don’t know why I care, but I can’t stand to see her work herself half to death. Tomorrow morning, I have a call to make.
CELESTE
“What do you mean the remaining balance has been paid? Not that I want to bleed my account dry, but I know that isn’t correct. Her account shouldn’t be paid off for several months.”
This has to be a mistake. She has the wrong account pulled up. She has to.
“The account shows the balance was paid in full, three days ago,” the hospital’s Financial Counselor informs me.
“Are you sure you’re looking at the right account? Consuela Martinez,” I reply, reciting my mother’s date of birth.
“Yes, ma’am. I have verified the account. Your mother doesn’t owe any additional balance.”
“But, how? Who paid it off?”
My head is spinning. None of this makes any sense. I don’t even know anyone capable of paying off that kind of debt.
“It appears the name on the credit card used is Aiden Briggs. Does that sound familiar?”
Son of a bitch.
“Uh, yeah,” I pause unable to wrap my head around the nugget of information she has just given me. “Thank you.”
I end the call, but I can do nothing but stare at my living room wall. How did he know about the debt?
Damn it, Teagan.
But more importantly, why on earth would he pay it?
As much as it pains me, I know I need to call him. I can’t let him take responsibility for this, but I will pay him back.
My finger hovers over his name on the screen. I have no idea what I’m going to say. He’s always such an asshole, maybe this is his way of extending an olive branch. We see each other far too often for this kind of animosity between us.
I can play nice.
Exhaling a nervous breath, I put the phone to my ear. Why does this make me nervous? It’s just Aiden.
But that was a shit ton of money, I remind myself as I hold my breath and tap the screen.
“Briggs,” he picks up on the third ring.
“Hey Aiden, it’s Celeste.”
“Yeah, I gathered that from the caller ID. Phones are so savvy these days,” he smarts off and I can hear his smirk through the phone.
I’m an idiot.
“Ha, ha,” I roll my eyes. “Look, um, I wanted to thank you. You didn’t have to do that.” There is no point in explaining. He knows exactly what I mean.
“I have the means, Celeste. It needed to be done.”
“It isn’t your responsibility but thank you anyway. I will pay you back, I promise.”
“Did you not hear me? Money isn’t an issue, and you aren’t paying back a dime.”
“Like hell I’m not,” I snap, immediately changing my tone. “Look, I didn’t call to argue with you. Is there any way we can meet for coffee or something to discuss this?”
“There is nothing to discuss. Consider it a gift from a friend, okay?”
“We’re friends?” Up until this point, it sure didn’t feel that way.
“You aren’t going to let this go, are you? Meet me at the Corner Café tomorrow around nine.”
“You need a warm up, sweetie?” the waitress asks Aiden, completely ignoring me. Usually that kind of thing would irritate me, but it’s kind of hilarious to watch her advances.
“No, thank you,” he replies looking annoyed as she leans in close, making sure he sees her tits. Placing a hand over his mug, he looks at me, mocking her tone. “What about you, sweetie?” His question causes her to plaster a fake smile on her overly painted lips and she continues to ignore me. I can’t believe how blatantly rude she’s being.
Deciding it would be too much fun to let a moment like this pass, I go for broke.
“I do believe you warmed me up just fine last night,” I throw a wink his way to accentuate my point. Her jaw goes slack for a moment, then kind of bobs like she can’t get the words out. The action makes her look like a Goldfish.
“That was an awfully rude comment to make in front of a stranger,” she scoffs.
This bitch cannot be serious.
“Sugar Tits, I do believe you have other customers. Maybe you should go bother one of them.”
“Ugh!” She turns on her heel, stomping off, her blonde curls bouncing as she goes.
“I can’t believe you just did that,” Aiden snorts as she huffs away. “Actually, I’m not surprised at all. That is exactly something you would do.”
“You don’t know me.”
“According to what you just professed, I know you well.” He smirks.
I glare at him, not sure where he’s going with this.
“Easy, Killer. I’m just trying to keep the mood light. I know you have a lot going on and you’re so tense it makes my muscles sore.”
“Ugh,” I exhale heavily. “I’m sorry. The bitchiness just bleeds out of me these days.”
“No harm done,” he shakes his head slightly as he swirls the remnants of his coffee around the chipped ceramic mug.
“So, are we friends now?” I ask, picking up a napkin and waving it like a white flag.
“For now,” he smirks. “But it’s only a matter of time before I piss you off again.”
The lightheartedness of his expression dims slightly as he continues.
“Look, I know your pride is taking a hit here, but this wasn’t completely about you. Teagan is worried about you and her stressing is making Declan too pissy to be around. She doesn’t want you to know, but she’s been going over her personal and business finances trying to see where she can pull the money from.”
Now I’m the one who looks like a Goldfish. How could I have been so selfish that I didn’t notice? Guilt forms a ball in my throat that threatens to choke me. On the flip side, this proves just how big Teagan’s heart really is. I’ve never met a more selfless person.
“Don’t do that.”
I glance up taking in his stern expression.
“Do what?”
“That.” He points at my forehead. “Get out of your head. You have no reason to feel guilty. She loves you like family. End of story.”
Sighing heavily, I rub my forehead. That’s one less thing to worry about, I guess.
“How is your mom doing?”
“She’s doing better. I guess my hovering is driving her crazy, so I need to back off. But she’s going to be a grandma, so she’s pretty excited right now.”
Aiden’s mug drops to the dated table top with a clatter. It’s so loud I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter. I drag my eyes to meet his whiskey colored ones. His body is rigid, and his breathing picks up. There is a look in his eyes that I can’t decipher.
“What’s wrong with you?” I ask, confused.
“You’re… Are you pregnant?” he asks, his voice strained.
What?
He thinks I’m pregnant?
“Calm the hell down. No, I am not pregnant. My brother’s girlfriend is having his baby.” I roll my eyes.
He takes a moment to compose himself and steers the conversation. “So you’re going to be an aunt? I always thought it would be fun to have nieces or nephews.” My expression gives away my question as he continues, “I’m an only child.”
“Yeah well, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Pretty soon there is going to be a tiny, drooling version of my brother terrorizing Miami.”
My face must perfectly project my eternal thoughts because he cocks his head to the side. “You’re afraid of babies, aren’t you?”
“What? No. Of course not.” I lie. “Why would you think that?”
“You have the shittiest Poker face I have ever seen.”
I glare, and he winks at me. Swoon.
“I’m not afraid of babies… I just don’t see how something can be that delicate and vicious at the same time. One minute they are smiling like you’re the moon and the next they’re flinging Cheerios and biting you.”
Aiden chokes on his coffee, spraying me lightly.
“What’s with the sprinkler?” I ask, chuckling, as I dab my face with a napkin. He’s laughing so hard he can’t stop coughing. “You’re just gonna have to die because I’m not giving you mouth-to-mouth.”
He finally catches his breath and gives me a crooked smile, framing his straight white teeth. My insides turn to mush because that shit is dangerous.
Aiden’s phone begins to vibrate against the aged laminate counter top, rattling the salt and pepper shakers, involuntarily drawing my attention to the screen on his phone.
Gwen Calling… flashes across the screen before his hand shoots out to silence it and a pang of jealousy hits me.
Whoa, Lassie. Not your puppy, not your puddle, I remind myself.
“Sorry about that, I should have turned it off when I got here,” he says, expressionless.
“It’s okay. You can take it if you need to.”
“It can wait.” The inflection in his voice is hard to place.
Interrupting my next thought, his phone lights up, once again flashing the woman’s name.
This is probably one of the women I’ve heard about. Well, this is awkward. I don’t want him to think I expect him to ignore her. Besides, girls gotta stick together and let’s face it… I know good dick when I see it. And it’s sitting across the booth.
Gathering my things, I shake it off, allowing him to answer his call.
“I better g
et going anyway. Thanks for everything, Aiden.” I offer a small smile and exit the booth to the sounds of his still vibrating phone. I can faintly hear him call out to me, but I ignore it.
Chapter Thirteen
Celeste
“You got some nerve!” I shout, answering Alex’s call. I tried to ignore it, but after the third consecutive call, I started to feel uneasy. I’m still pissed as hell and equally hurt by this new person he’s become.
“I need you,” he whispers, sounding short of breath like he’s been running. The rush of his words put me instantly on edge. This doesn’t feel right. I can hear the fear in his voice with every breath he takes.
“What’s wrong?” I drop onto my couch before the rush of adrenaline weakens my legs.
“I fucked up, Celeste.” I can feel the fear bleeding from his words.
A chill runs down the length of my spine, the kind you feel in the marrow.
“What did you do?” I grit through my teeth as hot tears prick my eyes.
“He ordered me to do something, and I thought I could. I thought it would be easy,” The more he talks the more frantic his words become. “But I couldn’t do it!” He practically screams, barely pausing to breathe.
Taking a deep breath to calm the raging main inside my chest, I force a stern tone.
“Alex, I need you to slow down, and tell me what the hell is going on.”
“Armando thinks Javier is a snitch. He ordered me to kill him, but I couldn’t do it.”
“Are you kidding me right now? You’re calling me upset because you couldn’t kill someone?” I shriek, my words firing at him like rounds from a pistol.
“Damn it, Celeste! Would you just listen to me for five Goddamn seconds? Armando knows I didn’t do it and now I’m a goddamn liability! He doesn’t trust me, and I guarantee he gave the same orders he gave me, to someone else.”