Page 67 of Friend Zoned

Jeannie

“I can cook,” I tell him. “I know you must have work to do, so you can do that while I make us something to eat.”

His eyes lock with mine through the mirror. He bends to the side of my neck and sucks hard. I pull away and swat at his chest, but I already have a mark there from earlier.

“Let’s go out. We’ll have a late lunch, and then you can stay with me until you get new bedroom furniture.” He wraps his arms around me from behind.

The bed is not fixable. The base broke in half. It was cheap furniture that I bought as a placeholder. I had to spend money on new appliances and repairs after Quintin destroyed the place. I never could have imagined that I’d fall in love with a giant of a man.

“Okay,” I tell him. “I’ll need to bring some more stuff.” I stare at him through the mirror and wait for him to react. I have a bunch of clothes and personal items at his house already, and I hold my breath waiting for him to tell me not to bring any more. He doesn’t. He kisses my cheek. “We’ll go, but you don’t have to buy me a new bed.”

“I’m going to buy you a lot more than just a new bed. Come on, baby sloth, I’m starving. I’ll help you pack, but if you need movers, let Jimmy know.”

Why would I need movers to pack a few outfits, I wonder. He slaps my ass. We haven’t eaten yet today. Instead of getting up after we broke the bed, he pulled the mattress off the frame and made love to me again before falling asleep for a couple of hours.

I run around the room and find a black pair of jeans and a lavender top. After applying light makeup, I throw random things in a suitcase. Once I’m done, Aiden picks it up and we leave my apartment.

The February wind hits me in the face the instant we step outside. He takes my hand, and we sprint to his car. We decide on Mexican food, but first we go to his place to drop off my things. He holds me against him while we walk through the bitter winds to get to a local restaurant on Church Street, just a couple of blocks from Aiden’s brownstone. It’s early and the customers are pretty sparse.

While Aiden talks to the hostess, I hear someone call my name.

“Jeannie!” Vickie Chastain approaches with her husband and a young boy. They’re all smiles while we hug.

“This is our son, Evan,” Vickie says. The little boy gives me a one-handed wave. He’s dressed in soccer cleats and a jacket with his team’s logo. “Why don’t you two join us?” Vickie asks. She nudges her husband, who nods in agreement.

Aiden comes back and takes my hand as the hostess escorts the five of us to a secluded table toward the back of the restaurant. Once we’re seated, he intertwines our fingers and kisses the back of my hand.

“So, things are good between you two?” Colt Chastain asks. He looks at his wife and winks at her.

“Great,” Aiden says. “You two getting married is the best thing that could have happened to me.”

I blush. Vickie and Colt fist bump.

“Thanks, Coach. Our marriage has been good for us too,” Colt says.

“Meh. It’s okay,” Vickie taunts.

“Queen Vee, please. I’m the best thing that ever happened to you,” Colt responds to his wife. She pinches him, and he pretends to be hurt.

“So, you two are the second couple I’ve set up. I’m two for two. I should start a matchmaking business,” Vickie says. “How was your first Valentine’s Day together? I got to spend mine with my boys.” She kisses Evan’s cheek and then her husband’s.

Aiden clears his throat and grins at me.

“Well, we had a night of dinner and dancing planned,” I tell her

“Oh, sounds good. How was it?” Vickie asks. “I can’t wait until I can go dancing again.” She rubs her belly while she speaks.

“He comes to pick me up.” I jerk my thumb toward Aiden. “He goes to use the bathroom while I put on my coat, but ten minutes go by, and he doesn’t come back. I find him fast asleep on my bed.”

“I only meant to close my eyes for five minutes,” Aiden says in his defense.

“Coach,” Vickie says, shaking her head sadly. “How long did he really sleep for?” she asks me.

“Eleven hours,” I tell them.

Colt snickers and Vickie puts both hands to her face in shock.

“But,” I continue, “it was still the best Valentine’s Day I ever had.” I lean over and kiss his cheek while Vickie swoons. That’s not enough for Aiden, who cups my face and plants a kiss on my lips.

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