Page 73 of Stained Hearts
He bit his lip. “Can I say something and you promise not to get mad?”
“I can’t make that promise until I know what it is.” I kissed his chest. “Is something wrong?”
He blew out a breath. “There’s a bus that goes right by the shop. I want to take it.”
“Why?” We had a perfectly good van. “I promise not to drive too crazy this time.”
Aiden chuckled and reached over to pinch my nipple. “I depend on you too much.”
I rolled over on my side. “What’s wrong with that?”
“When I was living with Livvy, she did a lot for me. You do a lot for me. I want… I guess I want to show I can get things done on my own. I want a little independence to prove to everyone, especially me, that I’m capable of rising up to the challenge.”
NowthatI could understand. “Are you sure? I don’t ever mind helping you.”
He turned over and smiled, then reached out and ran a hand over my cheek. “I know. That’s one of your best qualities. Yes, I’m sure. If it makes you feel better, you can come pick me up, because I expect to be there most of the day.”
“That works. We can swing by Beans and Barley for dinner, if you want.”
“Sounds good.” He yawned. “I’m tired.”
I looked over at the alarm clock. “That might be because it’s almost three. I have the alarm set for seven, so let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll fix breakfast while you shower so you can get an early start. How’s that sound?”
“Mm-hmm.” He snuggled up next to me, his arm draped over my chest. “Night.” Within moments his breathing evened out, becoming the rhythmic snores I found it hard to sleep without.
I lay there, running a hand over his back. Life was good again. I was happy with Aiden, and he was happy with me. He’d become a member of the family and was loved by everyone. Before we left, Mom had hugged us both and said she loved us. Then Dad wrapped Aiden in a big bear hug and said the same thing.
Why was it so easy for them when I couldn’t say it myself? I loved Aiden with my whole heart, but the simplest expression, three little words, were too much for me to get out, and I had no idea why.
While I wanted Aiden to hear it first, maybe I needed some expert advice, and I knew just who to talk to. Tomorrow after Aiden left for the shop, I’d go to see Mom and finally come clean about what I was feeling. Maybe she could help me figure out what was wrong with me.
And maybe I could finally tell Aiden how I felt.
Chapter Eighteen
AIDEN WASawake and showered before the alarm went off. I was surprised when I woke up to find him in the kitchen, already dressed and sipping coffee.
“Wow. When you get to a certain age, I guess it’s harder for you to get going in the morning.”
I scowled at him. “Age jokes? Really?”
He grabbed my arm and pulled me down into a kiss. “Good morning.”
I kissed him back, this time claiming his mouth. He tasted of coffee with about fifty pounds of sugar. I could see why he liked it so much.
“Tom….” His voice came out part whine and a little bit of pleading. “I have to go.”
I tilted his head and sucked up a hickey. When I straightened, his eyes were glazed and I could see the need in them. “So if I said I wanted to take you back to bed and rock your world, you’d be opposed?”
“Tommmmm….” He shook his head harshly. “Don’t do that to me. Now my dick is going to be hard all day.”
“Good, because mine will be too. I’ll probably have to sit here and stroke it while I think about you.” I cupped my crotch. “Your lips, wrapped around my shaft, milking it. Then I’ll lean over and take you in my mouth, and we’ll start sixty-nining, each doing our best to make the other come first. When I stick a finger in your ass, though? All over.”
He pressed a hand over his crotch. “You’re a… I don’t even have words strong enough for what a jerk you are.” He wheeled the chair back. “The bus will be here in ten minutes.”
“So no quickie? I’ll give you a blowjob if you want.”
“Rain check? Tonight you can suck me until I scream your name.”
