It’s tomorrow and it’s not any better than yesterday. People are going out of their way to avoid me. I feel like I should stand up and scream, “Aiden is not cheating on me.” I push back in my chair, staring up to the ceiling.
Happy birthday to me.
I rub my temples as a headache threatens to surface. At least I had a great morning. Syd came over with my favorite breakfast food—donuts—and sang Happy Birthday to me.
A smile spreads across my face remembering how excited Lexi was. She woke me up, jumping up and down on my bed. Her homemade card brought tears to my eyes. It was a picture of her standing with Aiden and me. We were all holding hands.
Syd took Lexi for the day to do girly stuff. I really wanted to play hooky with them, but with Harper taking vacation, I really need to be here. So now I’m stuck in rumor hell. I tap my spacebar to wake my computer. Two thirty-five. I blow out a breath, not much longer.
At four, I decide I’m done. I’ve finished everything so I tell CJ that I’m going to leave a little early. She’s more than happy to let me leave. She’s probably sick of the rumor mill, too. If I’m not here, at least the whispering might stop.
The only thing I’ve heard from Aiden today was in a text. It said to be ready at six-thirty and where we’re going is dressy, but not too dressy. Details, Aiden. I need more details. When he doesn’t answer my text, I guess I’m on my own.
I feel a little retail therapy will help my mood. I take a taxi to a small boutique that I love in SoHo. An hour later I have a dress in hand and some new Jimmy Choo, strappy, nude heels. My day is already getting better.
Syd texts me that she and Damon are taking Lexi to a movie and dinner so they’ll see us tomorrow. Huh. She and Damon? I chuckle to myself. That girl is going to give Aiden a heart attack. I get home and crank up the music, pour myself a huge glass of wine, and get ready for my date.
The knock on my door right at six-thirty makes my heart flutter. I’ve yearned to see Aiden and ache for his touch. It’s been too long. Yet it’s only been two days. Aiden is my addiction. And it’s time for a fix.
I open the door and my breath hitches seeing the gorgeous man standing in front of me. My heart beats faster. He has his hands in his black slacks. He’s wearing a white shirt and a gray freaking tie. I bite my lip as I appraise his body. When my eyes flash up to his, his nostrils flare. His gaze is burning with lust and desire. A shiver runs up my spine as he takes a step forward. A low, rumbling, deep throat growl erupts from his lips.
“Fuck me, Addison.” Yes, please. “You look stunning,” he says as he takes his hands out of his pockets. He grabs one hand, putting it over my head, and spins me around slowly. His other hand brushes my midsection as he turns me. I hear him exhale sharply when he gets to my backside.
My go-to dress is usually black. They’re simple, always in style, and you can never go wrong. But the sales girls swore this dress would look good on me. The halter dress contours my body, hitting me at the knees. It’s navy rosebud lace over a nude lining that isn’t as long as the lace. The back is exposed and gorgeous. I’m so happy she pulled me out of my comfort zone because the look on Aiden’s face right now is intoxicating.
“You like?” I flash a knowing smile.
“No,” he says, pulling me into him. “I fucking love.”
He presses his lips softly on mine. I can feel his hard body holding back. His restraint is evident as he growls again, taking a step back. His jaw clenches as he exhales sharply again. “We need to go. Now,” he demands.
“I love your tie,” I say seductively, running my hand down it. Memories of how the silk felt around my wrists excites me. It’s been eight months now and every gut-wrenching memory has now been replaced with Aiden’s loving touch. Unfortunately, those memories will never die, but they are buried. It’s one period in a book full of beautiful words.
“Sweetheart, you and that new tie fetish of yours is going to have to wait,” he rasps.
The restaurant is amazing. The Japanese brasserie’s dark red ambience and lit lanterns all around create the perfect romantic setting. We’re in a private semicircle booth, which allows us to sit really close. Aiden hasn’t stopped touching me since we sat down.
“That dress is my new favorite,” he says, leaning into me. “But right now, I hate it.” He squeezes my lace-covered thigh. Having a body-hugging dress down to one’s knees doesn’t make for easy access.
“Don’t you know good things come to those who wait?” I whisper in his ear as I slide my hand up his tie.
He nods his head. “Oh, I know, baby. I know.”
He glides his hand over my jaw then tugs me over to him. His lips are soft as he kisses me sweetly. When he pulls back, I let out a small whine.
“Seems like I’m not the only one who has to work on their waiting skills.” He chuckles.
I’m grateful for the interruption from the waiter. “Welcome. Are we celebrating anything?” he asks, looking down at us.
“Just celebrating how beautiful my girlfriend is,” Aiden says, winking at me.
I purse my lips. I guess I should tell him today is my birthday. Ugh. Addison why did you wait? I know why. I didn’t want him to feel obligated to get me anything or make a big deal of it. I’m not a big birthday person. I shake my head and blow out a breath.
Aiden orders our drinks and an appetizer. After the waiter leaves, he looks at me. “What’s going on in that head of yours? I can always tell when you’re having a conversation with yourself.”
“So, don’t be mad,” I say quickly. He stays quiet. “Today is my birthday.” His eyes go wide in surprise and then he drops his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything.”
When he looks up he says, “Well, now I feel like the worst boyfriend ever.” He picks up his water and takes a drink. I watch his Adam’s apple move as the liquid goes down.
“No, you’re not. You’re perfect,” I say, scooting closer to him. “If anyone is failing in that department, it’s me.” I sigh.
“I should have known. You told me a few months ago. I should have remembered. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I swear. I won’t hold it against you. I’ve just never been the person who has loved celebrating her birthday,” I say, shrugging. “Well, I used to when my mom was still here, but that was a long time ago. Syd has tried repeatedly to surprise me. She’s just too easy to read.” We both laugh.
“I promise to make it up to you tonight,” he says, placing a soft kiss on my lips again.
The food is divine here. I savor every bite, each better than the last. I’ve always wanted to eat here, but the wait list for a reservation is six months out. I wonder how many favors Aiden had to call in to get one. Little does he know this is the best birthday present he could have given me.
While he pays, I go to the restroom. As I walk up to the table, he’s texting someone. I scoot in around the bench and he puts his phone away.
“I was texting Damon to ask how Lexi is doing,” he says quickly. While it warms my heart that he’s thinking about Lexi, he almost sounds guilty of something.
“Okay,” I say slowly.
“I just don’t want you to think I’m working on our date,” he says. “It’s just you and me tonight.” He wraps his arm around me and pulls me into him. The kiss this time isn’t soft or sweet. It hard, deep, and possessive. I hope it’s a precursor to the rest of the night.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks, leaning his forehead against mine. My voice is hidden under my heavy breaths, so I just nod. I’m not wearing a bra so the brush of the fabric against my pebbled nipples has me clenching my thighs. I am definitely ready.
We took a cab down here, so I’m surprised when we start walking. “What are we doing?”
“Just taking a walk,” he says, smiling down at me. “I want to see you in that dress for a little longer before I rip it off.”
“You know I can wear it for you whenever you want, right? I am not opposed to going straight home.”
He belts out a sexy, deep, throaty laugh. I know I sound desperate. I am. I need to feel him, all of him. I’m about to pull the birthday card. We should be doing what I want.
“Patience, sweetheart.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine,” I huff. Even though it does feel nice walking hand in hand with Aiden, I won’t admit it right now. I see the karaoke club coming up, and I laugh out. Aiden follows my line of vision and smiles. “That night seems like forever ago. You were so hot up there singing to me.”
“You were so drunk,” he chuckles.
I wave my hand around. “I don’t remember that part.”
“You want to go in and have a drink? Maybe I’ll sing something to you again,” he says wiggling his eyebrows.
“If you promise to sing something, I’ll go.”
“I promise.”
I’m trying to think about what I want him to sing me. He opens the door for me to walk in and I turn back toward him. “How about you si—”
“SURPRISE!”
I jump at the sound, tripping myself when I turn around. Aiden grabs me and sets me upright. I feel my cheeks burn as I look around and everyone is staring at me. It takes me a couple seconds to fully grasp what is happening.
I cover my mouth as I notice who is here. I look around and see the large banner that reads HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADDISON!
Oh, my God!
I spin around to Aiden, and he’s flashing his megawatt smile. “You!” I yell, pointing at him.
He picks me up, laughing. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He kisses me and the crowd goes wild. I shake my head as he puts me down. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe they pulled this off without me knowing.
Sydney runs and jumps in my arms. “We did it! We surprised you!” she screams, jumping up and down.
“Either you’re getting better at hiding stuff or I’m losing my touch,” I say.
“You about killed me last night when you were saying you felt things were off,” she says, pushing my shoulder.
That’s it! This must be why I felt something was going on.
“So, there was never a rumor?” I ask, thinking maybe it was a diversion.
“No, the asshole did start that rumor,” Syd says flatly, rolling her eyes.
Aiden leans his chin on my shoulder. “What rumor?” I look at Syd. Oh, shit. I guess it hadn’t made its way to Aiden.
“Um … nothing,” I say.
Aiden whips me around. “What rumor, Addison?”
“It went around the office that you and Harper were …” I don’t even finish. I can’t say it out loud.
His eyes widen and he tilts his head a little. “What! Who spread around that rumor?”
I scrunch my nose. “I never believed it,” I say.
“Who do I need to kill?”
“When you put it that way, I’m not going to tell you. He’s not worth your time,” I say crossing my arms.
“You’re not going to go enjoy your party until you tell me.” His hands on my hips increase their grip.
I tell him the story that Bryn told me. When he thinks back to that day of the elevator incident, he remembers why Ned might think something was going on. He tells me he pushed Harper out of the elevator, and she was giggling and blushing because she had been talking about Max. He understands why there was a misunderstanding, but he’s still pissed.
“Baby, I would never.”
“I know. Well, I was almost certain.” His eyebrows shoot up. I shrug. “People were acting weird. And then you and Harper disappeared suddenly. I’m sorry I had any doubts. I knew you weren’t, but there was a tiny doubt,” I say, sighing. “I was going to talk to you about it this weekend.”
He pulls me outside and waits for the door to close to drown out the noise from the party. “Addison, I hate thinking that something I did caused you to doubt us.” He stares at me while holding both my hands.
“Aiden, this is silly. I really didn’t believe it. I love you and you’ve proven to me over and over how much you love me. We’re forever.” I stand on my toes and kiss him. Our bodies start to sway to the music in the club.
“I love you,” he mumbles on my lips.
“Enough hogging the birthday girl,” Uncle Ted says. I do a double take when I hear his voice.
“Ted!” I scream and jump into his arms.
“Happy birthday, Addison,” he says warmly, wrapping me in a hug. He looks at Aiden. “You did good, son.” Then he shakes his hand.
I look back at Aiden and say, “He did, didn’t he?”
Back inside, I’m stunned how many people came for my birthday. Lexi runs to me as soon as she sees me.
“You look so pretty, Addie,” she tells me, giving me a big hug.
I look at her new dress and twirl her around. “You do, too, sweet girl. Looks like you and Syd went shopping.” She smiles super wide and nods her head.
She pulls me around to different people she knows, and I introduce her to the people she doesn’t.
I look around at how many people are here and there has to be at least a hundred. Tony waves at me from the stage while he and Harper sing. I can’t help but laugh as they dance around on stage and sing with their pitchy voices.
Syd takes Lexi, so Aiden and I walk around talking to everyone. Ted comes up behind me and whispers in my ear, “Why is the quarterback from the Giants here?”
I find Ryker with a group of people around him. Mainly women. I wrap my arm through Ted’s. He’s a huge fan of Ryker’s, not so much the Giants. I know the feeling.
“Come on. He’s one of Aiden’s best friends,” I say, leading him over.
“There’s the gorgeous birthday girl,” Ryker says and pulls me into a tight embrace. “Let’s see how long it takes for—”
I’m being pulled back and arms are wrapping around my waist as a growl comes out of Aiden’s mouth. Ryker barks out a laugh. “I guess not long,” he says, grabbing Aiden’s shoulder and patting him on the back.
“Ryker, I want you to meet my uncle Ted. But he’s more like my dad,” I say, looking warmly at Ted. They shake hands.
I don’t even notice the man to Ryker’s side until he says, “Aiden, it’s great to see you. I’m assuming by the possessive embrace, this is Addison.”
It’s Aiden’s turn to laugh. He doesn’t release his hold but does take one hand off my waist to shake the guy’s hand. I tilt my head looking at him closer. He looks familiar. It’s Ted who gives it away. “No shit! You’re Shane Jacobs, the owner of the Giants.” I look at Aiden, and he shrugs. I wonder what other famous people he knows.
We all start talking about the upcoming season. And I’m actually surprised that Ryker is even here because it’s preseason. “I wasn’t going to miss this. Plus, I’m the quarterback, they’re not even playing me,” he says, throwing his hands in the air.
I’m surprised by his comment. It’s just my birthday. It’s not that big of a deal. He acts like it’s the party of the century. I’m about to say something when a certain voice singing stops me. I look to the stage and Sydney and Lexi are on stage. Lexi is singing Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus. She’s swinging her hips with so much sass that I think she’s going to fall off the stage. Hoots and hollers only spur her excitement. All eyes are on them right now. My hand is on my heart as I watch her. This is her thing. She’s come so far from three months ago. I’m sure her mom is looking down on her right now, so proud of her.
She sees me and waves. Aiden and I both wave back. “She’s a natural on stage,” Aiden says, leaning on my shoulder.
“She is,” Shane says. “It’d be awesome if she came and sang the National Anthem one game.”
I jerk my head in his direction. I open my mouth and then snap it shut. “I’m not sure if she needs to be in the spotlight right now. She’s been through so much this year.”
“Well, if you change your mind, you know how to get a hold of me,” he says, smiling and looking at Aiden.
“Any other famous people going to be coming to my birthday party?” I joke, leaning my head against Aiden’s resting on my shoulder. He chuckles.
Everyone important to me is here. I can’t even imagine how much work went into making this happen. People from all over are here. Aiden’s sister, Katie, is talking with Jaxon across the room, trying to be discreet. Aiden’s grandparents are talking to Amy and Ted. Friends from both our worlds are enjoying themselves. This is our world, combined.
I squeeze Aiden’s arm that is wrapped around my waist. “Thank you,” I say, turning my head toward him and kissing him on the cheek. “This is the best birthday present ever.”
“You’re definitely worth it,” he says.
My cheeks are hurting as the night goes on. I’m trying to pace my drinks so I don’t miss a second of tonight.
“I am borrowing that dress,” Harper says while we dance around. “Although I’m pretty sure I won’t look half as stunning as you in it.”
“Shut up. You are drop dead gorgeous. You’d rock this dress.”
Aiden comes up behind me. “That dress never leaves your closet, unless you’re wearing it or it’s on the floor,” he whispers. “Got it.”
I giggle and push him away. “Go away, Tarzan, I’m dancing with my girls.” He beats his chest and yells as he walks away. We all bust out laughing.
Not long, Syd and I are walking to a couple chairs to sit down. My feet are starting to hurt. A table right in the middle is reserved for me. They didn’t miss anything.
I look around for Lexi and she’s on Max’s shoulders, entertaining a group of people. She’s definitely a shining light. My shining light.
The sound of a guitar has me turning my attention to the stage. Butterflies inside me flutter at the sight of Aiden in the center of the stage, sitting on a barstool. His sleeves are rolled up and his tie is loosened so the shirt’s first button is undone. He looks right at me and smiles. I cross my legs and fan myself.
He’s gorgeous. And mine.
He shakes his head, chuckling to himself. “This is for you, sweetheart. I love you.”
I mouth back, “I love you.”
His fingers move effortlessly across the strings. I’m not surprised in the least. They are experts at strumming me. Heat spreads through me, thinking about later and those fingers.
I look quickly at Sydney. “You are still keeping Lexi, right?” She nods and giggles.
When the words start, Aiden’s voice is husky and sexy. It reverberates deep down inside me. Tears pool in my eyes as he sings “H.O.L.Y” from Florida Georgia Line.
He closes his eyes momentarily. When he opens them they glisten. The words strip me naked and then cover me line by line as he pours his heart into them.
By the time he’s done, tears fall freely. Syd hands me a Kleenex. It’s then I notice that everyone has gone silent. I don’t even care. All I care about right now is the man stalking toward me.
When he stands in front of me, words have a hard time coming out. How do I tell him everything I just felt?
“Hallelujah,” I say in a singsong voice. Not quite what I was going for, but it was definitely a good part of the song.
His booming laugh echoes in the silent room. “God, I love you and your dirty mind.”
“Aiden, there’s so much more I want to say,” I say, sliding off the chair.
“Wait. Let me say what I need to first.” He grabs my hands and kisses each knuckle.
“Addison, I don’t even know where to start. Two years ago you jump-started my heart. You opened my eyes to a life I never knew existed. You told me once that my compass was stuck. Sweetheart, it wasn’t stuck. It was showing me exactly where I needed to go. Straight to you.” I can’t control the tears as he continues. “I can’t imagine doing life without you. I want to be there for you, especially when danger knocks on your door, which seems to be frequently,” he says, smirking, and the crowd laughs.
I narrow my eyes at him and stick my tongue out. “I know you don’t need a hero or a protector, even though I’d do that in a heartbeat, and I really wish you’d let me at least once.” I laugh this time, shaking my head. He’s my hero every day. He wipes away some of my tears as his thumb caresses my cheek. “Addison, I want to be your partner, your lover, your everything as long as I’m yours. The first chapter of our love story was dictated by fate. Let’s write the rest of it ourselves.” My breath hitches as he pulls out a black velvet box and kneels down. I have to cover my mouth to hide the sobbing sounds. “Addison Grace Mason, will you marry me?”
He opens the box and holy shit! It’s a huge solitaire outlined in tiny diamonds on a thin platinum band. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. I don’t know much about engagement rings; hell, I don’t know a damn thing about them because I’ve never even thought about them, but this ring is perfect.
I pull Aiden off the ground, my hands shake as I bring my hands to his jaw. “I love you.” I’m having problems forming words. I’m frozen, wanting to preserve this moment forever. He looks at me, waiting. “Oh …” I nervously giggle. “Yes, yes, yes,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. Cheers explode around us.
He lets out a ragged breath and then pulls back, kissing away all my tears. He lays his forehead on mine. Our eyes lock. “I can’t believe I’m getting married,” I whisper. I pull back quickly. “Wait.”
“What?” he asks, an eyebrow pops up.
“You know I come as a package now, right?” His eyes soften.
The crowd goes quiet as Aiden looks around. Spotting Lexi on Max’s shoulders he yells out, “Hey, Tater Tot, what do you think? Are you okay with Addison being my wife and you both living with me?”
She claps and bounces. Max grabs her legs so she doesn’t fall backwards. “Yes. Yes. Yes,” she says, mirroring my own words. “But I call dibs on flower girl.”
I thought the cheers were deafening before, well the decibels just shot through the roof with laughter.
“You heard it,” Aiden says, taking out the ring. I open my hand, spreading my fingers out, and he slips on the ring. It fits perfect.
He picks me up and twirls me around. This is the best night of my life.
The happy birthdays now turn to congratulations. The drinks seem to come more frequently now. I guess Aiden was making sure I wasn’t going to be drunk for his proposal. Probably a good thing.
“Addison,” I turn around to Amy and Ted, who’s holding a sleeping Lexi in his arms. “We’re going to take Lexi back with us to the hotel. We told Syd to stay and celebrate with you both.”
“I love you both so much. Everything you’ve done for me in my life, I can’t thank you enough,” I say. I give them hugs and kiss Lexi on the cheek.
The celebration is turned up a notch. Syd, Harper, Bryn, and I take the stage a few times. As well as Aiden and the guys. Bryn finds me. “So the quarterback is hot,” she slurs a little.
I giggle. “I think he probably fits into the first fifty percent of men looking for only one thing, sweetie.”
She rolls her eyes. “With that, I’d be willing to find out.” She struts away, probably to go find Ryker.
Aiden slips behind me, holding out my ring finger in front of us. “I can’t wait for you to be Mrs. Roberts.” I wiggle my ass against him.
“What if I—”
“Bullshit. You will take the name Roberts,” he says, tickling me.
“Okay, okay.” My voice softens. I turn in his arms. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Roberts.” He nibbles on my bottom lip, then sucks on it. Tingles run down my spine. I press into him and open, allowing his tongue to dance with mine.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Max’s booming voice has us separating and looking around for what’s going on. Toward the front door, there’s a wall of men all facing it. Max, Ryan, Ryker, Damon, and Jaxon. Aiden grabs my hand as we start to walk that way. Ryker turns and focuses on Aiden. A slight shake of his head halts Aiden.
I look at Aiden’s concerned look. “Maybe we should let the guys handle it,” he says quickly.
“This is my night so I’m going to go see why there’s a wall being built between whomever is on the other side of it and us,” I say, trying not to slur. I’m a little drunk. Aiden holds my hand and we both walk over.
“Alright, boys, move,” I say and gesture with my hands for them to step aside. Max looks at me, winces, and then looks at Aiden. They slowly step aside.
I gasp. This cannot be happening.
NOT ON MY FUCKING NIGHT!
“Hi, babe,” Jessie squeals, rubbing her very large pregnant belly. “Guess what? We’re having a girl.”
To be continued…