Chapter Twenty-Eight

Blake

 

Every morning, waking up in Liam and Alyssa’s house, it became harder and harder not to text Aiden and confess my love. It was Monday morning, and everyone was gone, starting their week, living their lives, and mine just felt as if it were in limbo.

I couldn’t focus on my work with all the family pictures reminding me I didn’t have one, that I may never have one of my own.

I packed up my laptop and headed towards town. As I drove around the parking lot of the library, my stomach growled, causing me to pull out and head towards the small coffee shop on the corner at the edge of town.

I set up shop at a small table, ordered a coffee and a large Danish, and was prepared to start work when Liana sat down across from me.

I hadn’t even spoken to Aiden yet, so I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk to his mom. I didn’t know what to say or what I should say.

“How’s work going?” she asked.

“I’m struggling with the last few chapters,” I admitted.

I watched her eyes linger on mine, and I wondered if she knew.

“I don’t know how you write these stories. Your mind must be an amazing place,” she smiled warmly.

I chuckled. My mind was mush. It was a blank slate, and work wasn’t flowing like it used to. There were too many other things to focus on and stress about.

“Sometimes it’s harder than other times,” I admitted.

“I guess with everything going on, you’ve struggled with focus,” Liana said calmly.

Shit. She did know.

“So, you know?” I asked, already aware of the answer.

Her red lips tightened and then curled into a faint smile. I watched her eyes, still warm, still kind, and wondered exactly what she knew, and what she thought about me.

“I’m so sorry,” I gushed, feeling tears start to swell in my eyes.

“No, I’m sorry that my son got you roped into this situation,” she offered.

I contemplated telling her it was my bright idea, but I chose not to. Things were going smoothly; at least it felt as though they were. I didn’t want to rock the boat too much.

“I should’ve never lied,” I admitted.

“I don’t think you did. I don’t think either of you did. At least not to anyone but yourselves,” she reached across the table and placed her hand on mine.

“I don’t know how to fix any of this,” I sighed.

“It’s not up to you to fix it. You didn’t break it,” Liana smiled, her bright red lips curling into a crooked smirk.

“Thank you for not being upset with me,” I gushed.

“I’ll let you get to work. But, just so you know, I’d be proud to call you my daughter, for real,” Liana said, squeezing my hand firmly before standing from her chair and leaving my table.

As I watched her walk out of the coffee shop, tears fell down my face, burning my cheeks and smearing my makeup.

I decided right then that I would tell Aiden the truth, confess my love, and from there, we’d see what happened.

I picked up my phone, composed a text to Aiden, and hit send.

Me: I’m ready to talk

Almost instantly, my phone beeped, as if he were holding it, waiting for my text for the last couple days.

Aiden: Great. When and where?

I thought about how things had gone the last time I met him at his house. We’d barely gotten through our greetings before we were naked on the kitchen table. My pussy twitched thinking about his touch, a part of me wanting it, needing it.

No. I couldn’t do that. Not this time. It had to be somewhere neutral, somewhere we both felt comfortable.

Me: How about Liam’s? Can you meet me there in an hour?

Aiden: I’ll be there.

I packed up my laptop and quickly made my exit from the store. I rushed back to Liam and Alyssa’s, quickly freshening up my makeup, fixing my hair, and changing into a top that was more flattering than the t-shirt I threw on that morning.

I knew I’d never allow myself to lose control in my big brother’s house. I respected their life and their family too much to throw myself at Aiden in their home, even if I knew for a fact that they would not be home for hours.

Aiden’s truck pulled into the driveway as I sat on the front porch, waiting anxiously. My heart raced as he stepped out of the driver’s side, his tall frame riddled with muscles, and his dark skin glistening in the sunlight.

“Thank you for seeing me,” he said softly, taking the seat beside me.

“I just want you to listen,” I explained, unwilling to get into a discussion with him at this point.

I didn’t trust myself. I knew if he spoke too much and said just the right thing, that all my morals about respecting my brother’s home would fly out the window.

“I can do that,” Aiden agreed.

“I brought up this marriage thing, and it was selfish on my part. I apologize for not being completely honest with you right away. I’ve had a huge crush on you since I was a little girl. Somewhere along the way, that crush turned into something more, and I fell in love with you. I am in love with you,” I stammered.

Aiden looked shocked, his mouth hanging open, and his eyes wide and bright as they stared into mine.

My cheeks blushed with embarrassment. I didn’t realize it would be this hard to admit.

“I never knew,” Aiden whispered.

“I took advantage of the situation, and for that, I’m sorry,” I sighed.

“I-uh,” Aiden started to speak.

My heart was already racing. I couldn’t handle it. I had to get away.

“I’ve got to get some work done,” I rushed, standing and wrapping my arms around Aiden as he stood alongside me.

Standing on my tippy toes, I squeezed his neck, gently kissed his cheek without meaning to, and then pulled away. He looked as if he had something to say, but I was afraid of what it may be, so I quickly rushed into the house, closing the door behind me. My heart pounded wildly as I stood against the door. I did it; I told him the truth.