When we get back to the house, the girls are nowhere to be found. Liam calls Allie to see where they ran off to.
“Hey, beautiful girl, where are you?” he asks her.
I see his face go red with anger. What the f*ck is going on?
“Stay there, we’re on our way. I mean it, don’t move, Allison. I love you.” He ends the call on his cell and shoves it back into his pocket.
“What the hell was that about?” I ask, worried. He never talks to Allison like that.
“Apparently the girls met a few guys on the beach who convinced them to play a friendly game of football,” he seethes.
“What! They know better than that. They don’t even know these jackoffs!” I say, barely controlling my own anger.
“My thoughts exactly. Allison was acting all nonchalant about it. Like it’s no big f*cking deal that my fiancé and little sister are going to be mauled by a bunch of half-naked wanna-be football players.”
Liam flies out the patio doors and down the back deck. I’m right on his heels. We reach the group and stop right behind the girls. We’re there just long enough for one of the cocksuckers to put his arm around Hailey, and my eyes blur from the red-hot rage that flares through me. Who the f*ck does he think he is? Touching what’s mine!
I step up close to Hales. “I would appreciate it if you would remove your hands from my girl,” I say through gritted teeth. The guy must hear my anger and know I’m not messing around, because he drops his arm. I immediately pull Hailey’s back against my chest and wrap my arms around her waist. I kiss her temple. She’s safe. What these girls were thinking, I have no idea.
“Sorry, man,” Seth says, raising his arms. “Allison said she was engaged, but Hailey didn’t mention a boyfriend,” he says, trying to calm me.
Hailey starts to speak, “He’s…” I nuzzle her neck, hoping to distract her.
It works.
“Well, now you know,” I say, not giving a shit that I sound like a possessive a*shole.
I hold Hailey even tighter. She has to feel my heart beating against her back. I feel like it’s about to beat out of my chest.
Allison tries to break the tension with small talk. “Babe, this is Seth, Brian, Craig, and Scott. They’re all seniors at OSU. They play football,” she tells him.
“Really?” Liam asks. He’s still pissed and has the same death grip on Allison as I do on Hailey.
Allison simply smiles up at him. “Yeah, they were just telling us that they are in line for the draft next year.”
“Well, not all of us,” Craig says. “Just Seth here. Rumored to be first round,” he says cockily. “You guys ever play?” he asks us.
I can’t help it, I laugh out loud at that one. “Yeah, we’ve played,” I say, bumping my shoulder into Liam’s. We’re standing side by side with our girls in our arms where they belong.
One of the guys, I think they said his name was Brian, makes the connection. I can see it in his eyes as soon as he does. He looks back and forth from me to Liam with his mouth hanging open. Honestly, I would find this entire situation amusing as hell and probably would have already introduced myself and made it easier for them, but no, they were honing in on my girl. I’m so not making it easy.
“Holy shit! You’re Aiden Emerson and you,” he turns towards Liam “you’re Liam MacCoy. Dude, congrats on the draft,” Brian tells us.
Liam nods his head in recognition. I, on the other hand, make a point to pull Hailey tighter against my chest. I kiss the top of her head. I need him to know, need all of these ass wipes to know, that Hales is off limits. I’m actually surprised Liam is as calm as he is, but then again, Allison wasn’t being mauled when we walked up either. It was also obvious that Allison let them know that she was taken. Not that they couldn’t see the huge diamond on her finger.
Just like that, it hits me like the waves crashing on the beach. Hailey isn’t mine and she is available. What if she ends up dating one of these douche bags? I pull a deep breath into my lungs. I want Hailey with an intensity that I have never known, but I continue to fight this battle I have staged in my head on the daily. I’m beginning to wonder if I should just throw caution to the wind, and beg her to be mine. Then I think about losing her. What if we really are just better off as friends? Would I be able to stand by and let her be with someone else after she’s been mine? I don’t even need to think about the answer, it’s a big hell to the no. I can’t let things change with us. I’m willing to sacrifice my heart just to be able to be with her. If I wasn’t sure before, the emotion is now cemented deep within my soul. I’m in love with Hailey MacCoy. F*ck me!
“So how about it? You guys up for a friendly game?” Craig asks. I think it’s Craig. I really didn’t pay much attention to the introductions.
“We’d love to, but the girls’ food is getting cold. Maybe we’ll catch up with you guys later,” Liam says. I can still tell he is not impressed with the situation.
“Cool. Well, it was nice to meet you all,” Seth says, and with that, they turn and walk the opposite way on the beach.
Liam and Allison turn to head towards the house. I know I should follow them, but damn it, I’m holding her and I don’t want to let go. She stands still in my arms, not trying to break our connection. My right arm is still draped across her waist holding her tight against my chest. I softly grip her left hip and turn her to face me. She’s staring straight at my chest, not meeting my eyes. I gently lift her chin with my index finger. F*ck, she is so beautiful. What if something would have happened to her today? I can feel the anger trying to resurface. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Hailey is silently watching me now. I lean down and rest my forehead against hers and close my eyes. Both of my hands find her hips. I’m going to take every advantage to touch her that I can.
“I was worried about you, angel,” I tell her honestly. Well, as honest as I can be.
“Aiden, we were fine. Those guys were just being friendly.”
“You don’t know them. Hell, they could have taken you both and did God only knows what to you.” I swallow back the emotion caused by just the thought of her being hurt.
“I’m not yours to worry about,” she whispers.
And there it is, the knife that is twisting in my chest. She’s right. I know it and she knows it, but f*ck if I like it.
I pull back and bring both of my hands to her cheeks. “Angel, I care about you. You may not be mine, but I will never let anything happen to you. Do you understand that?” I ask her. I really need her to know how special she is.
“One big brother is enough, Aiden. You don’t have to feel obligated to protect me.”
“Who said I wanted to be your big brother?” I ask, trying to keep my voice calm. This is truly a daunting feat with all of the rage boiling inside me. She thinks I want to be her big brother? F*ck that!
“Don’t you? Why else would you go all alpha Aiden and try to keep me from them?” she asks me.
I watch her closely as she waits for my answer. This beautiful girl has no idea of the war I have fought these past few months. She has no idea how she affects me, how much I want her. This is killing me. Wanting something this much, something that I can’t have. She licks her lips and now all I can think about is tasting her. I don’t even realize that I’m going to do it until our lips meet and I’m consumed with her sweetness. Lips of an angel, I tell you.
I move one hand behind her neck and the other is holding her cheek. I angle her head back and deepen the kiss. Hailey opens her mouth and I take full advantage to slide my tongue in, and hers immediately duals with mine. She moans and my desire is fueled. I can’t get her close enough, can’t get enough period. Hailey slows the kiss and pulls her lips from mine. I tug her into a tight embrace.
“I need for you to always be safe. Not because I feel like your older brother, but because you are important to me. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.”
I feel her nod against my chest. “Let’s go. They’re going to wonder where we are,” I say against her ear.
She slowly pulls away from me. “Thank you, Aiden.” With that, she turns and heads back to the beach house.
I stand there and watch my heart walk away from me. I place my hand over my heart and rub the ache that is throbbing in my chest. No girl will ever mean to me what Hailey MacCoy does.
I turn on shaky legs and walk back to the beach house. Putting all of my concentration into not letting Aiden see how much I’m affected by him. That kiss…it was different than any other kiss we have shared up to this point. It was filled with passion, desire, and need. I know I feel all of those things when it comes to Aiden, and gauging by his reaction and the look in his eyes, he feels the same for me.
I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that Aiden wants me. Well, maybe not want as in the forever kind of want. I do believe him though, when he tells me that he would protect me and wants me safe. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was being sincere. He says I’m important to him, and I believe that too. What this means for us, I have no clue. I’m not holding out for more, because I just don’t see that happening for us. There is a part of me, even though it’s a small part, that is starting to admit that things between Aiden and I are changing. We both acknowledge that there is a connection. Now we just need to decide what we are going to do with it.
By the time I reach the beach house, my legs are more stable and I seem to have a handle on my emotions. I join Liam and Allison on the deck and to my surprise, Aiden is right behind me.
“What took you guys so long?” Liam questions, eyeing us closely.
“I was just reminding Hailey, to be careful.” He looks at Allison. “Both of you need to be careful. You can’t trust just anyone these days.”
Liam nods his head in agreement. “I told Allie the same thing. We just need you guys to be safe. Especially you,” he says, pointing to me. “In a few short weeks, the three of us will be in Charlotte and you will be here without us to look out for you. I need you to promise me that you will make good decisions and be safe.”
“I know, Liam. I love you for it, I really do. But how am I supposed to meet new people, and move on from losing my three best friends, if I can’t even talk to other people,” I say with a sigh.
“I didn’t say you can’t talk to people. I said be careful. Today was a risk. The two of you were alone with four big guys who could easily over power you. Make sure you don’t find yourself alone in that type of situation. If you meet a guy, meet him out in public or with a group from school before you put all your trust in him.” Liam runs his fingers through his hair. He glances over at Aiden before turning his attention back to me.
“I know you are going to date, and one day you will meet someone that loves you like I love Allie. I want that for you. I also don’t want you to settle or end up with some douche bag that doesn’t treat you like you deserve. Just be careful, okay?”
I walk around the table to stand behind Liam and wrap my arms around his neck. “I love you, big brother. I promise to be safe.”
I stand up and walk back to my seat. I take a minute to look at each of them before I say. “I love all three of you, and I’m going to miss you like crazy.”
Allison clears her throat. “Well then, we need to enjoy our time here together. Who knows how long it will be until we can do this again. And, somebody has a birthday in two days.” She winks at me.
“Yeah, what do you have in mind, Hales?” Liam asks me.
“Really, just hanging out is fine. Sitting by the fire, maybe a wine cooler or two,” I say sweetly.
“I think that can be arranged,” he says.
With that, we all dig into the pizza. Pizza that thankfully, due to the summer heat, is not as cold as I would have guessed.
The next two days consisted of lounging on the beach and just hanging out. Aiden and I have been able to act as though the “incident” two days ago never happened. Well, at least that’s what I’m telling myself. I think about it all the time, the kiss, his declaration that I’m important to him, and not just because I’m Liam’s little sister. To be quite honest, my nerves are shot.
Today is my birthday. I’m twenty years old. I need to let loose and have some fun, and I intend to do just that. I plan to get Allison on my side, so that she can run interference with Liam and Aiden. I leave my bedroom in search of Allison. I find her in the laundry room.
“Hey, you,” I say as I hop up on the dryer. “Need any help?”
“Hey, no I’m good, but thanks,” she replies. “What’s up?” she asks, shutting the door on the washing machine.
I shrug my shoulders. “Well, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”
Allison hops up on the washer. “I’m all ears.”
“Well, you know how Liam and Aiden have been stuck to us like glue since the run in with Seth and his friends the other day?”
Allison rolls her eyes. “Yeah.”
“Well, I really just want to let loose tonight. I was hoping you could help run interference with them. I’m good with it just being us, but I’m seeing lots of alcohol in my near future. I just want to relax. I feel like I’m always on edge anymore.”
“You know I have your back. I assume the stress is a multitude of things. Including your feelings for Aiden?”
I stare straight ahead at the wall. “Yeah, that has a lot to do with it.”
“Hales, I really think …”
“Please, Allie. Just don’t go there, okay? It’s not going to happen. Can we please just kick back and have fun, like old times? Before I let my heart take over my mind?” I plead.
Allison releases a deep sigh. “Yes, let’s get our drink on. Don’t worry about the guys, I’ll talk to both of them. This is your day.”
We hop off the washer and dryer at the same time and I engulf her in a hug. “What am I going to do without you? I’m going to miss this so much,” I say, fighting against tears.
“We’re just going to be a few hours away. Everything will work out, you’ll see,” she tells me.
That’s Allison. Always looking at the positive side of life. She’s been through so much loss, and yet she still manages to make lemonade out of lemons. Liam really lucked out with finding her, we all did.
Allison and I make our way to the living room to find Liam and Aiden sprawled out on either couch. Allison runs and jumps on top of Liam and he engulfs her and pulls her tight. I stand awkwardly for a few minutes, and then head to the recliner in the corner. As I am walking past the couch Aiden is laying on, he lifts his feet and motions with his head for me to sit. This is something that we have done a million times, but now it seems…more intimate. I want it to be more intimate. I sit down and he rests his feet in my lap.
“What are you two up to?” he asks me.
“Nothing really. Allie was doing laundry and I was keeping her company,” I tell him.
“Today’s the big day. You feel any older?”
I shake my head. “No, not really.”
“What do you want to do today, birthday girl?”
Allison speaks up. “Hales and I are going to, as you boys say, tie one on tonight,” she says. I didn’t even think that she was paying any attention to us.
This statement, of course, gets Liam’s attention. “What? Baby, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Allison sits up and gives Liam the look. You know, the one that tells him he needs to shut the hell up and give her her way. Yeah, that look. “I said that Hailey and I are going to tie one on, get our drink on, hammer down, whatever you want to call it. She and I only have a few more weeks together, and we are going to celebrate her birthday by getting wasted. You, my wonderful fiancé, and you, my brother, are going to make sure we stay out of trouble. You will provide us with our alcohol of choice and, if needed, hold our hair as we are praying to the porcelain gods,” she says, still giving Liam “the look,” daring him to object.
I watch as my brother opens and closes his mouth, no words coming across his lips. Allison has stunned him speechless. I love my best friend, my sister. She’s knows how much I need this, how much I just need to relax and let loose, and she is making sure that Liam and Aiden don’t get in the way of that.
Aiden nudges my leg with his foot. “Is that what you want, angel?” he asks softly.
I shake my head yes. “I need to let loose. I want to do it where I know I’ll be safe. I want to party with my best friends, before you all leave me.”
Aiden clenches his jaw. “You will be safe. You deserve to let loose and have fun.”
Liam stands up from the couch. “Let’s head to the store and get what they want and get this night over with.” He drops a kiss on Allison’s head and walks out the door. Aiden stands to follow him.
“Any requests, birthday girl?” he asks me.
“Not really. Just surprise me, and bring a lot.” I smile sweetly. He shakes his head and smiles as he follows out the door after Liam.
Liam and I are in the Pathfinder and headed towards the local liquor store. I can’t help but wonder what’s up with those two. Allison is not a big drinker, and Hailey really isn’t either. I could understand if this was her twenty-first birthday, but it’s not. Today is number twenty. I smile remembering a fourteen-year-old Hailey. She was pretty then, but now…now she’s a goddess. I shift in my seat to adjust the hard on that is starting to appear.
“What’s gotten into those two?” Liam asks me, reading my thoughts.
I shrug my shoulders. “I can only assume it’s what they said. Allison will be leaving with us in a few weeks, and Hailey will be without us in Chapel Hill. No, it’s not that far, but they are used to being together all the time, every day. We all are,” I tell him.
Liam sighs. “I guess so. Listen man, you have to help me tonight. I assume it’s just going to be the four of us, but I can’t watch both of them. Can you please keep a close eye on Hales?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Yeah, man. I got Hales covered. She’ll be with me.” My heart and body are screaming yes. They both crave time with Hales. My mind on the other hand knows that this is not going to help my growing affection for her. I need to keep myself sober, so things don’t get carried away. If we are both wasted, who knows what could happen.
Liam pulls into the lot and turns off the ignition. “I forgot to ask what they wanted,” he says solemnly.
“I asked Hales, she said to surprise her, but to buy a lot,” I tell him.
He groans and opens his door. Once in the liquor store, the possibilities are endless. The girls are not seasoned drinkers, so the heavy stuff is out of the question.
Liam decides on amaretto sour, strawberry daiquiri, and some flavored Smirnoff coolers. I question mixing alcohol but he shrugs it off, saying that none of it is too hard, and that he and I will be mixing the drinks, so they won’t be strong. Good angle, MacCoy.
Our next stop is the grocery store. Steaks, baked potatoes, and salad. I choose a white cake with whipped icing from the bakery and have them put “Happy Birthday, Hales” in pink, her favorite color. We also pick up some supplies to make ice cream sundaes, another of her favorites.
Arriving back at the house, we pack in all of the supplies and put them away. The girls left us a note on the counter saying that they are on the beach. Shit! I bet there are tons of jackasses mulling around them. Liam reads the note first, and then hands it to me. Neither of us say anything. We just run up the stairs to our rooms, slide into board shorts, and rush out the door. No words are needed. We both know what we are going to find. Allie and Hales are gorgeous; no man in his right mind could walk by and not notice.
Sure enough, as we get closer to the beach, the girls are sitting on lounger chairs surrounded by Seth, Scott, Brian, and Craig. Did these f*ckers not get the message yesterday? I clinch my fists tight to my sides, and hear Liam growl next to me. We step up behind the girls’ chairs. Liam slides in behind Allison and pulls her to his chest. Without giving it another thought, I do the same with Hales. I kiss her temple once I have her close to me. “I missed you, angel,” I whisper in her ear, loud enough that Seth, the f*cker who is kneeling beside her, can hear me. I don’t even acknowledge him. If I do, I’ll have to hit him, and that will make Hales mad. I don’t want her mad at me on her birthday of all days.
Hailey scoots her ass back, right against my crotch. This tells me that she’s not interested in Seth. Did he try something? Did he do something to make her uncomfortable? I move my face so I can whisper in her other ear, in hopes that Seth can’t hear me.
“Are you okay, angel? Did he hurt you? Hurt Allison?” I whisper softly. Trying to keep myself calm, I pray that she tells me no. Otherwise, Seth is about to be worked over, and I’m about to be benched with the NFL before I even take the field. I know this because I won’t stop if he did something to either of them. It’s gonna take an army to get me off him.
Don’t. F*ck. With. My. Girls.
She shakes her head no and I can feel myself relax. She turns to look at me over her shoulder and her eyes find mine. I lean my ear down to her lips.
“I’m just not interested and he doesn’t seem to get it,” she whispers.
I relax even more, knowing she doesn’t want him. I pull her back to rest flat against my chest and rest my head on her shoulder. I feel her shiver at the contact of my breath on her neck. I’m glad to know that she’s affected too. If she only knew how she affects me. Well, she probably does by now. I’m hard as a rock, with her ass resting right on top of me. The lines keep getting blurred from what I want and what I know needs to happen. I can’t think of a time in my life when I have wanted anything as bad as I want Hailey.
After several lame attempts at small talk, Seth and his posse say their goodbyes and head back down the beach. Even though I don’t want them around either of the girls, I’m sad to see them go. This means I have to let Hailey go. I won’t be able to hold her in my arms and nuzzle her neck. F*ck my life!
I again find myself in the position of having to let her go. I hate letting her go. As if she is in my head, Hailey moves away from me, scooting to sit on the edge of the lounger.
“We can’t leave you two alone for all the damn vultures,” Liam says.
Allison laughs. “Babe, we were fine. They were just being friendly. We knew you were going to be home soon. We actually told the guys you were in the house. They didn’t even know we were here alone,” she tells him.
“F*ck, and they were still all up on you,” he says.
“I’m hungry, what did you bring for the birthday girl’s dinner?” Allison asks, changing the subject.
“Steak, baked potato, and salad.” Liam stands and pulls Allison up with him. “I’ll start the grill.”
I watch as they walk away. Reaching over, I grab Hailey’s hand, and lace our fingers together. Gently, I rub my thumb across her knuckles, just needing to touch her. I look up to find her gaze locked on our hands. Pulling her hand to my lips, her eyes following me, and I place a soft kiss on her palm. I lace my fingers back through hers and stand up, pulling her with me. After gathering her things, and we head back to the house with our hands still laced, still connected.
We reach the steps that lead to the deck and I gently squeeze her hand before releasing it. She offers me a shy smile and I want to taste those lips. I hate that I have to let her go. She seems to understand because she bumps her shoulder with mine and starts up the stairs. I watch her go, my body aching with desire for her.
Liam mans the grill, Allison makes the salads, and I mix the girls their first drink. Hailey is sitting on the deck. We all three have instructed her to not lift a finger. She didn’t protest.
I bring Hales and Allison their first drink of the night, Strawberry daiquiris, on the weak side of course. Dinner is great. Nothing beats a good grilled steak with baked potato. Allison suggests we play spoons. She loves that damn game.
Hailey, of course, is on board. She jets off to the kitchen to gather three spoons and a deck of cards to set up the game.
The beach house has outdoor speakers that are connected to the entertainment center in the living room. Liam goes in and sets his iPod to shuffle. He and Hailey return at the same time, both wearing huge smiles. Who am I kidding? We all love this damn game.
We play the first round and Allison gets a letter. The girls announce that they need a refill so I head to the kitchen and make them another drink. I grab two bottles of water out of the fridge. I deliver the drinks, handing Liam the second bottle of water. He nods his head and that’s all the confirmation that I need to know that he and I are on the same page. Must stay sober!
We continue on with the game, and as always, we are all enjoying ourselves. Allison and Hailey have had a few more refills and both are relaxed. So relaxed, that everything is suddenly funny to them. I lost the last round bringing to the tally of S-P-O-O. This the girls find hilarious.
“Ace is a SPOO.” Allison laughs.
“I’m a SPO!” Hailey cheers. “You’re going down, Emerson,” she says, pointing her finger at me.
“Bring it, angel,” I say. If she only knew what else I want her to bring.
The next few rounds go quickly. Allison and Hailey are the dealers, and it appears that the cards didn’t get shuffled as well as they should have. Alcohol does that. Allison ends up being the first one out.
Hailey pouts. “I can’t play without my bestie. New game,” she tells us.
“Let’s dance,” Allison shouts. “Baby, I need a refill,” she tells Liam as she tilts her cup up and finishes off her last drink.
“Me too,” Hailey says loudly.
Liam shakes his head and smiles as he walks away. He comes back with two bottles of Smirnoff and two more bottles of water.
Allison and Hailey click their bottles together as they grind to the music. Liam sits down next to me and we watch them. They are both well past their way to “tying one on” as Allison called it.
“It’s good to see them like this. Happy and carefree,” he says.
“Listen, man, I know I give you shit, but Allie has changed since she met you. She’s open to life and new possibilities. I’ve never seen her this happy. I have you to thank for that.”
“Don’t thank me for loving her. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. Loving her is easy.”
We both sit quietly for what seems like forever, just watching the girls dance and laugh.
“I still can’t believe she’s going to be my wife,” Liam says out of the blue.
I laugh. “Yeah, I never thought I would see the day that Liam MacCoy settled down,” I chide him.
“Just wait, dude, when you find it, you’ll understand.”
I don’t say anything to that, because well…I have a feeling I may have found the one that could get me to change my way of thinking, but I won’t let myself have her. My eyes find Hailey as they always do, and I take in her movements, her laughter. I love to hear her laugh.
The next song is a slow one, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon. Liam jumps up and makes his way to Allison, pulling her into his arms. I watch them, wishing it was Hales and me.
“Don’t leave me hanging, Emerson,” I hear her say.
I look up to find her standing there with her hand held out, waiting for me.
I reach out and take her hand, tugging her close. She wraps her hands around my neck and begins running her fingers through my hair. I place my arms around her waist and pull her as tight as I can get her. I glance over her shoulder and see that Liam and Allison are in there own little world. Good, that means there is less of a chance of them witnessing this. I told myself that I would keep my distance, but I can’t. I will never be able to turn her away, tell her no.
Hailey brings her arms down and places them around my waist, hugging me close as she rests her head against my chest. I lean down and kiss the top of her head, and try like hell to memorize every minute, every single f*cking second, of what it feels like to have her in my arms.
This song, f*ck me, it’s perfect for us, for me. I sing softly in her ear, hoping she understands what I’m trying to say.
The song ends and Hailey slowly lifts her head from my chest. “Thanks for the dance,” she whispers as she leans up and kisses my cheek. I release her from my hold and she stumbles a bit. I would love to think that it’s my effect on her, but I’m pretty sure it’s the alcohol.
I reach out and catch her with my arms, helping her regain her balance.
“Looks like she’s had enough too,” Liam says as he steps up beside us.
“Yeah, I think you’re right.” My voice is thick with emotion. I pray that he doesn’t notice.
“I’m taking Allie to bed. Can you make sure Hales gets settled in?”
“Sure, man. I’ll see you guys in the morning,” I tell him.
Liam scoops Allison up in his arms and carries her into the house.
Hailey falls against my chest, losing her balance once again. I wrap my arms around her. I can’t seem to control myself where she’s concerned.
“I can’t feel my legs,” she mumbles against my chest.
I kiss the top of her head. “I got you, angel,” I say, bending down and scooping her up in my arms. I carry her in the house and set her on the couch. I run back to the door, closing and locking it.
I find Hailey where I left her, eyes closed breathing softly. She looks peaceful. I gently pick her up and carry her upstairs. Once I reach her room, I place her down on the bed, careful not to wake her. Her eyes pop open as I am pulling my arms out from underneath of her. My face is so close to hers, all I would have to do is lean in just a little and I could taste those sweet lips.
Hailey loops her arms around my neck. “Don’t go,” she whispers.
F*ck! I can’t stay in here with her. What if Liam finds us? What if I’m unable to resist temptation, resist her?
“Just until I fall asleep,” she mumbles. “Please.”
“Anything you want, angel.” Like I said, I can’t tell her no.
She moves over to allow me space to join her. I climb in next to her, and she immediately attaches herself to my side and rests her head on my chest. My chest is rising rapidly as I struggle to pull deep even breaths into my lungs. After several minutes, she is still and I assume she has fallen asleep. I’m not ready to leave her, leave this moment with her. I gently stroke her hair and drop a kiss to her forehead.
I lie there holding her, lost in thought, trying to decipher these feelings and what I’m going to do about them. I glance over at the clock and realize it’s four a.m. I have been holding her for three hours! As gently as I can, I remove my arm from underneath of her and get out of bed. I pull the covers up over her and drop a kiss to her forehead. “Sleep tight, angel,” I whisper.
“I love you, Aiden,” she says softly. So softly I almost don’t hear her. I stop dead still, waiting for her to say more. Waiting for her to sit up, but she’s still sleeping soundly. I drop to my knees beside the bed and gently brush the hair from her eyes. This girl, she wrecks me.
Those words, three little words, have brought me to my knees. I continue to watch her. I want to crawl back up in this bed and hold her tight. F*ck, I want to be inside of her. I just want her. I don’t know how much longer I can fight this. I place a feather soft kiss on her lips and whisper, “I love you too, angel.” And drag my tired ass to my room. I know she won’t remember tonight. She won’t remember that we both said “I love you” for the first time. I will though. I will never forget tonight as long as I live. I strip down to my boxer briefs and climb into bed. My bed and my arms feel empty. Life without Hailey would be empty.