We continued to discuss the foundation along with what she was offering me. Viola wanted me to make an informed decision. I hadn’t realized exactly how much went into Viola’s daily work. It was a great deal. She saw my concerned expression and assured me we would work side by side so I could become familiar with everything.
Again, my thoughts returned to the pros and cons. The pros were a given; the kids, having a rewarding job, and working with great people, like Viola. The cons were more complicated. I was only an Iverson because of an agreement. Said agreement was only for four years. Staying with the foundation after the four years, and my marriage to Aidan, was over sounded like a huge complication. I don’t think Viola was thinking that far in advance.
Viola and I were in the middle of another conversation when my phone beeped. I grabbed it knowing what it was and silenced it quickly.
"Sorry," I apologized to Viola.
"Please, if you need to answer it," she motioned for me to do so.
"No, it’s a reminder notification." I shook my head and smiled.
"Reminder?" Viola was curious.
I really didn’t want to get into the details of my reminder to take my birth control pill. That probably wouldn’t be received well.
"Yeah, I use my phone to remind to take care of things."
"Do you need to go?" Viola sat up straight with genuine concern.
"No, no. It’s fine, really." I thought quickly, though I hated to lie. "I just need to make sure to check the menu for the week when I get home. I’ll just reset the reminder." Picking up my phone, I just that.
As I put my phone back into my purse, I quickly popped a pill from the pack I carried with me. When I was sure I could slip it into my mouth without too much notice, I did.
Viola dropped me off at home and I dragged myself upstairs to the bathtub. I filled the Jacuzzi tub with hot water and soaked in the jet action for thirty minutes before finally climbing out to get ready for bed.
I checked the time, ten o’clock. I didn’t think Aidan was home, so I climbed into bed. Once again, I couldn’t sleep. My mind was in overdrive. Thinking over Viola’s offer and college, I rationalized that I could change a few of my classes to subjects that would be helpful while working with the foundation.
Clearly I was not going to be able to fall asleep any time soon. Climbing out of bed, I headed toward my sanctuary, the library.
I finished ‘Little Women’ a couple of nights ago and moved on to Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. I lounged on the couch in the dimly lit library, back against the arm of the couch and knees bent up. I was in the middle of an intense scene in the book, when Dracula first lays his eyes on Mina, when the couch shifted. My heartbeat kicked up a notch and I gasped in a harsh breath.
Aidan chuckled and I threw the throw pillow at him.
"You scared the crap out of me!"
He laughed louder and held his stomach, trying to speak.
"I...couldn’t…help it!"
This time I tossed my book at him.
"I hate you," I pouted, trying not to laugh.
"You know that was great!" His laughter was subsiding. "You said it yourself. Paybacks are a bitch."
"You’re such a loser." Narrowing my eyes, I tried to pretend to be mad, but couldn’t keep the straight line of my lips. They curled at the edges on their own.
"Couldn’t sleep again?" He lulled his head back on the couch.
"Nope," I shrugged.
"Everything okay?" he looked up with concern.
I was about to answer him when his appearance caught my attention. He was still in his suit pants and the top three buttons on his white dress shirt were undone. Then there were the glasses. Oh God, the dark rimmed glasses framed his emerald green eyes. My pulse quickened and warmth built in my stomach.
"Lilli?" I snapped out of my lust induced haze.
"Oh, sorry…spaced for a minute. What did you ask me?"
He grinned.
"Is everything alright? You said you couldn’t sleep again."
"Oh uh…yeah, it’s fine. My mind just wouldn’t settle down, that’s all." His face twisted in confusion.
"What’s on your mind?"
My mind screamed, “the fact that I want to lick you from head to toe – leave on the glasses please”. My mouth said, "Viola asked me to start working with her at the foundation, but –"
"She asked you?" His tone worried me. Maybe he didn’t want me to get involved.
"I know it’s probably a bad idea, so I was just trying to think of how to tell her –"
"Why is it a bad idea?" His lip rose at one side of his mouth, knitting his eyebrows together.
"Well, I guess, well you know…in four years…" I trailed off.
"Oh," he sat up straight. It was uncomfortably silent for a few moments before he spoke. "I think you should consider it. If it’s something you are interested in doing." His body relaxed into the couch.
"Really?" I wasn’t convinced.
"Yes. Why would I think it’s a bad idea?" He shrugged and rubbed his face. "Viola hasn’t asked anyone to help or work with her, so for her to come out and ask you…well, that says something." He turned his head toward me and, once again, I was hit with his beauty. Those damn glasses were doing horribly wonderful things to my girl parts.