I know why I want Aaron to stay, and it’s not just about sex. It’s about comfort. I can stand on my own two feet. I know this. But it’s been so long since I’ve been held. Apart from Thursday night when Trey held me, I’ve missed sharing a burden with someone while lying beside them in bed. It’s something I crave. And it’s not right to ask it from Aaron tonight.
“This”—he motions between us—“is the most important thing in my life. I don’t want to fuck it up. I’ll never forgive myself if I do. I want us, Amelia, but I want to take it slow. So I’m going to say goodnight and dream about you tonight. Tomorrow, when you wake up, send me a text, because I would love to see you before you head off to work, even if it’s only for a moment. I want to see your beautiful face.”
“Okay, Aaron. Thank you for a wonderful day today.”
“You’re welcome, beautiful girl.” He steps closer to my bedroom door. “Text me in the morning. Night, Amelia.”
He is a good, good man. I sigh and say, “Goodnight, Aaron.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
AMELIA
Amelia: Good morning.
It’s the same text I’ve sent every morning I’ve woken up this week.
Aaron: Good morning, baby. Dream of me?
And that’s the same response I’ve received.
When Aaron said he wanted to take it slow, he wasn’t kidding. We see each other briefly in the morning, text throughout the day, and then at night, he either makes me dinner or I make him dinner. He doesn’t kiss me, he only holds my hand, sometimes he’ll touch my leg if we’re sitting on the couch, but other than that, he’s very hands off.
He was NEVER like this when we first started going out. He was all over me, couldn’t get enough of me, but now, the respect he’s showing me is incredible. I’m not going anywhere, but a part of me wonders if he’s guarding himself, thinking if he pushes too quickly, I’ll disappear. Having Aaron back in my life on a consistent basis, and not feeling guilty about enjoying it, causes me to crave to see him more. That is what I used to feel.
I stretch my arms above my head, the comforter slips down and exposes my naked body. I don’t normally go to bed naked but after Aaron once again tucked me in and kissed me on the forehead, I needed some kind of release, so I stripped down, pulled out my vibrator and thought of his big, strong body hovering over me. Took me a minute before I was saying his name under my breath.
Feeling a little naughty, I pull up the camera on my phone and take a picture of myself. I pose in a position where he knows I’m naked but can’t see any of my naked bits. I want to send it to Aaron, but stop myself. He is waiting for me. But he’s not waiting for me to strip, so we can make love all night. He’s waiting for me to be ready to make love to him for forever. And I will respect that. Physically? Yes, I want him with every fiber of my body. Emotionally? Mentally?
I spend the next half hour taking a shower and getting ready for work while thinking about my upcoming Christmas break and my visit with my dad tonight. As the play is in a week and a half, we spent last night putting all the pieces of wood together. We’ll tackle painting next week, but the volunteers have been painting all the buildings, so we won’t have to do much.
Looking in the mirror, I curl my hair into long tendrils, letting the loose waves fall over my shoulders. I don’t spend much time on my makeup, just a little mascara and bronzer to get me through the day. I change into a pair of black leggings and put on an eggplant-colored wrap dress and black flats. I check myself in the mirror and adjust my dress so it sits properly on my body.
Pleased, I head downstairs where I smell coffee. My lips twist to the side with a smirk. When I turn into the kitchen, Aaron is leaning against the counter, arms crossed, and a cup of coffee in one of his hands. His hair is still wet from his shower, and he’s wearing his worn work clothes but looks handsome as ever. And seeing him in my kitchen, the first person I see to start my day, I know.
I’m ready.
“I don’t think as a property manger, you’re allowed to come into my house anytime you want.”
He pushes off the counter and walks toward me, pure testosterone dripping off him with each step. God, he’s so sexy.
“Just in case I need to check on something or if anything illegal is happening on the property, I’m allowed to enter at my own will, says in the lease.”
I move in closer to him and press my hand on his chest, hoping for a little kiss. “Anything illegal happening here? Anything you need to check on?”
He pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. “I think you know the answer to that.” When he pulls away, he hands me a coffee cup. “I have to get to work. We have a lot of molding to nail today.” He nods at the coffee. “Just the way you like it.”
“Thank you.” I take a sip and love how he knows how I take my coffee. It’s a small thing, but it matters.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets and gives me a smile before he starts to walk away.
“Hold on.” I set the coffee down and press my hands against his chest, loving how strong he is beneath my palms. “What are you doing tonight?”
His hands circle me and pull me close, engulfing me in his fresh soap smell. “Depends on how late we have to work tonight. The boys and I might have to pull some extra hours.”
“Oh.” I bite my lip and second-guess asking him my question.
“Why?” He tilts my chin up so I’m forced to look him in the eyes. “Did you have something planned?”
“Not really.” I toy with his shirt. “I’m going to go visit my dad and I wanted to ask if you want to go, but don’t worry about it. If you have—”
“I’ll be there.”
“What?” I ask, a little stunned.
“I would love to go with you. Just let me know when. I’ll grab some spare clothes to change into at work, so I’m not visiting your dad in paint-covered jeans.”
“Are you serious? You’ll go?” I don’t know why I feel so surprised. Aaron loves my dad. I’m still disappointed that Trey intended to pass my dad off as a lost cause.
“Of course I’ll go.” Aaron hugs me tightly. “Your dad means a lot to me, Amelia. He was my role model, the man I strove to emulate. Of course I want to visit him. I’ve missed him. I’m glad he’s close by so I can see him. If he’d like that. As long as he’s comfortable seeing me. I read that it can be confusing with Alzheimer patients if there are too many changes too quickly.”
My eyes well with tears, and I press my cheek against Aaron’s chest. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“No need to thank me. I’m glad you asked.” He presses another kiss on my head and then pulls away. “I have to go. I’ll see you later. Have a good day.” He tips my chin up and takes off, leaving me feeling all tingly and warm inside while I prepare my breakfast.
I’m in an Aaron fog when I receive a text message. Smiling, I look at my phone, and I’m shocked when I see the name across the display.