Chapter 30
Aria
When I wake up, a bit of sunlight shines through the opening where the black out curtains meet.
My body is telling me to ignore the sliver of light and go back to sleep for a few more hours, since I have the day off and I’m fully sexed out, but it sounds like my stomach has other plans.
French toast. He promised me French toast, and my stomach is awake and ready to cash in.
I throw the covers off and head to the bathroom first to take care of business and brush my teeth before heading to the kitchen in Elliot’s shirt from last night.
Walking down to the kitchen, the smell of cinnamon fills the room, and I can’t help but smile. It looks like he kept his promise.
The smile disappears slightly when I reach the kitchen and find Henry there instead of Elliot. I regret not getting fully dressed before coming down here.
“Good morning, Henry,” I say, trying my hardest to make the shirt I’m wearing a bit longer. Thankfully, the counter is able to hide me—somewhat.
The older gentleman looks over at me and smiles. “Good morning, Ms. Aria. How are you this morning?”
“Um, I’m good,” I say, looking around and trying to peek into the living room. “I don’t mean to be rude, but where’s Elliot?”
There was a tinge of disappointment when I didn’t see Elliot in bed next to me when I woke up. I was able to squash it down a bit, but now, that disappointment is back.
Henry gives me a friendly smile. “Mr. Elliot got a call about a last minute meeting and called me in to help fulfill a promise he made about some French toast? It’s almost done; as soon as I flip this last one, I will be out of your hair.”
He called in reinforcements so he could fulfill a promise. My heart shouldn’t sing at something like that, yet it does. He could have just said he would make me French toast a different day, but he didn’t. He called Henry to help him out.
With a smile on my face, I take a seat on one of the barstools on the other side of the counter.
“Did he say when he will be back?” I ask, watching as Henry flips a slice of bread slathered in egg and cinnamon goodness.
“He should be back in an hour or two. Mr. Elliot is not a fan of meetings and may cut it short. He left something for you in the living room.”
That catches me by surprise. “He did?” I ask, but I don’t wait for an answer before I’m sliding off the barstool and making my way to the adjacent room, my curiosity peaked.
Walking into the space, I spot two pink gift bags sitting on the coffee table. I grab the smallest bag first, my curiosity winning out.
Under the light pink tissue is another bag, this one a robin egg blue.
No way.
He didn’t…
I pull out the small bag, and sure enough, the simple font of Tiffany & Co is printed on the side. I’m pretty sure my mouth drops open.
With curiosity circulating through my veins like adrenaline, I reach into the bag.
I tug out a small box, and when I open it, I find the small, stunning heart bracelet I bought last night out of anger and then canceled.
How did he know this is what I bought?
Yes, I used his credit card, but I sent all the information to my email. And how did he get so fast? There is no way the store opens this early.
He must have pulled some strings.
I slide the gold bracelet out of the box and onto my wrist, admiring how it shines when the sun hits it. I’m in utter shock at the simple thought this is currently on my body.
If I’m already wearing the bracelet I bought and returned, what is in the other bag?
Putting the small bag back on the coffee table, I grab the other. Like with the first one, there is another bag inside, white and black, Chanel adorning the front.
I waste no time. Inside is a black dress that goes right to the knee, its embroidery absolutely stunning. The second I saw it, I fell in love with it and hit purchase. This one hurt to return, but somehow, someway, it’s in my hands right now.
How? How did he know I bought this?
I put the dress back in its bag and run upstairs to grab my phone.
Tapping the screen awake, I find a text message from Elliot.
Elliot
I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to make you French toast, but I do hope you enjoy Henry’s. His aren’t as good as mine, but still good. I also hope you enjoy the gifts.
Aria
How did you know what I ordered?
Within a few seconds, I have a response.
I have my ways
I’m about to tell him I can’t accept them, that he should return them, when another message from him comes through.
They are yours to keep. You bought them, and if you have a hard time accepting that, think of them as an early birthday gift
How do you know when my birthday is?
Like I said, I have my ways
If you reject them, just know they will find their way into your closet.
Because you have your ways?
Exactly. So there is no point in rejecting them. Keep them. Enjoy them. Love them
I look down at the message just as my thumbnail makes its way into my mouth. I should put my foot down, but the man did give me a credit card to use, and like he said, it’s an early birthday gift. I can’t reject a birthday gift.
I shouldn’t.
Because Elliot bought them for me, and I will cherish them forever, even if this thing between us is temporary.
I type out another message.
Aria
Thank you, sugar daddy. I will cherish them always
I quickly leave the message thread and change his name in my phone. Within a minute, a new message comes through.
Sugar Daddy
Anything for my sugar baby/cougar.
I let out a laugh and head back downstairs to enjoy some of Henry’s French toast.