Chapter 19 #2
He’s right that I could be so pissed at him for ignoring my need for space. But I’m not.
I pat the carpet square next to me. He sets down Noah, who runs over to me and climbs into my lap. Aaron looks a little more unsure, a pink blush coloring his cheeks. Whether from the heat of his costume or uncertainty about what his role is here, I’m not sure.
As he approaches, I give him a hearty round of applause and the biggest smile I can muster. That seems to gin up his confidence as he makes the next few strides to close the distance between us.
He sits so close to me that I can feel the heat radiating off his body. I try to focus on the rest of the show. Noah certainly has no problem singing along with the other vegetables and the cheering kids.
All I can think of is the many times he was pressed up against me in bed, his chiseled chest flush against mine. The way his fingers felt laced through mine. The way his kisses landed on my lips, surprisingly gentle for a man as muscular and strong as him.
Eventually, the teacher thanks us all for coming and dismisses us. Noah, Aaron, and I walk out into the sunlight, our first opportunity to talk and my chance to say the things that have been rattling around in my head since the first time I met his family.
Aaron walks us to the car, still holding Noah. I pause behind him as he lowers Noah into the car seat.
“Aaron, we need to talk,” I say quietly, hoping none of the other families will hear us.
He finishes buckling Noah in and stands, leaving the door open so Noah can feel the breeze.
“I would say that we certainly do.” He leans casually against the car, making it clear he isn’t going anywhere until he says what he needs to say. He opens his mouth to say more, but I hold up a hand and stop him.
This mess is entirely of my making. And it’s mine to fix.
“I was wrong,” I start, ignoring the tremor in my voice. If I don’t get this out soon, I’m going to break down sobbing. “I was wrong to pin my insecurities on you. You have done nothing but try to care for me. For Noah.”
“You and Noah are two of the most important people in my life. And I don’t say that lightly. I don’t keep many people in my life these days. I’m getting better about it, but I’m really selective.”
“I get that. I know you’ve been through a lot—”
“And so have you,” he reminds me gently. “We both have a lot of things that we need to work past. Things that we may not have fully healed from. But I’d like us to do that work. Together.”
“Aaron Evans.” I force my voice to stay steady and clear. A smile lights up my face because I already know the answer. “Will you go on a date with me? A real one?”
Aaron looks up at the sky for a moment, contemplating. He has every right to turn me down at this point. I wouldn’t blame him one bit, but I can tell it’s a yes.
He leans down into the car and asks Noah what he thinks.
“Dada,” Noah says, clapping Aaron hard on the cheeks with his two tiny hands.
Time stands still.
I knew Noah would eventually say it in front of Aaron, but I hadn’t told him yet. This was a new revelation for him. A new title that I wasn’t entirely sure he wanted. Or was ready for.
Aaron says nothing, just looks Noah in the eye and nods. He closes his eyes, leans in, and presses a kiss to Noah’s forehead. When he looks back at me, I can see the tears in his eyes.
“Yes,” he says firmly. “Yes, I’ll go on a real date with you.”
The smile on my face is brighter than I have ever felt it before. I wonder if the brightness could rival even the sun in the wattage it produces here and now. Words fail me, and all I can do is stand here and stare at Aaron with this stupid smile.
He moves toward me in one smooth move, one that I could have anticipated but also one that surprises me. It’s been a while, and this still feels natural for both of us.
He cups the back of my neck in one hand, forcing me to look up at him. His fingers tangle in my long hair, locking me into him as he leans in to press his lips against mine. It’s sweet and innocent at first, the kind of kiss that settles a long argument.
Between us, it was never going to stay there.
He parts my lips with a swipe of his tongue, and the kiss deepens.
Grows more passionate. His free hand moves to my hip, pulling me flush against him.
His teeth connect with my bottom lip until a surprised moan slips out of me.
I feel his breathy laughter against my lips, his amusement at how my body responds to him.
“I doubt this is appropriate for the preschool parking lot,” he mutters in my ear.
My eyes are still closed, my knees too weak to support me. He holds me up against the sturdy steel frame of the car.
“Then I guess we’ll have to wait for tonight,” I breathe.
“Tonight, then,” he says and then walks away, leaving me wanting more.
I slide into the driver’s seat and look at Noah in the rearview mirror. He looks content to have seen Aaron again after a while.
“We have a lot to get ready before tonight,” I tell him with a sigh.
I know what I have to do.
We head to the grocery store.