Chapter 9 #2
I freeze. Holy shit! A slow smile spreads across my face as I realize what I just admitted to myself.
I have feelings for Aaden. He’s the one I want.
But am I what Aaden really wants? Does he want a commitment or just a casual thing?
I release a loud breath of air, blowing away the hair in front of my face.
I have to find out, but either way, I have to tell him about my dates with his friends.
I refuse to start…whatever this is with something this big hanging over us.
***
It’s Sunday, and I haven’t talked to Aaden since Friday night. I called Madison to tell her about my mom and catch up on what I missed at work. “Not a thing,” she tells me with a huff. “It’s been boring without you, but I’m glad your mom is better.”
I clear my throat, ready to tell Madison what’s really been going on. “I haven’t been spending all of my time with my mom. I’ve been spending a lot of time with someone else, too.”
“What?” she shrieks. “Who?”
I bite my lip and take a deep breath. “Aaden,” I mumble.
Her loud, high-pitched squeal shoots through the phone, and I wince as I snatch it away from my ear. “Oh. My. God! Why haven’t you told me any of this before now?”
I giggle at her excitement. “Because I wasn’t sure if it was going anywhere.”
“You think it’s going somewhere now?”
I sit quietly on the phone for a moment, thinking about her question before giving her an answer. “I think it might be. I’m totally falling for him, Mad.”
“Oh, Leah, this is amazing,” she coos. “I’m so happy for you and a little jealous.”
I snicker softly then pause as I worry my lip. “I’m scared, Madison.”
“Why are you scared?”
“You know why.”
“Leah, not every guy is a sleazeball like Jacob. Aaden is a genuinely good guy.”
“I know, but it’s hard. I thought Jacob was a good guy. I just don’t want to get hurt again.”
“So, I take it you haven’t slept together yet, huh?”
My mouth drops open. “Madison!”
“What? It’s an honest question,” she laughs.
“No, we haven’t.”
She howls. “Girl, he is gonna rock your world.”
“Oh God, you’re not helping.”
“Sorry.” She giggles.
I steer the conversation away from my love life. We talk more about work, and after a few minutes, I hang up to go find my mother.
The day is half gone when my phone rings again. I smile as Aaden’s name appears on the screen. Swiping my finger across it, I lift the phone to my ear, excited to finally hear from him.
“Hey, you, were you thinking of me?” I ask.
I can tell he’s smiling even over the phone. “Every second of every day,” he teases. My heart does a little flip. “I was calling to let you know that I have to go out of town for a meeting. I’ll be gone all week, possibly longer.” He sounds disappointed.
“Oh.” I frown. “When do you leave?”
“In a few hours. There’s an emergency in our Miami office. I have to be there for a meeting first thing in the morning.” My heart sinks. A whole week without seeing him, maybe longer? I scold myself for being that girl. Don’t be clingy, Leah.
“Okay, well, I’ll miss you,” I sigh.
“I’ll miss you, too. I’ll call you every night, and hopefully, I can get home sooner rather than later.”
“I hope so, too.”
“Think of me all alone in that hotel room, wishing you were there to cuddle with.” He laughs.
“I definitely will,” I giggle. “Have a safe trip.”
“Bye, babe,” he says before hanging up. I place my phone on my lap and stare down at it. God, I really am going to miss him. I wrap my arms around myself, taking a deep breath. Maybe Madison is right; it’s time for that leap of faith.
***
On Monday morning, I walk into the office and find Madison sitting on the corner of my desk waiting for me. “I have nothing new to report,” I tell her with a smile as I plop down into my chair.
“You’re boring,” she teases.
I roll my eyes. “Aaden was called away on business yesterday. He’ll be gone all week.”
“Bummer.” She frowns.
Before I can agree, my phone rings. I snatch it and press it to my ear. “Leah Ward.”
“Hey, beautiful. I’ve missed you.”
I snap my head up to look up at Madison. “Good morning, Tyler.” Her eyes go wide as she gives me a look, her mouth hanging open. I try not to chuckle as I turn away from her.
“I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner again? We agreed to sometime really soon, remember?” His voice is low and sexy, and it makes me shiver.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I’m seeing someone, but I can’t.
I’m not ready to answer his questions, and I’m not sure if Aaden wants anyone to know.
“Umm, I’m flattered, Tyler. But my mother is having a difficult time right now, and I’m really just focusing on her.”
A deep sigh comes over the phone. “I understand.” His tone sounds defeated. After a moment of silence, he clears his throat. “Well, I’m having an end-of-summer cookout in two weeks, and I wanted to invite you.”
“Really? That sounds like fun. Would you mind if I invite my friend Madison?” I ask as I glance at her. She perks up with a huge grin, her hands pressed together in front of her like she’s praying.
“Not at all,” Tyler replies. I give Madison a smile and a thumbs up. She starts jumping up and down, and I have to cover the phone while I laugh at her.
“Sounds like a plan,” I tell him as Madison wiggles with excitement.
“Do me a favor?” he asks. “Wear something hot. Something sexy just for me.”
I blush at the flirtatious tone. “I’ll see what I can do.”
***
Three days pass, and I receive another invitation to dinner from Chase.
I give him the same excuse I gave Tyler, and he seemed really disappointed but said he understood.
I’m going to have to tell them about Aaden at some point, but I want to be sure that Aaden is okay with people knowing.
I’m still confused as hell as to why they’re all interested in me. What’s changed since college?
“Ready to go?” Madison asks as she turns off her lamp and grabs her purse.
“So ready.” I sigh and walk her out of the building.
We head to the mall in search of the perfect bathing suits for what I’m sure will be a lavish party.
If I know these guys, it’s going to be epic.
We hit every store that sells them. Madison quickly finds a black bikini that has a metallic sheen to it.
With her dark skin and curves, she’s going to have men falling at her feet.
“You are going to slay in that.”
“You don’t think it says, ‘hey, look at me, I’m single and desperate’ too much, do you?”
I laugh. “Well, isn’t that what you’re trying to say?”
She grins. “You’re right. It’s perfect.” I shake my head as I continue searching through the swimsuits, and Madison moves on to find a cover-up. I always have a difficult time finding bathing suits. I just don’t think I’m bikini material. I’ve always been more comfortable in a one-piece.
“I have to admit, I was hoping I would have heard from you by now.” I jump and spin around to face a grinning Noah. A bright pink bikini is gripped in my hands, and I swallow hard as I watch him approach.
“Noah, hi. Sorry, I’ve been really busy with work and my mother.”
He stuffs his hands into his pockets, suddenly appearing concerned. “How is she doing?”
“Much better.” I smile. “She’s home now and doing well.”
He flashes me a genuine smile. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Leah!” Madison shouts from the next row over. She bounces into the aisle holding a sexy red and black plaid bikini. “This is so…oh,” she gasps. Her cheeks instantly flush pink. “Mr. McKinney.”
Noah’s eyes sparkle as he stares at her. “Please, it’s Noah.” He smiles.
She grins. “Noah.”
I purse my lips together as I try to hide my smirk. She is so into him. I’ve never seen her like this. Noah walks over to her and studies the two bikinis she’s holding. “You’re going to look killer in those,” he says as he stares at her. I watch as Madison all but orgasms from his voice alone.
“Thanks,” she whispers, “but this one is for Leah.” She shoves the plaid bikini at me without breaking eye contact with him. The look in Noah’s eyes tells me he’s just as interested in her. A huge smile spreads across my face. Well, this got interesting.