Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
I hadn’t left Aiden’s apartment in the few days since New Year’s. We’d fallen into a comfortable rhythm and kept making up silly excuses for me to stay.
“Rosie, I read it’s a full moon tonight. The train is always weird on full moons. I really think you should stay,” he said one evening, right as I was slipping on my shoes.
“I think I saw it might possibly drizzle,” I said the next morning. “I didn’t bring an umbrella, do you mind if I stay?”
Yesterday morning, Aiden said, “I made way too much pasta last night. Would you mind staying for lunch and dinner and helping me finish it?”
I gladly stayed every time.
But this morning, I woke up to Aiden reading my submission piece on his phone in bed.
My head was on his chest. One of his arms was wrapped around me, taking one of my curls between his fingers, playing with it. His other was scrolling through the story on his phone.
I peeked my eyes open at him, trying to read him. After a moment, he glanced down at me, and I quickly shut my eyes.
“I know you’re awake,” he said, amusement tinting his voice.
“Ugh,” I said, sitting up, suddenly nervous. “It’s okay if it’s bad.”
“Shh,” he admonished, still reading. “Don’t draw me out of it.”
I studied him as he read, trying to see any break in his expression.
“If you don’t like it, you can tell me. I can take it.” I paused. “But maybe be a little nicer than you were in September.”
“Rosie, I can’t focus with you staring at me like that.” A few moments later, he clicked his phone off and faced me, smiling.
“Well?” I demanded. “What’d you think?”
“I loved it.”
I groaned. “Tell me what I need to fix. I know you have something simmering in that devious brain of yours.”
“I have notes, but not a lot. I think it’s in really good shape. Do you want to go over them now?”
“ Please .”
He spent the next hour going over line-by-line edits with me. Naturally, we argued over a few different key points, but it was mostly painless. The way Aiden talked about it so seriously and was giving me so much effort filled me with joy.
After I was happy with it, I submitted it that afternoon. I peppered him with kisses in thanks.
“It really means a lot to me,” I said afterward.
He regarded me and said, “You act like it’s some big nuisance that I’d do something like that for you. I want to, Rosie. I want to be the first one you show your writing and the one you tell all those thought in your head. I’m grateful that you let me.”
I blinked away tears before they could fall. “You were worth every bit of the wait, Aiden.”
Eventually, I had to leave. After I collected my things and put my shoes on for the first time in days, he pressed me against the front door, his mouth on mine.
“You sure I can’t convince you to stay?” He murmured against my neck, biting softly where he’d easily discovered I was sensitive.
“You’re making a really good case.”
He huffed a laugh. “I can make a better one upstairs.”
I groaned and pushed him away, “No, no, I need to go. I’ll see you on Monday, okay?”
“Fine,” he said begrudgingly. It was only Wednesday, but Monday felt so far away. He gave me a final reluctant kiss, his hand on my jaw, angling my mouth whichever way he wanted. I walked all the way home a little dazed, wishing I could turn right back around.
“I’m home,” I called out to Alexa as I shoved our front door open later that morning. She was supposed to arrive home late last night. I hadn’t seen her since before break ended, and I hated how lonely the apartment had felt without her. Alexa’s bedroom door creaked open, and I moved to give her a hug. “How was your break?”
She hugged me back, but then stilled; she pulled back and peered at me. “Oh my God. You and Aiden fucked.”
I straightened. “Um.”
“Oh my God!” she yelled, grabbing my hands. “You two fucked! Tell me everything.”
We sat on the couch, snuggled in blankets. Her eyes were wide as I relayed every detail of the weekend. Even talking about it now was surreal. It was like I was speaking about a romance novel, not my own life.
“To quote you, ‘That’s so romantic.’ ”
I laughed. “It was.”
She smiled wide. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too.” I smiled to myself for the millionth time that day.
I spent the remainder of the day writing everything I’d felt this weekend into the chapters. The words came easily, remembering the way Aiden would bring me tea in bed or how he’d dutifully slip his socks on my feet when I got too cold. I’d always preferred fiction, but now I couldn’t wait for the rest of my new reality.
The second semester of our class started Monday. I had taken a few days off work for the holidays, and I had to make up the shifts before class started. Aiden and I had been texting whenever we could. He even came to grab at drink at the Hideout during a slow shift, and took me back to his apartment after, fucking me nice and slow until I was nearly sobbing for relief. I was a bit nervous for today, though—we were still in this liminal beginning space, and I didn’t want the workshop environment to change everything.
Aiden was waiting for me outside of the Writer’s House, leaning against the front gate. Usually, he had a permanent wrinkle in his forehead, like someone had just pissed him off. Now, he had a slight smile on his face, his cheeks risen just a little.
“Hi,” he said as I approached him.
“Hi,” I said back. I held my arms out for a hug, but quickly pulled them back. Was that weird? I mean, we had been on dates, but were we dating ? Even though I had slept in this man’s bed, I couldn’t lay my insecurities to rest.
He must’ve read it on my face because he tugged the scarf around my neck, pulling me closer. He kissed the top of my head and murmured, “I’ve missed you. Is that stupid? I saw you a few days ago, but I missed you.”
I looked up at him. “No. I missed you too.”
He frowned when I shuddered, wrapping the ends of the scarf around me once for good measure. He grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the building. “You’re shivering, let’s go in.”
In class, as I read aloud, Logan and Jess exchanged a look. Even Tyler was trying to suppress a smile. Our classmates had definitely noticed the shift in our writing.
“Notes? Aiden, would you like to go first?” Ida asked.
He shook his head. “No notes from me. I loved it.”
Ida raised her eyebrows, surprised. “Alright then. Tyler, let’s start with you.”
Later, as we walked out of class, Jess and Tyler stopped us.
“Are you two coming to Peculiar Pub tonight?” Jess asked. She looked to Aiden and said, “We usually go after class if we’re not working, if you want to come.”
I turned to him and smiled. “You should join us. It’s super fun. We make Logan play darts, and he always misses the board.”
Aiden shook his head. “That’s okay. I’ve got to talk to Ida about some stuff. Go on without me.”
I frowned. “Are you sure?”
His gaze flickered to Jess before whispering, “I’ll see you tonight. Come over after.” He pressed a kiss to the side of my forehead before heading back into the classroom with Ida.
Once he was out of sight, Logan whacked me in the arm.
“Ouch!” I rubbed my arm, pouting. “What was that for?”
“You two left the bar on New Year’s Eve together, then walked into class together today,” Logan hissed. “He said come over. ”
I shrugged sheepishly. Jess and I shared a look. We’d gotten bagels over the weekend and shared every detail we could, pouring over every single moment we’d spent with our guys. After she and Tyler had kissed at the club, she confessed she had feelings for him and he did the same. They ended up back at his place, but they didn’t hook up. They stayed up till the sun rose, just talking. Tyler asked her out for dinner, and they’d been on a few dates since.
Of course, I told Jess everything that happened between Aiden and me, but I hadn’t had the chance to update Tyler and Logan until now.
Logan all but pushed us out of the Writer’s House and down the street to the pub. We huddled into our corner booth and they all looked at me expectantly.
“Should we get drinks—”
“ No ,” they all said at once.
“Spill,” Logan demanded.
I tried to tamp down my smile, but I couldn’t. “We hooked up. And I think we’re dating? I don’t know, we haven’t really talked about it yet, but …”
“Holy shit.” Logan gasped.
“I called it,” Tyler said. “I knew he liked you. I can always tell. First round’s on me tonight. Jess, do you mind helping me carry?”
“You need help with four beers?” Logan asked. I kicked him under the table, widening my eyes. “Oh. I mean. What a great idea,” he said in a flat tone.
Once they left, I looked back at Logan. “Did he tell you?”
“Jesus Christ, did he ever,” he huffed. “Tyler’s been blowing up my phone. Every time Jess texts him he’ll send a screenshot, super excited.”
“Aw, that’s adorable,” I gushed.
Logan scowled. “Does no one care about Emily and me?”
“You texted us the next morning that she had a toe ring, and you couldn’t support that decision,” I said, flatly.
He lifted his chin. “Well, I couldn’t. Anyway, I don’t understand why Jess and Tyler are acting like we don’t all know about them.”
I shrugged. “Sometimes a new relationship is better when it’s just yours, and you don’t have to explain it to everyone.”
“Whatever. If they start playing footsie under the table, drinks are on Tyler.”
We quieted when they returned with the bottles, giggling.
“Tell us more about Aiden,” Logan urged. “We want all the nasty details.”
Jess smacked him on the head. “Don’t be weird about it.”
“Is this abuse Logan night? Did I miss the sign on the board?” Logan said drily.
“We are kind of dying to know,” Tyler admitted.
They hung onto every word as I relayed the story the same way I had to Alexa. Jess grabbed my hand and squeezed it, excited for me.
“Who knew Aiden had the ability to smile? Let alone love ,” Logan joked.
“I’ve kind of always liked Aiden.” Tyler frowned. “I never thought he was as bad as you guys said.”
“He’s not so bad.” I shrugged, sipping on my beer. I tried to be nonchalant but I counted down the minutes until I could head to his place.
We became that couple. The one I always envied. Who sat on the same side of a booth at a restaurant. Who made out in stacks of books and on corners of streets and didn’t care who saw.
I spent most nights at his place because I was obsessed with his brownstone. I loved just sitting by the window and reading while the sun set. Tonight, I waited at his door with a bag of Peruvian food from our new favorite restaurant, Inti. I had come straight from work and still had my tie hanging loosely around my neck. My feet were killing me.
When Aiden opened his front door, he was wearing a white t-shirt and my favorite gray sweatpants. I had gotten used to his casual clothes, but it had taken time . I’d been genuinely shocked to find out that he owned flannel shirts. He was on the phone but smiled when he saw me and beckoned me inside, taking the bag of food.
“Yes, I do understand,” he clipped into the phone. He covered the speaker with his hand and mouthed, “Sorry.”
I waved him off and slipped out of my shoes before settling onto the living room couch.
“I’m not talking about this anymore, Dad.” Aiden held the phone between his ear and shoulder, unpacking the bag onto the coffee table in front of the couch. “We talked about this months ago. I have no interest in the open position, and I won’t change my mind.” His tone was authoritative, and I knew it pissed his father right off. “Have a good night.”
He tossed his phone on the table, running a hand down on his face. “Sorry.” He sat on the couch next to me and handed me the box with camarones in it. “My dad was riding my ass again.”
“Same thing?” I frowned.
“Always is. He’s still hoping that one day I’ll take over and run the company or I’ll ‘wake up to reality,’ as he says. There’s some management job available in the financial department, and he wants me to take it to get to know the company.”
“What does your dad even do?”
“It’s some stupid app that helps you trade easier on the stock market. It blew up when I was a kid, and he sees it as his son more than me. He wants to start his own Huntington legacy.” He cleared his throat, deepening his voice. “Aiden, you need to think about your future. Aiden, you can’t live off your mother’s money forever.”
“Aiden, I think you’re a great writer and those pants make your ass look good,” I said with a deep voice.
He laughed. “Okay, none of that.” He leaned across me, planting a soft kiss on my lips. “How was your day?”
“Horrible. There was a huge baseball game on, and everyone and their mother decided to come to the restaurant. The only thing holding me over was the promise of Papa a la Huanca í na and those grey sweatpants.”
He ignored me like he always did when I begged him to wear the sweatpants more often. “Did you get a chance to look at the chapter I sent you?”
I scowled at him. “I’m still waiting for the actual chapter, because there’s no way we’re submitting that one.”
Aiden rolled his eyes, reaching for the anticucho. “You know we’re going to have to break them up sooner or later, Rosie Posie.”
“Shh.” I covered his mouth with my hand. “Live in the romance a little, they can break up in the last chapter.”
He frowned. “I don’t think—”
I took our food and placed it on the coffee table. Then I climbed on top of him, straddling his hips and tipping his head back to meet my eyes.
“You know what I hate about you,” I whispered as I began to kiss his neck.
“I can already tell this is going to be a very confusing conversation.” He gripped my hips, guiding my movement. His fingers spanned across my waist, each one of them sinking into me with just the right amount of pressure.
“I hate that you want to turn a perfectly good romance into a sad story.” I ran my fingers through his soft hair. “I hate the way this part of your hair perfectly curls onto your forehead at the end of the day.” I reached for the bottom of his shirt, tugging it off. “I hate when you make me feel like I can do just about anything.”
He smiled, catching onto the game. He pulled my shirt off, then reached behind me to unclasp my bra. “I hate your smile. I especially hate how much it makes me want to smile.”
He brushed his thumb against my nipple. It hardened beneath his finger, causing my back to arch. “I hate the white sundress you wear in the spring, too. Absolutely hate it.”
“I hate that peacoat,” I said, dragging my tongue from his neck up to his ear.
“You love my peacoat.” He picked me up with my legs still wrapped around his waist, and we fumbled our way upstairs to his spacious bedroom. Aiden kept getting distracted, pushing me up against walls to grind into me, his tongue stroking against mine.
I clenched my eyes closed, lost in him, and begged, “Aiden, I need you now.”
That was all he needed to hear before carrying me to his room, dropping me on the bed, and bending to capture my mouth with his.
“I never know how I want you,” he whispered, his forehead pressed against mine. “I’m so greedy when it comes to you.”
I was lost in lust, pushing his shirt up his abdomen until he took it off, urging me to do the same.
“Fuck, I love your tits,” he said. He lifted me under my arms, dropping me closer to the center of the bed. “Wanna kiss ’em while I fuck you.”
“Yes, please,” I moaned as he took a nipple into his mouth. I arched my back, my hands flying into his hair, keeping him closer. His other hand came up to tease my other nipple, shooting straight to my core.
After a moment, I’d had enough and needed him inside me. I pushed him off me so he lay flat on the bed, and I climbed over him, just like I had on the couch. My hair was still in a clip from work, but when I bent down to kiss him, he reached up, taking off the clip and tossing it to the side. My hair fanned down, covering our faces as he bit on my lip, tugging.
I whimpered, pressing down on his cock. He took my hips in his hands, dragging me over him in delicious friction.
“I can’t wait any longer,” I muttered against his lips. I started to pull his briefs down, and he helped me, kicking them off. Aiden wasn’t patient enough to do the same with my panties, only hooking them to the side with his finger. He carefully guided himself to my entrance.
Slowly, I sunk down on him, shuddering with relief. We both watched as I stretched to take him, my thighs quaking with the need for release.
“Goddammit, Rosie,” he said behind gritted teeth. “You look so pretty right now, baby. Think you can take a bit more?”
I nodded, desperate. He pulled my hips down roughly, and I let out a ragged moan. I fell forward, one of my hands planted near his head. Once I adjusted, I began to move up and down on him, relishing in the feel. One of Aiden’s hands let go of my hips, reaching up to cup my breasts, his tongue sliding over my nipples.
“So fucking pretty,” he said. “Such a good girl letting me fuck you like this.”
“ I’m fucking you ,” I said a little breathless. “I think you’re the one being good.”
He smiled against my skin, “Yeah, you are fucking me, baby. You’re fucking me real good.” In a moment, he flipped us around so he was on top. “I’m gonna fuck you now, okay? Just lay there and look pretty, hmm?”
My thighs tightened around his torso, and he thrust into me roughly while his head nuzzled into my neck so sweetly, contrasting his harsh movements.
“I hate you,” I said later as I reached my climax. “I really, really hate you.”
“Just like that,” he bit out, his hips moving faster. “I hate you too, Rosie. So much.”
An hour later, we moved slower. We took our time. His lips lingered on my neck, whispering against my skin.
“I love your curls,” he said. “I love when you wear your hair half up and a curl escapes in front of your face.”
I grasped at his back. “I love that I can always tell what you’re thinking from your eyes.”
When we both got close, neither of us said what we thought. Those three words were an intimidating jump. I knew he would catch me, but I couldn’t step off that ledge just yet.
His hand cupped my cheek, his green eyes as intense as ever. “Come for me, baby.”
I whimpered as his hips lost their slow pace and moved faster until my back arched, my chest pressing into Aiden’s. He cupped the back of my head, stroking my neck with his thumb. His careful hold of me pushed me right over that ledge.
As we lay in bed that night, Aiden’s breathing started to even out. My eyes were starting to droop down.
“I didn’t know it could be like this,” I whispered. I could barely see the shadows cast across his face in the dark, but I could feel his cheek curve as he began to smile.
“Like what?” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
Gently I took the hand that rested against his chest and held it over my heart. Even hours after we’d finished, it was beating wildly.
“Like this.”