by K E Osborn
My hands grip onto him tightly while I rock my body into his, but his kisses on my skin start to soften as his breathing slows, and the dramatic tension eases. Aiden returns his lips to mine, this time, kissing me softly and slowly bringing the fervor down a notch. Aiden pulls his hips away from mine and takes a small step back so that our bodies aren’t touching anymore. I mourn the loss of contact immediately as he gives me one last quick kiss before pulling his shirt back up over his shoulders and taking a deep breath before exhaling.
“You. Are. Trouble.”
I pout my bottom lip and bat my eyelashes. He licks his bottom lip and moves in to kiss me once more, slowly caressing my cheek with his hand. Pulling back, I look at his lips with a laugh.
Raising his eyebrow, he chuckles. “Why are you laughing?”
“Nice lip gloss,” I tell him as I wipe it off his plump lips with my thumb.
“Pink is my color,” he teases, taking my hand and pulling me away from the shelving.
I can’t help the smile from lighting my face. “Where’s this dress you arranged for me tonight?” I ask curiously trying to change the subject before I’m the one to push him back against the shelving this time.
Aiden gestures, tilting his head toward a room off the main living area, and he walks with me to it. “It’s in here.” He slides open the door. “You’re going to look so fucking sexy in it, Jeni.”
I bite down on my bottom lip as we walk inside the master bedroom. My eyes widen with the opulence of the space. The walls are off-white with one side painted a rich burgundy, making the room come alive with a glow of warmth. The king-size mattress is filled with black and mahogany pillows and has a soft, black silk comforter cascading over it like a waterfall. I fight the urge to jump on it and smother myself in the tempting silk. The room is large with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom the size of my bedroom. I gaze around this romantic, beautiful room in awe when I notice a gorgeous full-length black gown on a hanger encased in a clear protective cover.
Excitement floods over me as I look up at Aiden. “Is this it?” I ask, pointing at the dress.
“Can’t wait to see you in it.” He beams with a very cheeky smile. “I’ll leave you to get changed.” He heads out of the room and slides the frosted glass doors shut, leaving me with my thoughts.
I feel like a little girl on Christmas morning opening her presents as I rip off the cover to reveal my dress—it’s black silk with a fitted bust and empire waist that flows down my hips to the floor. It has a single shoulder strap, encrusted with sparkling diamantes which also flow down onto the top part of the dress. It’s beyond elegant, beyond beautiful, beyond anything I’ve ever owned.
“Thank God I wore my strapless bra,” I mumble to myself as I gaze at the elegance in front of me.
In the bottom of the clear plastic cover, I pull out a pair of black heels with a red sole which have a small, delicate diamante bow. I take my dress and Louboutins to the ensuite bathroom so that I can see myself in the full-length mirror. I slide into the dress, trying not to get any makeup on it or mess up my hair. I straighten out the dress before looking in the mirror and inhale at the sight.
I’m elegant—I look surprisingly eye-opening.
I’d even go as far as to say I’m pretty, which is something I never give myself credit for. The shoes are about the same height as the ones I wore yesterday, and instantly, a wave of panic washes over me as I relive falling onto the deck. Gathering my nerves, I try to walk steadily to the living room where Aiden’s standing watching the television while tightening a black tie around his neck. This time, his shirt is buttoned and tucked into his suit pants.
That’s a damn shame.
“What do you think?” I ask, gaining his attention.
Aiden glances up, and it’s like time stands still. Pausing to look at me, his breathing catches in his chest as his eyes narrow with such lust that it makes my insides shudder. Biting my bottom lip, I walk over to him slowly, concentrating on each step I take, looking straight into his eyes—those smoldering, bright blue eyes—which are staring back into mine seductively. When I reach him, he holds out his hand for me to take, and without warning, he yanks me to him, catching me off guard as he holds me in a tight embrace.
“You’re intoxicating, Jenifer Taylor.” He softly nuzzles against my ear.
My insides flame with desire as his deep voice is laced with such lustful intent it makes me quiver with want. I don’t think we’ll make it to the dinner at this rate. He moves the hair from my bare shoulder and places a tender kiss on my skin, sending a shot of tingles straight down my spine.
A lump begins to form in my throat. “So, I look okay, then?” I ask jokingly, trying to rid myself of images of us fucking against the wall.
“Smokin’, baby,” he replies with a grin, leading me to the sofa.
I glance up and down his suited body. “You don’t look half bad yourself,” I chime.
He smirks at me while shaking his head. “You’re one of a kind, aren’t you, Jeni?”
We both laugh as we sit on the sofa. “Should I leave my bag and clothes here?” I ask, wondering what the protocol is for this kind of thing.
“You can either bring them or leave them. It’s totally up to you.”
I think for a second or two. If I leave them here, it means we will have to come back to his apartment before he takes me home, giving me a chance to spend a little more time with him.
“I’ll leave them here.” I grin at my mischievous plan.
He moves closer to me on the sofa. “You’ll be meeting my family and co-workers tonight.”
I tense slightly at the thought. “I know. I’ll be on my best behavior,” I tell him genuinely.
“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried this might be too soon for you, though.” He’s watching my every move.
“I think there’s something here, Aiden. If I weren’t interested in meeting your family and friends, I wouldn’t have agreed… I’m okay with this, I promise.”
He manages a half-smile. “I know there’s something here as well. I rarely introduce my family to the women I date. This is a really big thing for me.”
I look at him, surprised, beginning to feel a little tense, so I try to lighten the mood. “Hang on… you said women you’re dating. How many of your women are coming tonight?” I giggle.
He shakes his head. “You know there’s only you.”
I bite my bottom lip at his reply as he kisses my cheek. I turn my head to kiss his lips gently feeling the tingle to my toes. When we part lips, I pull out my lip gloss from my bra and apply some more, then place the small tube back.
He looks at me and laughs. “Handy.”
“Sure is.”
He looks at his watch. “We better head out. You sure you’re ready for this?” Aiden asks, holding my hands in his as though he thinks I’m going to change my mind at any given second.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering, “I’m sure, Aiden.”
His whole body relaxes as he exhales in relief. We both stand, and he takes my arm in his. Aiden retrieves his suit jacket from the edge of the sofa, then we walk to the elevator. He glances down at me. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
Surely, I’m blushing yet again, but somehow, I coyly reply, “Thanks.”
On the elevator ride, nerves flutter in my stomach and tighten my grip on his arm. Spinning around, he looks at me, then kisses my forehead softly. When the doors open, he leads me out to the underground parking garage, and we make our way over to Mike, who’s standing in front of his car waiting.
“You look lovely, Miss Taylor.” The giant smile on his face tells me he isn’t lying.
“Now, now, Mike… she’s a little young for you, don’t you think?” Aiden chides jokingly.
I gently slap him on the chest. “Hey, don’t be rude.”
Aiden smirks as Mike opens the car door for us. I slide into the car awkwardly, trying not to crinkle my dr
ess while Aiden, of course, glides gracefully into the seat next to me. He grabs my hand as I sit silently next to him.
“Should be a good night, sir,” Mike calls out from the front.
“Yes, hopefully.”
“Hopefully?” I question. That’s an odd answer.
Aiden runs his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, my father and I… well, we don’t always see eye to eye,” he tells me sullenly.
That explains why there are no pictures of his father in the living room.
“I see…”
“Mmm…” he replies, deep in thought, looking out the window. I notice Mike peering at Aiden through the rearview mirror, and I can tell by the look on his face he’s worried about him. Mike’s eyes shift to me, and when he sees me staring at him, he quickly looks away. I sense there’s bad blood between Aiden and his father, and it’s enough for Mike to be worried—which is unsettling. I tighten my fingers around Aiden’s hand and lean my head against his shoulder. He nuzzles into my hair, calming me instantly. If only we could stay like this for an eternity.
We spend the rest of the trip in silence with my head on Aiden’s shoulder, and his head nuzzled into mine. I’m so relaxed I almost fall asleep.
“We’re here,” Mike announces as he pulls the car into the valet parking area of the Intercontinental Hotel. There are a few people scattered around dressed elegantly, and next to them, I see a sign which reads:
O’Connell Finance, Inc.
Farewells Donald Parker
Ballroom One
I study the sign wondering its meaning. ‘Farewells’ as in he’s leaving or farewell as in he died? I glance at Aiden, and he senses my confusion.
“You okay?” Aiden asks as Mike opens the door.
“Did Donald Parker pass away, or is this a farewell party thing?” I whisper.
Aiden laughs at my foolish thought. “No, he’s retiring.”
Relief floods over me. “Oh, thank God,” I blurt out as Aiden hops out of the car.
I don’t deal well with death.
Aiden holds his hand out for me, and I take it, exiting the car as gracefully as I can manage, which for me is unusually smooth. I step out onto the curb and straighten my dress.
Then as I turn to face the front of the hotel, it’s plain to see everyone’s eyes are focused directly on me. Their intense scrutiny is more than unsettling.
What the hell?
All these faces are staring right at me as Aiden places his arm around my waist ushering me inside. My stomach flutters in nerves as he pulls me with him. “What was that about?” I whisper as he holds me close.
“I usually come to these things solo. They’re not used to witnessing such a beautiful woman on my arm.”
“Huh,” I reply in my shock. Honestly, I have no words for his answer.
We walk through the reception area where a large water feature in the center of the entry sits loud and proud. The marble masterpiece towers over everything, the trickling water sending a calming intonation through the air as I smile at the beautiful showpiece.
To the left is the ballroom, and we make our way in that direction, frequently stopping for Aiden to greet his co-workers. Once inside the ballroom, I peer around and see numerous chandeliers dangling gracefully from the ceiling. They sparkle sending shards of twinkling light dancing across the room. The tables are round and set with crisp, white tablecloths and crystal candelabra centerpieces, which honestly look like something from the movie set of Beauty and the Beast. The seats are covered with white chair covers and tied with burgundy bows. The room is immaculate. There’s a small dance floor in the center, a microphone stands near the front, and soft melodic music filters through the air.
Aiden leads me to a table where a group of people are already seated. Some of them I recognize from the photographs in his living room.
My muscles tense in apprehension.
This is it!
I’m about to meet Aiden’s family!
I brace myself on his arm, making sure I don’t fall—no need to embarrass myself in front of them.
Aiden’s eyes meet mine. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” I reply, not meaning it at all. We reach the table, and they all stand.
“Hi, darling,” Aiden’s mother chimes as she leans in, embracing him with a kiss to his cheek.
“Everyone. This is Jenifer Taylor. Jeni, this is my mother, Callie…” he points at her, “my brother, Killian, my sister, Brielle, and you remember my PA, Daniel?”
“Of course. Hi, everyone. It’s so lovely to meet you all.” I shake their hands as I’m introduced, and I try to remember everyone’s names. They’re all dressed glamorously. It’s like I’ve arrived at a Hollywood red-carpet event.
An elderly man walks up, slapping Aiden on the back, then not so subtly eyes me up and down.
“Aiden, I see you’ve brought a date with you…” He tilts his head toward Killian. “I guess, at least, this clarifies you’re not gay like your brother,” he goads, intentionally insulting Aiden and his brother at the same time. I notice Daniel, Aiden’s PA, shifting in his seat, looking uncomfortable at the unfolding situation.
“Father,” Aiden grumbles as his father turns, walking away.
“Charming,” I whisper into Aiden’s ear. I glance at his obviously angry brother, noticing him looking more than slightly uncomfortable.
Aiden turns up his lip. “That’s normal behavior for my father.” He pulls my chair out, and I slide in beside his sister, then Aiden sits next to me.
“Brielle, I love your dress.” I sincerely try to make small talk as I wave over what just happened.
She looks at her dress, then back at me. “Thanks. I love it, too. I had it made by my friend’s cousin. She’s a designer. Not a well-known one, but she’s really good, don’t you think?” Her peppy demeanor has me liking her instantly.
“Yeah, definitely.” I turn to look at Aiden, who’s leaning back in his chair, smiling at me.
Brielle grabs my attention once more. “Aiden hasn’t had a girlfriend in ages. How long have you guys been together?” she asks casually.
There’s that girlfriend word.
I peek at Aiden waiting for him to answer—I’m not sure what he wants me to say.
“You’re very nosy today, aren’t you, Bree?” Aiden interjects, saving me from my blank mind as she rolls her eyes at Aiden.
‘Thanks,’ I mouth as he dips his chin in acknowledgment. The room’s starting to fill with people. It amazes me how beautiful and glamorous everyone looks. It’s like a scene from a movie as another person joins our table, and Aiden introduces him as Matthew Jones. “He’s my rival at work,” Aiden mocks with a slight chuckle.
“Don’t you know it,” Matthew retorts, obviously referring to some inside joke that I simply don’t understand.
Another lady joins the table and sits next to Matthew. “Hi, I’m Rachelle, Matt’s PA,” she offers, shaking my hand.
There’s one position left at the table. “Who’s that seat for?” I ask inquisitively.
Aiden smiles mischievously. “You’ll see.”
My interest piques instantly. I’m meeting so many people tonight, that it’s a little overwhelming. And yet, there’s one more person yet to arrive. I have no idea who it could be. All I know is Aiden is excited about whoever it is, and he has me desperately guessing who the hell it could be.
“Nana,” Brielle calls out as she stands to hug Nana from the café. I can’t help but smile at Aiden as I stand to greet her, happy to see a familiar face.
“Hi, darling, how are you?” she asks kindly.
“Nana, I’m great, thanks. Nice to see you again… how are you?”
A hint of a smirk crosses her face. “Have you figured it out yet?”
I narrow my eyes on her. “Figured what out?” I ask as Aiden and Nana chuckle, looking at me as if I’m the butt of their well-kept private joke.
Aiden hugs Nana, peering at me mischievously. “Jeni, I’
d like you to meet my father’s mother and my grandmother.”
I open my eyes wide. How the hell did I not figure this out? “So, she’s your real Nana?”
“Yes, honey, I sure am.”
I shake my head in disbelief that I was too senseless not to realize that she could be his actual grandmother. I never even bothered to ask why Aiden called her Nana when I met her the first time, thinking it was something she simply liked to be called. I chuckle along with them when a waiter appears. “Would anyone like a drink?”
“Jeni, do you like white wine?” Aiden’s mother asks curiously.
“Yes, I do, thank you,” I reply with a kind smile.
“White wine for the ladies and Macallan for the men,” Callie instructs, sounding ever like the matriarch she is.
“Coming right up,” the waiter replies.
Callie looks at me with beautiful kind eyes. “So, Jenifer, what do you do for a living?”
I assert myself. “I work as a receptionist at an auto repair shop.”
Callie nods in acknowledgment. “And do you like your job?”
“I do. I meet some very interesting people.” I look sideways at Aiden, who smirks.
Aiden turns to his brother. “So, Killian, how’s the gallery coming along?” Aiden asks, shifting the conversation.
“It’s going exceptionally well. I sold a couple more photos to Vogue.” He claps his hands together once and smiles. It’s obvious he’s proud of his achievements.
Aiden turns to me. “Killian’s a photographer and has his own gallery where he displays his works and sells them.”
“Congratulations, Killian. I’ll have to come by and see your work one day.”
His face lights up like a little boy on his birthday. “Yeah, that would be fab.” His tone and demeanor are nothing like his much stronger, masculine brother, but he’s just as handsome.
We laugh with him as the waiter shows up with our drinks. Everybody’s seated at their respective tables when I see Aiden’s father approach the stage. He’s holding a small glass of what looks like whisky on the rocks and taps the microphone a couple of times. He clears his throat to gain everyone’s attention, and the general sound of people chatting hushes into silence.
