“Yeah, everything was okay though. Just a little cramping,” a shadow of a smile flashed across her face as she tried to calm my nerves.
“I don’t want you to worry about being a single mom, Emily. I have no intention of being a deadbeat dad. I want to see our son or daughter grow up,” I confided, noticing the gleam return to her eyes.
“I don’t want you to feel pressured. I know what you expected this to be,” she looked down, apparently ashamed, as she spoke the last sentence.
“I don’t think you do. I was shocked when you were gone the next morning. I felt something for you from the first night we spent together. I spent hours trying to find you online,” I confessed.
“I looked through every photo from the fundraiser I could find on Facebook,” she smiled, admitting her own interest.
“So why did you leave?” I finally asked what I’d been wondering since the morning I woke up alone in the hotel suite.
“I don’t know… I guess I thought you might wake up and not remember who I was or what we’d done…” she again looked down, speaking so quietly I had to lean in to hear her.
“I could never forget…” I whispered, and her eyes rapidly shot up to gaze into mine. I wanted to get lost in her eyes, and her beauty. Something about her felt like home to me, as if I’d known her for years. We remained locked in a deep gaze until we were again interrupted by the waitress, this time carrying our dinner.
The meal was pretty good considering there was no meat on the plate; Emily seemed to really love it.
“Are you vegetarian?” I inquired between bites.
“No, not usually, but I’ve read that a plant-based diet is best for the baby, so I’ve been depriving myself,” she giggled. I was so impressed by her dedication to doing what was best for our child, despite all the obstacles I’d created for her.
“You’re going to be a great mom,” I blurted out what was meant to be a private thought.
“Thanks, Aiden,” she beamed before adding, “I think you’ll be a great dad… in whatever capacity you choose.” She gave me an approving smile as if it truly were completely up to me. I couldn’t believe how kind she was towards me, while I felt like such a coward.
We finished our dinner with a bit of small talk before I asked for the bill. Emily jokingly asked if I’d like to go Dutch and I tried my best to see the humor in it while making it very clear that I’d never let her pay for anything around me. She seemed a little uncomfortable, but I didn’t falter; I’d rather she knew how serious it was to me.
After we both had decided against dessert, I retrieved my valet ticket and asked the waitress to inform us when the car was ready. Emily told me all about her student’s performance at a recent gymnastics meet before contemplating how she would manage to assist a local cheerleading squad as her belly continued to grow. She mentioned how they regularly traveled for competitions and I felt a ball of anxiety in my stomach.
I wanted to ask her to decline the job, but I felt like it wasn’t my place to do so. First, she tells me that gymnastics gave her a pregnancy scare, and then she admits to taking on more coaching? The idea of her having complications while she was on the road, away from me, really troubled me, but I felt it best to leave it alone for the moment. I was happy when the waitress returned to inform me the Porsche was ready. I welcomed the interruption of my thoughts.
We were walking towards the back entrance as I led Emily through the restaurant, my hand rested on the small of her back. Just as we went to exit the dining room, I noticed a server preparing to pass holding two large serving trays. He didn’t seem to see Emily, and fearing for a collision I placed my free hand on her midsection, causing her to halt straight away.
The server nodded in appreciation as he passed by us, but I owed him the gratitude. He’d given me a reason to be closer to Emily – close enough to inhale her rose scent as her soft blonde hair tickled my nose. She placed her hand over mine, and I realized I’d inadvertently reached for our unborn child.
We were locked in the embrace for so long that the waitress leading us through the restaurant actually cleared her throat to garner my attention. I gently kissed the top of Emily’s head before again placing my hand on the small of her back.
“Come on, sweetheart,” I instructed, shocking myself with the term of endearment. There was something about her that was so enticing and charming, but I still didn’t know if it were enough for us to have a healthy relationship. As we settled into the car, I decided it best to lay all of the cards on the table. I just hoped I wouldn’t hurt her feelings or leave her even more stressed than she already was.
Chapter Ten
EMILY
My heart was still recovering from Aiden’s unexpected warm embrace as I buckled my seatbelt. Sure there was a server coming, but his tight grip and deep breaths told me it was about more than preventing spilled lasagna on my dress. I couldn’t resist leaning into his hard chest, my hormones were going crazy just thinking about what he could do to my body.
As he pulled out of the restaurant parking lot, bright lights flashed as paparazzi snapped pictures into the car.
“Don’t worry. The windows are reflective, they won’t be able to sell any of the pictures,” he noted while turning onto the main street. I remained mute, having no response to such an unusual admission. I wasn’t used to strangers chasing me around for pictures, let alone finding a way to avoid them.
“Do you think I’d make a good partner for you?” Aiden asked unexpectedly.
“Umm, I think you’re the only person that can answer that Aiden,” I lied. I could answer it without thinking; of course, he would make a good partner! But that was just my unwillingness to let go of my fairy tale, and I really didn’t want to push my desires on him.
“I feel something between us, Emily, and I know you feel it too” he glanced over at me before returning his attention to the road and adding, “but I wonder if it’s enough. Can we have more than incredible sex?” I felt the blood rushing to my face as the memories of our intimate time together swept over me.
“I don’t think I have enough experience to answer that,” I sassed.
“Well yeah… You don’t,” he chuckled as he quickly looked my way before making a U-turn.
“Do you even think you can be in a monogamous relationship?” I passively shared my relationship expectations. As much as I didn’t care to be a single mom, I didn’t want to get into a relationship I wasn’t comfortable with just to avoid it.
“I won’t lie, the thought scares me,” he again glanced my way and this time I held his gaze until it returned to the road.
“I don’t want you to force anything. Of course, I had my fairy tale, but I know that vision isn’t realistic for this scenario,” I started, feeling like there was more to say, but unsure of the words to describe my thoughts.
I wanted to tell Aiden how much I longed for us to try, but the more I thought about it, the more I questioned if it was the right thing to do. All night it seemed like he was struggling with something and I didn’t want him to be with me out of pity or obligation. He was right, there was something between us, and I was happy he shared that he feels it too, but I wondered if it was enough just as he did.
“Do you think I could be your fairy tale?” His frown made me laugh as if he didn’t know he was every woman’s fairy tale.
“Aiden, you’re seriously going to sit there and act like you haven’t had women all over the world fall for that smile?” I teased, and he instantly grinned like a guilty child.
“I do not deny that, but I’m asking about you,” his smile faded as he glanced at me once more.
“I mean, it’s hard not to fall for you when you take me to a romantic restaurant and flash that charming smile around,” I deflected as he neared my condo building.
Aiden smiled without prying further, which I appreciated. I didn’t want to be forced to admit how badly I wanted him to be apart of this pregnancy because
I still questioned if that was just my fear of going on this journey alone. We rode the rest of the way in silence. I imagined Aiden must’ve been as deep in thought as I was. He pulled his sports car to the curb of my condo building before turning to face me.
His jaw was clenched as he bit his bottom lip, which was so sexy. I could tell he was contemplating something so I watched him in silence, wondering what was going through his mind. Preparing myself for the inevitable dose of rejection, humiliation, or both, I began looking out of the window, readying myself for a brief exit.
“Will you come to my game?” He asked after a pregnant pause, unconsciously prompting my body to swiftly shift towards him. I was completely shocked. Of all of the things he could say, this was not what I was expecting.
“Really? You’d want that?” I gaped without shame.
“Yeah,” he beamed, seemingly amused by my shock. “I’ll arrange everything, you just have to say you’ll come.”
“Well, you don’t have to arrange anything. I’ve been taking taxis lately, but I do have a car,” I revealed, blushing from his invitation.
“That’s the thing,” he squinted before continuing, “the game is in Denver,” he explained with a frown that begged me to tell him it was okay.
“Oh, I see… When is it?” I worried. I’d already missed several days when I thought I had the flu and after my recent visit to Dr. Lindsey, I knew I’d be taking an extended break soon, so I didn’t want to miss too much more work.
“It’s Tuesday… I know you have work, but it’s my first game back… Please?” Aiden’s request melted my heart. His dark eyes pleaded with me, and his shadow of a smirk sealed the deal.
“Okay, I’ll come,” I acquiesced, instantly excited for the trip.
“Good. Come on, I’ll walk you up.” He opened his car door before I could tell him it wasn’t necessary. Just as I unbuckled my seatbelt, he opened my car door before extending his hand to help me out.
“Oh, I almost forgot!” He exclaimed while reaching into the back seat after helping me out of the car. He reemerged with a beautiful bouquet of white roses. Extending the flowers towards me, he flashed his rare nervous smile that I was beginning to believe was reserved for me. I knew I made Aiden feel something, and I doubted his confidence faded with many others.
“Thank you! They’re beautiful,” I marveled. I knew that Aiden was trying, and his effort meant a lot to me. He was letting down his ‘bad boy’ barriers and at least attempting to let me in.
The security guard gasped as we walked through the lobby of my condo before asking if Aiden could sign an autograph for him. Without removing his hand from my lower back, or slowing his stride, Aiden promised to stop on his way out, as if walking me to my apartment was of the most importance. When I tried to tell him I didn’t mind, he only winked at me, and we continued towards the elevator. Just as we reached my apartment door, Aiden turned to me puzzled.
“Why did you lie?” He accused and my heart sunk into my stomach. My mind raced trying to think what I could have possibly lied about.
“I’ve never lied to you,” I protested as I tried to replay everything I’d ever said to him.
“You told me you lived close to me so you would walk home,” he repeated my sentiments from our last meeting when I rushed out of his fancy penthouse apartment.
“I didn’t want to cry in front of you,” I whispered.
Aiden abruptly hugged me, tightly wrapping his arms around me before whispering into my hair, “I’m sorry I made you cry, Emily. I really am.”
“It’s not your fault. I’m just pregnant,” I giggled, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yes, it was. I just don’t say things the right way,” he insisted before releasing me and looking into my eyes, silently asking for forgiveness.
“Well, you’re taking me to my first hockey game, so all is forgiven,” I pointed out.
“Your first?” He grinned.
“Yep. You seem to have an affinity for my firsts, Aiden,” I joked, and his eyebrows quickly shot up before a hearty laugh escaped him. It was a throaty laugh like I’d not yet heard from him. Knowing that I could genuinely amuse him made me proud and I beamed as he tried to gather himself.
“That I do, Miss. Morgan that I do,” he repeated before adding, “I’ll text you all the details for the game, okay?”
“Okay.” I agreed, already counting down the days until I would see him again.
“But call me if you need anything between now and Tuesday, okay?” He sternly requested.
“I will,” I promised.
We said our goodbyes before a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. As soon as I closed the door, I leaned against the metal frame, desperate to catch my breath. Every meeting with Aiden left me feeling like I’d just run a marathon. I was on an emotional rollercoaster with him, but it was so exhilarating I never wanted to get off.
The next couple of days passed in a blur. Work was going much better since I’d accepted my limitations. After cutting back on my private lessons I found myself less exhausted, and my meeting with Aiden seemed to relieve my anxiety about my going through my pregnancy alone. Knowing that he planned to play a role in our child’s life, though it may not be my ideal role, made my future much less scary.
Before I knew it, the day had finally come. Aiden texted me very vague details about my travel arrangements, so I was a bit nervous when his driver John arrived to pick me up in the Mercedes-Benz Maybach I’d rode in after ambushing Aiden at the arena. I’d told Mariah all about it, and we’d speculated what I could expect, but nothing prepared me for what Aiden had in mind.
I was confused when the driver passed the highway ramp leading to the airport, instead of taking the next exit, which resulted in what looked like an empty lot. After turning the first corner, I noticed a handful of luxury cars in a small covered parking garage. The car slowed as a security guard approached the driver window. I watched as John flashed an ID to the guard before turning another corner.
My mouth dropped as the pristine white jet came into view. ‘BECKETT’ was embossed in bold blue letters above the small windows lining the aircraft.
“Ready, Miss. Morgan?” John asked as he held my car door open.
“Ye-Yes,” I stuttered while taking his hand and stepping out of the car.
The driver led me to the narrow staircase leading up to the jet as he handed my small suitcase to the waiting attendant.
“We’re so happy to welcome you aboard, Miss. Morgan. I’m Roger, and I’ll be serving you today. Please follow me,” he requested before heading up the stairs.
I sat in one of only twelve seats on the jet, which looked much smaller inside than it had from the car. The leather seats were so soft I kept running my fingertips across the plush fabric. Roger regularly checked on me to make sure I was comfortable, and when I suddenly began experiencing a bout of motion sickness, he quickly retrieved a glass of ginger ale to soothe my upset stomach.
I’d flown many times in my life, but no experience compared to flying in a private jet. Knowing that Aiden had arranged for me to travel in such luxury made me feel really special, but I tried to remind myself that he was filthy rich, so it probably wasn’t as big of a deal for him.
An hour into the flight Roger informed me of my schedule, which included going directly to Aiden’s hockey game once the plane landed. Noticing the shock on my face, he asked if I would like my luggage to change clothes before landing. I thanked him for the concession before following him towards the back of the plane. When Roger opened the door to reveal a bedroom I was beside myself. There was a full-size bed as well as a private bathroom. Roger instructed me to call out if I needed anything and then he left me to be ready myself.
After a smooth flight, I was taken directly to the arena to see Aiden play. My nerves were at an all-time high as I settled into my seat, which was only five rows from the rink. Looking around, there were mainly women and children in my section,
and it seemed they were all eyeing me suspiciously.
“Don’t mine them,” said the gorgeous blonde to my left. She was struggling to hold a wiggling baby girl that looked like a perfect baby doll. “They’re just curious about who you’re here for.”
“Oh, I’m Emily,” I smiled, hoping to avoid her questioning. I wasn’t sure if Aiden would want me telling anyone about us, or our bundle of confusion.
“I know, Aiden said to me. I’m Amy, Jeff’s wife, he and Aiden are really close, so when he said you were coming to the game I made sure you were next to me,” she winked and rubbed her shoulder against mine as the baby girl finally settled into her lap.
“Oh, thanks,” I nudged her back before whispering, “but why do they care who I’m here to see?”
“This is the WAGs section – you know, ‘wives and girlfriends.' And it’s not unusual for one player to have a wife and a girlfriend at the same game.” She smirked as she turned back towards the rink.
I was really taken aback by that. All of Mariah’s previous conversations about how hockey players were bad boys began replaying in my mind. Then I thought of how Aiden admitted that monogamy scared him. The entire time I thought of us possibly having a future together I never even considered that he would be unfaithful.
“Oh, don’t worry,” she patted my knee as if she could read my thoughts, “Aiden usually doesn’t have anyone here. Actually, I think you’re the first woman I’ve ever known him to invite to a game.” She raised her right eyebrow while looking over to me.
The game was well on its way, and I was more than grateful for Amy. She introduced me to her small son George, who helped her explain everything about hockey after learning it was my first game. We were having a very good time after ordering nachos and hotdogs when Aiden slammed a player on the opposing team into the flexible wall surrounding the rink. The crowd went crazy, while Aiden skated away grinning. His handsome face took over the jumbotron screen as the women in the arena screamed at the top of their lungs.
Southern Riders (Scars Book 1) Page 21
