by J. S. Scott
Chloe listened quietly and said little, letting him tell his story at his pace. And for that he was grateful. “My company started to do really well and I went from making very little to making more money than I could’ve ever imagined. But that meant we not only needed to stay ahead of the competition, we also needed to keep our clients happy. Hannah tried to be understanding about the long hours I worked, and she really was at the beginning. But things didn’t let up.”
It was the start of his demise. “I figured that if I couldn’t give her my time, the least I could do is let her enjoy herself. We bought a gorgeous townhouse, she quit her job, and I let her buy whatever would make her happy. Except…”
“Except that it wasn’t really a substitute for your absence.” She let out a sigh as he ran a hand down her back.
“No, I suppose it wasn’t. I did propose and she accepted, but my hours didn’t improve. The more I was gone, the more she started to change, though I wasn’t ever there to notice. Her buying habits started to get more extreme and when I was too busy working late, she was happy to go out and have a good time without me.” He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut for a long moment, trying his best to push away the worst of his memories so he could continue.
“I didn’t realize that her drinking had become excessive or that she was starting to dabble in recreational drugs. But I had deadlines and a company to run, and I didn’t have the time to do more than call her to let her know I’d be late. We’d argue about it, with her demanding more of my time, and me insisting that it just wasn’t feasible with my workload. So instead she’d go out without me—new friends, new bars, anything to keep herself busy.” He continued now, the words refusing to be contained when the end was so near. “The holidays were approaching and she made me promise that I’d go to this Christmas Eve party one of her new friends was throwing. I swore to her that we’d go, even though I was swamped.”
His heart felt like it was going to leap out of his chest. He could barely breathe, and yet with Chloe in his arms, he somehow managed to continue. “There was a last-minute problem with a client and instead of leaving it until after the holidays, I told Hannah to go on without me and I’d meet her there. Except that it took me longer to wrap things up than I’d originally estimated. By the time I’d left to go to the party, she was already on her way home, and since I’d been stuck in the lab all day, I hadn’t even realized that the weather had taken a turn for the worse.”
He swallowed against the lump in his throat as it all played out in front of him, his memories forcing him to live through it once more. “It was snowing but with a freezing rain added to the mix. And she’d been drinking because she’d expected me to show up to drive her home—and because she’d been drinking far too much in general. Of course, I was too busy to bother showing up on time and I didn’t get to her until it was far too late. She was a block from our house when she hit a patch of black ice while taking a turn. Her car hit a telephone pole, and…she hadn’t been wearing her seat belt.”
“Oh, Aidan…” Chloe held onto him, but he wasn’t done.
“The ambulance and the police…the lights…I was on my way home when I came across the accident. They tried to keep me from going to her. Said it was already too late. And it was. I should have been there to take her home. I should have paid more attention not just to her, but to what was happening. And that wasn’t even the end of it. A week later, the autopsy report came in. She’d been seven weeks pregnant. We were going to have a baby.”
He’d have wept for his loss, though his tears seemed to have run dry after so many years. Now all he had was pain and anger.
And yet Chloe had tears for him. So he held her as she shed tears for his loss, though he could offer her little comfort.
***
Aidan didn’t know how long they’d stayed that way, with her laying there in his arms. The fire had started to die down, and he half wondered if she’d eventually cried herself to sleep.
He’d kept his story locked up so tightly in his memory and trapped in his soul that he hadn’t even thought himself capable of telling her what happened. He was sure that letting Chloe into his nightmare would do nothing but rip open his wounds. Yet…he found that the pain strangling his heart had eased just a little, and most surprising was that by letting go of some of his pain, his heart was able to let something else take root. He couldn’t quite say if it was love or just hope, but something inside him had changed and Chloe had given him a gift he hadn’t expected. A chance to heal and maybe someday find happiness once more.
As if sensing him stir, she touched her lips to his neck in a whisper of a kiss, and then another, before nestling against him. “Aidan…” When she spoke, he could still hear the worry and pain in her voice, even though her words were merely a whisper. “I know you feel responsible, but you must know that what happened…it’s not your fault.”
He ran a hand over her hair and kissed the top of her head, needing to feel her close. “It was my fault that I didn’t see what was happening right under my nose. She was my fiancée, and instead of tending to her needs, I handed her a credit card and tried to buy her happiness. And I should have been there to drive her home.”
“I know, love. But…she was also responsible for her own actions. She didn’t have to drink and party to pass the time, and she didn’t have to drive herself home that night.” He started to tense as his anger simmered, but she held onto him and forced him to listen to her. “You can get angry with me if you want, but I’m telling you now that this was not your fault, even if it doesn’t lessen the tragedy of it.”
“I should have been there.”
“And I know that will haunt you until your dying days, but it’s still not your fault, love.” She cupped his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. “It’s not. And it’s killing me to see you blaming yourself.”
“Chloe, please…I can’t deal with this just now.” After so many years of beating himself up, he was too weary to argue with her or discuss it any further. And he didn’t want to be reminded that this was Christmas Eve. All he wanted was to find comfort and oblivion in her arms. “Will you come to bed with me?”
She kissed him in response, a kiss that was both sweet and passionate, and so full of emotion. He could happily lose himself in her and forget all his problems—if only his demons would let him.
He led her to his room as they quickly rid themselves of their clothing, one kiss moving into the next, as if they couldn’t bear to be apart for more than a moment’s breath. Unlike the heated and frenzied couplings they’d had thus far, they came together this time like lovers who knew each other, the intimacy between them easing his pain further. Though it’d been three years since Hannah’s death, he now realized that perhaps he’d lost her well before that. And that only strengthened his connection to Chloe.
As the snow continued to rage outside, he held her close and trailed kisses down the length of her neck, letting his problems fade in her touch. Nestling himself between her legs, he took her in one go, desperate to be joined with her, as if she alone could keep him anchored in the present and could erase his past. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him close as he slowly thrust into her, his body gliding up against hers as he filled her, took her, claimed her—just as she claimed his heart.
He gathered up both her wrists in one of his large hands and held them firmly above her head as he let his other hand slip over her taut skin to cup her breast and pinch her nipple. Nipping at his neck, she tightened around his cock in response, all sweet tension and soft curves. A body he’d never tire of exploring.
Needy whimpers escaped her sweet lips as her hips eagerly tilted up to meet him, their pace quickening as she neared her release. He deepened their kiss, slamming each thrust into her, getting as close as he physically could, and yet still having it not be enough, despite their linked bodies and tangled limbs. And then she was coming.
She cried out his name as he pushed her over the edge
, stifling a groan as his pleasure and need unfurled deep within him, and his orgasm curled around hers. He pumped his hot seed deep inside her, his head spinning and his breathing heavy as he held her body to his, stealing just one more kiss as he waited for his heart to stop racing.
With Chloe still in his arms, he nestled her in at his side, feeling more content than he had in years. And yet…he knew that this was temporary. The storm would eventually blow out to sea, and she’d pack up her desk and go.
Precarious as his newfound happiness was, he knew he’d slip back into the darkness once she was gone. But there was more to it than that. Truth was, he liked her—and he liked having her around. Liked how he felt about himself when she was close. Liked that he now had a sense of hope.
He took a deep breath to steady his nerves and to find the courage he’d need to get the words out. “I want you to stay, Chloe.”
“I am staying, love. It’ll still be days before the storm blows over.” She gently trailed kisses down his neck and across his chest. “Unless that’s a problem. I know you weren’t exactly happy about me getting stuck here.”
“No, sweetheart. That’s not what I meant.” He’d been such an ass to her. He’d never get her to agree. “I want you to move to Mermaid Isle. Or you could move in here with me, if you’d prefer.”
She propped herself up enough to look at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Aidan…you barely know me. You can’t really mean that. And I have a job. In Boston.”
It was easy enough to know those would be her exact words since any logical and sane person would have had those exact same thoughts. And yet he didn’t care. “I do know you, Chloe. And I know this sounds insane. But I meant every word of what I just said.”
“You know I really like you, probably more than is wise, but I can’t just quit my job. My family depends on the money I send. I mean…I do pretty well for myself, and so I’m able to send a decent amount. But I’ve also busted my butt to get my promotions.” She shook her head and looked at him with such pained sadness, as she cupped his cheek and stole a kiss. “I just can’t.”
“Your work…is it what you truly love to do? Is it what you’re most passionate about? Or is there something else you’d rather be doing?” She must know money wasn’t an issue for him.
“Yeah, of course there’s other stuff I’d rather be doing. I’d love to be a potter, but that’s not realistic—and I can’t let you just pay my way. I’m not going to be some paid mistress or girlfriend, just because you have money to burn.” She sat up out of his arms. “I have no interest in your billions and I can take care of myself.”
“Let me hire you then.” Seemed like a simple enough solution, and once he set his mind to something, he was determined to make it happen. “I need someone to help me with my carpentry orders.”
“Then you need an assistant—and that’s not me.” She cupped his face and kissed him. “I’m really flattered, Aidan, and I’ll admit, I’ve grown to truly care for you, but my career is my only safety net, and I can’t just throw it all away. What happens six months from now when you get bored of me?”
She didn’t quite get it, though he couldn’t blame her for not understanding, when things were only now starting to solidify in his own head. “I could never bore of you, sweetheart, though I understand why you’re hesitant. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make you realize this is the best thing, not only for me, but for you. I’d even move back to Boston if it meant being with you.”
“There’s no way I can let you do that, Aidan. And I’ll happily come and visit, but I don’t want your money. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t bear to have you thinking that’s the reason I’m with you, or that I’m staying because of some monetary arrangement. It belittles the way I feel about you.” She let out a laugh and gave her head a slow shake. “And don’t ask me how that happened, but I do have feelings for you, even if it’s been mere days.”
He pulled her close and rolled them over, her eyes filled with amusement as he switched their positions so she was now underneath him. Nuzzling her, he stole a quick kiss with a smile, needing to convince her of just what she meant to him. “Sweetheart, that makes me a happy man. Except for the fact that you’d rather not see me at all—or only see me on occasion—rather than make us both happy and move in with me. And for what? So that I don’t think you’re after my money? You realize how silly that sounds, right?”
She swatted at him playfully. “It’s not silly. Though I suppose I could look for work in Portland. I’d be closer, at least.”
By the gods, she was stubborn. But he’d make her see sense, even if it took all day. “You do realize the sort of leap this is for me, right?”
“I know it is.” She nipped at his bottom lip and then kissed him.
“Then do it for me, Chloe. Please.” He saw her determination waver just a little, so he pressed on. “I’ll pay for your brothers’ college loans, pay your father’s mortgage, whatever it is that you feel is keeping you at your job. And then you can do what you’ve always wanted to do. You mentioned pottery… Well then, let me set you up with a studio. You can live here and sell your art in town and at the local galleries for money. I have plenty of connections, since I occasionally sell my own pieces.”
“I can’t take your money, Aidan. But…things aren’t as bad now that Stephen and Jack have graduated and found decent jobs.” She shook her head with a sigh. “What if you get tired of me? What then?”
“I could never tire of you, love. You just need to trust me, and know that I’ll make things right between us.” He brushed a stray curl from her face, his heart so full of love and hope. “Come on, Chloe… Say you’ll at least give it a try. For me.”
She let out a sigh, but it was followed by a smile. “All right then. I suppose we can do a trial period. But I make no promises.”
“None at all, love.”
Chapter Eight
Chloe awoke to find herself nestled comfortably in Aidan’s strong arms, while the sun streamed in through the windows. As if sensing that she’d awoken, he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head while she snuggled against his warm and muscular body. “Looks like the storm finally blew out to sea.”
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her, his thick stubble rough against her cheeks, and then kissed her slow and sweet before giving her a smile that stole her heart.
“Merry Christmas.” She cupped his face and lost herself in those intelligent hazel eyes of his. “You know, you’ve got a damn sexy smile. I’m so happy that it’s come out to play, especially when it lights up your eyes like magic.”
He brushed his thumb over her cheek, his touch gentle though his fingers were a little rough from his woodworking. “I hope you realize that it’s because of you that I’m able to smile again. I know it’s far from being over, but for the first time I feel like I might actually be able to crawl out of this darkness.”
“Well then, you’ll need to consider that your Christmas gift, since I haven’t exactly had the chance to get you anything.” Who knew things would have turned out this way? All because a storm zigged when it should have zagged.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better, Chloe. Not that I have any sort of gift for you either. Unless, of course…” He kissed her cheek and then her neck as his large hands palmed her ass cheeks and pulled her up against his morning erection.
“Oh…That could definitely work.” Her body came alive under his touch, her pulse skipping a beat as it echoed between her legs where she was still pleasantly sore from their adventures of the last few days. She reached down between them and wrapped her fingers around his wide girth to stroke him, the feel of him so silky smooth and warm, and yet steely hard just below the surface.
“By the gods, woman, that feels too damn good, especially after going without for so long. But…” He covered her hand with his to stop her. “I have a favor to ask you.”
Suddenly, he was looking rather serious, sending a flicker of wo
rry through her. “Sure. What is it?”
“My entire family usually gets together for Christmas and…” He shook his head and looked away. “I haven’t spent the holiday with them for years now, and they’re only twenty minutes away. If the roads are clear, I think they’d be really happy if we showed up for a visit. And Finn will be there.”
Oh, boy. Though she’d love to see Finn, she wasn’t sure about meeting the rest of his family, especially when things were moving rather quickly between her and Aidan. The last thing she wanted was for them to think she was dating their son for the money—and with her new plans to move in mere days after meeting him, she wouldn’t blame them if they were suspicious of her. “I don’t know how good an idea that is. And the bridge is still closed, right?”
“They only keep it closed while the storm is raging. I suspect it won’t be long before they open the bridge, and they usually plow continuously through the storm to keep the snow accumulation manageable.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.
“Or we could just stay in your cozy bed and have sex all day.” Her hand found his cock once more, hoping to stage a convincing argument. “Pretty please? With sugar on top?”
“Sweetheart…that’s all too tempting an idea.”
***
“Maybe you should be visiting your parents on your own. After all these years, I’m sure they’re going to want you to themselves. And really, I’m fine just hanging out at your place if you want to turn around and drop me off. I could keep Paisley company. We could have a girls’ day in.”
How Aidan convinced her to join him, she hadn’t a clue, but they were already on the road to his parents’ house, and Chloe still wasn’t convinced that this was a good idea. Mere days earlier, Aidan hadn’t even known her. And now, he wanted her to move in with him. She could only imagine what his parents would think of the whole thing, despite the fact that she was one of Finn’s friends and Aidan was a smart enough man to not be taken advantage of.
