Page 52 of Secret Santa

Finally.

25

DANI

Aiden’s hand was tight around mine as we entered his house. It had been a long day of meetings, going over contracts, negotiations. It had just been a long day and I knew we were both ready for it to be over. Between investments and figuring out the social media side of things, the company would be in a better place soon.

Without a word, he led me to the kitchen, pulling out the barstool when we got to the island. He brushed a kiss on top of my head as he moved past me, his sights set on the fridge. He opened it and sighed. Looking at me over his shoulder, he gave a small, tired smile.

“How’s pizza for dinner?” he asked, and I shrugged.

“Sounds good.” I rested my head on my hand as I stared at him. He leaned against the counter as he tapped on his phone, placing the order.

It had been emotionally exhausting dealing with his father. I didn’t know the man, but the short time I had with him was more than enough. He reminded me of my mother–controlling, cynical, manipulative, but there was something else, something colder about him that my mother didn’t have.

When we had to deal with the negotiations with Alex, it had been even more taxing. Most of what they discussed went way over my head, but every time I tried to leave, Aiden would tell me to stay. He’d give me that look, the one that made me weak and helpless to do anything but listen.

I stayed with him all day. Even though I was so tired I could barely think, I’d do it again. I’d do it every day for the rest of my life if it meant he didn’t have to deal with anything alone.

My eyes closed as I took a deep breath, feeling exhaustion weigh me down. A cool hand slid around my back, another arm coming under my legs, and I was lifted from the chair. Mindlessly, I nestled my head against Aiden’s firm chest.

“I can walk,” I mumbled, but made no move to open my eyes. He ignored my weak protests as he climbed the stairs, then stalked down the hall to the bedroom. As he laid me on the bed, my eyes opened groggily. He slid my shoes off, then pulled the covers back enough for me to crawl under them. “I need to change. And help set up for dinner.” I stared up at him, feeling so fucking tired. Why was I so tired?

He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead and stroked my hair. “Don’t worry about anything,” he murmured. “I’ll come get you when the pizza gets here. Just rest for a bit.” He stroked his thumb under my eye, frowning at the dark marks I was positive were there. I nodded and nestled deeper into the pillow, my eyes drifting shut again.

“Thanks,” I breathed, and he kissed my forehead again. When he didn’t respond, I opened my eyes again, finding him just staring at me. His face was soft, his eyes like melted glaciers. He kept his touch feather light, stroking my hair, lulling me to sleep.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” he whispered, his voice tight. I tried to open my eyes again, but they stayed shut. His hand stilled on my head as he let out a long, tired breath. “I love you, Danica.” His lips brushed across my forehead, my cheek, then the comforting weight of his hand was gone. The last thing I remembered was the soft click of the door closing, and I drifted to sleep, feeling safe and loved, like I could wake up well-rested for the first time in my life.

* * *

“I’m so ready for this party,” Sadie said as she leaned against the counter in the kitchen. I glanced at her as I poured my coffee.

“I forgot it was tonight.” I chewed on my lip. Her brows lifted as she took a sip from her mug.

“It starts at eight, so you have time to get the gift after work or at lunch,” she said, then glanced at the door. “Who did you get?” I shrugged.

“No idea, I haven’t even looked at the name,” I admitted, turning toward her. She nodded and glanced at the door again.

“I’ll go shopping with you,” she said. I smiled my thanks as I took a sip of my coffee. She leaned against the fridge, a knowing grin on her face. “So,” she said, drawing the word out, “how are things with Aiden?” My face heated and she laughed.

“Fine,” I said, shrugging.

“Have you, you know.” She wiggled her brows, and I rolled my eyes.

“Not yet.”

We still hadn’t slept together, and I didn’t know why. I thought when I asked him the other morning that he’d do it, but he didn’t. I thought all guys jumped at the offer of sex, but Aiden hasn’t. I was starting to wonder if it was me. Maybe me being a virgin freaked him out. Even though he constantly showed me he cared about me, maybe even loves me like he’d said, he hadn’t tried to take that step and I couldn’t stop wondering why.

“Things are still new,” she said, sensing my mood shift. “Maybe he’s just taking his time. You know, being a gentleman.” She rolled her eyes, and I laughed.

“Yeah,” I said, chewing on my cheek. “Maybe.” I stared at the door, wondering if that was all it was or if it was something else, something more.

“If you’re ready, talk to him about it,” she said. “Or just give him an offer he can’t refuse.” I turned my attention to her, finding her wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“What do you mean?” I took another sip of coffee, watching her through narrowed eyes.

“If you’re ready, show him,” she said.

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