Page 20 of Aiden

He doesn’t want me now. Why would he? I don’t even know what to do.

“Why didn’t you just take some random girl from the club home since you don’t want someone inexperienced?” I huff and turn my body away, but his firm grip stops me. His deep chuckle irritates me more, and I struggle under his grip.

His eyes burn into mine. “Why would I want any of those sluts from the club?” He scoffs, eyeing me seriously. “Emma, look at you. You’re fucking gorgeous. I can’t control myself around you. I need you to be sober when I do anything to you. I will not do it when you’re drunk.”

He pulls me close and I snuggle my head against his chest. It takes me a long time to wind down and fall asleep as he plays with my hair.

∞∞∞

I admire Aiden’s now soft features as he sleeps. He looks less intimidating.

I wonder how he will be when he wakes up. Since he didn’t drink, he obviously said what he wanted to with a clear mind last night. Still, I can’t imagine why he’s interested. He seems like the type of guy who needs a girl who is certain about her career path, not an inspiring chef who enjoys baking way too much.

I hope he gets up soon, so Ashley doesn’t get upset about him sleeping in my room. A small voice reminds me that she doesn’t mind. But after Ian, I need to take some time to myself, and keep my distance.

My mind scrambles to calm, always landing on the one haven I turn to. Baking.Maybe I’ll make some pastries for breakfast.

I throw on a pair of shorts and head to the kitchen. I pull out the ingredients I need to make raspberry cheese Danishes. Pulling my hair into a messy bun, I plug my headphones in and work quietly.

Twirling around the kitchen, I take the raspberry filling off the stove to cool. Lost in the music, I stiffen when one gets pulled out. I turn, removing the other side, to see Aiden. His hair is a beautiful tousled mess, and he’s still in his gray sweatpants that hang on his hips perfectly. A defined V draws my attention down his inked stomach.

I gulp.

“You’re fulfilling my every fantasy,” He murmurs, closing the small distance between us.

“What? Making breakfast with messy hair?” I laugh.

He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me onto the cold countertop. The way he touches me feels natural. I’ve been trying to keep my distance but maybe…maybe I shouldn’t.

“No, my fantasy of a woman in a kitchen dancing and makingmefood. The fact that you’re drop dead fucking sexy only makes it harder for me to not take you over the counter here.” He grips my thighs and taps a solitary finger on the marble countertop, emphasizing where exactly he will take me.

My breathing grows ragged and shaky.

“I know you want me, Em.” His eyes burn into mine, his voice a soothing rumble. “I want you more, I can assure you of that. You don’t have to play coy with me.”

Six

Aiden leans in, trailing soft kisses down my jawline.

I wrap my legs around him. The exquisite feeling of his firm hands tightening around me as he lifts me off the countertop sends electric waves to my core.

He walks us toward the hallway, never taking his lips off my neck. “You’re so fucking sexy, Em,” He whispers into my ear.

A shiver runs through me. “I don’t know ab–”

Ashley’s door creaks open, cutting me off.

I scramble despite my legs still being locked behind Aiden’s back. He chuckles and pulls us into the bathroom.

We share a silent laugh.

“Hey! I need to take a shower,” Ashley demands sleepily.

Aiden studies me, setting me on my feet reluctantly. “Be out in a minute.”

I reach for the doorknob once I hear Ashley’s bedroom door close. A hand wraps around my arm and pulls me back just as the water starts running. The warm water causes steam to steadily build.

“I can’t wait until my place is done. That way nothing can interrupt us,” Aiden murmurs.

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