Page 145 of Unmasking Love
A shiver racks my body. Since I was twelve I vowed to never need anybody, especially a man. Every relationship has been focused on getting them to need me. I never need them.
Except with Aiden.
I do need him.
He pushes me.
He challenges me.
He is patient with me.
I never would have renovated my place without him. Or it would have taken me several more years. Wes never pushed me hard enough on it. And none of my boyfriends even knew about my plans.
That home was my sanctuary, it was the first place that was mine, all mine.
And all I want to do is share it with Aiden.
A surprised laugh bubbles out and Aiden gives me a sly smile. "What was your question, Harper?"
"Sean called, the house is done."
"It is?" Aiden asks as he steps over and wraps me up in a hug. "Are you so excited to see it?"
"I am, I'm headed over this afternoon to check everything out."
"Can I come with you?"
I grin, "Yeah, I'd love that."
"Harp, I'm so excited to see it." Aiden tightens the hug for a breath and then he leaves the bathroom to get dressed. I hear him humming a song I can't identify and it gets louder as he walks back into the bathroom to hang up his towel.
I get dressed and join Aiden on the sofa. He’s chuckling as he types on his phone. I assume the group chat is active.
I take a seat and my phone rings. It’s Caroline.
“Hello?” I answer.
"Harper! We miss you!" Caroline cheers loudly and Aiden looks over at me.
"Hi Caroline, I've missed you too, I've just been so busy."
"We heard. Are you excited for your house to be done?" She asks and I wonder how she knows it’s done already. I just told Aiden a few minutes ago.
"How'd you hear about the house?"
“Johnny said Aiden texted the group and shared the news!” I look over at Aiden who is watching my conversation. “Oh, good! He sent it.” She says as my phone buzzes with a text.
Aiden’s does too and we both check them together.
It’s an evite for a housewarming party at my address. Hosted by Felix.
I look up at Aiden who shrugs with a sheepish smile on his face.
“I guess you’ll get to see the house at the party.” I say with a smile.
“Can’t wait! Oh, Ivanna isn’t going to travel for the playoffs. Danielle is going to be home with Tilly too. I’ll travel on the weekends but will be home during the week so plan to join us for the away games. We’ll watch them at my place, okay?”
“Okay.” I agree. I glance at Aiden. We haven’t talked about me traveling for playoff games with him. Until I get a job I suppose I could. But does he want me there? Honestly, I knew the season was wrapping up but I didn't realize we were in the playoffs already.
