The long utopia, p.12
Aiden, page 12
She’ll check him out and blush, asking, “For someone special?”
And he’ll always respond with, “Only the most beautiful girl in the world.”
He’ll set them in a vase once she got home without fail, and he’ll always take out one solitary rose for me and place it in a small vase.
They did this for twenty years.
I still have my vase, but it’s been empty since he was murdered.
While I play with my solitary rose, gently plucking the yellow petals off in a childish game of ‘He loves me, he loves me not’, I tell him all about Aiden and what happened. I pray for him to show me a sign of what to do. I know he wouldn’t want this life for me.
Dad was a lead detective. The fact that Aiden’s tied up with criminals would be a problem, but I don’t think he’d hate Aiden. He’d hate what he got himself into, but Dad was an understanding man. He’ll get that Aiden’s just trying his best to build a life for himself with the shitty hands he was dealt.
I’ve never told anyone about Dad. Ashley doesn’t know but I think she can guess. I just can’t bring myself to talk about him. I know I should, but it breaks me to pieces every time.
I place my hand on his tombstone, blowing him a kiss. “I love you, Dad. So much.”
* * *
It’s three when I pull into the driveway, deciding to check the mail.
It wasn’t a good idea.
A familiar voice shouts my name as I close the lid. My eyes roll dramatically into the back of my head as Caleb makes his way over to me.
“Em! I didn’t know you were home.” He smiles, pulling his blonde hair out of his face.
I stare, willing myself to be cordial even though I want to punch him in the nose. Our families grew up together, so I don’t want to be rude.
I fake a smile. “Hey.”
I manage not to contort my face with the simple greeting. Go, Emma.
I’m not jaded about what he did, but how he did it. He told me he was too busy at the tackle shop to hang out on my birthday. So you can imagine my surprise when I caught the rudest girl in school straddling him in the truck, her tongue down his throat, a few hours later at a bonfire.
I’ve gotten over it, but I can’t stand a cheater.
He steps in front of me, blocking my path to freedom, as I turn on my heel to walk away. This time, I visibly rolled my eyes.
“What’s up, Caleb?” I ask in a disinterested voice.
“Just curious what you’re doing back. I thought you had a place at college now?” He smiles.
I want to tell him how stupid he looks but I bite my lip instead. It’s summer, you idiot.
“Ah, I see you still have the habit of biting your lip.” He chuckles and crosses his arms.
I can tell he’s flexing his muscles on purpose. Aiden would crush him like a bug. I take my lip out from between my teeth and change the subject. “How’s your mom?”
“She’s great! She’d actually love to see you. Want to come over for dinner tomorrow? You and Mrs. Banks.”
I try to think of the best excuse I can but I’m coming up short. Besides, he’ll just ask Mom if I said no, and everyone knows Pamela Banks would never turn down a dinner invite because it’s rude.
I never told Mom Caleb and I dated. She always thought we were best friends. That way, he could come over and stay however late he wanted. It’s not like we ever did anything crazy; I kissed him but that’s it. Now I wish I had told her.
I hesitate for a moment before giving in, not figuring a way out. “Sure.”
He flashes me one victory smile. “See you later.”
I head inside, climb into my pajamas and sink into the warm bed. Speaking to Dad takes a load off me. I know he hears me; I just wish he was still here. It’s easy to pretend he’s here with Mom while I’m away at college, their laughter filling the house. But now, it feels empty. Mom tries her best, but we’ll always be a puzzle with a hundred missing pieces without him.
My heart aches for Aiden, but I can’t shake the nightmares. I’ve woken up screaming multiple times. Luckily, Mom believes me when I tell her it’s PTSD. I hate using Dad’s death as an excuse, but telling her the truth, that I was kidnapped, would break her. She’s always been so supportive of my decisions; I don’t want her to be paranoid.
A light knock on the front door prompts me to crawl out of bed. Mom’s at work and my heart pounds with anticipation that it may possibly be Aiden.
It isn’t.
Instead, a small Tiffany blue box sits on the front porch with a note attached.
You’re still mine as much as I’m still yours. Wear this so everyone else knows it too.
Aiden’s handwriting. I can’t help my smile.
I know that he knows where I am. It’s hard to not miss the black glossy escalade parked out front since I arrived. I didn’t have my ID on me when I was taken so I know they don’t know my address, and Ashley told them my name was Claire. But the extra security makes me feel better. Like Aiden is here himself, protecting me.
Gift in hand, I smile brightly at the car parked down the street and return inside. I carefully open the Tiffany box, too cute to tear into and ruin. I open the jewelry box and gasp when I see the beautiful necklace.
A delicate rose gold padlock is attached to a thin rose gold chain. The lock is closed and the word ‘Aiden’ is embedded into the gold across the front. I put it on and admire how it looks against my skin. It’s small and subtle. Just perfect.
I resist the urge to call him, to tell him how much I loved it. I’m sticking firm to my decision. I will not be a burden in his life.
* * *
Mom arrives home after a busy day at work, her dark hair pulled back haphazardly. She looks exhausted.
The countertops are lined with macaroons and cupcakes after I spend the day baking to keep myself busy.
“Looks like we’re having sweets for dinner.” Mom laughs as she examines the sweets dotting every inch of her kitchen, before picking up a macaroon and happily biting into it.
“Wow, Emma! These are deli–”
A loud knock on the door cuts her off and she makes her way back to the door. I hear it creak open before she speaks again, her voice is full of surprise.
“Mr. Scott?”
That name. Could It be?
My brain tells my feet to slow, but they don’t listen. I glide out of the kitchen and into the hallway. That’s when I see him standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame. He looks unusually casual in his black shirt and dark jeans, but still heavenly. His eyes are pleading as he looks between Mom and I.
He’s here.
…I never showed Mom a picture of him, let alone told her his name. Definitely not his last name. So how does she know?
His deep velvet voice fills the house. “I’m sorry, Miss. Banks. I need to have a talk with your daughter.”
He walks right past her and straight for me. Mom’s face is twisted in confusion, as is mine, as he wraps me in a tight hug.
He buries his face in my hair. His chest rises and falls as he breathes me in. “I missed you, baby. So much.”
His strong arms envelope me, and I can’t help but wrap mine around his neck.
I can’t think straight. He smells too good.
My resolve falters and I squeeze his waist, he winces slightly, and I’m reminded of his wound. “Sorry.” I whisper, my voice cracking.
I pull back and study his face, his features a mixture of relief with a hint of anger. His eyes pan down to my chest where his necklace lays. His uneven smile makes me melt.
I ask the one question that keeps running through my mind. “How do you know my mom?”
Mom walks up and smiles at Aiden, answering my question. “Honey, this is the man I was telling you about. The investor.”
He places his hand on the small of my back.
“Well, this is the guy I was telling you about.” I shoot him a curious glance.
He gives away nothing. His face is stone.
My mom pats his shoulder. “Now I see why you’re so invested in a small business from a town you’re not even from.” She laughs, gesturing for us to sit.
She brews a pot of coffee and brings us each a mug before taking her spot at the table. Aiden is next to me and Mom across.
“So, Mr. Scott…”
He politely stops her with a smile. “Please, just Aiden.”
“Aiden.” She sits a little straighter. “What’s going on here?” She looks between us and I wait for him to speak up. Thankfully, he does.
“Emma and I are together.”
The way he says it sends shivers down my body. A definite thing. A tangible object you can touch.
I look between them, wondering how Mom will react. She’s got a couple of tattoos herself, so I’m not worried about her judging him. But he’s a little older and this is all weird.
“I wished you told me during our meeting. Surely I would have figured out who you are when I went to visit.”
He shrugs, smiling as he looks down at his hands. “Yes, I know. I figured I would meet you sooner or later. But I knew if you or Emma knew, you wouldn’t let me invest.”
“You’re right.” She raises an eyebrow as she stirs her frothy creamer into her coffee.
I bring the mug to my lips and swallow the warm liquid. How does he even know?
“Ashley,” I say out loud, without thinking. “Ashley told you.”
I’m going to kill her or hug her. I don’t know yet.
“Ashley?” Mom looks at me inquisitively.
Aiden smiles. “I’m her big brother.”
He sounds proud, and I’m glad they’re getting along better.
Mom claps her hands. “Oh! I just love her! This all makes so much more sense now.” She calms and clears her throat. “But still, Mr... Aiden, I appreciate the gesture, but we can’t accept such a gift knowing what we know now.”
I nod in agreement with her words.
He places his hands on the table, looking more business than friendly. “It’s already done, and I can assure you it’s not a gift. You’ve owned this business for over twenty years. It’s not charity, it’s an investment. I promise you, it’s no big deal.”
Her inhibitions melt away and she wipes a tear away. “Thank you. I know I can’t talk you out of it, but I will repay you for everything.”
He shakes his head. “Investment,” He reminds with a smile.
I sit in admiration. He would do something like this for me?
Aiden’s green eyes glide over the full countertops. “You baked?”
He smiles the sweetest smile before moving to devour some cupcakes. I admire his lean frame in our small kitchen. If he were to move two feet his head would hit the fan.
Mom laughs as she watches him. What she says next doesn’t surprise me. She’s always been this way with my friends.
Just never a boyfriend. I can’t believe I just thought that. Is that what he is?
She watches with a worried mother expression as he picks up another.
“Look at you!” She stands up, pulling pans from the cabinets. “You’re starving. You’re not heading back to the city tonight. Have dinner with us. You can sleep on the couch. I know it’s not much, but it would make me happy.”
He takes another bite of a blueberry cupcake. “No, it’s more than enough. Thank you.” He continues as she’s about to turn the burner on. “Thank you, really. But I’d love to eat what Emma made. I missed her cooking around the house.”
Mom smiles, giving me a sideways glance. Hopefully, she won’t ask about that for a while.
Being the amazing woman she is, she leaves to give us some privacy and tend to her garden. But she leaves us with a parting sentence.
“Regina called and said Caleb invited us to dinner tomorrow night when you saw him earlier. I thought that was sweet. Why didn’t you tell me? It’s been years since we’ve been there for dinner.” She smiles.
I shrug. Thanks, Mom.
Aiden raises his brow at me, but I shake my head. It isn’t a conversation we need to have right now.
A very happy Rex jumps on Aiden when Mom opens the backdoor and steps outside.
I laugh as he prances around foolishly. “Get down, Rex.”
Aiden sets his food down and gets on the floor, hugging the wagging pup.
It makes me melt. I admire how Aiden, with his long and lean body, covered in tattoos, and a powerhouse of a man is sitting on my kitchen floor, telling Rex how good of a boy he is a million times.
Finally, he sits next to me, his happy demeanor morphing into something different. Sadder and darker.
After a few moments of silence, his green eyes glide over me. “Why did you leave?” His deep voice is stern, demanding answers.
I gulp. “I got scared, and I didn’t want to be a burden.” I admit, cursing myself for thinking I have the strength to stay away from him. All my thoughts have been utterly consumed by everything that he is since I last saw him.
He laughs shortly. “You are never a burden. I already told you, you’re mine. You can’t separate us. You can’t make that decision on your own.” He looks out of the kitchen window and back to me. “I won’t allow it, Emma,” He states with finality.
I want to smooth the worry lines between his black brows. I did this to him. I feel awful; I knew I couldn’t stay away from him. I know I’m his.
“I’m sorry.” I lean towards him.
He checks the window, making sure Mom is still outside.
Such a gentleman.
Then he grabs my face in his large hands and crashes his mouth to mine.
I lose myself in him as he kisses me passionately. The moment last mere seconds, but I feel better than I have in days. Just from his touch.
He doesn’t bother asking if we are okay, if I am okay with us being together, or whatever it is we are. It’s as if he already knows I’m putty in his strong arms. And to be truthful, he doesn’t need to ask.
He pulls away, pushing a stray hair behind my ear. “By the way, who is Caleb?”
I hesitate. I could lie, it’s not like it matters. No one matters but him, but I can’t lie to him…I never will. If my parents’ marriage taught me anything, it was that communication is key. That’s why they stayed together for so long. I need to remind myself that whenever I doubt him.
I flip my hand carelessly in the air, keeping my tone nonchalant. “An ex from high school.”
His jaw twitches and he lifts a brow. “And your mom wants you to go to dinner at your ex’s house because?”
I sigh. “She doesn’t know we dated. It’s a long story, but to make it short, our parents have been friends for years and we dated in high school. He cheated on me on my birthday. That’s it.” I smile but his perfectly controlled face doesn’t waver.
“Why doesn’t she know you two dated?” He asks the question I hoped he wouldn’t ask.
I shrug. “She would let him stay over really late when I was in high school because she thought we were best friends.”
He shakes his head. “Fucking wonderful. Did he do anything to you back then?” His green eyes bearing into mine.
I look at him confused. “No, of course not. Only you, I’ve never done anything with anyone but you. You know this,” I remind him.
His body relaxes before tensing up again. “So, you never did anything with him at all?”
I hesitate and he leans in closer.
“We kissed,” I admit.
Aiden’s fist clenches.
I grin. “Honestly, it’s cute that you’re jealous, but you’re the first guy I’ve ever done anything serious with. And you’re a lot more...experienced. If I see one more girl whom you’ve slept with, I’m going to go fucking crazy.”
He laughs, his eyes softening. “First off, hearing you say fuck is hilarious. Truth be told, I don’t like imagining anyone other than me touching you, let alone kissing you. It makes me want to put a hole through a wall. As for me, no one compares to you.” He leans in closer, kissing my cheek. “No one can do what you do to me.”
I smile. “Well, don’t worry, because I have no interest in anyone else.”
He stands up, towering over me as he snakes his large hands through my hair, pulling me closer. “I know you don’t, or I’ll fucking kill any man who even so much as breaths the same air as you.”
He kisses my lips before sitting back down and crossing his arms. “So why did he invite you to dinner?”
How can he do that to me and then just change the subject? I’m literally panting over here, and he looks calm and collected. Damn him.
I shrug. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
“Good girl.” He scoots closer.
My body heats from his close proximity, his scent giving me a heady high.
His features darken as his eyes drink me in. He looks like he’s about to attack me, like I’m his prey. He growls lowly before I feel his hand on my neck, gently but protectively squeezing, letting me know how much he owns me.
I know I’m in for it later.
I grin.
I can’t wait.
* * *
The rest of the night goes smoothly.
While he refused to cuddle with me during the movie out of respect for my mom, he held my hand firmly. As though if he eased up, I would fly away. I made him a sleeping spot on the couch, laughing when he laid down and his feet hung over.
It’s midnight and I can’t sleep with Aiden downstairs. I know it’s only a matter of time before he comes up here, so I’m already expecting him when the door creaks an hour later. I only have on his shirt and a pair of panties.
His hair is a disheveled perfect mess as he makes his way to my bed silently. His gray sweatpants sit dangerously low on his hips while his black shirt is pulled up slightly, exposing his perfectly toned tan stomach.
I admire his body as he pulls his shirt off and throws it on the floor. The shimmer of moonlight creeping in through my window highlights every well-defined muscle.
