“Tony wasn’t real, just so you know.”
He grabbed my hand and held it tight where it was almost painful. “I just found out. God, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I can’t believe you heard—”
“Heard what?”
He paused and faced me rather than start the car. Turmoil was etched onto his face and I tensed. I prepared myself for the worst.
“I can’t believe you heard what I said to Tanner. I—”
“Callie told you.” It wasn’t a question. He nodded and all my thoughts jumbled and mixed, and the previous drinks I’d had didn’t help. My stomach churned and I held up a hand. He backed away and began the drive to my apartment.
How do I feel about Callie intervening? Angry? Betrayed? Would Aaron even be talking to me if she hadn’t told him? Why can’t I enjoy the moment?
“G, you look like you might be sick. Do you want me to pull over?” he asked in a calm, sweet tone. I shook my head and kept my arms crossed. We rode in silence the short distance and he helped me out of the car. “You about scared me to death. I sprinted over here as soon as I found out and you didn’t answer.”
“Chocolate. I needed chocolate.” I held up the plastic bag and he chuckled. I welcomed his arm around me, but we still had a lot to talk about. He kissed my temple, neck and shoulder when I stopped to open the door and I shook him off. “Aaron. We need to talk first.”
“Okay. Anything.” His reluctance to argue should’ve been a good sign. But I wasn’t ready to jump up and down yet. Lots of hurt had happened. “Can I get a bite of that chocolate?”
I hesitated. “I got this because of you and that…girl at the bar.”
“Ah, baby.” He frowned and cupped my face again. “I haven’t touched anyone since you—hell, I don’t have room for anyone else when you’re all I think about. No room in my shallow thoughts.”
Goddamn it. This is good.I blinked back tears. “Here. Have a piece of chocolate.”
“Thanks,” he replied with a huge grin. “God, you and your sweet tooth.”
“It’s part of who I am.” I took a huge piece of the dark and moaned. “Good shit.”
“I love you, Greta.”
He didn’t waste time.I gulped and left the half-eaten bar on the table.
“I’m not done.” He closed the distance between us so my back pressed against the counter. He lifted me up, positioning himself between my legs. The look in his eyes…
“I didn’t know what love was like before you. It’s hard to figure out for a guy like me. But all I know is you’re my future. Every single thing I want in life is with you. I can promise you, I’ll do whatever I can to make it work. I know when you need tea, wine or whiskey and how you need the fan on at night or you can’t sleep.
“I also know you pretend to like football but we all know you don’t. But I know I love you.” He grinned so wide.
“God, Aaron.” I wiped my eyes. “I love you, too. But it sounds silly now.”
“No. No it doesn’t because those words coming from your mouth…they’re the best thing I’ve ever heard. Say them again.”
“I love you.”Fuck the what-ifs. Live in the present, bitch.I plastered my mouth onto his and took my time tasting him. I swirled my tongue with his and enjoyed the way he moaned into me. I pulled back and wiped my mouth on the back of my hand.
“I love your fear of roller coasters. Your secret killer dance moves. Your ridiculously nice wardrobe. And your unwavering loyalty to those you care about. I feel so blessed I’m one of them.”
“Baby, don’t cry.” He blinked a handful of times before bringing our mouths together again. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry you heard that and thought it was true. I—”
He stuttered and looked so unlike Aaron that my heart broke for him.
“I didn’t know how to handle what was happening. A guy like me? I’m not a good bet and falling in love with you wasn’t the plan.”
“Trust me. I know.” I nodded and wiped my eyes.
He chuckled and picked me up. “I know we need to talk, but I need your body with me now. All of you.”
“Yes. Okay.” I moaned and broke out in goosebumps. Each kiss, touch and sound would forever be etched in my memory. The way he set me on the bed, the way he slowly undressed me like I would break and the way his eyes were on fire. All for me. It was mind-blowing.
