As we head back, Aiden stops, turning toward me. His voice is soft but serious. “I missed you, Jay.”
Looking up, I see the tenderness in his gaze. “I missed you, too.”
He pulls me into a hug, and I hold him tight.
I missed him as my first love and first lover, but most of all, I missed him as my best friend. When we pull apart, both our eyes are wet.
When we return to the hotel, Aiden stays outside to take a call, and I find Ray waiting in the lobby. My phone buzzed a few times earlier, but I ignored it. My time with Aiden was too important.The more time I spend with him, the more certain I am: I want out of this relationship with Ray.
“Jay, where have you been?” Ray snaps, his irritation plain on his face. “Didn’t you see my texts?”
I shrug. “Sorry, I didn’t hear my phone,” I lie smoothly, grateful Aiden didn’t walk in with me. “I just went for a walk on the beach. How’d it go today?”
His irritation vanishes, replaced by excitement.
“Great. That footage is going to make us a ton of money and get us more subscribers; I know it.”
“Great to hear,” I say flatly, rolling my eyes when his back is turned.
I try steering him toward the elevators before Aiden comes in, but I’m too late.
Ray looks up just as Aiden enters through the sliding doors.
“Hey, Aiden,” Ray calls. “Surprised you didn’t join us today.”
“Yeah, I wasn’t feeling it,” Aiden replies, walking over. “It was nice catching up with Jay.”
Ray’s eyes widen, his face flushing red as he whips his gaze to me. “You two hung out?”
“Yeah, we did,” Aiden answers. “He was my best friend, and we had a lot to catch up on.”
I hold my breath. Ray forces a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. He’ll save his rage for later, behind closed doors.
“Well, glad you had such a delightful time,” he says sarcastically through clenched teeth, his fists curled at his sides. “If you’ll excuse us, we need to head to bed soon. We have an early morning flight tomorrow.”
It’s still early, but I know Ray is looking for any excuse to get me away from Aiden. By the look on his face, he sees right through Ray’s bullshit.
“Do you mind if I talk to Jay for a minute before you go?” Aiden asks.
Ray’s jaw tightens, his face nearly beet red, but he manages to hold it together. “Sure. Babe, I’ll meet you by the elevators.” His glare lingers as he stalks off.
Aiden turns to me. “I’m sorry if that causes problems for you,” he says, concern in his voice. “I’m worried about you. Are you safe with him?”
I wave him off. “I’ll be fine. He can be an asshole, but he’s never hurt me.”
The words feel wrong as they leave my mouth. He’s slapped me before, but not hard enough to leave a mark. I’ve convinced myself that means it doesn’t count.
Aiden’s eyes darken with concern. “If you ever need me, day or night, you call me.” We’d exchanged numbers at lunch, making sure we wouldn’t lose touch again.
I nod, then give him a weak smile, knowing I need to say goodbye. “Thanks,” I say, wringing my hands together. “It’s been so good seeing you.”
He looks me straight in the eye. “It was more than good seeing you, Jay. And this time, we aren’t saying goodbye. It’s just so long for now.”
I wrap him in a solid hug, ignoring Ray’s glare burning into me from across the lobby.
Aiden holds me tight, whispering, “Don’t forget, I’m here if you ever need me.”
A single tear wells up in the corner of my eye. I know he’ll always be there for me, no matter what.
