Chapter 45
Rhea - Dick-xausted, But Not Like That
“Oh my god, I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to look at cakes and candies the same again after tonight.” I groan as I kick off my shoes and send them flying across the room. “Who knew you could make dicks out of virtually anything in the bakery or candy aisles of the grocery store.”
Aiden walks in behind me, toeing his shoes off and leaving them neatly placed beside the door. Huh. That’s not a bad idea. It would make it a lot easier to find my shoes if I did that. I consider tracking down the pair that I just kicked off, but exhaustion wins and instead I drag my ass to the bedroom and fall face first on the bed.
“Pretty sure anyone with a twisted sense of humour could have told you that.” Aiden rolls me over and starts getting me undressed. “Why else would Gran and her friends know how to do it?” He gently slides my joggers off and begins working on my hoodie, which proves difficult since I’ve gone rag doll on him. “Come on, Rhea. Help me out a little. You’ll be more comfortable out of this sweatshirt.”
I force myself to sit up and let Aiden pull off my shirt, but as soon as it’s over my head, I flop back down onto the bed. He chuckles and undresses himself now that I’m naked.
“You’re adorable when you’re tired,” he says. “Thanks for helping tonight. I know you probably never thought you’d be making dicks out of candy with a bunch of dudes in a band and some old ladies.”
I turn my head a little and open my eyes. Aiden is walking toward my bathroom, nude, with that amazing ass on display. If I could muster any energy, I’d be up and sinking my teeth into that thing right now. But turning my head and opening my eyes is pretty much the extent of what my body wants to do right now. I’ll save the biting for tomorrow.
“Hey, come back here,” I call out when he leaves the room. “I was promised a thorough licking. I demand satisfaction.”
He peeks his head back in the room and points his toothbrush at me. “I don’t think you’re in any shape to be demanding satisfaction, baby. Just saying the word satisfaction is pushing you past your limits. If you’re still going to your job interview later, you should probably try to get some sleep.”
Shit, that’s right. I haven’t even thought about the interview since speaking to the captain earlier today. After all the mess this situation with Frank Martin has caused, I’m not even sure now if I want to rejoin the force. Maybe this is what it takes for me to finally move on with my life and find another way to help people?
I drag myself off the bed and join Aiden in the bathroom, pulling out my own toothbrush. “Why’d you have to remind me of my interview? I liked our other plan better.” I pout while I squeeze toothpaste on my toothbrush. “Don’t think you’re off the hook, mister. I’m taking a rain check for later.”
Aiden spits in the sink and rinses his toothbrush, putting it in the medicine cabinet when he’s done. He steps behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder while he watches the reflection of me brushing my teeth.
“I’ve avoided relationships my entire life, Rhea. If you think I won’t take every chance you give me to make love to you in whatever way I can, then you’re crazy.” He punctuates that statement with a kiss behind the ear and a smack on the butt. “Now get your ass into bed, woman. I’m interested in trying this ‘spooning’ thing all the kids are talking about. No relationships also meant no cuddling and I’m pretty sure I’m going to be amazing at it.”
Aiden seems serious about us, but it all seems sudden. What if he doesn’t really want to be with me? What if he has second thoughts because selling his house is just too much for him? I wish these doubts weren’t swirling in my head because whatever I’m feeling for Aiden is big. Really big. I can’t help but worry that maybe he’s not feeling the same way. I’m too old for what ifs, though, and if I want answers, I know the only way I’m going to get them is if I ask.
I let out a sigh and hurry to finish with my teeth and then wash up before getting into bed. I’m not used to sharing my space like this, but Aiden has naturally gravitated toward the side of the bed that I usually leave empty. I’d say that’s a sign we’re meant to be, but I’m pretty sure the nightstand full of books on one side was a pretty big clue to where I normally sleep. I bury myself under the covers and turn to face Aiden, my worries making my stomach hurt.
“Aiden?” I ask, after I finally work up the courage. “Are you sure?”
The tone of my voice must tip him off, since the question itself wasn’t very specific, and Aiden wraps his arms around me and pulls me against him. I feel his lips press against my forehead before he rests his cheek against it.
“I’ve feared relationships my whole life until I met you. You’re the only person who ever made me think maybe I wouldn’t turn into my father. You’re the only woman I’ve ever been able to just breathe and be myself around. I am completely sure. I know it’s fast, I know it’s crazy, and I know it’s not the sort of responsible thing that I would normally do. But I am all in with you, Rhea. I’m selling my house and I want you to help me find a new place where we can be together. We can make our own memories. Good, happy memories. And hopefully a new family will buy my house and be able to make new, happy memories of their own.”
I release a long, shuddering breath as the tension I was feeling leaves my body and lean in to kiss his chest. “That sounds perfect,” I say dreamily. “But you know the house isn’t really haunted, right? It’s just that way for you, and for me, because I care about you. A new family wouldn’t have to worry about red-eyed pig-men or skeletons in the yard or anything.” A huge yawn escapes me and my eyes drift closed to the sound of Aiden’s laughter, as I’m rocked to sleep by the movement of his chest while he quietly chuckles.
Chapter 46
Aiden - First Night in the New House
“This is the last of it,” the guy from the moving company tells me. “Both the house and the apartment are now empty.”
“Thanks, man,” I say, slipping him some money for a tip, as I’d already done for the rest of his crew. “You guys do quick work. We really appreciate it.”
Rhea and I wasted no time moving in together. A few days after the penis party rescue with all of our friends and family, we called a realtor that Travis recommended and starting looking for a new place right away. And while we searched, Rhea insisted we stay at her place so that the bad vibes at my place wouldn’t get us.
I’m just finishing putting some stuff away in the kitchen when Rhea gets home from work.
“Hey, babe. Sorry I’m late,” she says, coming over and kissing me. “Winnie needed me to stay and help with dinner tonight. And she wanted me to thank you for sending me to her. Again.” she laughs. “I wonder if she’s ever going to stop thanking you and realize that I would have gone to work for her, anyway.”
Turns out Rhea’s job interview was at the same shelter I’ve been volunteering at for years. When Rhea showed up for her interview, I was volunteering for the day already. I remember how excited I was that she visited me so soon, essentially the morning after we got together.
She was less excited, because at first she thought seeing me there confirmed that I had been following her around like she initially thought. Once I explained that I’d only been hoping to get her involved in a self-defence class at the shelter, she finally dropped her suspicions. I was worried that having me at shelter would make her change her mind about wanting to switch careers, but because of the way the police commission dealt with the Frank Martin ordeal, she had already decided to stay off the force. She was tired of the politics impeding the help she wanted to provide.
When Winnie realized Rhea and I knew each other, after she’d already offered Rhea the job, she got the wrong impression and thought that I’d recommended Rhea for the position. I can’t tell you how many thank you cards she sent me in those first few weeks.
