I wouldn’t have it any other way.
He’s not outwardly romantic. He doesn’t plan cute dates or makes grand gestures. Instead, it’s cleaning up the house so I can focus on baking. Working on the business side of the bakery, which he knows I hate, so I don’t get stressed out. It’s making dinner—something he’s gotten much better at—so I don’t forget to eat. Buying my favorite snacks when he’s out grocery shopping with Katya.
His love isn’t loud.
Aiden loves me quietly.
And I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I walk upstairsand make my way into our bedroom, finding him face down on my pillows with his back rising and falling softly. Damn. And that’s all mine.
I get back into bed gently and watch him move. I don’t want to wake him yet.
His eyes flutter open and I smile. He looks at me then at the door.
“Katya here?”
I shake my head. “I just took her to the bus stop.”
I lay my hand on his back and smooth it across his skin. He still has those scars there. I kiss his shoulder, letting his brain come back online as he smiles sleepily and cups my cheek. “I’m getting up,” he says groggily.
Instead of that, I get up and take off my clothes then slide in under the covers with him. Instantly, I grab him to me, hugging him close, and he settles on my chest with my fingers in his hair. “Or we can stay in bed for a few. Noah and Jamie won’t be over until about noon.” Tonight we’re holding an art show, so the bakery is closed today to prepare. I have a ton of online orders to start tomorrow, but I have time, and right now I just want to lie with him.
We’re opening tonight from five till nine, and having an online shop and social media makes it easier to announce things like that. My hours are steady, but Fridays change with certain events, so most of my customers know to check the announcements for our hours on Friday. We hold little events every other week, with one big event every couple of months.
The bakery has been doing great, finally.
I did sell the necklace and split the money three ways, giving part of it to Jane and setting up an account for Katya when she gets older. The six-figure price tag was insane. I wish I had more answers about it from my mother. Why did she take the elephant? Did she know Ivan had a photo of her in it with that necklace? How did she get mixed up with him in the first place?
That’s life, though.
We don’t all get clean endings and answers.
Aiden’s eyes slowly shut again. I know he’s tired. We were up late preparing for today. While Aiden is still learning the ins and out of baking and pastry making, he’s great with everything else. He’s rigid and organized where my mind takes me off track more often than I like. With him helping I can focus on what I love, and that’s making desserts for people.
Tonight should be fun. I made some samples to put out. We received a catering permit for alcohol and are partnering with a local brewery that’s going to serve drinks. I’ve made a few art-themed desserts for the case, and Bowen is going to play piano tonight too.
I kiss Aiden’s shoulder again and smile when he kisses me and hugs me to him. His hand smooths up my thigh and grabs my ass. “I’m not moving. This is perfect.”
“Your hand on my ass?”
“It’s a great ass.” He smirks. “Bakery Booty.”
“No, you can’t start that too.”
“Noah’s right. It’s perfect, and delicious.” Aiden’s grin turns feral. My skin heats with those memories.
While I’m not a fan of penetration, I am a huge fan and supporter of Aiden’s wicked tongue.
I roll him over and straddle his waist. He takes note instantly, and while I would love to spend all morning in bed with him, we have friends coming soon and have tons of work to do. I lean down and kiss him, surprised when he wraps his arms around me and flips me underneath him.
He fits one of my thighs over his hips and kisses me hard. “Shower with me,” he whispers.
Well, I guess we have a little time.
“I’m so fucking nervous.”Jamie chews his thumbnail and Noah’s sympathetic eyes land on me. “What if no one comes?”
“Ouch. First of all, it’s my bakery, so I’m hoping some people will come, but it’s fine. Your art is incredible.” Since the changes I made, it feels different in here. Alive. It’s not sterile or looks like a waiting room anymore. I used some of the money from the necklace to redecorate a bit, and we’ve repainted the walls a softer shade of green that goes well with the brand new black-and-white-tiled floors.
