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“Shh,” he says placing his finger on my mouth. Then he runs his finger across my bottom lip. I shiver at his touch. “I know,” he says quietly as he watches his finger, his expression somber.
The thought of going back to my apartment unsettles me. It’d be easy to go to Aiden’s house. Too easy. Instead of taking baby steps, I feel I’m taking Jolly Green Giant steps. Aiden walked back into my life less than a week ago and while I have zero regrets where we are, I just need to take a breather. Not a step back, just a step away.
“I had your apartment cleaned,” he says, dropping his hand. “And a security system installed.” My eyes go wide.
“Really? You’ve been a busy man while we’ve been away,” I say as I shift in my seat, turning my body toward him.
“Addison, I’m not gonna lie. I want to wake up wrapped around you every morning for the rest of my life,” he says and then sighs, “but I know if I rush things, you’ll start to run. So I need to know you’re safe in your apartment.”
My lips turn up. Deep down, I want that, too. But he’s right, I’m not ready yet. And I love that about him, that he knows me.
“I’m assuming by those flowers, tonight’s the big night,” Harper says, looking at the flowers on my desk.
I glance at the beautiful pink and red roses with huge pink lilies opened up to their full bloom and nod. Aiden asked me to go out on an official date with him sometime this week. I remember laughing and telling him that I thought we had passed that part of our relationship. He huffed like I was insane.
Of course, I told him yes, but I made him wait until the weekend. Being gone last week, I had a lot to catch up on when I got back. It wasn’t until the flowers arrived that I found out our date is tonight. And holy shit, the message on the flowers sends heat up and down my body.
Tonight is about discovery.
Holding on, never letting go.
xoxo, Aiden
Anticipation of what exactly we’re going to be discovering has made me worthless today. It’s a good thing we didn’t get a last minute crime scene.
“Do you know what you’re doing?” Harper asks, pulling me from my sexual thoughts.
“Nope. He’s sending a car to come pick me up at seven,” I say, rolling my eyes. I don’t know why he went through all that trouble. It’s like a glorified taxi.
“Aww, that’s sweet. Unnecessary, but sweet.” She laughs.
“I tried to tell him that, but he wasn’t having it,” I say, sighing.
“Well, have an amazing night. You deserve it. Call me when you can get away from Mr. Romantic and give me details.”
I laugh now. “You and your details.”
“Hey! I need to at least live vicariously though you since my dating life sucks right now,” she whines. I almost bring up Tony, but she might be embarrassed.
“Oh. I should introduce you to Jaxon. He’s an attorney here. He’s one of Aiden’s best friends and he’s hot.”
“And why haven’t I heard of this Jaxon?” she asks.
“I just met him last week,” I say, standing, then pick up my flowers and purse. It’s time to go get ready for my date. My stomach flutters with excitement. I’ve missed seeing Aiden this week. Harper opens my door for me and helps me lock it after it shuts. “But I’ll find out more about him. I’ll see about setting up a double date.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me,” she says, smiling and giving me a quick hug. “I’ll see you on Monday.” She walks in the direction of the subway while I head the couple blocks to my apartment.
At seven o’clock on the dot, the security guard phones to tell me that my ride is here.
Since Aiden didn’t tell me what we’re doing—which I hate—I had to figure out what to wear based on nothing. I glance at myself one last time before leaving. New York’s warm weather has arrived so I chose a short, black, silk shirt-dress with a drawstring waist. I close a button showing less cleavage but then change my mind and unbutton it. I want to look sexy for Aiden. I have my strappy heels on, lengthening my tanned legs.
I take a long look at myself and I smile at my reflection. This is the first time I’ve dressed up since I was kidnapped. My long curls drape my shoulders. My makeup brings out the blue in my eyes.
You look amazing, Addison.
I feel amazing, too. I’m seeing things clearer and for the first time since that day, I’m not looking in the mirror telling myself that I’m not a victim. I see a beautiful woman who has wants and needs and nothing is going to stand in her way.
I am that woman.
