Chapter 14
Hazel
The first thought thatcomes to mind is did she hear us? I’m not exactly quiet when I’m getting pounded by a hot ass man, especially Aiden, since he knows exactly what I want. It’s so nice to have a man that can read my body.
“So, what the hell? You couldn’t at least call and tell me you were okay? You had me worried sick.”
Honestly, I did forget before dinner, and then we went to pound town and it’s not like I’m going to stop him and say, “sorry, I forgot to call my friend. Wait a second.” Yeah, that’s definitely not going to happen, sorry.
“At any rate, what did I interrupt? Please tell me you came at least twice.”
“More than that, girl. He’s unbelievable,” I reply.
Kate knows about my past with Aiden, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to about everything. We met when I started at the firm, and became instant best friends. We are only six months apart in age, and she is so vivacious. It’s always good to have someone who will tell you straight if you are being an idiot, and that is Kate.
The woman has saved me from so many screw-ups and making a fool of myself, like too many to count. She always seems to have her shit together, but also is the first person to take big risk. Honestly, I’m blessed to have someone like her by my side, because sometimes I need that little push to go over the edge.
“Listen, you deserve some happiness after that asshole. You have never said an ill word about that guy. I like him, and of course, I’m not saying that because he made you come many times and looks fucking fabulous without a shirt on,” she says, tucking her hair behind her ears and smiling.
Things between us are going smooth right now, after we worked out some kinks, and I’m sure there are plenty more ahead. No relationship is perfect, and it’s important to remember that going forward. The history is apparent and in some cases, it is the foundation of our relationship and where we could be headed in the future. Did I want to gamble everything and say yes to him though? It’s a hard decision because of our history, my failed marriage, and if things end up going south, what are we going to do?
“Don’t do it. I know you. Going through all the reasons you can’t. Hazel, don’t listen to it. You deserve this. If he makes you happy, then fall head over heels for him. You can’t let what Roger did affect your happiness. Promise me you won’t let that asshole ruin your chances at having someone make you happy,” Kate says, taking my hand in hers.
I nod and make my way to the front door for her to leave. It's late and tomorrow is our meeting with Jake's parents. Sleep is needed if things are going to go well, and right now isn't the time to make a unfavorable impression. Aiden would kill me if I screw this up.
"I'll call you tomorrow night," I say, leaning against the door.
"Yeah, like you said you would tonight?"
"No, seriously. Talk to you tomorrow," I say, as she walks outside and I shut the door.
Kate isn't one of those girls that kids around when they say something. If she tells you she will come over to your house if you don't call her, then she will. Tonight is all the proof I need. It's not like I meant to do it on purpose, but once Aiden and I got back here, things escalated quickly. Surely, she understands after seeing him.
The staircase creaks as I make my way up the stairs toward my bedroom, ready to faceplant against the cold comforter and bid the day a 'due, but before I shut my door, Aiden yells goodnight.
"See you in the morning."
***
The aroma of freshlybrewed coffee is how I like to start my morning, and Aiden's smiling face makes it twice as good. He hands me a cup of coffee and sits down on the edge of the bed. I take a second to make sure this isn't one of my dreams, because normally our clothes are already off and going to town. I think I'm safe.
"How'd you sleep?" I ask.
"Like a man who took sleeping pills. Too nervous about today to fall asleep without them.
"Well, if I was in their position, the first thing I'd question is why now? It's been years and I've never reached out. So, if you think about it, it seems sketchy, right?" he says, pacing around the room now, while I drink my coffee. "My mind is going crazy right now, and I can't get it to stop. They must think we are terrible."
Okay, so maybe they are wondering why we are now reaching out to them about Jake, but they made it clear from the get-go about it being a closed adoption. "Technically, we were respecting their wishes, and they can't hold that against us."
I place my feet on the ground, sitting on the edge of the bed, with the coffee cup in my left hand, using my right hand to run through my hair which must look a mess right now. A shower will make me feel better, and plus it's time to wash my hair. My hairdresser did give me some advice last time I went in, to not wash my hair more than once every three days. At that time, my hair had been so dry, and now it's nice and shiny again.
Aiden is clearly having a conversation with himself in his head, because he continues to pace around my room, even after I get off the bed and head to the bathroom. I leave the door open in case he wants to talk some more, but it's time for me to get a move on for the day. The proper start is always warm water cascading on my skin, and then picking out the perfect outfit. Usually, that is easy because I would be going into the office, but today's outfit is for pleasure not business. I have to admit I've been enjoying not having to wear heels all the time, but sometimes I find myself wishing I could wear my red pumps again. Everyone loves those in the office, and I get compliments all the time when wearing them.
I can hear Aiden mumbling to himself outside the door, and instead of engaging, I let him hash it out with himself. There is nothing I can say to make him feel better, and if Jake's parents have a problem, they will address it at the meeting later.
"What time are we meeting up with them?" I yell from inside the shower, rubbing body wash all over.
"They are supposed to call me today. I haven't heard from them yet."