“Morning, beautiful.” Aiden rests his arm across my stomach, and I frown at the feeling. I’m nauseated for some reason.
“Are you okay?” he asks as I scrunch my face.
I sit up to take a sip of water. “I’ll be fine once I’ve had something to eat.”
He looks at me with concern etched all over his face. “Let’s get you some breakfast, then.” He moves to the closet to retrieve our work attire.
I get up, instantly feeling dizzy, but manage to shake it off as I get dressed and walk out to the kitchen where Aiden’s making some toast. I feel off, like I might be getting a bug or something. My morning coffee is brought to me while I sit at the kitchen table. As I bring the mug up to my lips to drink, the smell that normally delights my senses, now churns my stomach. I frown, sliding the steaming mug across the table.
What the hell is wrong with me?
Aiden watches when I move the coffee away. “Don’t feel like coffee today?”
“No, I’m feeling pretty awful at the moment.”
“Maybe you’ve caught something?”
I nod and rest my head in my hands. “Yeah, I’m sure it’ll pass.”
“You should stay home and rest if you’re not well.”
I shake my head. He places a plate of toast in front of me. I grab a piece of toast with peanut butter and take a bite. Aiden watches while I try to eat the toast unsuccessfully as the thought of swallowing makes me want to heave. I spit it back out onto my plate and move the plate away from me as well. My stomach churns, and I know I’m going to be physically ill. I bolt to the ensuite, making it in time as my stomach constricts, and I dry heave into the bowl. I cough and splutter, feeling completely wretched as I slump down beside the bowl.
Aiden rushes in to check on me, his feet thumping with his fast pace. “Jeni, you’re staying home today.”
I wipe my mouth and shake my head. “No. What would your father say about me having a sick day? I’m fine. I’m sure by lunchtime I’ll feel better.”
“You should stay at home.” A look of worry and concern covers his face.
“I’m going, Aiden. I’ll be fine. I feel better already.” I gingerly get up from the floor, flush, then head to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water. I feel disgusting, but I don’t want Niall to think any less of me than he already does, and taking the day off will give him every damn reason.
Aiden admits defeat, walking back to the table, and he eats his toast in silence. But the look on his face tells me everything he isn’t saying. He doesn’t want me at work today.
I wait in the living room for him—not able to be anywhere near food—until he’s ready to leave. His lack of communication with me lets me know he’s not happy with me right now, but I’ve made up my mind. I must make a good impression on Niall. And calling in sick definitely won’t do that.
We arrive at work, making our way up to the office. Brielle and Niall are already there.
“Morning, you two,” Bree calls out.
“Morning, Bree,” we both say in unison.
“Aiden, you and Brielle are going to the Andersons today to finalize the paperwork for their account. They’re expecting you at ten thirty this morning, so make sure you have everything prepared,” Niall calls out.
Aiden kisses me on the cheek and walks into his office without saying anything. I think he’s still annoyed I didn’t listen to him and stay home. I know he’s only trying to look out for me, but me being here is me looking out for him. I sit behind my desk and turn on my computer as Niall chats to Brielle about the Anderson account. I still feel nauseous and slightly dizzy, actually generally like death warmed over, but I’m going to push through.
At ten, Aiden and Brielle get ready to leave. Aiden walks over and kisses my cheek. “If you feel too sick, you go home. Don’t worry about what Father thinks. Don’t ask him, just leave. Look after yourself. Promise me? Otherwise, I’ll worry about you.” I have to admit, it’s nice to have his mood more on the concerned side toward me now rather than straight up pissed off.
“I will. I feel slightly better.” I know I’m lying to Aiden, but I honestly don’t want him to worry.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours. If you need me, I have my phone.”
I nod once, then Brielle and Aiden leave, and it’s only now I realize I’m here, alone with Niall. The idea of being by myself with him makes me cringe. Our mutual feelings of disgust for one another are growing by the day. I’m nauseated just thinking about the asshole. My stomach churns, letting me know I need to move right now. I race to the bathroom, reaching it just in time as my stomach wrenches, and I heave into the bowl while kneeling on the cold tiled floor. I cough and splutter as I hold my hair back.
Yep, I officially feel terrible—I probably should go home.
I pull some toilet paper from the holder and clean up, then turn around and sit on the seat with my head in my hands, groaning at my unsettled stomach.
A thought crosses my mind, and my stomach rolls again in anxiety.