“Oh my goodness, it’s so good to see you two together. You are together again, aren’t you?” she asks, quickly needing reassurance.
“Yes, Mom, we’re back together.”
Callie moves aside, ushering us in, her face practically glowing with happiness. Mike’s sitting on the sofa watching television, which is a shock to us both. I peer at Aiden who has a smile on his face.
“Hi, Mike,” I offer, sitting next to him on the sofa. He’s dressed in suit pants and a pinstriped shirt rather than his usual uniform.
“Good evening, Miss Taylor, it’s so good to see you. I’ve missed having you around.” He leans in, throwing his arms around me.
“I missed you, too, Mike.”
He leans back against the sofa as Callie and Aiden join us.
“What brings you two here to see me?”
“Mom, I wanted to let you know that I’m moving into Sarah’s for a month or so while the house is being completed.”
Callie raises her eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t you move back upstairs, Jeni? Wouldn’t it be easier?”
I wrap my arms around my body, wondering how to answer this without sounding all kinds of paranoid.
“Too many bad memories,” Aiden quickly interjects.
The realization of what Callie said hits her. “Oh, sweetie… yes, of course. I didn’t think about it before I opened my mouth. I do hope that you’ll come around to see me often, though.”
“Yes, of course, we’ll come and see you. I know it would be easier for Aiden, and I know I’m being a pain by not moving back into his apartment, but I’m just not mentally able to spend time there after what happened... I don’t feel safe. I want to overcome my fears, but… it’s hard.”
Aiden takes my hand in his, giving it an affectionate squeeze and then a soft kiss. “Mike, I know it will be painful for you in the mornings, but can you pick us up from Jeni’s at seven-thirty. We’ll drop Jeni off at the salon, then continue to the office. We’ll have to do the reverse on the way home. Although there may be times when I have to stay late, so you’ll need to take Jeni home and then come back to pick me up later. That okay with you?”
“Fine with me, sir. I’m just glad you two are back together like you’re meant to be.”
“Thanks, Mike.” I pat him on the leg.
“When can we expect the pitter-patter of grandchildren’s feet?” Callie asks abruptly.
“We haven’t talked about that yet, Mom. Let’s wait until we’re married first.” Aiden shuts that down.
Callie suddenly changes the subject. “How’s your father?”
“Good. He’s gone to Tokyo for the final stage of the acquisition. He should be back within a week or so,” Aiden relays, trying not to make anyone uncomfortable.
“I’d better be going.” Mike stands.
“Mike stay. There’s no need for you to leave. We have to be going anyway,” Aiden interjects as he leans over, taking my hand to stand and guides me to the door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Mike. Mom, take care. I know you expected me to be in the building with you, but if you have any problems, you can call me anytime, day or night. Security has been informed and will be taking extra care of this apartment. I have a security guard stationed on this floor.”
Callie nods, and we take turns hugging his mother goodbye. “I will, and you make sure you take care of this beautiful, young girl. Don’t let her slip away again.”
“Thanks, Callie,” I say.
“No, please call me Mom, sweetie.”
Warmth floods my very soul. Knowing she feels close enough to me to let me call her Mom fills me with so much joy. “Thanks, Mom.” I turn and kiss her on the cheek.
We collect Aiden’s bags and walk down the hallway until we reach the elevator, then make our way to the parking garage to the Aston Martin.
After the short drive back to Sarah’s, we make quick work of unpacking and end up sitting on the edge of the bed. Without a word, Aiden pulls me back and rolls on top of me, his hand in my hair while he kisses me softly and sensually. A giggle slips from my lips causing him to pull back slightly. Raising my brow, I undo his shirt buttons, and he shuffles out of it. When he tosses it on the floor, I can’t help but giggle again. His attention is now on me, and he slowly lifts off my blouse to reveal a white lace bra. The sparkle in his eyes heat as he leans down to kiss my collarbone.