She nods but pouts. “I know, but it’s not the same. I was getting used to you being back with me.”
“I want you and Chris to come over for dinner next weekend if you can?”
After saying our goodbyes, we make our way back to our new house. Aiden and Mike unpack some of our stuff and stock the refrigerator with the generic supplies Sarah insisted on giving us before we left.
Like clockwork, the furniture arrives and with the help of the delivery guys, Aiden and Mike are able to set all the furniture up. Satisfied we no longer need his help, Mike says goodnight, leaving us alone in our new home.
Standing in the kitchen, we hold each other. “Welcome home, baby.”
“That sounds perfect,” I reply, leading him to our bedroom.
After we walk up the stairs and over to the balcony, we stand outside. Aiden’s holding me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. We look out over the cliff down to the glimmering city lights below. Aiden kisses my neck softly, and I turn in his grip and face him. “I love our new home.”
Aiden smiles. “I’m so glad.” He slowly moves us back inside and shuts the door with his foot, pulling me over to the bed and gently lays me on the mattress. “And now, Miss Taylor, I’m going to make love to you in our new home,” he says mischievously, then kisses me forcefully.
“I like the sound of that.”
Aiden pulls off his T-shirt, throwing it to the floor, then opens the drawer and pulls out our fluffy pink handcuffs.
“Has someone been a bad prisoner again?” I ask.
He shakes his head looking ever so serious. “Oh… so very, very bad,” he says and throws himself at me.
I sit up in the bed and pull Aiden with me, the handcuffs still dangling from my wrist. I obviously fell asleep with them still attached. I laugh as he pulls my hand across and undoes the lock.
“Last night was… amazing,” he gushes.
“Tell me about it…” I smile, then rush off to the shower. “C’mon, we’d better get a move on.”
Aiden laughs, following me to the ensuite. Once we get out of the shower, we finish getting dressed.
On our way downstairs, Aiden turns to me. “How would you feel about asking Mom to move into the guesthouse? I’ll be happier knowing she’s closer to us.”
The doorbell rings, catching both our attention as we reach the bottom of the stairs. I nod at him, smiling wide. “I think that’s a perfect idea,” I reply.
Heading to the door, I open it to see Mike and Callie standing there. “Speak of the devil,” I say. Callie looks at me raising an eyebrow. “Come in,” I tell her.
They make their way inside and sit at the breakfast bar. “So, talking about us, were you?” Mike asks jokingly.
“Actually, just Mom. I have a proposition for you,” Aiden announces formally. “Mom, how would you feel about moving into the guesthouse? It would make me feel better knowing you’re closer. Plus, it would be great having you around. It’s entirely up to you, of course. Whatever you’re comfortable with,” Aiden asks.
Her eyes widen as she blinks rapidly. “Really?”
I laugh at her expression. “Yes. We would love for you to move in there. Think of it as your own home,” I say.
She looks around like she’s in deep thought. “Okay,” she blurts out, bewildered.
“Okay, you’ll move into the guesthouse?” Aiden asks curiously.
She nods her head. “Yes. I’ll move in. Thank you. This means so much to me, Aiden. I do have a question, though…” She looks at Mike. “We have practically been living together. I just didn’t want to tell you in case you felt it was too soon. So… would it be all right if Mike moved in with me? Of course, you can say no, and, Mike, if you don’t want to move in, you can decline as well. If you do want to, it would make me very happy but no pressure. Oh God, look at me, I’m babbling…” Callie’s cheeks flush red in a rare sight from her.
Mike looks at Aiden with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he would love to officially move in with Callie. So, I look over at Aiden who’s smirking at Mike and Callie’s unease.
“Aiden,” I warn sternly, trying to stop his delaying tactics.
Aiden chuckles and slaps Mike on the arm. “Mike, if you want to move in with my mother, then you’re more than welcome,” Aiden finally announces.
“There’s nothing I would love more than to live with Callie. I’ve wasted so many years without her. I want her with me. Thank you, Aiden, you don’t know what this means to us,” Mike chimes, wrapping his arms around Callie and kissing her cheek.