Trust Me (The Trust Me Series Book 1) Read online

  “No, Mom, not at a party. Sarah’s in the living room dancing with Chris. And, yes, I know what you mean about being safe.”

  She’s so overprotective.

  “Chris, who’s Chris? Is he her new beau? Or fling? Or whatever you girls call it these days.”

  “Mom! I have no idea, they only met yesterday. It’s hard to say.”

  “Guess you’ll know in a couple of days or so.”

  Mom knows Sarah all too well. “I don’t know, she seems different with this one. He’s… unique.”

  “I do hope she settles down soon, the dear child.” I smile at my mother’s sincerity. I love her and all of her motherly ways. “You didn’t answer me. Are you being safe, Jenifer?”

  I roll my eyes. “Mom, I’m not having sex with anyone. I haven’t since Jason. So, yes, I’m being safe by not having sex.” She exhales with relief, and I feel a twinge of regret about the fact that I’ve not been close with anyone for so long.

  “Really? Not since Jason? You’ve got to get out there and find someone. At least someone to keep you satisfied if you know what I mean?”

  “Oh my God, Mom!” I blurt out. “Yes, I know what you mean. I’m not getting a fuck buddy,” I reply. Even though I’m aware my mom is blunt, she’s never told me to go out and get laid before.

  This is a first.

  Mom laughs. “It’s not a fuck buddy. The term is friends with benefits.”

  I shake my head at my mother’s knowledge of such things. “Okay. Mom, I’m going.”

  “Go get yourself a man, Jeni.”

  “Oh my God!” I mumble under my breath.

  “I love you. And remember… be safe.”

  “Love you, too, Mom,” I tell her, ending the call.

  I put my head in my hands and giggle at the amazingly awkward conversation I’ve just had with my mother.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed in shocked horror, I laugh to myself at the conversation that just took place. I lie back on the bed after my laughing fit and look through the pictures on my phone. As I scroll through the photographs, I see one of Jason and me at our engagement party. I sigh and place my head on the pillow.

  Then suddenly, Aiden pops into my mind. I pick up the phone again, remembering what Chris had said about playing it cool. I look at the time the message was received—nearly two hours ago. “Hmm…” I re-read the message.

  Unknown: Jeni, this is Aiden O’Connell. Thought I’d send you my cell number so you have it for the insurance claim if you need it. See you Friday, Aiden.

  I read it a few more times, gaining the courage to finally message him back. I sigh and do as Chris said. If Aiden O’Connell wants to play games, I can play them equally as well. I type, ‘yep,’ and hit Send. Instantly, my jaw clenches, and I start to pace the floor. My heart thuds a little faster as my palms coat in a sheen of sweat.

  What if he’s interested, and I’ve made it seem like I’m not?

  Oh God, I’ve totally screwed any chance I had with him.

  “Stop! You do not need to let a man control your emotions, Jeni. Not now. Not again. Not ever,” I say the mantra out loud as I stand on the spot and inhale calmly.

  It’s time for a shower, so I step into the bathroom with my pajamas in hand and undress. Looking at myself in the full-length mirror, there’s a hint of a red mark on my chest where the coffee spilled this morning. I shake my head at the memory. Easing into the shower, I relax under the warmth as I let the beads of water caress my body. I move my head under, closing my eyes with the water cascading over my face.

  My mind runs over the day’s events from the accident to the coffee spill. I rub my hands lightly over my chest, remembering the burn. My thoughts wander to Aiden—his muscular body, that gorgeous brown hair, and those eyes—those mesmerizing bright blue eyes.

  Suddenly the door to the shower swings open. It’s Aiden, standing with only a towel wrapped around his masculine waist with that cheeky grin on his face. I gasp with shock. “What are you doing here?” I ask as I attempt to cover myself with my hands. “How do you know where I live?”

  He smiles, removing his towel to reveal his naked body. “I know everything, Jenifer.”

  Aiden pushes me against the shower wall as he steps in to join me. I stare at his face, too nervous to look anywhere else. His hand sweeps up to cup my cheek as he leans in and seductively kisses me. His tongue dances with mine as that energy surges between us, making me breathless. His body pushes against mine, and as he grabs my waist, his cock is growing hard against my hip. I kiss him back with as much passion as he has for me. With the tension becoming hotter and hotter, I moan out his name. “Aiden.”

  “Mmm… Jeni,” he replies, muffled by our mouths as he caresses my cheek.

  I’m feeling something for him. I’m not sure what it is, it’s been so long. Lust maybe?

  Aiden pulls me in even closer and holds me to him. He starts to kiss my neck and works his way down to my collarbone and then to my burned red breasts. I’ve forgotten what it was like to be intimate with someone. There’s something about him—the emotion he brings out of me is so powerful, so intense, and so erotic. His hand caresses my breast as he kisses my neck. His other hand forcefully grasps my ass, and the motion overwhelms me as I lose myself. I run my hands through his wet hair and lean in almost brushing his lips.

  “Take me,” I whisper.

  He stares straight into me with those blue eyes like he’s staring into my soul, and with one swift motion he—

  “Jeni… Jen, are you okay?” Sarah yells through the bathroom door full of concern.

  I take a deep breath, I was having another daydream, but my knees feel weak and my breathing’s erratic. It’s as though Aiden was actually here with me.

  How intense!

  I clear my throat and try to compose myself. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? You’ve been in there a long time.”

  I don’t know how long I’ve been in the shower, but I manage to come up with a plausible excuse.

  “Yeah, washing my hair and shaving, you know.”

  “Make sure you leave enough hot water for us.”

  I relax as I think I’ve pulled off my fake excuse. “Okay, getting out now.”

  Pulling a towel from the rack, I wrap my wet hair up and grab another towel to dry myself. I remember every touch, every feeling, every emotion that Aiden brought out of me. Even though he wasn’t really here, it felt real enough, and I want more.

  Dressing in my pajamas and robe, I walk out of the bedroom and head to my room. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Chris and Sarah making out in the kitchen. I smile, closing the bedroom door, and take off my robe placing it neatly on the end of my bed. My sheets feel warm and cozy when I pull the covers up to my neck, and it feels great after the long, intense day I have had. Leaning over, I grab Mr. Snuggles, my teddy bear, which I’ve had since I was born.

  I’m twenty-six years old, and I know I shouldn’t still love my teddy bear, but whenever things get tough, he’s always here. Mr. Snuggles is a large, dark brown teddy bear with a big red bow around his neck. He has big brown plastic eyes and is so loveable—it’s a comfort thing.

  Leaning over, I grab my phone to put it on the charger. That’s when I notice there’s a text from Aiden. Suddenly filled with excitement, I sit up, phone in one hand and Mr. Snuggles in the other. Staring at the phone, I finally get the nerve to open it.

  Aiden: Have a good night’s sleep. See you soon, Aiden.

  My brow creases as I exhale and frown. So not what I was hoping for, but at least he answered. My mind is now running a million miles a minute wondering whether Friday’s date is on or off.

  “Urgh, men are so frustrating.” I switch my phone to silent. It’s a habit I gained from when I was with Jason. He would go out partying all night and drunk dial me with abusive tirades. To counteract it, I’d put my phone on silent. I wouldn’t even know he’d called until the morning when there would be a million drunk messages sayi
ng how much of a bitch I was. Then the next message would be how much he loved me.

  The cycle never ended with him—it was one vicious thing after the other.

  Awake most of the night, occasionally nodding in and out of consciousness, I think about what I should text Aiden in the morning. About my daydream in the shower. About Sarah and her new relationship with Chris. All these thoughts are running through my mind depriving me of sleep.

  I finally fall asleep around five o’clock with a total of two hours of actual sleep before my alarm sounds.

  As the Uber pulls up in front of work, I thank the driver. “I added a tip,” I chime with a smile. He curls up his lip, turning his head as if I’ve insulted him. “Jeez,” I say under my breath as I spin and make my way through the large sliding gates. I’m nearly to the office building’s front door when I see Mel pull into her usual parking space.

  Mel’s a great boss. She’s older than me, probably in her late fifties, but she’s never actually told anyone exactly how old she is. Mel’s attractive, slim, and tall. She always wears designer glasses and keeps her red hair in a tight bun. She looks every bit the executive assistant to the owner of ADF Automotive Repair, who happens to be her husband, John. They are a great couple and have worked hard. They have four children—CJ, Amy, Jade, and Skye—who Mel says are ‘all grown up these days,’ but the youngest three still live at home. A picture of the four of them resting on her desk was taken with Santa when they were quite young.

  She gets out of her car, and I greet her. “Morning, Mel.”

  She smiles and nods her head with a coffee in one hand, her handbag and keys in the other, and envelopes in her mouth. I laugh at the sight as I walk over to help her.

  “Need a hand?”

  A muffled laugh escapes as I grab her keys and handbag freeing her hand to take the pink square envelopes from her mouth.

  Walking inside together, I stop at the reception desk, and Mel proceeds to her office. I get ready for another day of work as a delivery truck pulls up outside the reception office. A man dressed in a green uniform strides in with a massive bouquet of flowers—gerberas, oriental lilies, and other little filler flowers in a lovely vase wrapped with ribbon and pink mesh. They’re amazingly beautiful. I smile as flowers always manage to brighten any day. When the delivery man walks in, I’m trying to remember if it’s Mel’s birthday.

  “A delivery for a Miss Jenifer Taylor,” his tone is flat and monotone, but it still makes me do a double-take.

  “Are you sure they aren’t for Melinda Starke?”

  He looks at the information on his paperwork. “Nope. Definitely for Miss Jenifer Taylor.”

  My skin tingles, and my belly flutters as a wave of happiness washes over me. I sign for the delivery in bewilderment trying to keep my excitement at bay.

  What in the world is going on?

  I open the card, which is penned in very neat handwriting.

  Miss Taylor,

  Please accompany me to dinner on Friday night at five thirty. I’d like to pick you up and take you out as promised to apologize for my ‘moronic’ behavior yesterday. Please feel free to text me your address or, alternatively, from somewhere you would feel comfortable.

  I look forward to seeing you again.

  Aiden

  Smiling uncontrollably, I stare at the note in disbelief, especially where he references that I called him a moron. Then, I place the flowers on the side of my desk and check the water level.

  “Ho-ly shit!” I mutter under my breath, but luckily no one’s around to hear me. The butterflies in my stomach flutter out of control.

  I have to email Sarah.

  To: Sarah Carlisle

  From: Jenifer Taylor

  Subject: Special delivery!

  Hey Sez,

  Looks like I have to say thanks to Chris. His ‘play it cool’ method worked. I received a special delivery of flowers in a gorgeous vase this morning from Aiden. It had a hand-written card attached to it saying he wants to pick me up for dinner on Friday.

  First thought is wow, amazing, awesome, etc. Then the next thought, what do I wear? Is this a casual jeans event or an elegant dress affair? And the other thing… why pick me up? Why can’t I meet him somewhere? I mean, what if he’s a stalker or something? I don’t want him to know where I live if he’s a serial-killing, ax-murdering, God only knows what.

  Yeah, I know I’m overthinking… right?

  Taking a deep breath to try to calm my nerves, I glance up to greet the guys as they walk through the doors. “High five,” Tim yells like Borat as he walks past.

  I laugh, shaking my head at him, and put my hand up in a high-five motion. The other guys all chuckle and carry on like normal co-workers do. They file through to the workshop, making as much noise as humanly possible. I roll my eyes, and once they leave my reception area, it’s quiet again.

  I stare at the flowers and take note of their beauty. Aiden must have spent a fortune. My mood toward him shifts into something much softer, pleasurable even, that he went out of his way to buy me something so beautiful.

  Time flies by as I get on with my daily routine. I stop abruptly in the middle of invoicing when I realize in my tizzy about worrying what to wear and why he should or shouldn’t pick me up, that I haven’t thanked Aiden for the flowers. I quickly pull my phone out of my handbag and open up a new message.

  Jenifer: Thank you for the flowers. They are lovely, and you can pick me up from work.

  No, I don’t want to get dressed at work. I delete it.

  Jenifer: Thank you for the flowers. They’re so beautiful. I’ll see you Friday night, but may I suggest we meet somewhere rather than you picking me up? I’d feel more comfortable with that. If you let me know the place and time, I’ll be there. Jeni

  Yep, that should do it—Send. I take a deep breath and tuck my phone back in my bag, trying not to get overly excited.

  The twelve thirty alarm rings for lunch, and I get up and walk briskly to the kitchen before the guys arrive and take all the food. I open the refrigerator and grab my usual, then I bolt from the break room before the guys can get in here, but I’m too late. Tim slides in behind me, bringing his hand up to his mouth—it is tradition, after all—but he hesitates. I turn and look back at him, confused. “No kiss today, Timmy?”

  “First of all, don’t call me Timmy, and secondly, you snapped at me yesterday. Just wanted to know if the gorgeous old Jeni is back or if the new grumpy Jeni is still around today.”

  Poor Tim. I tilt my head toward him. “It’s the old Jeni, so go ahead.”

  A smile lights his face, and he blows me a kiss. I smirk, reaching up and catching the invisible gesture.

  A slight glimmer gleams in Tim’s eyes that I’ve never noticed before, but I ignore it and walk out of the room, shaking my head at our daily ritual. “Bye, Jeni,” they say in unison.

  I laugh in response and take my lunch back to my desk so I can eat in peace and quiet. For once, the phone doesn’t ring, and I don’t have any customers come in either. My mind starts to wander to Aiden and his gorgeous face. I pick up my bag to get out my phone, and as I do, it beeps, telling me I have a message.

  Aiden: I’m glad you liked the flowers. I chose them myself ;-p. I’d prefer to pick you up as I have a surprise for you. A chauffeured vehicle will arrive (anywhere you choose) at five-thirty on Friday evening. Please forward me an address. I look forward to seeing you.

  As I re-read the message. I notice one small detail that seems different from any other message I have received from him before—the ;-p emoji. He’s sticking his tongue out at me. I smirk and bite my bottom lip. “That’s a bit audacious,” I mutter under my breath, but I can’t help grinning.

  “Two can play at that game.”

  My mind starts to think about where he should pick me up. Work? No, I already decided I didn’t want to be picked up from here. The park across the street from our house? No, any weirdo could be lurking. Maybe he should simply pick me up from
my house. Would that be so bad? Sarah has her boy-toys at our house all the time, and we don’t really know them. Aiden seems nice, so I message back.

  Jenifer: Don’t stick your tongue out at me, smart-ass. Okay, five-thirty. You can pick me up at 13 Chaucer St., Mornington Vale, in a Cadillac. Don’t be late! ;-p right back at you.

  I hit Send, and quickly put my phone away so I can eat my lunch. When I stand to head to the bathroom, I hear my phone go off. A thrill of excitement flows through me hoping it’s him. Quickly pulling my phone back out and unlocking it, I see it’s a message from…

  Printer World: Do you need refills for your printer cartridges? Then come see us at Printerworld. Quality ink, cheap prices.

  Goddamn! I exhale and roll my eyes as disappointment flows through me. I want more clues about this surprise date he’s taking me on. What are we going to do? But I can’t spend my day lost in thoughts of Aiden. So I continue on with my day, which is fairly busy, and when I look up at the clock, it’s time to pack up and go home.

  Scheduling an Uber which is going to be here in ten minutes, I walk down to the repair shop to see how my car is doing. “Hey, Bob.”

  “Hey, sweetness, getting ready to head home?” he asks, looking up at me over his glasses.

  “Yes, waiting for an Uber. How’s my car coming along?”

  He leads me over to my baby and shows me the panel work. “She’s looking great, thanks so much.”

  He puts his arm around my shoulders. “We still have to paint her tomorrow. You should have her back by Thursday after work.”

  I let out a sigh of relief as I hate Ubering everywhere. “Thanks, I appreciate you working on it so quickly.”