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

  Mark grabs Tim’s shoulders and shakes him. “You big baby,” Mark jests as I stride out, and they get on with their lunch. While still laughing at Tim’s expense, I make my way back to my desk. I pull out my phone to see if there are any messages, and my heart beats a little faster in anticipation, but as I suspected, there aren’t any.

  Over the next couple of hours, customers pick up their cars, I process their payments, and they leave. I look up at the clock—Aiden will be here soon.

  Right, time to head off to the bathroom to adjust my hair and add a little extra mascara. I take hold of the basin and breathe deeply as my nerves are starting to mess with my head. “Act normal, Jeni,” I plead with myself in the mirror, then walk back out to the reception desk. Those pesky butterflies attack again. I take a sip of water from the bottle on my desk and try to shake it off.

  This is ridiculous.

  Why am I getting worked up over one man? He’s just a man, nothing more, nothing less. Oh, who am I kidding? He’s not just a man. He’s a supermodel with all the charm and poise to go with it. He’s like no other man I’ve met before.

  I try to pull myself together as I look out the full-length window and see the same chauffeured vehicle pull up as the one Aiden got into when he dropped off the Aston Martin. Holding my breath while a bass drum kicks inside my chest, I watch a man in a suit and hat step out of the driver’s side to open the rear passenger door. Not quite able to see, I stand to get a better look. Another man wearing a pinstriped suit steps out of the vehicle. I’m confused as he looks skinnier than I remember. When the man turns around, I notice it’s not Aiden—it’s someone else entirely.

  Feeling a little disappointed, I exhale and sit.

  The man steps into the reception area and walks up to the desk. He’s good-looking, well-groomed with spiked black hair and isn’t as masculine in appearance as Aiden.

  “Miss Taylor?”

  I give him a warm smile. “Yes, may I help you?”

  “I spoke to you earlier. I’m Daniel, Mr. O’Connell’s PA. Mr. O’Connell is otherwise engaged, and he asked me to collect his Aston Martin.”

  My heart feels like it’s shrinking as my lips press tightly together until I force a smile. “Nice to meet you, Daniel.” I put out my hand for him to shake. His hand is soft, and his nails are well-manicured. Not at all like the guys who work here—their hands are rough with callouses and filthy most of the time. Daniel knows how to take care of himself.

  “You, too, Miss Taylor.”

  “Oh, please call me Jeni.”

  “Thanks, Jeni.” I take the deductible payment for the repairs and lead him to the front parking lot where the Aston Martin is parked.

  “He lets you drive this beauty, then?” I ask.

  “Not often, but I take the opportunity whenever I can.” He flashes me his pearly whites.

  “I’d love to drive a V12. The biggest I’ve driven is a V6,” I admit, and we both laugh.

  “She’s a beast, not a beauty, let me say that.” He has the biggest grin on his face, and with his happy demeanor and kind manner, I like him instantly. He opens the car door and slides into the driver’s seat.

  “Oh, I nearly forgot. Mr. O’Connell would’ve killed me if I had.” Daniel hands me an envelope.

  I look at it and tilt my head. “What’s this?” I ask curiously.

  “A note from Mr. O’Connell.”

  My heart thuds against my chest wall. “Oh… what’s it say?”

  He lets out a light laugh. “I’m not sure. I don’t read his personal letters.”

  I bite my lip. Personal letter, that sounds intriguing.

  Daniel starts the car, the roar of the engine ignites with a glorious purr. I smirk at the look on his face. I can tell he loves driving Aiden’s car.

  “See ya,” I chime.

  He waves his hand out the window as he reverses. “Bye, Jeni.” He revs the engine as he drives out of the gates and onto the road while the chauffeured vehicle follows. I make my way into the reception area a little disappointed Aiden didn’t come, but glad I met Daniel instead. I sit at my desk with the envelope in hand. On the front, very neatly handwritten is the word Jenifer. I stare at it. He even spelled my name correctly.

  I try, very carefully not to tear the envelope as I open it, pulling out the card from inside.

  Jenifer,

  I apologize for my absence this afternoon. Unfortunately, I’m held up in an important meeting. I’ve made sure that my schedule is clear this evening, so we can spend some time together. I’m looking forward to it.

  Aiden.

  I feel like I’m floating—floating in soft white clouds with harps playing in the background. I lean back in my chair and hold the card to my chest with a great big smile on my face. I breathe in and out, feeling elated that after everything, I’m actually feeling something for someone. I don’t know what that feeling is yet, but the spark’s definitely there.

  The clicking of heels taps through the hall as Mel walks in, raising her brow at me. “You okay, Jeni?”

  I sit up in my chair and put the letter on the desk. “I’m completely okay.”

  That’s the best I can come up with?

  “Smitten, more like it,” she murmurs as she walks away with a grin while I pretend to sort through some papers. When she’s out of sight, I slump back into my chair and let out a sigh. “Subtle, Jeni,” I murmur under my breath and let out a small chuckle.

  I get so wrapped up in my work, time flies, and before I know it, it’s time to leave for the day.

  “See you Monday, Mel,” I call out in my rush to leave.

  “Uh-huh,” is all I hear. She must be deep into her filing cabinet.

  I rush out to my car, reverse out of the parking lot, and as I do, Fun’s “Some Nights” is playing on the radio. I love this song. I sing along as I drive home, and it only increases my already good mood.

  Once home, I head inside to get ready for my date by throwing on some sexy lingerie, adding some makeup and curling my hair. Perfect, I think as I look at myself in the full-length mirror.

  Walking back into my room, I grab a small black clutch and place my necessities inside. Going out on a date for the first time since ‘He Who Shall Not Be Named’ is kinda scaring the hell out of me, so the nerves have kicked in, but I push them back as far as I can.

  A slow knock on my bedroom door makes me jump, and I notice Sarah’s standing in the doorway. “Hey, are you getting ready?”

  I motion for her to come in. “Yeah,” I reply with an exhale.

  “Nervous?” she asks as we both sit on the edge of the bed.

  “You have no idea just how much.” My stomach starts to churn.

  Sarah senses my mood shift, and she puts her arm around my shoulders. “You know I’m so proud of you.”

  I jerk my head back in confusion. “What for?” I know she means for actually going on this date tonight, the first one for me in three years.

  “Because you put on that makeup by yourself, and it’s not half bad,” she teases instead of being serious.

  “Hey!” I smack her leg, playfully.

  She laughs, and then I notice she has something in her hand. “No, I’m proud of you for being you and being the most beautiful person I know. I got you something for tonight.”

  She really shouldn’t have.

  “Hold out your hand.” I do as she says. “Close your eyes.” I laugh. “No, I’m serious, close your eyes.” So, I close them. Then she places something in my hand—it’s cold and small. “And open.”

  My eyes flicker open to see a diamond bracelet. I highly doubt they’re real diamonds knowing Sarah, but it’s so sparkly. My chest swarms with excitement. “I love it, Sez.”

  “It’s a good-luck-for-tonight charm. I was wearing it when I met Chris,” she admits as she places it around my wrist. “I have another present for you, too.”

  “Sarah!”

  “Last one, I promise. Now close your eyes.” I snort out a laugh bu
t do as she asks. She puts something in my hand. It’s rectangular in shape as though it’s packaged. Perfume maybe? “Open.” She laughs as I open my eyes to find a packet of condoms.

  “Oh, Sarah, as if,” I chide, shoving her so she falls back on my bed.

  She laughs hysterically as she smiles at me. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” I roll my eyes, throw the packet on the bed and stand to get ready. “Let’s get you into that new dress.” Sarah jumps up from the bed, pulls the dress off the hanger, and hands it to me. She helps me into it while trying not to ruin my hair and makeup. Once fully dressed, Sarah stands there simply staring at me.

  My stomach flips in nerves. “What? No good?” I ask, concerned.

  “No… you look stunning.” Sarah pulls out her phone and snaps a picture. “Say… I’m sexy, and I know it!”

  I laugh, and she snaps the photo. As it turns out, it’s a nice one, and she sends it to Chris. A few moments later, Chris replies, and Sarah shows me the message.

  Chris: Fuck! She looks beautiful. Tell her to have fun.

  “What a sweetheart,” I beam, meaning it.

  “I know, right?”

  I take a final look in the mirror, and I’m happy with the results. Even I think I look pretty.

  “Right, ten minutes. Last-minute checks. Teeth?” I smile. “Check… handbag?” I hold it up in my hand. “Check… shoes?” I look down.

  “Oh crap, what shoes should I wear?” I ask as I stand here in my bare feet.

  “I can’t believe we didn’t think about this! How about my black heels? They’re low and have little bling buckles. They’ll match your bracelet and belt.”

  I grimace, craning my neck. “Isn’t that a bit too much bling?”

  Sarah scoffs, shaking her head at my obvious stupidity. “There’s no such thing as too much bling.”

  I laugh as she goes to her room to retrieve her shoes. When she returns, I hold onto her arm to step into them. They’re a little higher than I normally wear, so I walk around the bedroom trying to get used to the height. Sarah watches me intently. “You’ll be fine. You’re having dinner, so you will be sitting at a table most of the time.”

  “They do look amazing,” I gush as the doorbell chimes, interrupting my admiration of the shoes. “Holy fuck,” I whisper.

  “Don’t panic. You look perfect.”

  My breath suddenly becomes short even though Sarah told me not to panic. “I don’t think I can do this.” A flash of heat washes over my entire body as I start to fan myself with my hands.

  “Yes, you can. You’re a strong, passionate, beautiful young woman. I’m certain you can handle something as simple as a date.”

  “This isn’t just a date, Sarah. I haven’t been around a guy I’ve been interested in since…”

  She grabs my hand in hers. “Stop. We’re not thinking of him tonight, or ever again, you hear me?”

  I take in a deep, steadying breath. “Okay,” I let out a long breath. “Should I answer the door, or should you?”

  Sarah grins a little too whimsically. “I’ll answer the door and say, ‘she’ll be right with you.’ Then you can walk down the hallway making a grand entrance, then he’ll sweep you off your feet and kiss you,” she says excitedly, like this is the retelling of some fairy-tale romance.

  I smirk and look at her sideways. “Okaaay… I’m answering the door, then.”

  She frowns like I just sold her puppy. “My idea’s better.”

  I laugh, walking to the front door, closely stalked by Sarah. As I reach my destination, I turn around, patting down my dress. “Well?” I ask for the final once-over.

  She looks at me in all seriousness and answers with one simple word, “Amazing.”

  Exhaling, I turn and open the front door. Standing in the doorway is Aiden’s chauffeur.

  “Oh…” Sarah’s voice drops with undeniable disappointment, staring at the middle-aged man with a brownish-gray beard. He’s dressed in a suit wearing the same hat as earlier. “Is that him?” Sarah whispers. “He’s older than I was expecting.” She grimaces like she’s trying not to offend anyone.

  I let out an unladylike snort and shake my head subtly.

  “Hello, Miss Taylor. My name is Mike. I’ll be your chauffeur this evening.”

  “Ooh!” Sarah exclaims loudly as I side-eye her while trying not to laugh.

  “Hi, Mike. Is, um… Aiden here?”

  “Mr. O’Connell is waiting for us at our destination.”

  “Damn,” Sarah mumbles, completely disappointed.

  I know she wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Mike waves his hand out toward the car. Sarah and I follow him outside to where a pink Cadillac is parked in our driveway.

  “Oh my God,” Sarah squeals like a child.

  Then I remember my message to Aiden, You can pick me up in a Cadillac, and his response, I hope you like pink.

  Now it makes sense—I can’t believe he took what I said so literally.

  My mouth is suddenly very dry as Mike walks to the car, opens the rear passenger door, and gestures for me to get in. My heart hammers in my chest as Sarah gives me a big hug before I slide into the car. “Have a great time, and remember…”

  “Play it cool,” we both say in unison.

  “I will. Thanks, Sarah. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Now go get yourself some testosterone-filled eye candy.”

  I laugh. Sarah’s standing in the middle of the driveway waving, watching as the Cadillac exits and pulls into the traffic taking me to see Aiden.

  I’ve never been so nervous, but so damn excited at the same time before.

  If this is one of my fantasies, then please, don’t wake me up.

  As I sit staring out the window, the streets of Mornington Vale pass us by. The city lights flicker in all their brilliance not giving me any clues at all as to my destination’s location. “Hey Mike, where are we going?”

  Mike peers into the rearview mirror. “Mr. O’Connell said to tell you it’s a surprise, Miss Taylor,” he politely replies.

  I crease my brows. “I thought the Cadillac was my surprise?”

  “Just one of the many, Miss Taylor.”

  I sit back, confused. “Just one of them? How many has he got planned?”

  “Of that, I’m unsure, Miss Taylor.”

  I grin, leaning forward, resting my arms on the front seats as I peek through the middle. “Hey, Mike?”

  “Yes, Miss Taylor?”

  “Please, call me Jeni.”

  He turns to face me seeing as I am practically right next to him. “Yes, ma’am.”

  I think he’s spent most of his life addressing people formally, but I don’t want him speaking to me that way. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need for Miss Taylor or ma’am. I’m just Jeni. I smile at him, then lean back into the seat of the gorgeous classic car.

  We pull into Mornington Vale’s botanical park, where giant sequoias and redwoods line the entry growing taller than I can possibly imagine. Lush shrubs and foliage make the surrounding edges of the park seem so much greener than anything I’ve ever seen before. Tiny blue flowers are scattered all across the ground giving the entire area a fairy wonderland feel as Mike drives up the long, winding road, where visitors are watching and pointing at the car as we drive past.

  Finally, we come to a stop. I sit up and take in the view in front of me. It’s just as lush and beautiful as the entry. A cobblestone path with greenery appears in the distance, but I can’t see Aiden anywhere. Mike slides out of the car and opens the door for me like a gentleman. “Miss… I mean Jeni… Mr. O’Connell is waiting for you at the end of the path.”

  I take his hand and step out of the car onto the cobblestones. “Thank you. Do I look okay?”

  “Very lovely, Miss… Jeni.”

  “Thanks, Mike.” I take in a deep breath, my skin tingling as I start down the path. I turn back and look at Mike in confusion. “Aren’t you coming?”

  He smiles, shaking his
head. “No… it’s a party for two, Miss Taylor. Sorry, Jeni,” he corrects himself.

  I take a step back toward Mike and hug him. He’s tense, but eventually succumbs to the embrace, patting me on the back softly.

  “Have a good night, Mike.”

  “You, too, Jeni.” He tips his hat.

  With a deep breath, I steel my shoulders and start my trek. Sarah’s shoes make it difficult to walk, but I somehow manage. As I step along the path, I reach out to touch the ferns on the side, catching glimpses of sunshine glimmering through the lush treetops. The smell of greenery is all-encompassing, and in the distance somewhere, the sound of water trickles into a stream.

  The path takes a turn ahead, and I wonder what will be around the corner. I slowly walk, taking in the perfume of the flowers and soaking up the fading sun. For just one moment, I forget my nerves and why I’m here embracing the serenity and outstanding beauty that surrounds me.

  Still in a daze, I turn the corner, looking at the splendor around me.

  Then I see Aiden.

  He’s standing on a deck set over a pond, and he’s gazing at a striking waterfall in the distance. On the deck, there’s a table set for two with a small vase of flowers sitting in the center. Two single candles are on either side, flickering in the mild breeze. I inhale at the sight as butterflies flutter around my stomach with a vengeance.

  I don’t want to disturb him. He seems far away in his thoughts, so I try to make my way to the table silently, but my heel somehow gets caught between two stones. My stomach swirls as I try to pull it out, and the commotion causes Aiden to turn around. His eyes meet mine, a beaming smile crosses his face, which instantly makes me melt. He’s looking completely handsome in his suit, and it knocks my breath from me. So I try to act cool, and slowly pull my shoe out of the stones, using a little force. My shoe comes free quickly which makes me stumble and fall straight onto my hands and knees on the deck. My clutch drops from my hand, opens, and the contents scatter spreading out like nobody’s business.

  “Oh God,” I mutter under my breath. My heart hammers in my chest. I’m mortified as well as in a little pain. I don’t want to look up at Aiden. I’m undeniably embarrassed. But, the next thing I know, Aiden’s on bended knee, gathering me up in his arms, helping me up. “Fuck, Jeni, are you okay?”