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

  I look up at him as I realize I’ve imagined a steamy hillside romance while walking back to the car.

  I need to get a grip.

  Aiden looks at me, studying my face as I blink rapidly. “Are you okay?” he asks.

  “Yes. Couldn’t be better, thank you,” I reassure as I stumble onto the back seat of the car not so effortlessly.

  Aiden slides in with ease and sits next to me. Our bodies touch ever so slightly sending a pulse through the car that I’m sure even Mike can feel.

  “To the scope, please, Mike.”

  The car pulls off as Aiden takes hold of my hand, stroking the back of it gently. “You have such beautiful soft skin.”

  All I want to do is kiss those tender lips again, but I restrain myself. It is, after all, our first date. I look at the rearview mirror in front of me to see if Mike is watching us. He seems to be concentrating on the road ahead. “Thanks,” I timidly reply. Aiden curls his hand, our fingers intertwined in a tight grip. I look down to our hands and bite my bottom lip.

  Is this really happening?

  I’m in a pink Cadillac, holding hands with the most incredible guy. To top it off, he’s looking at me as though I’m the only thing in the world he cares about. Surely, this is a dream! I look into his bright blue eyes and close mine tightly and re-open them trying to wake from the dream world I must be in, but when I open them, he’s still looking at me. A confused look forms on his face as I inhale sharply. My eyes widen as he starts to smile at me.

  “This is real?” I mutter under my breath. Quickly, I realize I’ve said that out loud. My mouth drops open in humiliation as I sit back in the seat, look to my lap, and try to pretend that the last five seconds didn’t happen.

  Aiden lets out a small chuckle. I sense he’s peering at me, but I’m too mortified to look up at him. He lifts my chin with his soft, gentle fingers. My eyes slowly meet with his, and my stomach flips as he tilts his head slightly and leans in without hesitation, kissing me tenderly. His lips are soft and sweet. I feel as though I’m tingling all over. It’s such a tender, affectionate kiss, and it takes me by surprise.

  “Yes. This is real,” he whispers as he gently kisses my forehead.

  I’m buzzing all over as I close my eyes and revel in his touch. Aiden lets me go and sits back in his seat, takes hold of my hand once more, and we spend the rest of the trip in easy silence.

  A little later, we’re driving down a dirt road, through a gate, and edge up a steep hill. Once at the top, Mike pulls the car to a stop. I look around, and there’s nothing but an open field and a beautiful night sky surrounding us. Stars twinkle brightly in the onyx-lit night, making this seem like the most beautiful place in all of Mornington Vale.

  Though, I still haven’t a clue as to what we’re doing here as Mike opens the car door.

  “Thank you, Mike,” I acknowledge.

  Mike tips his hat as a reply while I step out of the car and walk around to meet Aiden. He reaches out, and takes my hand. As we walk further into the field, I smell the lush, green lawn. Cicadas chirp, filling the silence with gentle music. Other than their night song, no other noise penetrates the clear night air.

  We walk hand in hand to the edge of the field where the cliff ends. There’s a huge drop, and at the bottom, the city lights glisten below in their tiny splendor. A telescope and picnic blanket sprawl out on the freshly cut lawn, making me all too aware that Aiden had this part of our date planned out from the beginning of the night. I look up at him with a thrill of excitement. The dark night sky is riddled with millions of tiny sparkling stars shining down their brilliance over us. And with the telescope we can search them all.

  “I love looking at the stars,” Aiden breaks the silence.

  “Me, too, they’re beautiful,” I reply, looking up at them in awe.

  “When I was young, I used to spend hours watching the sky. It was a form of escape for me. My father was demanding, so it was a way for me to relax from all the pressure.” He takes the telescope and leans it toward me. “Tell me what you think.” He motions for me to look.

  I lean in and see distant stars magnified. I close my other eye, and the sheer beauty takes my breath away.

  “This is mystifying,” I boast while still looking through the telescope.

  Aiden lays back on the blanket on his back, pats a spot next to him, and looks up at the stars. I swallow and lie down, so we’re barely touching, and stare up at the stars with him. This is nice, peaceful, and I don’t feel intimidated or afraid or any of the things I thought I might feel.

  There’s a slight breeze wafting the smell of his aftershave over me. Taking in a deep breath, the scent sends a calmness over my entire soul. He turns on his side to face me, propping his head on his hand, and I turn my head to look at him.

  “Thank you for this. It’s… beautiful,” I gush, mimicking his position, propping my head up with my hand. “Why did you really choose ADF to get your car fixed?” I ask, breaking the staring contest.

  “Really?” he asks.

  “Yes, really.”

  He inhales. “You gave me your details after the accident on a ‘with compliments’ from ADF Automotive Repairs. I thought, with a bit of luck, that it might be your mechanic, and I was hoping to run into you there, so I called to set up an appointment. When you answered the phone with your name, I put two and two together and hoped it was you. I made the appointment, and here we are.”

  My mouth drops in shock. “Are you making that up?”

  He laughs. “No, I still have the ‘with compliments’ slip if you want to see it.”

  My heart races in my chest. I’m stunned. “You came to my work just to see me again? Why? I was so mean to you.”

  He grins a crooked smile like he’s reminiscing. “Yes, you were. But you’re fiery and feisty and so cute when you are angry… I had to see you again.”

  Amusement fills me as I stare at him. “I can’t believe you’ve done all this for me. I mean, getting your car fixed where I work, sending me flowers, dinner at that gorgeous waterfall, and now lying here under the stars with you…” I shake my head. “It’s more than I deserve.”

  Aiden looks deeply into my eyes, sending a shiver up my spine. “You deserve so much more than this.” He leans over gently, kissing me.

  I exhale and roll over onto my back with my hands under my head gazing up at the beauty surrounding me with Aiden by my side and above me the starry night.

  “Do you think all men are the same?” I ask, though the question is directed more to me than him.

  He tilts his head. “No. I think most men give us good guys a bad name.”

  I purse my lips. “Isn’t that something a bad guy would say?”

  He frowns. “Yeah… I guess it could be seen that way.”

  I sit up and point at him jokingly. “Ha! So, you are a bad boy, then?” I tease.

  Aiden sits up, becoming serious about answering my question. “No. I’m one of the good guys, Jeni.” He moves his hand to cup my face and brushes my lips with his thumb while he caresses my cheek with his fingers. “What’s brought this on?” he asks.

  I move my head, looking down, but he pulls my chin back up with his hand, so I have no choice but for my eyes to meet his.

  I swallow the lump in my throat. “I just…” I mumble as he looks at me.

  “It’s okay. You can talk to me.”

  I exhale and decide I may as well tell him the truth. “I have major trust issues with men. My dad left before I was born. My ex… well… he cheated and left me, amongst other crazy shit.”

  He sighs. “Trust issues, hey? I know trust can be an issue for some people, but it has to be earned. I don’t know about you, but for me, I feel a spark between us, and I’d like to see where it leads.”

  I can’t help but smile. “I think there’s something here. too, and I want to find out what it is.”

  “Perfect,” he beams, leaning his forehead against mine.

  “That got serious reall
y quick.” I chuckle.

  He nods in agreement as he kisses my nose softly.

  “Aiden…”

  “Yes, Jeni?”

  “Kiss me,” I barely whisper, and he lunges forward pushing me back on the blanket, placing his hand under my head to stop it from colliding with the ground. He moves on top of me, and we both laugh as he strokes my hair. Softly and steadily, he leans in and kisses me eagerly. He smiles against my lips as he starts to move his body over mine. He lowers himself on top of me, and we make out feverishly, our bodies touching in every way.

  At this moment, all I feel is pure happiness. I haven’t felt this way before and never as quickly as this. This man makes me feel warm and safe.

  But can I trust him?

  He’s swept me up, but am I just getting tangled in another man’s web of deceit?

  I don’t know.

  It’s something I’m going to have to work through, but for tonight, I am going to be in the moment.

  Tomorrow there will be plenty of time to figure out this game of trust.

  We spend most of the night kissing or talking about our lives, our families, and indulging in general chit-chat until we fall asleep in each other’s arms under the sparkling night sky.

  I wake with my head on his chest and his arm around my body, holding me tightly to him.

  “Morning, beautiful.”

  “Morning,” I reply sleepily. Then my eyes shoot open as I realize what’s happening. “Morning? Did we fall asleep?”

  Aiden’s fingers gently stroke through my hair. “Yeah. We were staring at the stars, and next thing I knew, I woke, and you’re all over me.” He chuckles as I scoff and slap him on the stomach.

  I pull my head up to look at him. His hair is disheveled but in an incredibly attractive way.

  “Gotta love that panda-eye look in the morning,” he jokes while handing me his handkerchief.

  Sitting bolt upright, I turn away from him in embarrassment. I don’t want Aiden to see me without makeup, and especially not with it all down my face. He laughs as I flail around trying to grab hold without looking. Finally, he places the handkerchief in my hand, and I wipe the mascara and eyeliner from underneath my eyes.

  “Jesus, I must look terrible,” I mutter under my breath, frustrated I don’t have a bathroom where I can get cleaned up.

  He sits up behind me, moves the hair from my neck, giving me a tender kiss. “You look beautiful,” Aiden defends, making my heart skip a beat. His arms wrap around me as we watch the sunrise in its beautiful hues of aqua and pink over the trees. It’s like the heavens are rising with the sun as it ascends in front of us in all its glory. The beauty elates me in this moment.

  “Technically, we’ve slept together,” he whispers cheekily in my ear.

  I laugh while turning to face him and kiss him gently on the lips. “You wish, Mr. O’Connell.”

  “I said slept together as in sleep. What are you talking about, Miss Taylor?”

  “Smart-ass.” I jab at his chest with a smirk.

  He kisses my forehead as he exhales. “Guess I’d better get you home,” his voice is laced with disappointment.

  “How about some breakfast first?” I ask shyly trying to gain as much time with him as possible.

  “Sounds good.” He stands, placing his hand out for me to take, and as I do, he pulls me from the ground into a tight embrace, then we walk hand in hand back to the car.

  “Has Mike been here all night?” I ask as I see the Cadillac in the distance.

  “Yeah, he would’ve been waiting for us.”

  I jerk my head back in shock. “Are you kidding? He stayed here all night waiting for us? Now I feel terrible.”

  “Don’t worry about Mike. He would’ve gone to sleep in the car.”

  I feel terrible that Mike had to spend the night cramped in the back seat of a car so we could spend the night together. Aiden looks at me and stops walking. “Honestly, he doesn’t mind. Plus, I got to spend the night with you in my arms. That’s a pretty good way to finish our date, in my opinion.”

  I look down. He lifts my chin so our eyes meet. At the sight of those beautiful blue eyes, I inhale slightly, then he gently kisses me. “I have to admit, it was nice to spend the night in your arms,” I reply quietly as he pulls me in for an embrace.

  We walk toward the car again. Mike’s in the Cadillac, sprawled out on the back seat, snoring. And as I look at Aiden, an idea comes to mind. “Why don’t you drive us somewhere for breakfast and let Mike sleep?” I whisper.

  Aiden nods, walks me to the passenger door, and I slide in. He runs around to the driver’s seat and closes his door quietly. “Mike’s a sound sleeper… plus, I’ve always wanted to drive a Cadillac.” Aiden waggles his brows at me.

  I spin around to Mike, and he’s still fast asleep. “What about the picnic blanket and telescope?”

  “I own the land,” Aiden replies so casually like it’s normal for someone to own such a great piece of prime real estate.

  “You own the land? Like the whole thing?” I question to make sure I’ve heard him correctly.

  His lips turn up in the corner, just the slightest amount. “I’ve worked hard, and it has paid off.”

  With a simple nod, I sink into the big seat of the Cadillac as we drive down the hill and back through the gate onto the main road. As he turns off the dirt road, he leans over and takes my hand from my lap to hold. I occasionally look over my shoulder to see if Mike has woken, but he’s somehow still sleeping soundly.

  It’s amazing how Aiden can make me feel so calm and relaxed in his presence. I hardly know the guy, and somehow, he’s making my emotions soar, and it’s only our first date. Surely, that has to be a good sign? But I know I shouldn’t get ahead of myself.

  “Anywhere in particular you want to go for breakfast?” Aiden asks, breaking me away from my rambling thoughts.

  “I chose dinner, you choose breakfast.” I don’t want to seem like I’m making all the decisions in this… friendship, relationship, whatever you want to call it.

  “I know just the place.” We turn into the parking lot of a café just off the main road. Wind chimes dangle along the log roofline chiming in the slight breeze. The outside is like a log cabin with round panels of distressed wood on the walls. For California, this seems out of place, but I guess for where we are—off the beaten track—this feels right at home.

  Comforting. Warm. Inviting.

  And I like it instantly.

  We leave Mike asleep in the car, and Aiden ushers me up the rickety porch inside. As we enter, it’s like an old-world vibe hits you. Pictures of the 1920s music crooners line the walls. The booths are like something you’d see in an old diner from a cheesy sitcom movie. The entire place feels dated, but even though the décor could do with an update, something about this café feels like it’s embracing you with the warmest hug you’ve ever had. I don’t know what it is, but this café has the best atmosphere, and I instantly feel like I have been here a million times, and I want to come back a million more. It’s hard to explain, but the wide smile on my face tells the story, I’m sure.

  Aiden moves us to a table for two next to the window, and once we’re seated, an elderly woman with short, silver hair potters over to the table, with the friendliest greeting on her face. “Good morning, Aiden. You’re out and about early this morning. And who’s this lovely young lady you’ve brought to meet me?”

  Aiden smiles at her lovingly—he obviously knows her well.

  “This is Jenifer. We had a late night which seems to have merged into morning. We’d love some breakfast, so I thought I’d bring her to the best café in the state.”

  She pats him on the cheek and turns to me. “Nice to meet you, Jenifer,” she gushes kindly, holding out her hand for me to shake.

  “Nice to meet you, too. Sorry… I don’t know your name?”

  “Just call me Nana, sweetheart.” She winks at Aiden.

  “Nice to meet you, Nana,” I reply.


  “Breakfast for my favorite customer I can do. I’ll be right back. Would you like anything to drink, Jenifer?” Nana asks kindly.

  “I’ll have a coffee and some orange juice, please.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Aiden’s watching me intently as I grin at him. “She’s lovely.”

  “She’s the best.”

  “How long have you known Nana?”

  “A long time.” He grins, not giving anything away.

  I don’t want to push the subject, so I change it. “This place is wonderful… no incredible.” My eyes wander around the marvelous space once more, trying to take in all its little idiosyncrasies. There is so much to see.

  Nana steps over with my orange juice and coffee for both of us. “Here you go, kids.”

  “Thanks, Nana.” Aiden touches her gently on the arm with affection.

  She places her hand on his, almost in a nurturing way. “Anything for you, darling.”

  Aiden takes hold of my hand as Nana makes her way back to the kitchen, and our thumbs stroke each other’s. My eyes shift out the window, and in this moment, I’m the happiest I’ve been for a long time. So much so I don’t want this date to end. Right when I thought I was void of feeling anything, especially after all the bullshit with Jason, Aiden makes me feel all kinds of emotions. I thought I was closed off to these feelings. I thought I’d never let anyone in, but Aiden’s been nothing but honest and caring, and it makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I might be able to give him the chance I haven’t given anyone else.

  “You’re deep in thought over there… what are you thinking about?”

  “That this is the best date I’ve ever been on…” I pause with a grin, “… and the longest.”

  “For me, too. Thanks for the entertainment.”

  My eyebrows draw together. “Entertainment?”

  “Yes. You’re very entertaining, Jeni. You’ve fallen for me, tumbled into the car at your work for me…” He has the cheekiest grin on his face. “It’s all very… entertaining.”

  “I’m glad you find me so amusing.” I giggle.

  “Very amusing,” he teases, trying to hide the comment through his sip of coffee.