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

  “I heard that.”

  We both laugh as Nana comes out of the kitchen with a tray of food. “Good to hear some laughter this early in the morning. I have your breakfast.” She places plates of bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausages, breakfast potatoes, and biscuits in front of us. I look at the plate in awe as my stomach grumbles.

  “You’ve outdone yourself, Nana,” Aiden tells her.

  “You never bring women here. I’m guessing this one must be special, so I’ve made an exceptional breakfast for the two of you.” Her smile lights up the entire room.

  His cheeks begin to flush—that’s something I didn’t expect.

  “Okay, that’s enough, Nana. Stop embarrassing me.”

  I laugh as does she. “No, keep going, Nana. I want to hear more embarrassing stories about Aiden.”

  There’s a definite glare in his stare, but Nana simply laughs. “I like this one, Aiden. She has flair.” She looks over at Aiden, who’s glancing between the two of us in amusement.

  Aiden scratches his head and chuckles. “She certainly does.” He winks at me while Nana pats me on the shoulder and walks away.

  “This is a feast,” I chime.

  “I never get fed like this when I come here by myself. I’ll have to bring you here more often.”

  I pick up my knife and fork with a laugh and then dig in. Everything tastes delicious. It’s the best breakfast I’ve ever had. I keep shoveling the food into my mouth until I realize Aiden’s watching me, so I raise my brow in confusion.

  “You really are hungry, aren’t you?” he asks, holding his coffee.

  I laugh. “I’m enjoying it so much I didn’t even realize I’m full, it just tastes so damn good.” I exhale and place my knife and fork on the table feeling completely bloated.

  “Oh no, don’t stop on my account. You’re entertaining me again.”

  I look at him like he’s being ridiculous. “I’m eating for the sake of eating now, but I don’t want to offend Nana by not eating it all.” Good save, right?

  “Nana won’t get offended if you don’t eat it all, but I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he tells me.

  “I wish I could have breakfast like this every day.” I snicker.

  I look at his half-eaten plate of food and then check the clock on the wall—seven o’clock. “I really should message Sarah to let her know I’m okay. Excuse me.”

  He nods, taking another sip of his coffee as I pull out my phone.

  Jenifer: Sez, I’m still with Aiden. I’ll talk to you when I get home. xoxo

  Not expecting a return message as it’s early on a Saturday morning, I put my phone away.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “It’s all good.” He takes my hand, stroking his thumb against mine, which makes my breathing quicken.

  Nana steps back up to the table and clears our plates. “How was it, dear?” she asks Aiden.

  “Magnificent as always.” She bends over, kissing him on the cheek.

  “Thank you. That was amazing,” I exclaim. Aiden and I both laugh at my use of the word ‘amazing’ yet again as Nana looks at him questionably.

  “Inside joke… never mind,” Aiden reassures her.

  “Will you come again soon, Aiden?” Nana asks, hopefully.

  “Of course,” he reassures her, smiling his brightest smile.

  “And you, Jenifer, are welcome anytime.”

  “Thank you,” I reply. Honestly, I want to come back as soon as I can.

  Aiden stands and hugs Nana. I put my hand out to shake, but she pushes it out of the way.

  “Don’t be silly,” she gushes while grabbing me in a tight embrace, then stands back, holding me at arm’s length. “Any friend of Aiden’s is a friend of mine.” She pulls me back in for another hug as I let out a small laugh.

  “Okay, okay, Nana, let’s not smother the poor girl.”

  “It’s fine,” I offer. “And thank you, Nana,” I tell her sincerely as she walks us to the door. “Oh, how much do I owe you?”

  She tuts, shaking her head. “No, dear, you don’t owe me anything. Just seeing how Aiden looks at you and that you make him happy is payment enough.”

  “Nana,” he warns abruptly.

  “Are you sure?” I ask.

  “I’m sure,” she replies while walking us out. “What a lovely car… where’s Mike?”

  I laugh and point to the back seat. She bends to look in the window to see Mike sprawled out sleeping, and she lets out a small chuckle. “He’ll be horrified when he wakes,” she tells Aiden.

  “I know.” Aiden plasters on a cheeky grin.

  Nana gives us both a kiss on the cheek and bids us farewell. Aiden starts the car, and we both wave out the window as we drive away.

  Warmth floods my chest thinking of the fulfilling experience I’ve just had. Aiden let me into a piece of his life he doesn’t generally share with most people. I don’t know who Nana is to Aiden, but I’m glad I was able to meet and spend time with her in her café. “She’s nice,” I mention as we make our way back.

  “She’s the best.” He takes my hand in his as we drive along the main highway. Aiden turns the radio on low enough so we can hear it but not loud enough to wake Mike.

  “He’s a heavy sleeper.” I gesture to the back seat.

  “Seems so. I’m guessing I should take you home?”

  “Yeah, probably.” I frown. Honestly, I don’t want this to end, but I relay the directions, and not long after, we pull into my driveway.

  “Wait! What? I’m up,” Mike mumbles as he sits abruptly, straightening his tousled hair with his fingers. “Sorry, sir, I didn’t realize you were awake.”

  “It’s fine, Mike,” Aiden placates.

  “Sorry about last night. We fell asleep,” I tell Mike.

  He shakes his head while opening and closing his eyes rapidly. “It’s fine, Miss… ah, Jeni. I don’t mind at all. I like spending as much time with this baby as I can before I have to return it to the rental company.”

  “Thank you for driving me around yesterday,” I express.

  “It was my pleasure, Miss… ah, Jeni.”

  I laugh as I look back in Aiden’s direction.

  “I’ll walk you to your door?” he asks me softly, and I nod.

  Mike gets out and opens my door. “You don’t have to do that, Mike,” I tell him sincerely.

  “It’s my pleasure.”

  Mike hunts around the back of the car to find his hat as Aiden rounds the car to my side and takes my hand.

  “Thank you for the best night of my life,” I admit. Immediately my stomach swirls. I never meant to say that last part out loud.

  Aiden smiles and puts his hand to my cheek, gently caressing it. “Glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time, too.”

  Those horrid butterflies take flight in my stomach yet again. He moves closer, still with his hand on the side of my face, and I inhale sharply while staring at his soft, kissable lips. A lump forms in my throat as I wait for the inevitable goodbye kiss. Slowly, he moves closer, putting his hand around my waist and pulling me to him. Suddenly, his lips are on mine softly, slowly, but intensely. I get lost in the moment. One of my hands moves to his hair, the other to his shirt collar pulling him closer to me. It feels as though we kiss for an eternity—a very wonderful eternity. Fireworks, popping candy, TNT explosions—it’s all there again, and I can’t help but wonder if it will be like this every time we kiss.

  Eventually, we come up for air. Our foreheads rest against each other’s, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I stare into those eyes, bright blue and full of lust. My arms move to his shoulders.

  “Jeni?” he whispers.

  “Mmm,” I murmur.

  “You’re amazing.” He smirks, and I burst out laughing as we let go of each other.

  “We really need to find a new word.”

  He kisses my forehead. “I better go or else I’m never going to leave.”

  Then don’t ever leave.

  “Okay.” I
pout.

  Aiden comes in for another quick kiss, and as he pulls away, I put my index finger down the front of his pants, pulling him back to me for another kiss.

  “And you think I’m cheeky?” he teases.

  I kiss him again, this time feverishly and forcefully. He grins as we kiss. Our tongues intertwine and caress each other as he backs me against the door, both of us breathing unsteadily. My arms tighten around his waist, and his hands are in my hair, tugging slightly, just enough to turn me on. His tongue dances with mine as our bodies start to move, rocking into each other. I feel his cock harden against me, making my head spin.

  I want him.

  Abruptly, he pulls away, and I stare into his lust-filled eyes. “I have to go. Otherwise, I’m not going to be able to stop myself.”

  I bat my eyelashes, hoping to sway him into staying.

  Shit! Control yourself, Jeni.

  “You’re trouble, Jenifer Taylor.” Aiden shakes his head, turns, and starts to walk away, leaving me breathless against my door. “Talk soon?” he calls out over his shoulder.

  “Yep.” My pitch comes out somewhat higher than normal.

  When Aiden reaches the car, Mike quickly opens the rear passenger door. Aiden looks back at me with that dazzling smile. I blow him a kiss as he slides into the car with ease.

  “Bye, Mike,” I call out.

  He tips his hat before starting the Cadillac and driving off down the road. Feeling completely high on life right now, I rummage around in my clutch trying to find my keys. Finally finding them, I unlock the door and continue straight to my bedroom. I kick off Sarah’s shoes and fall into a heap onto the mattress. As I pull out my phone, I smile and lie there, contemplating whether or not to text Aiden.

  But Chris pops into my mind. Play it cool.

  “Okay,” I say to myself as I place the phone on the bed next to me. I close my eyes, remembering what it felt like to have his fingers running through my hair. I sit up and slip off my dress, leaving me in my underwear and climb into bed for a couple of hours sleep.

  No sooner does my head hit the pillow, than my phone alerts me I have a message.

  Aiden: Thank you for an ‘amazing’ night/morning. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

  I read the message with the biggest smile I can manage, and I hit Reply.

  Jenifer: Thank you for the most ‘amazing’ time. I look forward to seeing you soon also. Are you as tired as I feel?

  My breathing starts to slow as I feel my eyes straining to stay open. I try to stay awake, but complete exhaustion is overwhelming me.

  Aiden: I’m tired and going to climb into bed as soon as I get home. Guess I’ll have a couple hours sleep and then get up for the day. Talk to you soon.

  Jenifer: I’m in bed with the same plan as you. I’m going to sleep for a bit and then get up. Have a good rest, talk soon, xoxo.

  I hit Send, and as soon as I do, I realize that I’ve put kisses and hugs at the end.

  Shit! What was I thinking?

  It’s something I sometimes do at the end of text messages to my friends. It’s way too soon for that to a potential—whatever Aiden is. I put my head in my hands and contemplate sending another one apologizing for being overly affectionate, but I’m far too exhausted even to care.

  I place my phone on the bed and lay my head on the feather pillow. My head sinks into the soft, fluffy cloud. My eyes close, and I’m asleep within seconds, dreaming of last night—the waterfall, the Cadillac ride, and lying under the stars in his arms.

  A girl couldn’t ask for a more perfect night.

  Lifting my head, I yawn and pick up my phone to check the time—it’s early afternoon. My eyes widen in shock. I wanted to stay in bed for only a couple of hours, not five. I throw on my robe, grab some clean underwear, and head to the bathroom to take a shower. When I enter the bathroom, I turn on the shower full blast, so the water is pulsating and nice and hot.

  My mind wanders as I lather up my hair. I imagine Aiden lying in his bed, still sleeping. Pristine white sheets cover his lower body, and his leg is bent at the knee. His arm is under his head, and I’m tucked under his other, snuggling into his bare chest. I smile at the thought as I hop out of the shower.

  Peering in the mirror, I wipe away the excess moisture on its surface. Looking back at myself, I appear happy—genuinely happy—which is something I haven’t seen staring back at me for quite some time. Warmth floods through me as I dry myself with a big fluffy towel, the texture embracing my skin like a big warm hug. Then I head back to my room to put on some clothes.

  “Hey, Jeni,” Chris chimes as I walk from the bathroom to my room. Slightly embarrassed at my half-naked state, I wave at him and walk faster.

  In my room, I decide on a summer dress—bright yellow with a brown, knotted belt. I flick my hair over and scrunch it in the towel to remove the excess water. Taking a long look in the mirror, I huff. “That’ll do,” I say to myself, before I walk back out to the living area. Chris sits at the table with his feet up on a chair, making himself comfortable in our home.

  “Hey, Chris, how are you this fine morning?”

  “Not bad. How was your hot date?” His cheeky demeanor seeps off him in waves.

  “It was unbelievable,” I gush.

  He raises his brow. “What time did you get home?”

  I bite my bottom lip. “Um… just after eight.”

  He looks at me strangely. “Eight? But we were here at eight. I didn’t see you come in.”

  I laugh. “No, I mean eight this morning.”

  He sits back in his chair, his lips slowly turning up, making the dimple on the left side of his face pop in. “You pulled an all-nighter, huh? Must’ve been good.”

  “We didn’t sleep together. Just fell asleep under the stars, and when we woke this morning, he took me out for breakfast. That’s it.”

  “Yeah… sure.” He winks.

  I look down at the table to see an apple in the fruit basket, so I pick it up and toss it at him. “Shut up, you,” I chide as he catches it with a deep laugh.

  “I’m just messing with you, Jeni. You’re so easy to rile,” he quips.

  Rolling my eyes, I exhale. “Urgh, I know. Where’s Sarah?”

  “She went to pick up some burgers and fries.”

  My stomach rumbles in delight. “Oh? Is she grabbing some for me as well?”

  “Yeah. She was gonna surprise you and bring it to you in bed.”

  “She’s always looking out for me,” I say as I sit at the table next to him.

  “So, tell me about this guy?” Chris asks in a brotherly way, pulling his feet off the chair and sitting up to listen intently.

  “What do you want to know?”

  His eyes roll up toward the ceiling looking deep in thought. “How old is he? Where does he work? Was he nice to you? Will you see him again? All that kinda shit.”

  “Everything then?” I laugh as he nods. “His name is Aiden O’Connell. He works with his father in finance. I’m assuming he’s in his late twenties, not entirely sure because I haven’t asked that question yet.” I sigh, remembering his touch. “He was very much the gentleman…” I smile, “… and I really hope I see him again because he’s such a good kisser.” Chris winces. “Sorry. Guess that was too much information?”

  “When am I going to meet this good kisser, then?” He tilts his head.

  I snort out a laugh. “Why? Do you want to check out his kissing ability, too?” I ask him cheekily, making him throw the apple back at me.

  “I think I’ll leave that part of your relationship to you.” He shakes his head as the front door opens. “But, if he hurts you, let me know.” His face takes on a stoic appearance. “I’ll take care of him,” he tells me, and I can’t tell if he’s joking.

  “Thanks, I will.” I carefully place the apple back in the fruit bowl. I can’t help but feel like Chris is taking on a protective brotherly role. I’ve never had someone watch out for me like this before. It seems Chris is o
ne of those good guys.

  “Burgers and fries for everyone,” Sarah announces as she struts down the hallway. “Oh, you’re up.” She sounds disappointed and frowns as she notices me.

  “Yeah, sorry to spoil your big lunch surprise, but it’s very thoughtful of you, anyway.”

  She shrugs. “Oh well, it means you can tell me about your awesome date with Aiden.” I stand to help her dish out our lunch while Chris sits at the table playing with his phone.

  “So, tell me all about it. No, wait, what time did you get home? I got your message at like seven this morning… I think my phone is acting up again.”

  “I… ah… sent it at seven this morning. I didn’t get home till about eight-ish.”

  Her eyes light up. “Oh my God, Jeni. You stayed at his place?”

  “No, we—”

  “Holy shit. He took you to a hotel room? What a pig!”

  I laugh at her assumptions. “Sez, no. He took me to this gorgeous place that overlooks the city where there was a picnic blanket and a telescope… where we stared at the stars until we both fell asleep. It was so romantic.” I beam with excitement.

  “Oh…” her eyes light up, “… that is romantic. Chris, why aren’t you romantic with me?” Sarah snaps, agitation clear in her voice.

  “I’m romantic, baby. I bought you those flowers.” He points at the dead ones in the vase on the buffet, the decaying petals spread on the wooden cabinetry reminding me I really need to clean them up.

  “Yeah, really romantic.” Sarah’s sarcasm comes through thick and strong.

  He looks up at me with a laugh. ‘Sorry,’ I mouth. ‘All good,’ he mouths back. We take our food to the table and dig in. I’m starving even after the huge breakfast I had earlier this morning. I fill them in on the rest of the date as we casually eat our lunch. Sarah starts by telling Chris about the pink Cadillac and how she thought Mike was Aiden. I follow, telling them step by step how I stumbled onto the deck and the condoms came flying out of my bag. I then told them about the waitress’ horrible timing and then finishing with meeting Nana at breakfast. Sarah’s captivated by the entire event, her smile beaming from ear to ear and nodding at everything I say. Chris, however, plays on his phone half-listening but laughing whenever I mention falling over or generally making a fool of myself.