Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“They grew up together.”
He told me their families were close for a long time and their businesses are loosely tied together. The more he talked, the more I actually felt bad for Savannah. I know what it’s like to have shit parents.
“I believe him,” I tell her, the same as I did last night. Aiden is a good man.
“I got that,” she says as she makes a point to look at what I’m wearing.
I’m going out for the night, so I’m not in my usual yoga pants and sweatshirt. I’ve got on a pair of wide-leg black pants and a soft pink sweater. It’s a little dressy but still casual. Dinner at his place will probably be a little more laid back, but I have to fight from cringing when I think of why I’m having dinner there. This has to be worse than when people meet the parents for the first time.
“When I’m away from him the doubt starts to creep back in,” I admit as I sit down next to her.
When he’s close I can feel that this is real and that I’m not making it all up in my head. The way he touches me and looks at me is so consuming and there’s no way he could fake that. Why would he? He’s handsome and rich and I’m sure it’s not difficult to find a girl as a side piece if that’s really what he wants.
“I just don’t want you getting hurt,” Gia admits. “You’ve finally turned a corner and—”
“I know.” I’ve started to settle in and to find me for the first time in my life.
“It’s not only about him,” she adds. “Okay, let's say it’s all fake and the marriage isn’t real. Where does that leave you? Are you set to become a life-long mistress? Where can this possibly lead?”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. Her words hurt, but they are the truth. She’s not trying to be cruel, she just doesn’t want me to sink too deep into something that won’t go anywhere.
“I don’t mean to keep piling it on, but they will be like your family—the people you’ve been trying to get away from.”
I swallow apprehensively. That’s one of my biggest fears. I don’t want to fall back into that world. Sure, Gia’s family has money, but they’re nothing like my family. Aiden’s family clearly runs his life. I get that he’s trying to protect Savannah, and even though it’s selfish I can’t come second to another woman.
“I’ll have to talk to him and put it all out there.” My heart feels heavy. When I was with him an hour ago, my eyes were heart-shaped and I forgot everything else.
“You deserve to be someone’s first, Caroline.”
I smile and nod in agreement. It might be a little pitiful, but I’m still scared to have this conversation with him. I should have it the second I walk in the door, but I didn’t want my night to be over so quickly. Scared that it would be the end for us.
It’s crazy because it’s too early to have this talk, but things changed and I’m pretty sure what I’m feeling isn’t normal. At least not this fast, but he seems to feel the same way, too. It’s hard to imagine him saying he wants me to be a mistress or something along those lines. How could he pick me when he’s known me for such a short time? Maybe he’s sick of living under someone else’s thumb and the thought causes hope to grow inside of me when it probably shouldn’t.
“Just be careful is all I’m saying,” she says and nudges me with her shoulder.
That’s all she’s saying right now, but I can tell she wants to say more. I think it’s clear I’m head over heels for this guy and I have to see where this can go.
“I love you, but I don’t want to have to dispose of a body. Sounds like a lot of work,” she adds, scrunching her nose.
I laugh, knowing she would cut Aiden’s balls off if he broke my heart.
There’s a knock on the door and I get up from the sofa to answer it. I level her with a look warning her not to start anything. I was scared he might cancel on me again like last night and I’m relieved he’s here. I grab my bag and say my goodbyes to Gia. When I open the door that same feeling I get when he’s close to me slips into place. I smile up at his handsome face and forget all the reasons we can’t be together.
“Hey,” he says as he reaches for me.
He pulls me to him, and before I can say anything his mouth is on mine. The kiss is possessive and like he hasn’t seen me in years. His hands dig into my hair as he brings my body into his and I moan into his mouth.