Page 84 of High Stakes
“Let me help him out by sharing the load. I’ll even let you watch Notebook.”
She smiles. “Wow, true sacrifice.”
“Just once though,” I add, and she laughs.
Her phone vibrates, and I snatch it off the side before she can grab it.
“Aiden,” she screeches, and I grin at her as I leave the room, pressing accept call.
“Cal,” I say cheerfully. “Good morning, how’s the nose?”
“Why are you answering her phone?” he demands.
“She’s resting.”
“Bullshit, she just text me back.”
“I’ve had a chat with her, and she wants to stay here for a few days.”
“Put her on so I can talk some sense into her,” he snaps.
“I think you’re still feeling bitter over last night, which reminds me, Bella insisted I apologise. Although, you brought it on yourself, but for her, I’m sorry. Please accept six months VIP membership at the club.”
“Fuck you, Aiden,” he spits angrily. “What’s your game?”
“Why are you so pissed at me, Cal? You knocked her up and got a new girlfriend. Concentrate on your new relationship and let me take care of Bella.”
“She’ll never let you back in, you’re wasting your time.”
I grin, “We’ll see. I mean, there’s nothing standing in my way anymore is there.” And I disconnect.
I take the phone back to find Bella sleeping. I turn it off and place it on the side next to her. I take a minute to watch her in her peaceful slumber, gently moving a stray piece of hair from her face before placing a kiss on her forehead.
Bella
I’ve spent the entire week with Aiden. And I’m not in any rush to leave, because he’s been amazing. He’s been true to his word and waited on me hand and foot. He’s stuck around for every romantic film, including two rounds of The Notebook. And even when he’s had to nip out to the club, he’s been less than an hour each time, and even text me to check I’m okay. The fact I’m always on his mind, makes me feel special, and I can almost forget the way he’s treated me.
But today, after getting the all-clear from the doctor, I’ve decided to go back to work. So, when he enters the bedroom and sees me fully dressed, he looks confused. I wince, regretting not speaking to him about it properly. I knew he’d fuss, just like Cal did when I mentioned it to him.
“It’s just a few hours,” I say but he’s already shaking his head. I laugh, “I’m not going to break, Aiden. The doctor called and said it’s fine, I just can’t over do it.”
“It’s not a good idea.”
“Didn’t you say you had some meetings today?” He nods. “So, we’ve both got things to do.”
“Will you come back here after work?” he asks.
I sigh, “Aiden, I don’t live here. I really should go back home.”
“I like having you around,” he admits, and I smile.
“I like being here too, but it’s not like we’ll never see each other again. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You’ve been the bestest friend.” I reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek and he swiftly turns his head, so I catch his lips. I pause, a breath away and he uses the hesitation as his chance to kiss me properly.
We break apart and I’m breathless. I forgot what it was like to kiss Aiden Tremos, and as my heart beats wildly, I almost smile. “I should go,” I whisper.
“I’ll text you soon,” he says, pressing a gentle kiss to my head. “Take it easy.”
I step into the elevator and my mobile pings.