Consume my broken heart

Chapter 33

I'm staring around the place, trying to memorize every detail from the room. I got the feeling I was landed on a romantic island with the peach-colored table cloths and the colorful flower details everywhere you could see. Not to mention the older man who had served us with his southern accent just a few minutes ago. It seemed all too good to be true.

Aiden was right picking this restaurant. The people here seemed more at ease, and they didn't even care I was dressed too plainly to my licking. They were just nice people without the higher standard you see at other places. Yet, they have two stars for their modest, but highly qualified restaurant.

"This place is nice," I say to Aiden with a small smile, still a bit overwhelmed about his warm hand against my cheek earlier tonight. He's so gentle and soft, the opposite of what I thought he would be. I'm even more surprised about my feelings. I have never thought I would feel butterflies again in my stomach. It's almost I want him to touch me again. His warm hand against my cheek, against my arm, against my...

"Grace?" Aiden's serious voice brought me back in no time.

"Huh?" I answer uneasy, knowing he has caught me dreaming about him....again.

"You seemed far away with your thoughts?" Aiden asked with a sweet, cheeky smile plastered on his face.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," I tell him truthfully with my eyes downcast.

"It's okay." Aiden chuckles, seeing my red cheeks. I don't even know what to say to him. I'm so embarrassed. Why can't I act normal in his presence? He's just a guy and I'm just a girl having dinner together.

"You're cute when you're shy." Aiden blurted out of nowhere, making me even more uncomfortable. I have to admit I like all his compliments towards me. It makes me feel better in my skin. I always felt ugly and not worthy, but Aiden rubs it in my face every time he sees me, making sure I am beautiful and worthy of so much more. He really cares about me and my well-being.

Most people begged me to be the cheerful always smiling kid when I was younger, but with what had happened it's impossible I can be that same person again. Aiden likes me who I am now and that's all that matters to me.

"For madame the philly cheesesteak sandwich and a hamburger bowl for my dearest friend." The old man says while setting our dishes in front of us. Wow, they are quick.

"Thank you," I thanked the old man at the same time as Aiden does. A sly smile appeared on his face when he caught me staring at him.

I can feel my cheeks flush under his stare and compose myself. "Bone appetite," I say with a warm smile. Aiden nods with his eyes fixated on me before taking his first bite. I follow his gesture and in silence we ate, glancing at each other every once in a while. Nothing else matters right now. I'm just enjoying his company and I'm sure he has been enjoying himself as well. His eyes wanted to say so much, but he kept his words hidden from me. Who knows what this man is thinking right now.

"These people were so sweet! I'm glad you have brought me here." I gushed while settling my purse at my feet. Aiden starts the car and awaits before driving away from the parking lot. He eyes me suspiciously and for a moment, I thought he would try to kiss me.

He leans forward with a wide grin and I feel my breathing becoming unsteady. I could sense he wanted to say something, but his attention was caught elsewhere. His eyes were lingering on my lips and I could feel a hot, tingling feeling in the center of my core. My lips parted, breathing out a sigh.

Aiden swallows hard, obviously in some kind of inner fight with his thoughts. His eyes travel back to mine as I can feel my body surrender to what's happening now. The fight within me is over. I don't want to fight this anymore. I want to embrace this. I'm not sure what's happening right now, but what I feel when I'm with him is real.

"I can't figure you out, Grace Stone. You make me crazy..." Aiden says passionately. I swallow at his hot words and stare at him with big, innocent eyes. I make him crazy? Me? Grace Stone can make this irresistible man crazy? I can't believe what he just had said to me.

"I don't believe you," I stammer silently, my eyes traveling back and forth from his mouth to his eyes.

A grin appears on his face as the words slipped out of my mouth in a seductive, yet stammering way. I suck in flirting...

"Can I show you?" His words slipped out of his mouth with determination. I didn't need to hear his words to know I'm his goal. I'm the ultimate price for him at this exact moment, it's only a puzzle for me how far he'll go with me...and how much control I want to give him at one point.

I swallow hard before making the inevitable decision. What's the point if I can't even give him a chance? If he wants me and I want him, it's only obvious we have to see what this is between us, even if I have to set my heart open again.

I make eye contact with Aiden, knowing if I give him my answer there's no turning back. I will give him a chance to show me what real love is. So he can learn me not every man is evil. If he can make me feel appreciated, respected, and loved again like I always dreamt of. My answer will be without hesitation because he never hesitated with me for once. Aiden is the one that I want. We both aren't perfect, but that's okay. We can be two half people becoming one piece. This is enough, he's enough for me.

"Yes," I reply with a small, but serious smile. This is it, no more being defenseless, no more being scared of the unknown, no more hiding my feelings from this man. This man can break me, or consume me, either way, I prefer the last one.

"Do you trust me?" He asks softly, his face coming closer and closer, patiently waiting for my answer.

I nod fearless with my eyes fixated on his too-perfect cheekbones. It doesn't matter what happens next, because I trust him wholeheartedly.

His hand reaches up to my cheek, his thumb caressing it gently. I can feel my heart almost explode, my body becoming a lump of a hot mess. My control is far gone. I can only wait and surrender myself to the beating of my heart.

Aiden his forehead leans against mine, his breathing unsteady. The only sound we could hear was the engine of the car and the beating of our thundering hearts. I close my eyes and relax my face, thinking I've landed in a dream I created.

Every inch of my body was wide awake. Alert of what's about to happen.

"I won't ever hurt you," his silent voice echoed through the car, making me even weaker. His sweetness made me succumb. An intense feeling hit me when his lips brush against mine, his other hand reaching for my hand, entwining his strong fingers with mine. The softness of his lips made me relax almost immediately. I follow his movements trying to anticipate his next move.

Then he takes my hand and lets it rest against his hard chest, the beating of his heart was quick, the warmth of him radiating through my hand.

"This is what you do to me," he says when he withdraws for a few seconds before crashing his mouth against mine. Now his tongue making an entrance. The feeling is soft, in control and I feel I'm about to explode. This is what life makes worth it. This and nothing more...