Chapter 16

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

   That same night, I called a taxi and made my way back into town. I knew exactly where I was going because the address was above his music store.
When I got there, I didn't even have to knock because when I stepped out of the taxi, he was there. Seeing him made my breath catch and my heart skip a beat. He's standing in his doorway, looking so beautiful, even with his messy bed hair.

"You know, when you said you wanted to meet up, I hadn't imagined it to be so soon." I almost rasp the words. Yes, I'm struggling to breathe.
He smiled and shook his head as I walked closer. Once I reached him, he took hold of my hand, making me feel that familiar buzz again.

"I wouldn't exactly call four years so soon, baby. That was a lifetime, and I'm done waiting."
Oh boy. As my face turns red, I hide it by looking down. Only, I felt his fingers gently move under my chin, making me look up again. I suddenly lose the ability to breathe, especially when I feel close he is.
"Hey, you," he said with a smile.
"Hey," was all I could say before he placed a gentle kiss against my lips. When he pulled back, I notice my lips tingling.

Eventually, I'm guided inside and walk up a set of stairs, and into what I'm assuming is his living space. Only, I think it's his bedroom and kitchen too. His home is a studio apartment, one scattered with LP records across the walls. Holy crap, they're everywhere. Yet there's one that's standing out the most. It's practically calling to me, forcing me to stand in front of it. I couldn't stop myself when I softly touch the dark plastic circle with my fingers.

"Told you I liked Wham..." he breathed. "And the fact that you've zeroed in on it tells me you still like them, too."
Before apologising for that one, I end up giggling.
"At the time, I had my reasons. Things were kinda all over the place, so it wouldn't have been fair to bring you into it. But yeah, I do remember you and that day. I don't think I'll ever forget either."

Suddenly, I felt the heat from his chest when he stood behind me. He's so close that I shiver again. Shit, this happens every time he's close, even back then.

"Why is that?" He asked, but I can't tell him the "why" not yet anyway. I mean, come on, would you like to hear that someone you liked. Hell, Someone you thought liked you too, basically threw you aside for someone else? No, I can't tell him that. Denying I knew him was bad enough. Yet, I know I had to eventually tell my story, especially if we're getting to know each other.

"That one is for another time. Anyway, tell me; when did you become a music buff? It's kinda plain to see it's a huge passion, but when did you make it like, a career thing?" I ask, and he moved his hands to my waist, pulling me closer. His arms are now securely wrapped around me. Oh lord, he smells good.
When he answered, his cool breath caressed my neck, once again making me shiver. Only this time, I had to clear my throat, forcing myself to breathe again.

"I was born into it. My dad had the business first, passed down from his dad, and then to me before he passed away."
Instantly I feel sadness for his loss, so I turn and face him.
"Oh Aiden, I'm so sorry to hear that. That must've been so hard."
With a small smile on his lips, he swallowed thickly.
"It was... It was sudden, but I got a few days with him. I had little time to prepare, so I guess you're right, it was hard. Even harder when he left me to take care of the business. It's okay now things have settled, it's going okay."
Now it's my turn to shake my head. I can't believe he's being so chilled about it.
"I think 'going okay' is a bit of an understatement since you've got big stars walking in and out of there. Heck, just last month I heard you had Madonna wanting in. Holy crap, you can't get any bigger than that. I'd say you're doing incredibly well."

His face turned red, and as a shy grin played on his lips, he made a point to ask how I knew this. Yes, I've been checking up on him, and now he's turning the table, making me look away with embarrassment. Of course, he made me look into his eyes again when he asked this.

"I enjoy knowing this stuff. It makes all the months of wondering what you were doing. You were thinking about me too, weren't you?"
Oh lord, I can't believe I dropped myself in it. This is embarrassing. I'm too embarrassed to admit it, but then he chuckled and placed another kiss on my lips.

"Come on, I'll make us a drink. Then you can tell me more about yourself since you already know a bit about me. It's only fair I do the same with you."

He did too, that's all we did. All night we sat on his sofa bed talking. Eventually, when I felt a little tired, I lay down. I got myself comfortable while we carried on talking. He followed me of course. We both lay there on our sides, facing each other. Once comfortable, we told each other stories of our childhoods.
In a word, our first night of getting to know each other was pretty perfect. It wasn't rushed. We took our time in getting to know one another. We even talked about Jamison, and how he was staying at his daddy's for the weekend. Naturally, it lead to talking about Cade, and how we met. The only downside, I've not told him everything about his age, and his marriage. I can't. I'm too ashamed to say it. As much as I'd fallen completely for him, I knew it was wrong. Everything about us was wrong. Yet if things progress with us, I knew that one day he'd have to stand face to face with Cade. It's only right, especially if he's gonna be around more, even more so with Jamison.

The next morning, I woke to the feel of him gently running his fingers over mine. It was pretty sweet actually. When I opened my eyes, I see his sexy grin.

"Hey," he rasped.
"Hi," I whispered, and we laughed.
Suddenly, he moved his hand to my waist, and my laughter died down. Oh boy, my breathing's heavy again. It didn't help when he pulled me close.

"Do you, um, want to come with me today? You know, after breakfast? Unless you need to get back for Jamison?"
Like I told him last night, he wasn't due to come back home until Sunday, so we have all day. I remind him of this too, making his face turn a shade of pink. Wow, I do like this look on him.

"Oh, right, yeah. Well, how would you feel about taking a sick day with me?"
My head tilts, now feeling a little confused about his request.
"A sickie day? Aren't you like, the boss?"
"Oh yeah, that's right. I am aren't I." We chuckled. "Well, how would you feel about my keeping you here, like this all day? I'll feed you, of course. I'm not the greatest of chefs, but I can order in or maybe we can go out? I don't know. It's lady's choice."
Bless him. He sounds a little lost. Like a little unsure of himself.
"I'd like that, very much. Only, you'll have to supply me with more than food. I'll need a shower and clothes."
He took a deep breath, looking mighty pleased with himself.
"Done. You can take a shower and I'll grab one of my shirts. Once you're finished, you can pick a movie, or we can listen to a bit of Wham. It's up to you. Like I say, it's lady's choice. But next date, I'm taking you out. I want the world to see the woman I've been going crazy over for the past few years."

It's been a few weeks since I slept at his place, and I've still to take what we have to the next level. I know we probably should've got past that stage by now, but as you know, I'm taking no risks here. The only time we get together is when Cade takes Jamison to his place. Well, there's that and night-time when he's asleep, but I've still to introduce him. I was going to wait for the right time, but he sent a huge bunch of flowers... They came when Cade picked Jamison up for the weekend. Oh lord, his face when he opened the front door was a picture of jealousy. He tried to hide it, and it would've worked until he asked who sent them. So while trying to make my excuses, I jump at another knock at the door. Yeah, it was the man himself.
I answered the door while Cade stood behind me. Oh crap, he's there, with Jamison in his arms. He's looking every bit the protective father to his son, and unfortunately me too.

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