A Beautiful Life

Frozen [Madonna]

As soon as Aiden opened his door, a dog was shoved in his face.

Sakura didn't give him a chance to greet or even acknowledge her, too excited since Lenny allowed her to keep Jax. She could feel the elation in her heart, pulsing against her chest, her skin, through the cage of bones that protected it. So, when Aiden opened the door, he barely even saw her face before she eagerly lifted the dog with the enthusiasm of a little kid.

"Surprise!" she chirped, holding Jax vertically, supporting him under his arms. His tail wagged, ears perking up as she playfully shook him to emphasize his presence. Aiden stood at the doorway, his eyes large and expressionless. His reaction lacked any signs of surprise, confusion, or the same joy as her own. Scratching his head, he met Jax's stare before shifting his attention to her.

"You...got a dog?"

Sakura's knees tensed until he laughed—a subdued exhale that escaped as a breath through his nose. A smile played across his lips, a dimple dotting his cheek as he reached for Jax, gently ruffling the hair on his little head.

"You're insane," he said, stepping to the side to allow her inside. His tone carried just a touch more reserve than Andrew's did when he spoke the exact same words to her. She slipped off her sneakers from the heels, holding the dog against her chest.

The room was dimly lit, the faint sound of the TV floating in the background, while she noticed a shot glass and bottle of whiskey on his desk. The alcohol was next to a closed textbook, and it had spilled, droplets speckled over the wooden surface.

Her jaw shifted with uncertainty as she watched him close the door. He wore a more relaxed outfit—a black pullover paired with grey sweatpants. His hair was loosely tied back, a few untamed strands framing his forehead as the rest was held in a messy ponytail.

His eyes held a glazed dullness, a muted shimmer that hinted at his tipsiness. And she approached him, her grip on the dog tightening when he leaned down to kiss her.

As soon as his lips met hers, the scent of whiskey hit her, strong and sharp, stretching through her nostrils. On impulse, she slipped her tongue on his mouth. Through warm, soft flesh she could taste the alcohol. It intensified when he opened his mouth, inviting the kiss and deepening their contact.

Her heart fluttered, a mix of hesitation and longing, and after a few seconds, she pulled away from him. His spit coated her mouth, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her eyes to the floor as her toes curled beneath her.

"Have you been drinking?" she asked as casually as possible, trying to obscure the concern in her voice. Their eyes met, and he seemed slightly uneasy at the question, absently tucking several strands of loose hair behind his ear.

"A little."

Sakura said nothing more about it, silently watching as Aiden bent down to warmly greet the dog, rubbing underneath his chin.

"He's cute," he beamed, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "What's his name?"

Repositioning him in her arms, a proud grin swept her face. "Jax."

"Hey, Jax." A soft chuckle hummed in his throat when Jax lapped a kiss at his palm. "You just got him today?"

Dropping her backpack, she lowered Jax to the floor, and the dog began to walk curiously around the room. Sakura took off her jacket and placed it behind his chair, and before she could answer, she felt Aiden glide his arm around her waist, his palm pressing at her low back. At the guidance of his gentle pressure, she molded herself against him, her breasts flattened below his chest as her arms draped loosely around his shoulders.