and it was perfect

Chapter 13

"It would be so wrong." I moaned into Gene's pillow an hour later. During breakfast, I had given my very best not to look at Aiden, and when the guys offered to tidy up in exchange for the pancakes, I gladly took the opportunity to leave the house. Gene just laughed and played with his headphones. I drove straight over to his place without a warning, and I was grateful he was kind enough to let me in, although he was about to leave for the gym. "I don't know what to tell you, Jen. I knew he'd never say no to you. I mean, look at you." I turned red and threw his pillow at him. He easily caught it. "You're still not my type, but you're hot, Jen. Plus, you didn't get laid in months. I'm sure he's got like a sixth sense for stuff like that." It made him laugh, and I groaned again. "I'd totally understand if you give in, you've been dryfucking him since the day you moved in. Just don't... expect anything more than sex. Do you think you could do that?" I closed my eyes in pain. "I don't know. I hope so." Even just the thought of Aiden touching me made my toes curl. I would rip off his clothes without a second thought. How did all of this happen? He'd ignored me for months, and now, within a few weeks ... he wanted me? I couldn't wrap my head around it.

And was his offer really enough for me? I cared a lot about him. What if it ruined our friendship that I worked so hard for? "I guess you shouldn't. You're crazy about him." I looked up desperately: "But what if it gets better after that? Maybe I'm just attracted to him cause I know I can't have him. Maybe after that, I can get over him for good." He laughed in pity. "I'd say it's much too late for that, Jen." He was right. "I guess I could overthink it for months now, but whatever happens will happen." I finally decided. "Just be careful." Gene warned me one last time.

Aiden's car was in the driveway, but he was upstairs in his room, which I was glad about. I still couldn't look him in the eyes. I could've gladly gone on with not seeing him for a while to get some clarity, but Karma was a bitch. I planned on going to the grocery store after my afternoon classes, so I changed and sat down in my car. I turned my keys and ... nothing. I tried it again. This time it started but made an awful roaring sound. I switched it off. This couldn't be good. I frustratedly sighed. I didn't have the money for repairs at the moment, let alone a new car. I tried calling my Dad, but he didn't answer. Of course, he wouldn't. He must be in the middle of some fancy surgery right now. Gene was headed out of town for the weekend after the gym, visiting his family in Arkansas. Any other guys I could text were ... my roommates. I rubbed my face. I had no choice.

Sure, I could ask Josh or Zack for help, but they'd immediately tell me to ask Aiden. He was the pro. "I can't believe this." I sighed and pulled out my phone. I hoped he'd even saved my number. I scrolled through my contacts. We were at the same house group chat. It would only make sense. I clicked on his photo, it was the same one as his Instagram profile, and I couldn't help but stare at his pretty face for a minute before finally pressing the button to send him a message. I knew it was childish, but I felt nervous. It would be the first time we texted.

Me: Aiden?
Aiden: What's up?
Me: I don't mean to bother you, but ... my car just made some awful sounds, and I'm scared to start it. Maybe you could take a look at it sometime?
Aiden: I'll be right there.

Oh wow. I let out the breath I realized I was holding. I didn't expect him to do it right away. A minute later, he came downstairs, looking as beautiful as ever with his sweat shorts and a T-shirt. I got out of the car and leaned against it. "You didn't have to come right away if you're busy ..." I started, but he shook his head. "No worries. What's up?" He grabbed the key from my hand, reached into the car, and opened the motorhead. Then he started the car. It only took him a second to switch it off again and give me his diagnose. "Yeah, your boost pressure is gone." I groaned. "Awesome." How much do you think it's gonna cost to fix it?" My eyes widened: "Is it even possible to fix it?" He gave me a comforting smile. "Of course, it is. I'll take it to my shop. It's nothing I can't fix, but you shouldn't drive it anymore." I nodded. "That would be awesome, thanks! And -" He shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Just order the parts I'll send you the link to." I wouldn't just let him do it for free and raised a brow, but I knew it was useless to discuss it right now.

He closed the motorhead and opened his car, grabbing a giant hook and rope. "What are you doing?" I asked, confused. "Towing your car." He shrugged and connected the hook with my car. Then he climbed into his car and parked it in front of mine. He connected the second hook with his giant beast and looked at me. "You're coming or what?" I was still staring at him, processing his moves. "Umm yeah, of course." I quickly answered and jogged to the passenger side. I climbed in and was glad I was sitting. His whole goddamn car smelled so much like him. It made me dizzy. He pulled out of the driveway and into the street. "I always wanted to drive one of these." I couldn't hide my excitement and stroke over the armrest. He raised a brow, grinning: "I thought you were more the pink convertible type of girl." I pushed my knee against him, although I knew he was kidding. He told me the story of how he bought it a few years ago, and it was a total wreck. I couldn't hide my surprise: "It looks nothing like it had an accident." - "That's because I'm good." he arrogantly winked. "I never could've afforded a car like this brand new, so it was a win-win."

It was only a fifteen-minute drive, and soon we parked in front of a small car shop. We got out of the car, and Aiden guided me through the gate. "What the hell you're doing here, man? It's your day off." I heard a deep voice. "And you brought a girl." He added. We were standing in front of a muscular guy in his late twenties, covered in dust and leaning over a rusty engine. "Relax, Dan. That's my roommate. Her car broke down, boost pressure. I'll fix it next week after work." Dan shrugged. "Sure, no problem. Just leave her keys here." Aiden took my key and loosened the car key. The sight of my 'I hate it out here' keychain from Mia made him grin. He put the key on a table, and I scanned the place one last time before I followed him out of the garage. So that's where he spent so much time. I knew it was just his workplace, but it made me happy he let me be a part of this side of his life. "You're hungry?" I asked, and he shrugged one shoulder, opening the car door.

"Chose a takeout place. It's on me. I feel bad for you doing all this." He rolled his eyes. "Fine, buy me some fries. But it's unnecessary." - "It's not." I stated in a decisive tone, and we made our way to the next in-n-out. I bought us a menu before he could protest, and he drove back to our place. He asked me some questions about my childhood with Zoe, which I gladly answered. That part of my past wasn't hard to talk about. "Sometimes I forget your cousins" he said, smiling a little. "You are and look nothing alike." I smiled back. "How am I so different?" I asked curiously. "You're just ... different. She's a talker. Sometimes I can tell you want her to shut up just as bad as I do." It made me laugh, and I threw a fry at him. "Hey, that's still my family you're talking about." His car was parked in front of our house now, and we were eating there; none of us seemed to want to get out of it yet. After finishing his burger, he wiped his hands on a paper towel and looked at me. "You're feeling any better?" His tone suddenly changed. I knew what he was talking about. I slowly nodded. "I think I do."

"Good." He answered, and the look in his eyes changed once again. It reminded me of the one he gave me the morning before. His eyes fell to my legs, and he lifted his hand and softly put it on my thigh, drawing tiny circles. It gave me goosebumps. My gaze followed his fingers, continuing to draw circles. "I'm going to head to the gym now, but ... let me know if you ever made up your mind." He slowly continued. I swallowed, and my eyes instantly fell to his lips. "I will." I squeezed out and quickly got out of the car. My heart beat like crazy. I went up to the front door and unlocked it. Then I turned around one last time. His car was still standing in the driveway, his head was leaned back against the headrest, and he was watching me. I swallowed and quickly turned around to get inside. When I closed the door, I heard him start the engine. I couldn't fall asleep that night. The graze of his fingers on my thigh set my skin on fire. I already knew I had no choice anymore.