and it was perfect

Chapter 36

After classes, I drove back home and quickly changed into biker shorts and my favorite sports bra. Then I plugged in my AirPods and went for a run. It felt good to finally move my body after just sitting and laying around all week, and it helped me clear my head. The miles flew by as I passed the never ending rows of brick houses, trees and street lamps, and their familiarity somehow eased me as well.
I had made my decision. Yes, I was fully aware that I couldn't wait forever for him to change and that I'd never put myself through the same situation again. But it was only a few more weeks until the semester ended. Deep down, I felt that he must somewhat care about me. The looks he gave me, the sweet things he'd done for me. It wasn't nothing, and I had to hold onto it. Just a little while longer. If I didn't convince him until the semester was over, so be it. I would have all summer in Seattle or wherever to get over him. But until then, I'd give him a hard time. That thought eased a little of the pain I still felt deeply in my chest.

Back home, I saw his car standing in the driveway. Perfect. I wouldn't run away anymore. I unlocked the door and walked in. There he was, sitting on the couch with Josh and Zack playing Fortnite. "Hey." I greeted them, trying to sound as friendly as possible. They all greeted me; Aiden's "Hi." following a little later than the others. I made my way to the kitchen without looking at them, but I could feel his gaze following me through the room. I knew he liked my tight fits, and it still seemed to catch his attention. Or maybe he just wanted to see how I held up. Either way, it was a good sign; I decided and poured myself some water. Then I walked back out of the kitchen and went up to my room.

I quickly showered, put on shorts and a ribbed shirt, and grabbed my laptop. If I wanted to convince Aiden to give us a chance, things had to get back to normal. I made my way down and sat down at the dining table. I could see him raise a brow from the corner of his eye, but he didn't say a word. "Josh, could you help me set up the website for my marketing course? It won't take long." He agreed and came over after finishing the game. He explained what orders I had to use and what to type into the different fields. He was a great teacher, and I gave him a grateful smile. Every now and then, I could see Aiden watching us; I tried to ignore it. Twenty minutes later, we were done, and I started working on it, sometimes watching them play for a few minutes.

Aiden seemed angry, or maybe he just liked shooting a lot. I'd never understand this game. Another half an hour passed, and when they finished another game, I got up to sit down between Aiden and Josh. If he hadn't been surprised by now, he sure as hell would be now. "What do you think? I handed Josh my laptop and crossed my legs. "Looking good, J." Aiden and I flinched at the same time. That was his special name for me; no one else called me that. His reacting the same way made my heart beat a little faster. "Thanks; any ideas for improvement?" I tried to ask casually. He shook his head. "Not really." And handed it back to me. "What about you?" I asked Aiden, put my laptop on his lap, and looked him straight in the eyes. They widened by surprise for a second, then he grabbed it and quickly scrolled through it. "Maybe add some more space between the captions and your text." he quietly said. He couldn't look me in the eyes this time. "Thank you." I gave back. He handed me back the laptop. Our fingers touching sent a sharp sting through my heart. I miss you so much.

I did as he told me and worked on it a little longer, trying to act as normal as possible. His scent was killing me; his legs were only a few inches away from mine and the urge to touch him was burning in my fingertips. But I didn't get up until he finally did to go to the gym.

I repeated the procedure for the next few days as well. I had breakfast with the others, tried to look as happy as possible, and looked as neutral as possible whenever Aidens eyes locked with mine. I couldn't read his expression; it was once again locked behind his mask. I often hung out with Zoe, who seemed happy about me smiling again, and even went to the gym with Zack twice. Aidens was working late both times, so I had the boxing room all to myself. Memories of him and I working out together here crossed my mind whenever I hit the punching bag. The time I agreed to have sex with him and the other day when he pressed me against the door and kissed me. I punched even harder whenever I saw his face. Wearing his gloves certainly didn't make this easier. But I'd never stop wearing them.