Arresting and Arrested | Aaron Hotchner

CHAPTER SIX

Arriving back at the bau, everyone is exhausted and trying to get our paperwork completed so we can go home. Rossi walks into the bullpen "right, pasta night at mine tomorrow night I think it's well overdue." Everyone agrees, I'm reluctant, which he notices "Lottie, can I have a word" deciding I don't want to carry on this was I follow him "I'm sorry, I never should have blamed you for his actions" I splutter out as soon as we're alone "Lottie, I was in the wrong as soon as I found out I should have told you, I just wanted to give him the time to tell you himself. Forgive me?" Laughing "of course I forgive you, it's already forgotten about... Hey when did you even find out about me and Hotch?" I question, chuckling he answers "you are as quiet as you think, and the walls in this office are thin." My smile drops and embarrassment settle in, bring ing my hands to my face "oh god" I exclaim a so was away with him laughing as I go.

Tonight is Rossi's pasta night, I am getting ready, I do my makeup subtly but in a way that brings out my features, my hair is curled and flowy. Sifting through my wardrobe I come across a dress I forgot I had, it is a white satin wrap around midi dress, with a deep V neckline, accentuating my cleavage I add and necklace and pop on my heels. And I'm on my way. Arriving at Rossi's mansion I walk in, everyone welcoming me with excited hugs and compliments, making our way to the kitchen for a glass of wine I spot Hotch and a lady over to the side whispering to each other. We catch our eyes, already feeling down I turn away and put a fake smile back on my face.

That is until they make their way over, I sense the apprehension on Aaron's face
"You must be Lottie, I've heard a lot about you" Aaron's lady friend says walking up to me, "yes, are you are?" "Beth." I try my hardest to keep my face straight, I notice Hotch looking away from me "me and Aaron met running, last month was it? And I've been itching to meet his team that he can never stop talking about, everyone is so lovely and welcoming." Smiling I fake interest "they really are. I just have to pop to the bathroom but I'm sure we can talk more later" I make an excuse for me to get away. Walking down the hallway of Rossi's mansion I feel all the emotions come to the surface. How could he have the nerve to bring her here days after telling me what happened. Giving myself a minute in the bathroom, the door opens and in walks Aaron "what are you doing? Get out." I mutter
"I'm not going, you're upset." Scoffing "I wonder why"
"Lottie it wasn't my intention to hurt you."
"Really? You didn't mean to hurt me, you just brought the woman you cheating on me with to diner to what? Flaunt it in my face? Show off your great new relationship?"
"We aren't in a relationship, I promise. It happened once and we just kept in touch because of running and I started to really fall for you and I wanted to tell you the truth I just didn't know how."
"You didn't know how? How about you not do it in the first place? Maybe break things off with me before sleeping with another woman." The tears are rolling down my face at this point. I look at him and notice his eyes are shining with unshed tears "I know. I know it was wrong, and at that point I was trying to fight my feelings for you because I knew I was falling and I couldn't let myself be open, be vulnerable. But I love you Angel and I'm ashamed, I can lose you ." Closing my eyes at the nickname "So instead you hurt me? Aaron I can't do this. I fell for you. I really fell but how can I trust what you're saying when you brought her here tonight? You brought the woman you cheated on me with to family dinner!" My voice getting louder and louder and the conversation continues "I can't. I can't do this." I say as I go to leave opening the door, we see that everyone heard every word of our conversation, with tears running down my face I turn to Rossi, "thank you for tonight Rossi but I'm going to get going. I'll see you at work" not sparing a glance at anyone I walk out.