Somniphobia

Chapter 87. Temptation vs. comfort

Aria POV
We said our final goodbyes to Lydia, Sammy, Uncle Earl, and their kids. It was awkward, but also sad—especially after Caleb embarrassed me in front of Lydia and Sammy.

I tried my best not to cry when Caleb drove away from Lydia's house. I loved it there. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

We finally arrived at the airport, where Caleb's private plane was waiting. I grew nervous at the thought of getting on it.

My palms instantly grew sweaty, and my heart began to race. I was afraid of planes—this would only be my second time ever on one, and so far, I didn't like it much.

Caleb got out of the car quickly, making his way over to my side. I slowly got out, grabbing his hand so he could help me.

I was so pregnant. I couldn't wait to give birth already. I knew I was close—any moment now.

"You're nervous, princess," he said, noticing my sweaty hand.

I pulled my hand away, embarrassed that he could feel how bad my anxiety was.

He crouched down in front of me, taking both of my hands this time, not caring how sweaty they were.

I tried pulling away again, my cheeks turning red from embarrassment.

He held my hands firmly, kissing the tops of them gently.

"Relax. Trust me, if I could get us home quicker without a plane, I'd drive us—but I don't want you uncomfortable."

His words made me smile. He was being so considerate.

"You can color in my tattoos to distract yourself until we get home... or you can sleep in my lap."

"I w-wanna c-color i-in y-your t-tattoos, d-daddy."

"Well then, it's a good thing I bought you some markers."

He pulled out a brand-new box from his suit pocket—markers made for skin.

I wiped my sweaty hands on his shirt before taking them.

"T-Thank y-you, d-daddy."

"You're welcome, beautiful."

He stood to his full height and guided me into the plane with Aaron and Layla. I followed him to the back, where the seats were spacious—especially for me, which made me happy.

I sat by the window, and he sat beside me.

I opened the box of markers, ready to start coloring in the tattoos on his arms.

I carefully popped the cap off one of the markers, my hands still slightly shaky as I leaned closer to Caleb.

His arm rested on the armrest between us, completely relaxed, like he trusted me entirely.

I started coloring in one of the roses on his forearm, focusing hard on staying inside the lines.

Anything to keep my mind off the plane.

The low hum of the engine filled the cabin as the doors shut.

My stomach tightened. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore it.

"Princess," Caleb's voice was soft beside me. "Look at me."

I shook my head quickly, my grip tightening around the marker. "I-I'm f-fine..."

The plane began to move.

My heart started pounding harder.

"Aria." His tone was firmer this time.

I slowly looked up at him.

His eyes softened instantly when he saw mine.

"You're not fine," he murmured.