The Bad Boy's Decision

Chapter 10: Fix me

Quickly grabbing my keys and shoving them in my pocket, I exit my apartment with a sense of excitement and joy surging through my stomach; a huge smile slapped across my face.

Yesterday, Aidan had called to ask if I wanted to help Kyle and Hayley prepare for their big move, claiming, "It's boring and tedious but gives us an excuse to hang out." I of course agreed, practically jumping at the opportunity to spend more time with him and was firmly instructed to be ready for 11.00am, where he would be picking me up.

Keeping true to his word, moments ago I received a text from him, alerting me of his arrival and as I frantically descend the stairs, eager to meet him, I can't ignore the new found spring in my step.

For the first time in a long time, I feel happy.

"Hey, smiley." laughs Aidan as soon as he sees me, no doubt noticing my ever growing grin and bright eyes.

"Hi, yourself." I happily greet back, following him towards his car where he kindly holds the door open for me, ever the gentleman.

Once I'm comfortably seated, Aidan closes the door behind me and proceeds to enter through the driver's side, gracefully sliding in his seat while eying me expectantly. Instead of starting the engine straight away, like I'd expected, he offers me an intense stare and a dazzling smile, all awhile his forest-green eyes drink in my less-than-glamorous appearance. Seemingly checking me out, I decide to do the same back and notice the navy blue jeans that hang elegantly over his perfectly sized hips, with his top half consisting of a rather snug fitting, grey T-shirt hugging his every muscle, marvellously leaving nothing to the imagination. His hair seems thicker than usual and is pushed back, casually creating a laid-back vibe that has me thinking Aidan could probably wear a bin bag and still pull it off, brilliantly.

"Why the big smile today?" his deep voice sounds, successfully succeeding in momentarily distracting me from my ogling, only to have me swooning more so over the delicious tone he just used.

He waits, patiently, for my answer and as I sit there, studded into silence due to my mouth feeling dryer than sand itself, he shoots me a knowing smirk as if to say 'I know exactly what put that smile on your face' and with that thought lingering in the air surrounding us, he finally puts the key in the ignition and starts the drive to his former home, my once favourite place to be.

----

The drive doesn't take long at all and I find it seems to pass by even quicker as Aidan and I chat about random topics; Chloe and Dylan's recent engagement being the main one. We both express our joy at their sudden inseparable behaviour and as we take a long overdue trip down 'memory lane', my mind and body are instantly put at ease, the unbelievable amount of happiness surging through me, helping in its doing so.

"So, what does Kyle and Hayley think about our 'arrangement' to only hang out with other people present?" I eventually ask as we pull into his driveway.

It suddenly dawns on me that I have yet to step foot in this house since we broke up and with the release of a thousand uncomfortable knots, as well as an awfully intense wave of nausea washing over me, my entire body freezes.

Why did I agree to this?

"Amelia, are you okay?" Aidan questions, obviously sensing my new-found panic; desperate to gain some knowledge as to why.

I quickly nod my head but I'm aware that my sudden inability to inhale a steady breath betrays my pretence at 'being fine' and as I slam my eyes closed in a futile attempt to calm my anxiety, Aidan reaches out to grasp my hand in his.