The Boss's Son

12. Headache

We arrived at Elio's apartment, though the world outside was just a blur to me as I fought to keep my eyes open. The cool night air swept past me, and I barely registered the sound of Elio opening and closing his door before I felt my body leaning against the passenger door for support. As he swung the door open, I instinctively slid out, but before I could stumble, he quickly stepped in to catch me, his body warm against mine.

"Come on, beautiful," he said, his voice a soothing balm in the chilly night air, "It's freezing." With that, he wrapped his left arm around my back and slid his right arm under my legs, lifting me bridal style. The warmth radiating from him enveloped me, and I instinctively leaned my head against his chest, breathing in his intoxicating scent—a mix of cologne and something distinctly him. I heard him chuckle softly, a sound that faded into the background as I succumbed to a deep sleep.

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Sunlight streamed in through the window, waking me with a gentle caress that felt warm yet intrusive. I slowly opened my eyes, only to be met with a blinding brightness that made my head throb even more. I instinctively placed a hand over my forehead, but as I moved, I became aware of an arm wrapped around my stomach, pulling me back into the warmth of the bed.

Confusion washed over me as flashes of last night invaded my thoughts—Elio and I, tangled together in this very room. I tried to shake the memories away but couldn't quite ignore the mounting headache that seemed to pulse in time with my heartbeat. Turning slowly, I faced Elio, his eyes still closed, his lips slightly parted in a way that made him look incredibly inviting. I hesitated, about to slide away from his embrace, but just then, his arms tightened around me.

"Where are you going?" he murmured, his husky voice sending a delightful shiver down my spine. It was the kind of voice that made me feel warm all over.

"My head is killing me," I admitted, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the pain radiating from my temples.

He smiled softly, brushing his thumb against my cheek. "I placed a cup of water and two pain relievers on the bedside table last night," he said, his eyes still closed. The tenderness of his touch made my heart flutter.

I sat up, glancing around the room and noting that I was no longer in the clothes from the night before. Instead, I was wearing an oversized grey shirt—his shirt, I realized with a smile—along with my undergarments. The small gesture made my heart swell, knowing that he had taken care of me.

I reached for the glass of water and the pain relievers on the bedside table, quickly swallowing them down. "Now come lay down again," He urged, his voice slightly softer. "I was really comfortable."

Rolling my eyes playfully, I tucked myself back under the covers, this time facing him. He moved his hand to cradle my cheek, gently massaging it with his thumb. Leaning in, he pressed his lips against mine in a long, lingering kiss that made my body awaken with desire. The headache began to fade as I felt the heat between us grow stronger, the connection pulling me deeper into him.

Remembering how much Elio loved it when I pulled his hair, I let my hands find their way to his head, fingers threading through his soft, brown locks. A soft moan escaped his lips, and I couldn't help but smile at the effect I had on him. His hands moved from my hips to the hem of the shirt, tugging at it as he prepared to lift it over my head.

Just as I was about to lean in for another kiss, my phone blared loudly, cutting through the intimacy of the moment. "UGH!" I groaned in frustration, snatching the device from the bedside table. "WHAT?" I answered, the irritation clear in my voice.

"Jaidyn?" A familiar voice came through the speaker, and my eyes widened in recognition.

"Dad? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell," I quickly backtracked. "I woke up with a headache, and the ringtone made it worse." 

"I just wanted to know if you were okay. I woke up this morning, and your bed was still made. Did you sleep over at Laynie's?"

I felt a pang of guilt wash over me; I had completely forgotten to call my dad. But I knew telling him I was with Elio while drunk wouldn't have gone over well. "Yeah, we're going to the beach today, so I didn't see why I should go home if I was going to hang out with her. Sorry I didn't tell you."

He sighed softly on the other end. "It's okay, sweetie. I'll see you later then. I have to go to work now. Bye, and love you."

"Love you too," I replied, feeling a twinge of guilt for lying. I hung up and turned to Elio, who had shifted to sit beside me on the bed. From the corner of my eye, I noticed he was staring at me intently, a smile playing on his lips.

"Let's go to the beach, beautiful," he suggested, his tone light and playful. "That way, the only lie you told was sleeping over at your friend's house."

I couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a rush of warmth from his presence. The thought of spending the day at the beach with him, away from the responsibilities and drama, felt like the perfect way to reset the chaos of the night before.