The Bad Boy's Decision

Chapter 20: New York, New York

Touching down on New York tarmac couldn't feel more invigorating and the fact that the weather has blessed us with its comforting warmth is just an added bonus, really.
Aidan and I slept for most of the flight, cuddled up to one another much like two penguins huddling for heat and now, even though it's late, I couldn't feel more awake.

Both Hannah and my Dad know about Aidan taking me to New York, courtesy of Anna and her rather big mouth and even Kyle and Hayley are in on our 'little secret' or rather, 'big secret' as my sister so kindly likes to put it. She's still not onboard about us secretly seeing each other but has agreed to respect my decisions and has even accepted that being with him makes me a better person.

As for speaking to my Dad regarding his minor interruption at the party last weekend, our conversation has stretched as far as a quick, "be careful" to which I ensured I would be. Truth be told, he's being rather calm about the entire situation and although it pleases me, I'm slightly concerned about his laid back attitude.
Drew, Jess, Chloe and Dylan are all non the wiser, although all four did pass judgement on how coincidental it was that I had a business trip the same weekend Aidan was visiting a 'work friend' out of town. I'm pretty convinced they all have their suspicions but are not saying anything out of respect for us.

"What should we do first then, darling?" asks Aidan, interrupting me from my thoughts as he leans across to unclip my seatbelt and slyly pecks my lips on his way back.

He makes work on his own seatbelt and once we're given the all clear from the air hostess, we set about gathering our belongings as quickly as possible.

"It's quite late. We could dump our bags, grab a quick bite to eat and go straight back to the hotel." I suggest, lugging my heavy rucksack off of the overhead compartment. "New York can be brutal. Maybe an early night so we're fresh faced tomorrow would work best?" I add, certainly not missing the unmistakable twinkle in his eyes at the mere mention of an early night.

"Food, then bed?" he questions, helping me with my bags as we disembark the plane.

"Food, then sleep." I clarify, nudging him with my side as we step onto the runway.

One hundred percent clarity is needed on tonight's entirety and with strenuous exercise not being an option, I need to pre warn him as to not get his hopes up. I wasn't lying when I said New York can be brutal and if we want to complete even half the things on my list, we need as much sleep as possible.

"Whatever you want, darling." he agrees, landing a swift kiss on top of my head. "I just want this trip to be perfect for you." he adds, pulling me alongside him as we attempt to claim our luggage off of the winding carousel.

Little does he know, this trip is already perfect thanks to him.

~~~~

Once we check in and leave our bags at the five star, luxury Hampton Hotel, Aidan and I make a head start on our to do list and aim straight for Benny's for pizza, loading up on extra cheese and fries. We chat aimlessly about life while I point out certain landmarks and reel off interesting facts about my past; Aidan, ever the gentleman, never once tiring of my constant talking.

"I love learning more about you. I wish I knew you back then." he admits as we veer off towards my left and head towards Times Square. "I would've loved to see little Amelia run around the streets of New York with a thick accent that would scare the shit out of anyone." he adds, chuckling to himself when I shoot him a filthy stare.

"My accent does not scare the shit out of anyone!" I defend, although do so on a slight giggle. "Besides, it's almost gone. I'm a Californian girl now." I smile, guiding him towards the hustle and bustle of a large crowd mostly made up of tourists.