He closes his eyes and I step closer not ready for him to hide them from me quite yet.
“I was fourteen.” His eyes reopen. “And things did happen that night that changed me.”
“We don’t have to talk about this now.”
“We do, because if we don’t I’m afraid I won’t be able to get it all out later.”
He nods in understanding.
“I was scared, and alone. It was only me and my father, I’d gotten into one of the many fights I’ve had with my mother. My dad had withdrawn at that point and was spending most of his time at the shop. I was angry, about everything, and so when I heard there was a party I went. I knew I shouldn’t but I thought what is the most that could happen? I’d be grounded later, maybe. I had no idea what I was walking into. I trusted all the wrong people, I did what they wanted me to in order to fit in. Then before I knew it I woke up the next day, naked in a strange room. There was no one else with me, but I knew.” I glance down when Aaron threads his fingers through mine, offering me comfort. A gesture I’d normally run from, but coming from him it was exactly what I needed.
“It hardened me, it made me leery, made me cold, I know this. I’ve spent the rest of my life judging every man based on those events and I know that’s wrong. But that’s what felt safe to me.”
“And now?”
“Now you feel safe,” I confess and my eyes pool with tears. “I never wanted you to.” I force a smile. “But you do.”
I nod and try all I can to hold back my emotions but this night has been a rollercoaster. Heck the last several days have been a whirlwind. “When I’m with you I feel like I’m free of all thosememories and I think that’s why I didn’t want you to know. Because I was too scared it would change us. I was afraid you would look at me differently and then that safety I’ve felt would be gone.”
Aaron tugs on my hand bringing me as close to him as the hospital bed will allow. “Baby, nothing is going to change the way I feel about you. Not some terrible event that happened all those years ago and not your stubbornness to accept that you and I belong together now.”
I nod, because I can’t talk.
“Now, carefully climb up in this bed with me so that I can hold you. I think that might be the only thing that will make me feel better right now.”
I do what he asks and that’s how his parents find us a little while later.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Aaron
“I’m good,”I assure my mother and Kendall for the tenth time since my father helped me inside. With pillows positioned around me in bed, I relax back and try not to wince when I feel the pinch in my ribs.
Every wince, every groan, the two of them are rushing in, ready to help me. They are both hovering hens and it’s cute on Kendall considering she has never been the type.
“Do you need more pillows?” she asks, putting a small one under my elbow.
“No.” I offer her a wink and then look around the space. “Where did all these pillows come from anyway?” I know a week ago I didn’t have this many.
“I brought some over, your mom too.” Kendall sits down at my side so carefully that I have to laugh. They are acting as if I am made out of glass and they are fearful they will break me.
“Take a nap with me.” I tug on the hem of her shirt and she leans in my direction.
“Your mom and dad are here.” Kendall glances back toward my bedroom door.
“So?” This is an entirely different side of her and I can’t help but feel like we’ve cleared the biggest hurdle that has been holding us back. It infuriates me to know she went through what she did. Being young and impressionable, having to face that by herself and dealing with the trauma in the worst way possible.
But here we are and I will do everything I can to ensure that no one ever hurts her again. I understand she doesn’t need me to protect her, but I want to.
“My parents found us sleeping in the hospital bed together and I’m pretty sure they don’t think the two of us are virgins.”
“Shh.” Again she looks back like she is fearful they may hear.
“Babe.” I slide my palm over her thigh to regain her focus. “Quit making me wait and climb into the bed with me. I don’t need all these damn pillows, but I do need you.”
“You think all this sweet talk is going to melt me at your feet don’t you?”
“You like my sweet talk.” I smirk when she narrows her eyes at me. “Plus, right now in the condition I am in, I’m pretty sure you’ll let me get away with about anything so I plan to take full advantage.”
