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Sunshine will come to your doorstep and brighten everything.
How does she do this?
I open the door to let him in. He takes one look at me, puts the flowers on the ground, and pulls me in for a hug. And even though I don’t want to, I accept it… my body and mind having a will of their own, and I’m enslaved to them.
Strong arms circle around me and hold me tight.
Shit, why are people so kind here?
It’s my undoing. A dam breaks inside, and the tears flow anew. Without a word, Aiden picks me up and carries me to the couch where he sits down with me in his lap, cradling me tight, cocooning me in his warmth, care, and strength.
It’s exactly what I need. The urge to run subsides, and I let myself just be.
Gut wrenching sobs shake my body. Aiden doesn’t say a word; he doesn’t even make a sound.
He just holds me.
And for the first time in a long time, I feel completely safe.
Exhaustion takes over.I close my eyes as my tears slow and breathe in Aiden’s alpine scent. It’s so comforting.
The last thing I remember is the gentle kiss on top of my head before drifting off, held tight in Aiden’s protective arms.
I wake up on the couch, covered with a cozy blanket. Needing to blink my eyes into focus, I’m greeted by the sunny sight of the enormous bouquet of sunflowers Aiden must have put on the coffee table. It’s so bright and cheery, a smile tugs on my lips.
Talking about Aiden, where is he?
That’s when I become aware of my feet. They’re in Aiden’s lap, and he’s rubbing them with one hand while he reads on his phone with the other.
I immediately pull my feet away, sitting up.
“Ah, you’re awake, Sunshine. How do you feel?”
“Better, thank you. I didn’t realize just how tired I was,” I offer as an explanation for going to sleep on him so easily.
“Thank you for the flowers. They’re gorgeous,” I say, admiring the spectacular display.
“I figured you could do with some cheering up. Gary mentioned you had a trip to the hospital yesterday.”
“Jeez, news travels fast here. Did he tell you why?”
“Only that you fainted and hit your head.”
Thankfully the real reason isn’t going around the office as gossip about the new girl. I touch the bump on the back of my head. I had totally forgotten about it, but the egg is definitely still there.
“Is your head okay?” Aiden asks. “Do you want me to check the swelling?”
“No!” I almost yell. “No. I’m fine.” I don’t want Aiden any closer.
Letting him hug me was a mistake I’m not intending to repeat. With his delicious scent and charming smile, he’s stirring up too many unwelcome emotions.
“Were you going for a run?” Aiden asks, pointing at my exercise gear. “It might not be such a great idea if you hit your head last night.”
I hadn’t considered that. Perhaps I really have a concussion. I can’t seem to remember the basics anymore. Or maybe it’s the presence of one hot as hell ex-soldier that’s messing with my head.
I groan inwardly.
“Have you had lunch yet?”
