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My eyes fly open, and my body stiffens. The arms around me tighten as if sensing my thoughts have gone to another man. Is this to protect or to claim?
I’m sure awake now.
Shit, I don’t remember falling asleep.
Why does it feel so right to be here with Aiden like this? His alpine aftershave softly drifts into my nostrils. It reminds me of home when we lived in Austria. I love the mountains. I love this scent. I love being so content.
Guilt consumes me. How can I feel the same way with Aiden as I did with Tiero?
But is this really so wrong? Tiero isn’t in my future… but Aiden very well could be.
I’m tired of overthinking this. Why am I doing this to myself over and over again?
Why not go with the flow? Life is meant to be enjoyed, right?
I love the way Aiden feels behind me. So I wriggle even closer to him and hold his arm I’m resting my head on with my hand. He’s so warm and firm beneath my touch.
The hand holding my waist begins to circle my stomach. The air leaves my lungs. Is he awake?
No, his breathing is even…he’s still fast asleep.
Oh god, he’s affectionate in his sleep. A fire lights in my core.
No!
I imagine a bucket of cold water and throw it onto the fire, killing it. I grab his hands to still his movement and bring his arm up to my chest to hug it.
Jeez! All that muscle… it’s amazing.
My eyes fall shut again, and Claudette’s words come back to me.
You’re so well looked after.
I truly am.
And I’m so grateful.
Thank you, universe, for the wonderful people in my life.
Chapter Seventeen
Ella
Iwakeupaloneon the couch. A soft blanket is tucked around my body, keeping me warm. Did I dream Aiden slept here with me? I must have. It’s a relief. The last thing I should do is snuggle up to Aiden.
Sunlight is streaming in from the window as the see-through curtain happily dances in the breeze. I wonder what time it is.
Today feels different… somehow happier, though nothing has changed. I’m still on the run from Tiero, needing to keep a low profile, and I’m not carrying his child. The pain is still there, but it’s not taking center stage.
Perhaps it’s because I had the best sleep in ages.
I stretch my body in all directions and promptly roll off the couch, landing with a thud. I laugh to myself… thankfully, it's low set.
Getting up, I walk to the window to greet the sun and the new day. I really do feel rested.
Jeez, if dreaming that Aiden’s arms were wrapped around me has this effect on me, what impact would the real thing have?
When was the last time I slept so well? I tap my finger against my lips, thinking. When, when, when?
