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Walking out of the Intercontinental Hotel, I’m exhausted even though I slept most of today away. I think my body clock is out of whack, and I just want to curl up in a nice, comfy bed. I stop to say goodbye to his family, giving Nana an extra hug goodnight.
“I hope I get to see you again,” Nana expresses, holding me tight in her embrace.
“Thank you, Nana. I’ll make sure of it.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Brielle rushes over and hugs me so tight I almost fall backward, her energy a welcome delight. “Remember what I said… stick with Aiden. He’s worth it,” she reassures before she runs over to Aiden. She hugs him, and I watch her whispering something in his ear. They look over at me, and Aiden smirks.
What’s that about?
Callie makes her way over, still looking as gorgeous now as she did when the night started. She carries herself so well, just like a matriarch should. She’s beauty, grace, and everything I would imagine Aiden’s mother to be. “I want to apologize for Niall’s behavior tonight. There’s no need for it, and I’m truly sorry. You’re a lovely girl, and I see how highly Aiden regards you. Thank you for making him happy,” she offers as she enfolds me in a tight embrace.
“Thank you, Mrs. O’Connell.” I’m honored she thinks so highly of me.
“Please, call me Callie,” she retorts as Niall walks out with the last of the stragglers, laughing and shaking hands with a few of them.
Aiden glares at his father, then turns to Mike. “Ready to go?” he asks.
“Yes, sir, whenever you are.”
I give quick hugs to Daniel and Killian as Aiden steps up to me.
His father strides over to the group in front of our car but says nothing. An awkward silence surrounds us as Niall glances up and down at me. You can cut the tension with a knife it’s that awkward.
Mike opens the back door of the car.
I figure now’s as good a time as any to try and make an impression on Aiden’s father, so I walk over to Niall and put out my hand. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. O’Connell.” I put on the friendliest voice I can muster. But Niall stands there glaring at my hand with his eyebrow raised like I’m amusing him, not giving anything in return but blatant disapproval.
Aiden tugs gently on my arm. “We should go,” he softly suggests.
Exhaling in defeat, I slowly drop my hand knowing there’s no pleasing Niall O’Connell.
Aiden threads his fingers with mine and helps me into the car. He slides in beside me, holding my hand tightly. Everyone, except Niall, waves goodbye as Mike closes the car door. Aiden winds down the window as Mike starts the ignition.
“I love you, Aiden,” Callie praises, bending down at our window.
“Love you, too, Mom.”
She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek, then stands back as Mike slowly turns down the driveway.
Aiden turns to me. “I’m so sorry,” he confides, his eyes flooding with concern.
“For what?” I’m confused as to why he would be sorry.
“For my father’s attitude. He’s always been that way with me. I’m used to it. I stopped caring or reacting long ago, but I honestly didn’t expect him to behave that way with you. Fuck, you didn’t deserve the way he treated you tonight. I should’ve done something,” he grunts as he runs his hand through his hair.
“No, you definitely should not have. He is the way he is. You’re not going to change him, and especially not with violence. I really enjoyed meeting the rest of your family, though. They were unbelievably friendly. They made me feel like part of the family, and… I really liked it.” I catch Mike’s eyes in the rearview mirror watching us. He spots me and shifts his eyes back to the road. It’s adorable the way Mike cares for Aiden.
“You enjoy feeling like a part of my family?” Aiden asks with a cheeky grin.
I tilt my head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I tease as I rest my head on his shoulder.
Aiden moves his arm around me, and we cuddle in the plush leather seat. I’m so tired, I nod in and out of consciousness all the way back to Aiden’s apartment.
Mike opens the door, waking me as Aiden kisses the top of my head. “We’re here.” He holds out his hand to help me out of the car.
“What time is it?” I ask, yawning as I clumsily get out of the car.
“It’s nearly three in the morning, Miss Taylor,” Mike chimes, sounding wide awake. I don’t know how he does it.
