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“Mr. O’Connell, you… ah… have lipstick on your mouth.” Mike looks away, smiling.
Aiden chuckles as I move closer and swipe it off with my thumb as the other vehicles arrive, and we congregate on the steps of the mansion.
Callie goes about unlocking the door and steps inside. We all follow and make our way to the living room. I still can’t believe this is happening.
Nana brings drinks, cheese and crackers, and an assortment of cakes. The night is cheery, and we celebrate Aiden being back with us. As the alcohol flows, everyone relaxes, and we enjoy each other’s company. Even Niall looks as though he’s having a good time. I’m glad Niall seems happy in this moment. Perhaps this has been good for him. Maybe he’ll change after this experience, especially his attitude toward his son.
I can’t hold on any longer, so I let go of Aiden and make my way to the bathroom. I see Callie walking down the hall toward me and notice the effects of the alcohol starting to hit me hard.
“Oh, Jeni dear, I want to thank you again for saving my Aiden. You really are an angel.” She hugs me, then continues off down the hallway before I can say anything. I try to steady myself on the wall with a giggle. The wall seems to be doing a good job of holding me up while I continue my way to the bathroom. I’ve definitely had far too much celebratory wine.
On my way back, I see Aiden obviously looking for me. My heart beats faster at seeing him. He makes everything better, even my spinning head as I smile at him while I continue to use the wall to steady myself.
He chuckles, walking briskly toward me. “Are you drunk, Miss Taylor?”
“Drunk with love.” I giggle at my own lame joke.
He chuckles. “That’s a yes. Maybe we should head home. What do you think?”
I stare into those bright blue eyes, no longer sad and depressed but happy and full of life. “Hey, Aiden, ‘you big stud. Take me to bed or lose me forever,’” I blurt out, quoting a famous line from one of Sarah’s and my favorite movies, Top Gun. He looks at me with a smirk, arching his brow. “Then you’re supposed to say, ‘Show me the way home, honey.’” He laughs, then shakes his head slightly, clearly not getting it.
“Duh, it’s from Top Gun, remember?”
He chuckles. “I’ve never seen Top Gun.”
“What? Take me home now, and we can watch it.”
“You’re hilarious when you’re drunk.” He puts his arm around me and walks us back toward the living room. “Guys, I have to get this one home.”
“Jeni, are you wasted again?” Chris asks.
Aiden nods slightly, so I slap him on the chest and laugh. “No, I’m not.” Hiccup.
Brielle, Daniel, and Killian burst out laughing as Aiden bends down and picks me up, cradling me to his chest, bridal style. I wrap my arms around his neck, nuzzling my head into him. He is my safe place, a place I never want to leave.
“Thanks, guys. I’ll see you all soon.”
“I love you all,” I cheer, waving goodbye, still being held firmly in Aiden’s grasp.
Sarah and Chris say their farewells as well, then follow us out so they can pick up Chris’ car from our apartment.
When Mike opens the car door, Sarah is the first to climb in, then Aiden slides me across the seat next to her while I laugh uncontrollably. Chris sits up front, and Aiden glides in next to me. I lay my head in Aiden’s lap, and Sarah pulls my legs into hers.
I’m stretched out across my best friend and partner as we drive home in complete happiness.
Once we’re back at the apartment, Aiden helps me sit. He quietly guides me out of the car, and I hit my head.
“Ouch!” I rub the pain away.
Aiden bends and lifts me in his strong, masculine arms. “Whoa!”
Sarah and Chris both laugh as they leave.
Aiden carries me to the elevator with a big smirk on his face.
Hiccup.
His brow scrunches, and a look of pain sweeps across his face. “I think I better get you into bed,” he murmurs quietly, moving my happy mood to a more somber one. He carries me all the way from the parking garage to the bedroom. “I see you’ve had someone else keeping you warm at night?” He lays me down, and grabs Mr. Snuggles from the cabinet.
