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“By the way, Aiden, I wanted to—”
“Shit,” he mutters. “I’d better hurry.”
I blink. “What?”
“That was work that called,” he sighs. “Some sort of oven-related disaster happened during prep. I have to go see what the damage is.”
“Oh... boo.”
Try to sound more disappointed. Don’t make it so obvious that you’re relieved.
“I know.” He shuffles over to lean down, brushing my hair away from my face before pressing his lips to my forehead. “I’m starting to regret my career path.”
“But you love being a cook,” I say seriously.
This only makes him smile wider. “One of these days, I’m going to make you regret all the teasing.”
“Say less,” I laugh.
It’s still there, that worry in my stomach that comes with knowing that I should be spilling my guts right now, but I assuage myguilt with the reasoning that it would be a bad idea to broach this conversation when he’s got one foot out the door. Something like this will take more time to hammer out, I tell myself. It’s better to wait.
Although if this is for his benefit or mine, I can’t be sure.
“Oh. What were you going to say?”
“Nothing,” I say after a beat, trying not to sound like I’m not sinking back down into an infinity pool of anxiety. “I was just wondering when you might be home tonight.”
“Hopefully not too late.” He ducks lower, his lips hovering near mine just before he kisses me. “Knowing you’re waiting up for me will make the night more bearable.”
It wouldn’t,I think.Not if you knew the bomb I’m going to drop on you.
“I’ll be here,” I murmur back.
Another quick peck at my mouth, like he can’t help himself. “I’m going to change.”
“Okay.”
I don’t exhale until I hear his footsteps fading up the stairs, left with a melting pot of emotions that are equal parts our present and our past and everything in between. I’m realizing now that the more time I wait to tell Aiden everything only means more time wrestling with the anxiety that comes with it, knowing I have hours ahead of feeling this way before I find out whether or not Aiden will hear me out or kick me out of the house once he learns what I have to say. And now I’ve added an extended visit with the aunt who is onlyjuststarting to warm up to me, realizing I will have to bottle all of this up until she’s gone.
I sink down into the chair with a sigh.
It’s not even ten in the morning, and I could already use a drink.
Chat with @alacarte
Well, if you want to hear something REALLY crazy... sometimes I get jealous of everyone else watching you.
Do you think that’s weirder than me getting excited every time it’s just you and me?
I may be biased, but I don’t think that’s weird at all.
Did you know you’re the only person I’ve ever shown my scar to? Does that make you feel any better?
It’s a start. Being the only one to ever see you naked would be another.
CHAPTER 19
Cassie
