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30
BRYNN
Brynn walked out of the department of motor vehicles holding the plastic card in her trembling hand. She’d done it. She’d passed the tests and gotten her driver’s license. She blinked at the name in disbelief. Brynn Ridley.
Aaron looked up from his phone, his mouth splitting into a huge smile. He ran up to her, arms wide. She couldn’t help the grin that tugged the corners of her mouth. She opened her arms as his body thudded against hers. He picked her up and spun her around, making the world spin almost as fast as her racing heart. She wrapped her legs around him, holding on as he twirled her a second time while squeezing her tighter.
“I knew you could do it, sunshine!” He pulled back enough to kiss her hard on the mouth. Her mind was dizzy from all the excitement and twirling.
He stared at her with so much affection and pride glowing from his brown eyes that it stole her breath.
“We have to celebrate.” He lowered her to her feet. Her knees wobbled from the sudden loss of his touch.
Aaron opened the passenger door, then stopped short. “Do you want to drive?”
Her stomach flipped. He’s so thoughtful. “I think I’m too excited.”
“Alright. I’ve got a surprise for you anyways. Hop in.” He motioned to the front seat.
She climbed in, buckling herself as he shut the door and jogged to the driver’s side. Fat snowflakes fell from the grey sky, dusting over the frosted grass.
He shifted the warm car into reverse and backed them out of their spot, heading into town instead of towards home.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
He turned to her and flashed a smile, showing off his white teeth before focusing back on the road ahead. “That’s the point of a surprise. You don’t know until you get there.” He reached out, clasping her hand in his as he drove past a row of houses and turned right onto a road she hadn’t traveled before.
The curiosity was almost too much for her frayed nerves. She’d thought she was going to throw up before her driving test. She hadn’t even been able to sleep much last night, she’d been so worried about failing. But she trusted Aaron. And if he had a surprise for her, she knew it was going to be good—better than she probably imagined.
Brynn gazed at him out of the corner of her eye, her mind replaying the things Aaron had said to her after their argument just like they had every day since. He’d pushed her to talk, which wasn’t comfortable. It was hard to voice her thoughts, feelings, and needs. It made her feel too exposed and vulnerable. But then he’d listened. Then, he’d admitted his feelings for her, and her belly had somersaulted. A million fluttery sensations spiraled through her at his confession. And even in her disbelief he’d stolen her breath. Because you’re my sunshine. Had sweeter words ever been spoken to her? She’d never been cherished by anyone except her sister, and even that was so long ago.
And then he’d claimed her. This means you’re mine. Mine to protect. Mine to cherish. Mine to love. Being told she was someone else’s should have made her afraid. But Aaron’s possessiveness felt different than Paul’s because it went both ways. And he’s mine. She’d been told to be quiet and obedient her whole life. Her mouth soured at the memory. Why did she crave Aaron to take control, then? The way his usually gentle voice had gone firm and unyielding in the car had her body igniting with lust. Because I trust him. She didn’t even know if she could have sex with a man, much less let him do the things that she read about in her novels. Aaron had made it clear she was the one in control of their next steps. For her to make a move seemed too forward. But now she had to make a choice. Am I ready to take the next step with Aaron? I want to, but what if I’m a disappointment? What if it’s not as good as I hoped?
There was only one way to find out.
Aaron pulled into a car dealership, and her brows rose. She turned to him as he parked in front.
“Ready to pick out your new wheels, Mrs. Ridley?” He unbuckled his belt.
“W-what? Today? I—I don’t think—”
“Come on, we’ll just look. No harm in that, is there?” The corner of his mouth lifted in a suspicious smile.
“I suppose not.” She climbed out of the car, Aaron closing her door as an older Black man exited the main entrance, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.
“Good afternoon. Aaron, long time no see.” He shook Aaron’s hand.
“It’s been too long. Toby, I’d like you to meet my wife, Brynn. Sunshine, this is Toby Brown of Brown’s Dealership.” Aaron wrapped his arm around Brynn’s shoulders.
She leaned into his side and accepted Toby’s hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you.”
“How’s your son?” Aaron asked.
“Keith is around back getting everything ready. He’ll be out here in a second. Can I offer you two coffee, or tea? Maybe some water?” Toby looked between Aaron and Brynn.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she answered.
“Me too.”
