Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(38)

“I don’t know … she can be quite obstinate,” he said.

“Do you think she’s worth it? She’s probably a real bitch,” I said.

“Now that you mention it –” he started.

Dianna walked into the kitchen, her entrance halting our whacky conversation. “How are you feeling this morning Miss Cason?” she asked.

“As well as can be expected I suppose,” I replied. I could feel Aiden’s eyes on me. Was I that much of a mess? I looked up to see the worried look in his eyes. He smiled, attempting to cover his concern but I could see it. I didn’t want him looking at me like that. I looked down before the tears spilled over.

We finished breakfast and I took the medication, Aiden watching as I swallowed it.

“How about a game of chess?” he asked.

“What? What makes you think I play chess?”

“You were staring at the chess board on the jet last night. This morning I asked Lia if you could play and she said you were actually very good.”

I had only played chess with my father.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked.

“No, I used to play with my dad,” I said.

“We don’t have to play.”

“No, it’s fine. I want to,” I said. It may be therapeutic.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes, Aiden I’m sure,” I snapped. “You don’t need to keep fussing over me and watching everything I do or say as if I’m going to lose it!”

I felt like shit as soon as the words escaped my lips. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m feeling. Everything is all jumbled up.”

He didn’t say anything. He simply looked at me. “I’m being a bitch … just like that girl you like, huh?”

“I plead the fifth,” he said, smiling.

“Are you ready for me to kick your ass at chess?” I asked.

“You can try,” he said, leading me to the study.

We played two games of chess; he was a formidable player, but I didn’t expect anything less. I won the first game and he won the second. We were about to start the third when a knock sounded from the door, followed by the entry of the four other house guests. I laughed as I took them in; they were each dressed like Aiden and me. I looked at Aiden. “What happened to your messy up-do?”

“Look at this,” he said, pointing at his hair. It was slightly disheveled but it looked hot, so that didn’t really count.

“We still don’t know why Aiden insisted we all dress alike,” Allison said.

“He thinks he’s funny. It’s more of an inside joke,” I said.

He was grinning mischievously as he watched me attempt an explanation. His phone rang and he sighed as he walked to his desk.

“Hi Allison,” I said, hugging her. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course, Aria and I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. So what did you guys do this afternoon?” I asked.

“It’s Nicholas. I need to take care of this. Something’s gone wrong with the Japan deal.” Aiden said.

We took that as our cue to leave. I followed Lia, Bianca, April and Allison. They were headed to the theater room to watch a movie. It was a comedy that I’d seen before but it was a pretty good movie so I grabbed some popcorn and joined them. Two movies later, Dianna announced that dinner was ready. Aiden was still behind closed doors. We sat down for dinner and started our salads. I was hoping Aiden would have been able to join us. I started to feel guilty again. He was making too many adjustments for me. I would check with the designer today to see how much longer we’d have to wait before going to the condo.

They filled me in on their day and it seemed Lia and Bianca had really connected with both Allison and April. Aiden walked in as we started the main course. He looked stressed. He rarely looked stress even when he should, so I wondered if our presence was complicating things for him. I wasn’t ready to leave.

I didn’t know what to expect when I went home. I knew we would all be uncomfortable for a while. I watched them chatter with Allison. I hadn’t had a chance to speak with them alone yet. I’d make sure I took some time to check on them tomorrow. I was also still in the dark in regards to what was bothering April.

Aiden took the seat across from Allison. He was quiet for the most part. I would imagine he was thinking of a way to juggle his schedule to allow him more time here with me. Allison later asked him to join us for a movie. His initial response was no. After some prodding, he finally agreed. I didn’t say anything but I wanted him with us too. His presence was quickly becoming necessary. He gave me a sense of calm, or maybe it was the medication. Either way, I was feeling less crazed … a little loopy but definitely less emotional.



*****



I’d drifted off before the movie ended. “Let’s get you bathed and in bed,” Aiden whispered. I looked around to see the others engrossed in the movie. He and I slipped out without their noticing.

We walked silently to the bedroom. He went directly to the bathroom and started a bath for me. I stood in the doorway as I watched him. He was spoiling me. He started a soft relaxing playlist and walked over to me and started undressing me. I lifted my hands and he removed my top and as he looked into my eyes, he reached behind and unclasped my bra. His hands were then at my waist lowering my sweatpants and panties. I stepped out of them and walked over to the tub and stepped in. I sat down and lay back, forgetting … losing myself in the soft melodies of the room.