Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(40)

I laughed. Was his ego so easily bruised? “It’s not like that. There’re some Aidenisms that take my breath away.”

“Such as?”

“You’re a brilliant businessman. You have a wonderful sense of humor. You’re a great brother. You’re unbelievably gorgeous. You’re strong and you have this graceful but dominant demeanor … it’s sexy as hell. And you have the most beautiful green eyes. I could go on but I think you get the idea.”

“Humph,” he said, considering what I’d revealed.

“Why do I get the impression that you already know all of this?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he replied.

“What are you not saying?” I asked.

“Do you know that you talk in your sleep?” he asked.

“What?”

“You talk in your sleep. Not all the time but you have a couple of times,” he replied.

“Really?” I knew I did as a kid, a lot, and I did a time or two in college according to my roommate. I’d never slept with anyone else besides April and she never said anything so I hadn’t considered the possibility.

“Don’t be too self- conscious. It’s mostly undecipherable gibberish,” he said.

“What have I said?” I asked, hoping I hadn’t said some of the shit I’d thought about him.

“You mentioned my eyes once … that’s all. And before you ask, no … I don’t watch you sleep. There have been a few occasions where I have awakened before you and I heard you. Granted, I didn’t know it was an Aidenism at the time,” he replied smiling.

“So you’ve never watched me sleep? I’ve watched you.”

“You watch me all the time anyway, so I’m not surprised.”

“You jerk,” I replied, tossing a pillow at him. But one would have to be crazy not to stare at him. He was beautiful. I was beginning to see more and more that his outward beauty mirrored what was on the inside.

“Eat and I’ll see you shortly. You’re going to make me late.”

“Seriously Aiden, I don’t –”

“Relax Aria, I know your vision and I share your vision. I will not do anything that’s not in line with that. You have my word.”

“Okay but if you make even the slightest of modifications –”

“I won’t. There will be no unapproved Aidenisms added to your project. Now eat.”



*****



I finished breakfast, dressed and went in search for my sisters. I found them in one of the guestrooms on their laptops researching colleges. I was amazed at how well they were doing, seemingly moving forward in the midst of their grief. They were so independent, just as I was at their age. I suppose we had to be, due to Mom’s depression. I promptly chastised myself for thinking ill of my mother. But for so many years, my disdain was instinctual; an inclination that now seemed iniquitous.

They missed their friends and they missed their home and, of course, they desperately missed Mom. We discussed the possibility of counseling. We ultimately leaned toward no but decided to leave that door open. They were very comfortable at the penthouse and totally adored Allison and April. As for Aiden, well I could see that Lia was crazy about him but Bianca wasn’t as accepting. She appreciated his support but she wasn’t sold on him. All things considered, they were in a good place ... much better than I had anticipated.

“There you are,” April said, as I was walking out of the guestroom.

“I was actually about to come find you. I feel as though we haven’t had a chance to talk. Are you okay?” I asked.

“I should be asking you that. Not the other way around,” she replied.

“I’m actually coping pretty well. Thanks in large part to Aiden.”

“Yeah, he’s great. He’s so good for you Aria,” she sighed. Her words didn’t match her expression.

“Now are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

She was having issues with Blaine. Although they had agreed to be friends, they both were having a difficult time with that transition. She went on to explain that he’d started to pull away and they’d argued about it. That’s when he’d told her about his girlfriend. I felt bad for my friend. She’d finally found a guy that made her want to stick around but he had baggage she hadn’t accounted for.

I told her what Kellan had said about Blaine being crazy about her and something didn’t quite add up. I assured her I would check with Kellan to see if he could tell me anything. He’d been checking in with me every day since Mom’s death. I missed our funny texts and nightly chats.



*****



We were all somewhat restless and ventured to the theater room to play pool. Although, I was enjoying this time with everyone, I was starting to miss Aiden. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, he walked into the room.

“Be careful, Allison cheats,” he said.

“I do not cheat Aiden,” she said.

“Oh yeah? Have any of you won?” he asked, surveying the room.

“Now that you mention it, no,” said Lia.

I listened as Aiden and Allison exchanged jabs about her history of cheating when they played billiards at the family home. She ultimately challenged him to a game to which he accepted. I watched him loosen his tie and remove his jacket. I could literally stare at him all day. They didn’t get a chance to finish the game. Allison’s friend called and invited her to dinner to which she invited us all. Aiden and I declined. The others left the room to shower and change.