Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(52)

The same night over dinner, I suggested counseling and they were slightly hesitant to respond but eventually recognized the benefit. We decided to see a counselor outside of the school system. I told them that I would start making the necessary contacts to secure an appointment as soon as possible. They appeared to be adjusting well and they really liked Boston Latin and were quickly making new friends. Mrs. Warner and some of their friends from Dayton constantly called to check in on them. I knew they missed Dayton and their home so I made plans for them to visit soon.

I was also looking forward to my upcoming alone time with Aiden. He’d been gone for the last week and I missed him terribly. Due to the vast difference in time zones, texts and emails had become our primary means of communication.





CHAPTER SIXTEEN

My life was now unabridged chaos; there had been so many unwanted alterations to my life and my head was spinning. Everything was different; my career, my family, my household, my sex life. I was a strict creature of habit. If it wasn’t written down or planned, then it simply wasn’t happening! I had found comfort in that. I no longer had that comfort and I hadn’t processed how I was managing without it. I’d been carefully placing one foot in front of the other hoping I didn’t fall, afraid I would disintegrate if I took the time to come to terms with it all. There was a time, in the very recent past, when I would have eagerly rushed to the familiar comfort and isolation the condo provided, but not today. I longed for a distraction from those norms but not just any distraction, a distraction that could only be provided by one extremely hot and sexual man. It wasn’t just the physical distraction that I craved. I honestly needed some time away from the surroundings that no longer felt as familiar and comforting as they once did. I needed time away from what my life had become ... away from the vulnerability of my current reality.

I was meeting Aiden at the penthouse within the hour. I needed to see him. I needed to be with him ... to be in his arms, to simply be in his presence. My sisters had left for Dayton earlier this morning and I had spent the afternoon at the spa. I was in dire need of some deep relaxation. I partook of a massage, facial and a full body wax.

I was entering the condo when my phone pinged. It was Kellan. I was absolutely giddy that he and I were maintaining a friendship despite my growing relationship with Aiden. I hadn’t broached the topic of defining my relationship with Kellan because I felt as if I had once again tossed him aside for Aiden. He hadn’t mentioned it and neither had I. I knew that I should feel guilty but I didn’t. I couldn’t control my feelings … nor would I bother with the pretense of controlling them as I had done in the past. I was doing the one thing Aiden had asked me to do on several occasions – I was going with it. And as for Kellan, I wanted him in my life. I couldn’t explain why but I didn’t want to say goodbye to him nor did I feel I should.

I excitedly read his text to see that he had great news about his recent hedge fund development. He was on track to becoming a portfolio manager. I replied to his text and dashed to my bedroom to pack a bag.

I was at the penthouse within the next hour. Aiden opened the door and I pounced on him, jumping into his arms. He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist and pressed my lips against his. He opened his mouth and I slid my tongue inside. Our tongues danced as our breathing became heavy and labored. My hands were in his hair, my fingers twisting … I wanted him closer. Fuck, I wanted him naked. I reached for his shirt and started to unbutton it but he pulled my hands away.

“What?” I asked, panting as I looked down at him.

“As far as homecomings go, I couldn’t have asked for anything better but I think we should close the door first,” he said, smiling. “Dianna dropped by to pick up some things before she heads back to Chicago so …”

“Oh,” I said, embarrassed.

He placed me back on my feet and reached in his pants to readjust himself.

“Let me do that,” I offered.

“Damn, you really want to be f*cked don’t you?” he asked.

“More than you can imagine. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, Princess.”

“I think this is everything,” Dianna said, walking into the room with a box.

“Let me get that for you Dianna,” Aiden offered, grabbing the box from her.

“Hello Miss Cason,” she said, smiling. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Hi Dianna, it’s nice to see you too.”

“I’d better get going. I’m flying back to Chicago today. My sister is doing much better.”

“That’s wonderful news, Dianna,” I said.

“It certainly is. Well, hopefully I’ll see you at Mr. Aiden’s birthday party in a few months. Take care, Miss Cason.”

“You too, Dianna.” I watched as Aiden helped her out with the box.

“I’ll be right back Aria. Make yourself at home,” he said, following Dianna out the door.

Birthday party? Aiden’s birthday was six months away. I walked in and took a seat beside the fireplace and waited for him to come back.

“You’re having a birthday party?” I asked, when he entered the room. I was a little hurt that he hadn’t mentioned it to me.

“Apparently,” he replied walking closer, pulling me into an embrace that I slightly resisted.