Instead, he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, determined to show her exactly how incredible and special she was.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“HEADS UP, GORGEOUS,” Aiden said as they made the bed Saturday morning.
He tossed her a pillow, and as she placed it by the headboard, he walked around the bed and took her in his arms, gazing at her with the smile she knew by heart. He thought she wore her heart on her sleeve, but little did he know that he was just as transparent. She liked cataloging his expressions, like the certain look in his eyes when he needed to kiss her versus when he simply wanted to and another that showed a hint of worry when he had something heavy to talk about. Then there was the dreamy expression she didn’t really know how to pinpoint except that when that look came over him, he was utterly relaxed and happy and kisses were not far behind. She’d seen that look a lot more often lately.
“I have to ask you an important question and I want you to think carefully before you answer.”
His expression was so serious, it made her nerves prickle. “Okay.”
“You and I are getting pretty close, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Mm-hm.”
“And we’re fairly compatible.”
“I’d say very, but okay.”
“I didn’t want to seem too presumptuous, since you don’t love having expectations.”
“I’m finding them much less scary lately.”
“Good to know,” he said, deadly serious. “So, we agree, we’re very compatible.”
“Ask the question already. You’re making me nervous.”
“It’s a tough one. Do you like your pancakes with chocolate chips or blueberries? Or do you prefer them plain?”
She swatted his chest. “You’re a brat! What does that have to do with how close we’re getting and how compatible we are?”
“Nothing. I wanted to see where you stood now that I’ve met your friends.”
“Seriously? I guess getting down on my knees in the hallway wasn’t a clear enough indicator of how I feel about you.”
His eyes darkened. “Baby, the minute we kissed, all thoughts went out the window.” He pressed his lips to hers, taking her in a slow, sweet, excruciatingly delicious kiss. “See? Just like that. Brain-dead.” He hooked an arm around her shoulder, heading out of the bedroom, and said, “So, am I too old to be called your boyfriend? Because I like that a lot better than handyman.”
“I like it better, too. I didn’t want to be too presumptuous when I introduced you.”
“Be presumptuous. I told you I’m a possessive guy with you, and I meant it. So, pancakes?”
Overflowing with happiness, she said, “Are you really making breakfast, or was that all a ploy to see where I stood?”
“I’m really making breakfast.” He stopped in the hallway and gazed deeply into her eyes, as if he were seeing her for the first time. He touched her face, shook his head, and said, “You are truly beautiful, Abs. Inside and out. Pretty soon you’re going to be spending a lot of time cooking for other people. I want to do this for you.”
The things he said, and the way he was looking at her, were everything. “Thank you.”
They picked up the clothes they’d left strewn on the stairs on their way down, and a thrill darted through her with the memories of their lovemaking and how bold she’d been.
“You know, you could have just asked me where I stood.”
“What fun would that have been?” He dangled her panties from his fingers and said, “Good thing Cait didn’t see these.”
Cait! How had she forgotten that Cait was joining them for breakfast? They’d taken their sweet time getting out of bed and then fooled around in the shower, taking even longer. She’d been beyond excited last night when they’d decided to surprise Cait with their skating adventure after meeting with the girls at the Bistro this morning. It felt very sisterly, and she was glad Aiden was going to be a part of it. But then he’d kissed her, which had led to all sorts of sensually scrumptious things, and she’d completely forgotten about seeing Cait this morning.
She finally understood why people said they were screwed senseless.
The smell of coffee hit her nose as she picked up her bra from the bottom step. She peeked into the kitchen, finding Cait sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of her and a cheesy grin on her face.
Cait waved. “Looks like someone had fun last night.”
Aiden chuckled and plucked Abby’s bra from her hands, bundling it with the rest of their clothes as Abby buried her face in his chest and groaned.
“Based on the clothing trail you left, I’d think you would be celebrating, not groaning,” Cait said.
Aiden kissed the top of Abby’s head and said, “I take full responsibility.”
Abby pried herself from his chest and said, “Why do I feel like I got caught making out under the bleachers?”
“I’ve never done that,” Aiden said with a devilish grin. “Shall we go find some? Add it to our list?”
They all laughed.
Aiden carried their clothes into the laundry room, and Cait said, “Relax, Abby. I’m your sister, not your judge. Besides, you two are good together. I’m glad it’s not all work and no play.” She lifted her mug as Aiden walked back into the kitchen and said, “I made coffee. It’s not nearly as good as Aiden gets from Keira, but it won’t kill you.”
Aiden and Abby exchanged glances. Aiden had turned her into a coffee snob, too. No other coffee tasted good to her anymore. And now that she knew about his mornings with his father, she had a feeling nothing ever would.
“Aiden’s making pancakes this morning. Why don’t you and I go to Keira’s and pick up some coffee and a newspaper?”
Aiden winked.
“Thank God.” Cait dumped her coffee in the sink, looking cute in skinny jeans and a white T-shirt, and said, “I suck at making coffee.”
Aiden kissed Abby and said, “You can take my rental.” He dug his keys from the pocket of his jeans. “You never answered me about the pancakes, Abs. Chocolate chips, blueberries, or plain?”
“I’m a glutton. I want chocolate chips and blueberries,” Abby said.
“A woman after my own heart. Cait?” Aiden asked.
“I’m good with both, thanks.”
As they headed outside, Cait said, “Tank says I should never be allowed to make coffee.”
“I’ll show you how to make it, but between you and me, I can’t get enough of that special coffee Keira makes for Aiden.”
“Based on that twinkle in your eyes, I’d say you can’t get enough of him, either.”
“I think we’ve proven that women should rule the world,” Leni said later that morning at the Bistro. Her auburn hair framed her face, and her green shirt set off her flawless, fair skin. “In a matter of hours, we’ve come up with a grassroots campaign and a big-picture marketing plan that fits your budget and should bring you excellent exposure.”
“Your brain never fails to amaze me,” Daphne said. She had come up with so many great marketing ideas, it was no wonder the winery already had a waiting list for events.