Chapter 21

Twenty-One

Finn

I was disappointed that Aria didn’t come over for dinner, but I understood her reasoning. She wanted us to have time together as a family. She felt like she was imposing. She wasn’t, but I wasn’t sure how to reassure her without tipping off Ireland.

I wasn’t ready to tell Ireland about us.

“How was the art class?” Ireland asked Paisley when we arrived at my house.

“It was fun. We’re going to do it again.”

Ireland raised a brow at me.

“Apparently, it’s a biweekly series of classes. One week is animals and another is objects, like bicycles.”

“That sounds fun. Are you going with her, or is Aria?”

“It’s on Sundays, so I thought the three of us could go. Aria really enjoyed it. I get the impression she’s never had any art classes.”

“I don’t think she grew up the way we did.”

We’d grown up with every opportunity imaginable at our fingertips. Music lessons, art, tennis, sports camps. Whatever we wanted to do, there was a class, a trainer, or a tutor for it. There was nothing we couldn’t have. We even traveled on all school breaks to Europe and the Caribbean. We’d lived an idealistic life. I just wanted something more grounded for Paisley.

I didn’t want her to feel like she had a different standard of living at my house than at Naomi’s.

“It’s good you’re including her. She needs more friends in her life. I think she keeps herself closed off. It’s hard to get information out of her. I had no idea she was into art.”

“She told Paisley about it when I was sick. She thought I was asleep.” Paisley was in the family room watching a show.

“Ah. That’s so sneaky.”

“I was interested to know more about her. As you said, she’s a tough one to get to know.”

“Why do you want to know her?”

“She’s watching Paisley.”

“Is there something else going on?”

This was my opportunity to tell her the truth, but I couldn’t, not without talking to Aria about it first. What if she reacted badly and didn’t want to room with her anymore? I didn’t think Ireland would do that, but you never knew. I couldn’t ignore Aria’s concerns. We were a team in this.

“I just wondered because you seem different with her. You never hung out with a sitter before.”

“She’s more than the babysitter. I worked with her first, and she’s your roommate. She bonded with Paisley in a way no one else has before.”

“She loves kids. I think she took care of her sister growing up.”

“She did.” I wanted to meet her parents and sister. I wanted to know everything there was to know about Aria. She was different in every way.

“I met someone on the dating app. He seems nice. I’m going to meet him for coffee next week.”

“What do you know about him?” I hated when she dated guys she met online. I knew it was standard practice now, but it didn’t seem safe for women.

“He works for a law firm.”

“Is it his dad’s?”

“No. His dad’s a surgeon.”

I whistled. “You going back to our old circle?”

“I didn’t meet him through anyone. It was on an app. I promise. I have no idea if he’s into that scene or not. That’s what dating is for. To get to know the other person. Do you do that, or are you all one-night stands?”

“You know I can’t bring just anyone around Paisley.”

“You deserve to be happy.”

“I have to be careful.”

“I get that. But you’re a great dad. You wouldn’t do anything that could hurt her.” We stood side by side, cutting onions, mushrooms, and peppers for the grill.

“You know how I feel about relationships. I don’t want to end up like Mom and Dad.”

“Would you though?”

I’d thought about this a lot over the last few weeks with Aria. We weren’t dating, but she fit so seamlessly into our lives. The sex was amazing, and I knew things would only get better the more we allowed ourselves to let go.

I wanted to be the guy for Aria, but I needed to convince her first, then tell Ireland and Gia. I needed to blow up all the excuses as to why Aria couldn’t be with me. I needed to prove her wrong. I was a guy who could be serious about someone. I wasn’t my parents. “I don’t want to be them. You think it’s possible? Not some bad DNA?”

“Our grandparents are still married. Why would you think it’s genetic?”

“We were raised in a household like that. Their dysfunctional relationships are all we know. Can you honestly say you aren’t worried?”

She sighed. “No. I am too. But I’m still hopeful I’ll meet the right person, and I’ll change my mind. That he’ll be different, and I won’t have any doubts. It’s silly, isn’t it?”

I put my arm around her. “Hoping for a better outcome isn’t silly. It’s being human.”

“I want you to be happy.”

“Back at ya, sis.”

Ireland put her knife down and turned in my arms so that we were hugging. We’d always drawn strength from each other. If she was hopeful there was the right person out there for her, maybe it was the same for me.

The first weekend I didn’t have Paisley on a Sunday, I asked Aria if I could go with her to meet her parents. Ireland was on a hiking date with a guy she’d seen a few times on the dating app. When Aria hesitated, I said I wanted to meet them, to get to know the people who loved her.

I think Aria was worried I was going to judge her or her family, but I wasn’t. I had a good idea of what she was hiding, and she had no reason to feel ashamed. Her parents were good people who loved her unconditionally and took care of her the best they could.

When I picked her up, she was tense. “What are you worried about?”

“That this is the beginning of the end for us.”

“Why would you say that?” But Aria was looking out the window, not at me.

“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I get in my gut.”

“We’ve never labeled this thing between us because it was casual. But it’s never been that way for me. I’ve always known it was more.”

“It’s more for me too.”

“I don’t want you to worry about me meeting your parents. I already know they’re amazing people because they raised you.” I reached over and held her hand on her thigh.

Aria looked at me as if she’d never really seen me before.

“I’m all in with you, Aria. I want our night together. I’m collecting.”

A slow smile spread over her face. “Okay.”

“Yeah?” I glanced over at her, and she smiled at me. We were finally doing this. We weren’t ignoring what we meant to each other or pretending it wasn’t as serious as it was. It felt good, like a weight had been lifted from my chest.

The closer we got to her parents’, the higher her shoulders moved. She was still worried despite my assurances. When she told me to turn into a trailer park, her voice was tight.

“I don’t think less of you if that’s what you’re worried about. You don’t choose your circumstances when you’re born. Besides, you grew up with love and support. That’s priceless.”

“You’re saying the right things.”

“I’m saying them because they’re true. You’ll see,” I said as I parked in the small gravel driveway in front of a small building that I think used to be a shed. It was caved in and looked like it had been that way for a while.

The door to the trailer had a welcome sign on it, and there were well-kept bushes around the perimeter, as if her parents had tried to make it homey. Aria took a deep breath before turning the knob and heading inside.

The small table in the kitchen was set for five. The plates and glasses were mismatched, but it didn’t matter. We stood in the kitchen, holding hands.

“Mom. Dad. We’re here,” Aria said.

The TV in the living room clicked off and who looked to be her younger sister came into the room with a bright smile. She hugged Aria and then me. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Finn, this is my sister, Iris.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Aria waved a hand at the two people behind Iris. “And these are my parents.”

They were younger than I expected, maybe mid-fifties. Her father had a slight paunch, but his hair wasn’t gray yet. It was clear Aria looked like her mother, with her long, wavy chestnut hair and blue eyes. “You’re beautiful, Mrs. Hunter.”

“Thank you. You can call me Kim, and this is Kenny.”

I shook his hand firmly, wanting to make a good impression. “Nice to meet you.”

There was an awkward silence where we all stood and looked at each other after the introductions, and then Iris said, “I signed up for classes next semester.”

Aria squealed and gave her another hug. “Do you need anything? Books, help with tuition, an apartment?”

Iris smiled like she’d expected her offer. “I’ve got it covered.”

“Are you sure? I’ve been saving so we could get a place together.”

“You don’t have to do that. There’s a program that’s helping me with living expenses.”

“Really?”

“My advisor is helping me.”

“That’s great news. But I’m happy to help.”

“I know that,” Iris said with a smile.

Kim bustled around the room, pulling baked potatoes out of the oven. “We’re so proud of her. Our first child to go to college.”

Aria’s smile faltered for the first time. Kim and Kenny had every right to be proud of Iris, but didn’t they know Aria’s dream was to go to school, to have a better life? Instead, she’d made sacrifices for the day that Iris got to go.

“Can you put the chicken on the grill?” Kim asked Kenny.

When he opened the slider, I followed him out, letting the girls have a few moments to themselves. There was a small square concrete patio off the door and a table and a few chairs. A clothesline hung empty.

“So, you’re dating my daughter?” Kenny asked as he placed each slice of chicken on the grill and slathered barbecue sauce on it.

“I have to be honest, sir.” When he looked over his shoulder at me, I continued. “Your daughter, Aria, she’s a tough one. She won’t let me put a label on it.”

Kenny let out a barking laugh. “Good for her.”

“She hasn’t made it easy on me, but that’s what makes her special. I’ve known she was different from the start.” The love bloomed in my chest and spread outward. I wanted to share it with someone.

Kenny shook his head. “She used to complain about you, ya know. Said you didn’t like her views on weddings and love.”

I looked away from his concerned gaze. “My parents were divorced multiple times. It took its toll on me growing up. And I thought I was doomed to have the same pattern in my life.”

“We make our own realities.”

“I’m starting to see that now, and I’m willing to be patient with Aria and show her how much I love her.” I shouldn’t have said it to her father before her, but he needed to know.

“I can respect that.”

“Aria’s dream is to go to college. I’m worried about her now that Iris is going.”

“I know my daughter’s heart. I told her to go. We’d support her, but she didn’t want to take any loans. She didn’t want any help.”

“Did she apply for scholarships?”

Kenny’s expression was regretful. “I’m not sure. I’m ashamed to say we were overwhelmed by the process of applying to colleges. We weren’t that involved in it. The school counselor was supposed to be helping her, but I have a feeling Aria turned it down.”

“She’s independent. Likes to make it on her own.”

“But it’s a skill to know when to ask for help.”

“I agree,” I said as I rocked back on my feet. I was impressed with her family so far. It didn’t matter what their house looked like or where it was located, I could feel the love radiating from them. Aria was lucky.

“Anyone who’s going to be with her needs to give her a little push. And from what I’m hearing, I think you’re the guy for her.”

“Thank you, sir. That feels good to hear. I don’t think I’m who she was looking for, or who she would have picked. I grew up a little differently, but it wasn’t better. I didn’t have the love that she did. She’s a lucky girl.”

“Money’s helpful. It supports us when we need it, but we need good, loving people around us too. And sure, relationships are a risk, but we’ve been together for thirty-five years. I met Aria’s mother in high school, and there’s never been any other woman for me.”

“I love that.”

Kenny grinned at me before checking the chicken again.

Aria’s home was filled with love. It radiated from the people and every corner. I helped Kenny carry the chicken inside when it was finished, and we sat at the small round table. Kim added store-bought macaroni salad and set out the potatoes with a few fixings. It was simple and perfect.

After dinner, we helped clean up and then headed out. As much as I enjoyed our time with Aria’s family, I had plans for tonight.

On the ride home, Aria was quiet.

“I thought it went well. You have a beautiful family.”

Aria sighed. “Iris thinks I should go to school too. She said there’s more help and opportunities now. That I should see what’s offered.”

“Is that what you want?” I asked, glancing over at her pensive face.

“I don’t know. I love my job. I thought I’d be a wedding planner one day. Maybe even go out on my own eventually, but it might not be a bad idea to take a few business classes.”

I had a feeling taking the classes would boost her confidence. College wouldn’t be this unattainable thing anymore. “That’s a good idea.”

“You think so?”

“What can it hurt to try one class? Iris said there are more options now.”

“I’ll look into it.”

“I’m proud of you. You’ve always gone after what you want.”

“Not really,” she said as we pulled up to my house. It was dark now, as we’d been gone since late afternoon.

“What do you mean?” I asked when she stepped out of the SUV and onto the sidewalk.

I led the way up the steps, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. When I closed it behind me, she said, “I haven’t gone after everything I want. In fact, I’ve been actively resisting it.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked as every muscle in my body tensed.

“I want you, and I’m sick of denying myself.”

“Tell me what you want.”

“I want that night in bed you promised. I want uninterrupted time with you.”

“I want that too,” I said as I moved closer, playing with the strands of her hair while I tipped her chin up with my free hand. “I love you, Aria.”

She sucked in a breath.

“That’s my truth. You don’t need to say it back or say anything at all.” Before she could respond, my mouth was on hers. Softly at first, then more insistent. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I lifted her. Her legs came around my waist as I climbed the stairs, with her still kissing me, to my room at the end of the hallway.

I couldn’t get close enough to her. I wanted her to surround me like this forever. I carefully lowered her to the bed and followed her down, kissing her chin, her neck, and her shoulder as I pushed her shirt up with my other hand.

She arched into my touch as I found the lace cups of her bra. “I want to see you.”

She let out a breath. “Finally.”

I reared up to pull off my shirt, and my fingers went to my zipper as she watched me, taking me in. I wanted to take my time, to savor her. But I wasn’t sure that was a possibility.

I shucked off my jeans, leaving me in briefs.

I was too overcome with emotion and pent-up sexual tension to go slow. I’d been waiting to have her in my bed for so long. I hoped the fantasy lived up to the vision in my head.

She spread her legs, and I settled between them, kissing the skin of her stomach. I pushed her shirt up so that the lace of her bra was exposed and pulled the cups down. Her breasts were gorgeous. A perfect handful with hard nipples.

I told her that as I sucked one into my mouth. Her whimpers filled my ears as I took my time. She moved restlessly beneath me.

“I want to feel you.” I helped her sit up and pull her shirt off, and then she unhooked the bra and flung it off to the side.

I dropped kisses down her torso to her stomach and then helped her wiggle out of her jeans and lace thong until she was bare. I stood at the end of the bed, pushing down the last barrier—my briefs—before I knelt on the bed.

I gripped her hips and pulled her legs wider. I settled between her legs, finally feasting on her. In all the times we’d had sex, I’d never gone down on her, and it was my greatest regret.

She deserved someone worshipping her. I kissed and licked her as I used my finger to slowly pump inside her. I whispered how gorgeous she looked and how much I couldn’t wait to sink inside her. My words seemed to heighten her desire.

Her fingers tightened in my hair, and she writhed beneath me. I wanted to watch her let go, but I also wanted to be inside her when she did. I sat up and positioned myself between her thighs. With my cock notched at her entrance, I braced my forearms on either side of Aria’s head so that my body was pressed against hers.

With her nipples rubbing against my chest, it felt amazing. It was exactly what I’d been waiting for. Her legs came around my hips, and I slid slowly inside.

We both groaned when I was seated deep. Being bare inside her was indescribable. Her warm heat surrounding me, her moans in my ears. There was nothing better. She trusted me. She’d finally let me in.

Pure joy radiated through me as I began to move, slowly at first and then quicker. I kissed her as I moved. It was a slow dance of friction and feelings, one I never wanted to end.

When she cried out, arching into me, her pussy spasmed around me. It took everything in me to hold off the impending orgasm. I wanted to follow her over, but I wanted to prolong it.

I lifted up slightly, angling her thighs over mine as I set a harder pace. Aria was in my bed, naked, and there was no barrier between us. No walls, no trepidation. We were both in this together.

I loved her, and I hoped to God she felt the same way. Aria was the one for me. It was something I knew deep down inside. When I was with her like this, I felt like we belonged together. That there was nowhere else we were supposed to be.

When the tension built at the base of my spine, Aria’s nails dug into my back, and I thrust once, deeper. I dropped my forehead to hers as my orgasm ripped through me. I never wanted to pull out. I always wanted this connection with her.

I wanted her to admit what she felt for me and that maybe, she would be willing to take a chance on me.

I shifted to the side and draped an arm over her. “I’ll get up in a minute and clean up.”

“I thought you were going to go all night.”

I chuckled, feeling more tired than I’d anticipated. There was something about admitting my love to her and then baring my body to her. It had taken all my energy and bandwidth to connect with her in this way. “I’m not done with you. Not by a long shot.”

I kissed her and heaved myself off the bed in search of a washcloth. After I cleaned up, I returned with a warm washcloth.

I’d hoped we could talk more about what I’d said to her, but she was already asleep. I cleaned her and tossed the wet cloth onto the floor. I gathered her to me, hoping she felt the same and that her silence wasn’t an indication I’d misjudged our relationship.