Hazel

Chapter 37

Hazel POV

As the days slipped away, I realized I only had two months left at the law firm. I couldn't help but wonder about what lay ahead once my contract concluded.

Aiden and I continued to share wonderful moments, often joined by Alice. She had become a regular companion to my hospital visits, a delightful addition to my weekends.

One evening, we found ourselves at a business dinner. The client, a fervent drinker, insisted on pouring rounds, pressuring us to join in. I sipped lightly, never one to indulge much in alcohol.

After a long week, Aiden and I headed home on a Friday night.

"Ready to head home?" Aiden inquired.

"Absolutely," I replied, slipping into his car.

"Chloe's away this weekend, right?" Aiden asked.

"Yeah, she's on a photoshoot in LA," I confirmed.

"Then you're staying with me this weekend," Aiden declared.

"If you insist," I smiled.

He smirked back, saying, "Oh, believe me, I do."

Upon reaching our apartment complex, I stepped out of Aiden's car. "I should get some things from my apartment."

"Just do it later or tomorrow," he suggested.

"Okay," I agreed. Lately, Aiden had become unusually clingy, desiring my presence all the time. It was endearing, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play.

Inside his apartment, I turned and initiated a kiss. When we pulled away, Aiden raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Looks like someone's finally taking the first step. Are you, by any chance, drunk?" he asked with a smirk.

Blushing, I admitted, "No, but I've wanted to kiss you all day."

"Why didn't you? You're my girlfriend; you can kiss me whenever you like," he responded.

"Not in the office," I retorted.

"Sure, you can just come into my office, close the door, and..." he started, making me blush even more.

"How about we take a shower?" I suggested.

"Together?" he teased.

"No, I mean, I'll go first, and then you can," I stammered, my cheeks turning a deeper shade.

Aiden laughed, "Okay. Just grab some clothes from my closet." I nodded and headed to the bedroom.

Though Aiden and I hadn't yet taken that step, I desired it. Shyness still lingered, but Aiden respected my boundaries, never pushing me.

After I showered, I changed into comfortable clothes.

I waited for Aiden on his bed as he showered. Once he finished, he emerged from the bathroom,clad in joggers, catching my gaze. "Like what you see?" he teased.

"I definitely do," I replied, realizing I'd spoken my thoughts aloud.

"Why don't you come over here?" Aiden suggested.

Approaching him, I kissed him. He responded passionately, lifting me and carrying me to his bed.

As he hovered over me, our lips locked, but he hesitated and pulled away. "We should stop before we take this any further," he said, gazing down at me.

Looking back up at him, I whispered, "What if I don't want you to stop?"

"Hazel, are you sure? You know what, no. You might have had too much to drink tonight," he said.

"I'm not drunk, Aiden. I promise, and I want this," I nervously admitted, biting my lip.

Aiden grumbled but looked at me and began kissing me again.

He paused and said, "I love you, Hazel."

"I love you too," I replied.

The night unfolded in total bliss, leaving us both in the warmth of our shared love.