A Valentine to Remember by Alexa Riley

Author:Alexa Riley [Riley, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

MINA

“Aspen.” When I roll over and reach my arm out, I find his side of the bed empty. My eyes fly open in a moment of panic because I’ve had so many dreams of being together only to wake up alone.

The last time it happened was a year ago after he shut down. That’s when I thought we’d never be together in the way that I always dreamed of since I was a little girl. Before that I welcomed all those dreams.

Sitting up, I pull the blanket around me and I feel a tenderness between my legs. That should be all I need to know that last night wasn’t a dream. Okay, so where the hell did he go?

About that time a door opens, revealing Aspen who is fully dressed. “Shit,” he mutters, making that panic I felt just moments ago rush back. Is he having doubts?

“Please don’t⁠—”

“I’m sorry, princess,” he hurries to say. “I thought I’d make it back before you woke up.” He walks over to where I’m standing and pulls me in his arms. “When did you start getting up so early?”

Before I can say anything, his fingers sink into my hair and then he’s kissing me. I guess he doesn’t want an answer to his question. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I manage to pull him down onto the bed with me. It’s obvious he let me do it but it still makes me smile.

“You’re sorry for not being in bed with me?” I ask before running my finger down his jaw. I’m in love with his morning scruff.

“I’m always sorry when I’m not in bed with you.” He says and then smiles against my lips.

“I thought maybe—” I glance away.

“Don’t do that.” He turns my face back towards him. “We’re not hiding from each other. Not anymore.”

“I’ve never hidden, Aspen. I think I’ve been pretty clear on where I stood.”

“I know.” He drops his forehead to mine. “You’ve been driving me insane my whole life.”

“Hey,” I huff.

“I promise it’s one of the many things I love about you, princess.”

“Love about me?” I repeat and he lifts his head.

“I think it’s clear I’ve loved you my whole damn life.”

“Well, it hasn’t been clear to me.” I push at his chest but he doesn’t budge. “It was obvious that I loved you and not how I love my family. I made a fool out of myself.”

“You’ve never been a damn fool, Mina. Not once. If anyone has been a fool it’s me. I thought you were being your normal sweet self until you tried to kiss me.”

“Tried.” I roll my eyes to make him think I’m annoyed about that instead of hurt.

“You were still a minor. I was in the police academy,” he growls.

I guess I never thought about that but he’s not wrong. Aspen has always looked out for everyone. It’s who he is. From the start he has been a good man and it doesn’t surprise me that it’s why he wouldn’t let it go any further.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.