Because of My Best Friend

11. A Small Surprise

The next day blurred by.  You know how when you’re at work, and the days last soooo damn long, then once the weekend hits, it ends just as fast?  That’s how this vacation is ending.  Kelsey and I have slept, shopped, went sight seeing, and ate delicious food.  We have hit the boredom stage of vacationing where there’s literally nothing left for us to do.  

Since our ‘non-dates’, both Kelsey and I have been getting texts from the men.  I swear, after that kiss, it was like Aiden unlocked his sexy self.  Not only can he be extremely sweet by calling me beautiful, he also knows how to shamelessly flirt, much like his friend.  Kels has caught me multiple times blushing and smiling like an i***t, and we compare guys like we used to do back in high school.  Needless to say, we’ve gotten into petty arguments because neither one of us wanted to admit the other guy was better.

* 

Today/tonight was our last one for the trip.  We would have to pack up and leave for home tomorrow, and I think both of us were feeling the misery of returning to every day life.  I actually woke up before noon, thanks to a couple of ding’s on my phone.

Aidan:  I want to see you before you go back home.

Aidan:  … a real date this time.

I smile so big it almost hurts my face.  He wants to see me, and I cannot lie that my heart is going a million miles an hour.  If anything like that kiss is going to happen again… oh hell... I seriously sighed out loud.   

I look across the room and see Kelsey watching an episode of Jerry Springer while grazing on a Twizzler candy, looking bored as hell.  Yea, we definitely need to get out of the hotel room.  A plan forms in my head.  There’s no way I would leave Kelsey hanging, especially when the best part of her vacation is Aidan’s best friend.

Justine:  Sounds perfect.  I’ll come to you this time.  Tell Tanner to meet you out for drinks.  We should surprise them with each other, and then we can run off and do our own thing- sound good?

He responds not even two minutes later.  Naughty.  He’s supposed to be working.

Aidan:  He will owe you big time- I can’t get him to shut up about her!  Let’s meet at 6pm here.  I’ll text you the address.  Can’t wait to see you:)

*

*

“Where are we going again?  I swear we’ve been on the road for almost an hour and a half!!!” the cranky b***h next to me complains.  Not only will Tanner owe me, but this one here will need to beg for my forgiveness.  However, I may have led her to believe we were going straight to dinner when we left the hotel.  After Aidan and I confirmed plans, I told Kels I wanted to treat her to a nice dinner to end our vacation.  She was super excited and took her time to get dolled up.  By the time we left, I knew she was hungry, hence her outburst.

“Trust me chicka… I found this amazing restaurant- had really good reviews.  You’re getting a free meal, so shut your trap and be happy I’m letting you DJ the damn radio!!”  She huffs but then turns the music up on a song she knows I hate.  I turn my head quickly to glare at her, seeing her smirk at me, then turn my focus back on the road.  Thank goodness she doesn’t pay attention to road signs.  It’s making this surprise even better. 

Twenty minutes later, we pull up to a basic bar.  Aidan said we could share a round of drinks, then go off on our separate ways, which will be perfect.  I think we all wanted some alone time with the person of our choosing. 

“Are you ‘effin’ kidding me Justine Spencer?  This is not a fancy restaurant.”

“You haven’t even been inside.  Stop bitchin’!”  I grab her arm while she huffs and we make our way inside.  It’s not that busy, considering it’s a Friday, so it doesn’t take me long to scope out our boys.  I can still hear Kelsey mumbling beside me- definitely heard the words b***h and cunt- as I stand there, admiring the view.  It looks like Aidan just got off work- still wearing his tie.  He rolled up his sleeves on his button up and those damn arm veins are showing again.  I can’t wait to touch those. 

Probably feeling my gaze on him like a creeper, he turns in our direction and a large smile forms on his face.  The feeling I get in my stomach skyrockets.  I love it when a man truly wants to be with you, to see you.  It’s making me feel pretty dang special right now.  Tanner sees that he’s distracted, then turns his head in our direction.  Instantly his eyes land on Kelsey, and the same smile Aidan has for me, he has for Kels.

“....and the prices on are the damn board Justine.  You promised me a nice dinner and—”

I yank on her arm. “Will you just turn and look!”

After glaring at me, she finally does and sees Tanner rushing towards her.  She squeals, trotting over to him, both meeting in the middle.  Without missing a beat, they are in a lip lock, and you can see from faces of the single people in the bar- they are completely jealous.  Best surprise ever.

“I’d say we did good.”  Aidan says as he slides an arm around my waist, and I return the gesture.  It feels so natural, being in each other’s arms… all while watching our friends make out.

I turn to see his happy gaze looking into my eyes.  “Hey you.”  Not one to be as showy as Kelsey, I lean up and kiss him softly on the lips.  As I pull away, he brings a hand up to my neck and pulls me back in for another one, making me breathless.   

“Thanks for coming up to see me.”  I slowly open my eyes, not realizing that I closed them, and see that he truly means it.  I could really fall for him with the way he’s looking at me.  I have to remind myself that this is the end of the vacation, which means the end to seeing Aidan.  As sad as that is, it’s the reality of the situation, but it doesn’t mean that I won’t enjoy myself.  No sir-y Bob.

“You guys are the best!!!!”  Tanner slams into us and Hulk squeezes, knocking the air right out of me. After a beat, Aidan manages to push him off of us.  I look at Kelsey and she’s just all smiles while hugging at his waist.

“So I’m a b***h, huh?”

“Omg, please don’t change my name again!!!”

“Let’s grab a drink guys,” Aidan laughs as he takes my hand and guides me to the table.  I roll my eyes at her and while turning around after Aidan, I hear Tanner tell her she’s amazing and incredibly beautiful.  It’s followed by silence, but I know that she’s blushing super hard.  Tanner is one of the good ones, and it’s great he can make her happy tonight.

We spent about an hour together, all catching up and nursing our drinks- no one could seem to keep their hands to themselves.  Although Aidan and I were more lowkey than Kels and Tanner, the hand on my thigh or my hand caressing the back of his neck were no less heated.  Every so often we would catch each other’s eyes, and there was no mistaking the lust behind them.  We both wanted each other.  And we both knew tonight would probably be the last chance we would get to be with each other.

When Kelsey and I went to the bathroom, we both concluded that more than likely, we were going to spend the night apart, and to leave our phones on ringer, just in case one of us needed the other.  The moment we got back to the table to tell the boys we were ready to part ways, both of them rushed to take out their cards to pay the bill.   Tanner seriously got frustrated with his wallet, and said ‘f**k it’, took Kelsey’s hand and yelled behind them that he would pay Aidan back.  Aidan didn’t look too mad, and given the circumstances, I’d say he was happy for his friend as well.

We decided to leave my car at the bar, and that they would bring us back in the morning.  The ride in Aidan’s car was comfortable.  I asked him about his day at work and he went into a whole tangent on clients trying to hustle him, not aware that he’s been in the business for almost ten years and knows his numbers.  The whole time I engaged by listening.  He held my hand in the middle of the console, giving my unoccupied hand easy access to stroke lightly on his arm.  By the time we got to his apartment, I almost pouted, not wanting to let go.

“Make yourself at home,” he said, unlocking his door in the process.  As soon as I stepped through the threshold, I tried my best not to drop my mouth.  Not only is his place clean, it’s like stepping through a magazine.  Dard hardwood floors and oriental rugs.  The walls were white, probably due to it being an apartment, but you couldn’t tell by the large print photographs of design.  He has a comfy looking throw blanket across a large ass chair that would be perfect for reading… or for two to snuggle on.  There’s a built-in bookcase with more books than movies in it, as well as photos.  I sort of want to cry on how grown up and pretty it all is.  The last guy I dated had milk crates for end tables…..

Soft rock started to play in the background, and his arms circle my waist from behind, propping his chin on my shoulder.  “Is that a Chesterfield sofa??” I ask in awe.  It was even mustard colored, which makes it more unique than basic brown.  Ugh, I’m falling for him dammit... well, at least his apartment.

He softly laughs.  “Yes.  It’s not the best for a napping couch, but I’ve always liked the look of them.  Classy huh?”

I turn around, making him stand tall, and slide my arms around his neck.  “I like your apartment.  It’s cozy.”

He kisses my cheek and hugs me to him without answering.  We stand there in each other’s embrace, but it’s not at all uncomfortable.  This is feeling way too intimate for a one night stand, and I think he realizes it too, because suddenly he clears his throat and we detangle ourselves.  “Right… food?”