Chapter 98 Not the First Night Together
The next day.
In the lavish suite, a stream of sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, illuminating the large bed where two figures were embraced in slumber.
Nora's eyelashes fluttered, signaling her impending wakefulness.
One hand of her was draped over Aaron's waist, and in her groggy state, she sensed something was off.
"Big Bear, how come your fur feels different?"
Aaron was already awake.
He felt her hand wandering over him, stirring a restless excitement within.
"That's because he doesn't have any fur."
His voice was raspy with the remnants of sleep, languid and low.
As Nora's hand reached his throat, she felt the movement of his Adam's apple. She paused and her eyes snapped open.
The handsome face of the man was just inches away. Nora gasped. The word 'Ah' trapped in her throat as she suddenly sat up.
"Thomas, what—?"
How on earth had she ended up sleeping next to Aaron?
She remembered being drunk—surely she hadn't done something foolish like throwing herself at Aaron?
Aaron's eyes softened as he watched her confused and anxious movements, a smirk curling his lips.
"Nora, it's not like we haven't shared a bed before. Relax," he said with a hearty laugh. Nora swallowed hard, casting a glance down at herself.
She was still donning yesterday's clothes, and she didn't feel... off. Surely, with his limitations, he wouldn't have done anything, she thought.
With a small sense of assurance, she threw back the covers and got out of bed.
"Hope I didn't do anything bad last night; I had a bit too much to drink," she mused aloud. There was a good chance she'd just fallen asleep immediately.
Aaron slowly sat up, his loose robe parting slightly to reveal a chiseled collarbone.
He fixed his gaze on Nora with a sly grin. "What do you mean 'you didn't do anything bad'?"
Her heart skipped a beat. "What did I do?"
In a grave voice, Aaron said, "You told me you liked me — then you tackled me and kissed me forcefully."
Nora went silent.
No way! Had she really done that?
Her mind was a jumble as she tried to piece the memories from last evening back together, faintly recalling admitting she liked him when he asked.
Swallowing again, her gaze settled on Aaron's slightly swollen lips. Was it just her mind playing tricks, or were they swollen from her kisses?
"Thomas, you know people don't have control over what they do or say when they're drunk. Don't take it to heart."
The corners of Aaron's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Nora, they say a drunk mind speaks a sober heart. So, do you truly have a crush on me? I've told you before that it's okay to like me. You don’t have to hide it."
Nora remained silent.
"Thomas, I'm quite generous with my feelings, but my 'like' isn't what you think it is."
His eyebrows arched. "Nora, stop denying it. If it wasn't the kind of 'like' that's between a man and a woman, why were you all over me, hugging, holding, and kissing me?"
It was an exaggeration, of course – the kissing had been initiated by him.
But she had indeed touched him.
"I did not. I just mistook you for my big teddy bear!" Nora's face flushed a deep red, a mix of embarrassment and irritation on her face.
Aaron looked intently at her. "Nora, do you really dare to act but not own up to it?"
She remained silent.
How did she become labeled as a heartbreaker?
Was he expecting her to take responsibility now?
"Thomas, let me make this clear one more time. My actions last night were because I drank too much. They don't count. If you keep harping on it, believe me, I'll leave right now."
She was cornered, and the claws were coming out.
Aaron watched Nora march into the bathroom, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Inside the bathroom, Nora inspected her flushed cheeks in the mirror and gave her face a vexed pat.
Why did she even drink? She was never drinking again!
Taking a deep breath, she sniffed at herself and recoiled.
She still carried the scent of last night's drinks.
She hadn't even bothered with the nightly ritual of brushing and washing up before bed, yet he didn't seem to mind sleeping beside her in that state.
No, that couldn't be right. Did she really think she needed to clean up and share a bed just to make a good impression on him?
Nora promptly shook her head, casting away the absurd thoughts creeping into her mind.
After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she grabbed some fresh clothes and took a quick hot shower.
Stepping out from the bathroom, she noticed Aaron on a video call with the triplets.
"Mr. Gordon, where's my mom?" Samantha's voice filled the room.
Looking into the camera, Aaron replied, "She's in the shower."
Blinking her big eyes, Samantha asked, "Mr. Gordon, did you and my mom sleep in the same room last night?"
Aaron arched an eyebrow. "Your mom said she likes me, and naturally, people who like each other sleep together."
Nora fell silent.
What nonsense was the man spewing now?
She strode over hastily and snatched the phone from his hand.
"Thomas, stop spinning tales to the kids again!"
Aaron's gaze deepened. He wanted to tease her some more, but seeing her stern little face, he thought better of it.
Nora took the phone, her expression softened at the sight of the children's innocent faces.
"Are my babies awake? Be good at school."
"We will, Mom," the triplets chimed in unison.
Alex fixed his gaze on Nora. "Mom, did you drink last night? Does your head hurt now?"
Touching her forehead, Nora smiled. "Not at all."
"Mom, are you coming home today?" Billy asked.
Nora blinked, glancing at Aaron.
"That depends. If I'm not happy, I'll go back to be with you guys."
Aaron remained silent.
That was her warning to him – no more fibbing.
"Mom, I really miss you, but don't be unhappy. Try to get along with Mr. Gordon," Samantha said.
All Samantha wanted was for her mom to grow closer to Mr. Gordon so he wouldn't leave.
"As long as he behaves a bit more like you guys, I won't be unhappy," Nora said, shooting Aaron a look.
Did she really consider him to be like her fourth child?
Nora exchanged a few more words with the kids before having them pass the phone to Noe.
"Mr. Wilson, I appreciate you looking after them."
Promptly, Noe replied, "Not at all. And I should thank you for helping Mr. Gordon out. Mr. Smith's assistant confided in me that the Smiths are singing your praises, hoping to swing the partnership back in our favor."
Hearing this, Nora's eyes gleamed, and she glanced over at Aaron on the bed. "So, if we don't win the partnership back, do you think Mr. Gordon will withhold my pay?"
Aaron was silent.
Was he really that stingy?
"Of course not, Mr. Gordon is quite generous," Noe said, adding quickly with emphasis, "Especially toward you."
Nora thought Aaron was a success story. Noe's loyalty to him was unwavering.
After hanging up the phone, Nora glanced over at Aaron, who was still lazing in bed.
"Aren't you getting up? Don't you need to plot for that partnership deal?" she prodded.
Aaron looked at her. "I was waiting for you to pick out my outfit for today."
Nora got up and fetched him a set of clothes.
As she approached, Aaron stretched out his arms expectantly, waiting to be served.
Nora was about to help him out of his pajamas when something crossed her mind.
"Dress yourself, I'll wait outside," she said abruptly.
Aaron narrowed his eyes. "Nora, I'm still a patient."
"Can’t you move? Otherwise, call Frederick to assist you!"
With those words, she walked straight out of the room.
Aaron watched her leave and sighed softly.
Was she avoiding impropriety?
Drunk Nora was indeed much more adorable.
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