The Gun and the Rose

6 | Thinking Rock

I appreciated the relationship Aerion and I had. We worked hard through the day, reserving most nights for sex. We released our stress, then laid on the bed or couch and talked about work. A week after we had first slept together, he was over at my apartment, the both of us on my bed, breathing heavily. I rested my head against his chest, his arm draped over me, fingers tracing the outline of my tattoo.

"I was thinking about tomorrow morning and we could head out to the warehouse the police raided today," Aerion pondered, his chest vibrating. I glanced up at him.

"They found cocaine, right?"

"Tons of it," he replied, his hand moving up to stroke my hair. "I think we can start by asking around, the usual delivery guys, witnesses, that sort of thing. There has to be someone who's seen him." I nodded, pulling down the rising hem of my shirt. I still insisted on covering up the worst parts of my body from Aerion. He was beautifully built and I was, well, the complete opposite. I shook the thoughts away when my phone buzzed with a text. I rolled off Aerion, grabbing my phone from the nightstand. I sat up.

Hey, Rose. I'm the worst stranger ever for taking a week to reply to you.

Who is this?

I'm disappointed you don't remember me. It's the extremely handsome man who helped you at the cafe last week.

Hmmm...I don't recall meeting a handsome man.

Really? You're breaking my heart over here.

Okay, you got me, Ales! It's hard to forget a gentleman like yourself.

I was hoping I could take you out tomorrow. For dinner.

As a date?

Yes, a date.

I grinned like a schoolgirl, my fingers flying across my keyboard. "Who are you texting?" I tore my eyes from my screen to Aerion who lay on the bed watching me.

"Some guy I met. We're going out on a date," I explained, the smile growing. I returned my attention back to my phone.

Did I lose you there?

No, I was just talking to someone.

Should I be worried? Do you have a boyfriend?

No, it's my work partner. He's over at my house, we're working. I felt that disclosing we were having sex wasn't something that would make Ales want to date me.

You must be dedicated if you work so late at night. My eyes darted to the clock. It was almost midnight. I swore mentally.

Yup! That's me, super hard working. I cringed at my lame excuses. But, about that date.... when do you want to pick me up?

How does 7 sound?

Perfect. I'll text you my address later :)

See you then, beautiful.

I was giddy, filled to the brim with excitement. A date, I thought. "Who is he?"

"We met at the coffee shop last week," I replied, picking up my panties off the floor and sliding them on. I looked back, observing Aerion's narrowed eyes before facing him, my hands on my hips. "What?" I scoffed at his judgemental face. He blinked the look off, shaking his head. He got out of my bed and started getting dressed. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I demanded, getting defensive. I hated being judged.

"What are you talking about?" he shrugged off, pulling a shirt on, buttoning himself off. I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him get dressed. After getting fully clothed, he ran his fingers through his hair, setting it in place.