The Holiday That Changed My Life

Part Fifty Four

"What?" I stuttered with my eyes open wide.

Did he just say what I thought he said? Did he just say the 'L' word? Did he mean it? Was it a mistake? I've no idea what's going on right now.

"Nothing, I didn't say anything." He stuttered as I got off the bed.

"Did you just say you're in love with me?" I asked as I stood in front of him.

"No?"

"Yes you did. You love me?" I asked as my heart was beating ten times the dozen.

"I didn't want to tell you like this," He sighed, shaking his head. "But yeah, I love you Luce."

"You love me?" I frowned as Aston nodded.

"You love me?" I asked, pointing at me and him in turn.

"Every little bit of you." He smiled softly as I tried to piece it all together in my mind.

"N-N-No you don't. This is some kind of mind game to make me stay isn't it?" I said suddenly, turning and walking away from him.

"No! Listen to me," He sighed, his hands on my shoulders as he turned me around to face. "It just slipped out. I'm never ever going to make you choose between me and your job, it's completely up to you."

"But you've just told me-"

"Forget I said that yeah? Do you want to stay here and work on your own line or do you want to move to America and work for Sears?"

"I don't know." I whispered as Aston took my hands in his gently.

"Well whatever you decide, I'll always be right there next to you. Maybe not always in person, but I'll be there...Just promise me you'll remember that?"

"I promise." I replied quietly as he smiled weakly at me.

Within a flash, Aston had let go of my hands and pressed his lips firmly on mine with his hands now resting on the sides of my face. The kiss was so passionate and almost..desperate. Like, how close he was to me and his hands on my face was as if he moved, I'd be gone forever. Maybe this was more real than I thought it was.

It was a good few minutes before Aston eventually pulled away and rested his forehead on mine.

"I really do love you," He said quietly. "Don't think I didn't mean it just because it slipped out."

"But, I can't say it b-"

"I know," He sighed, cutting me off from saying something he clearly didn't want me to say. "But I'm not forcing you to say it, when the time's right you will."

"That's a bit shit isn't it?" I frowned as Aston stood upright, tightening his grip on my waist.

"A little," He shrugged. "But I'd rather have you, regardless whether you love me or not."

"Ast," I tutted before wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him quickly. "Can I tell you something that might make you feel better?"

"Babe you don't-"

"I might not know myself if I love you yet, but I definitely know that I'm falling for you."

"Yeah?" Aston asked with a small smile as I nodded in reply.

"Well you're halfway there," He smirked before I pinched the back of his neck lightly. "Seriously, don't worry about it."

"I'll worry about this job thing instead." I sighed, looking down at the floor.

"Don't worry too much about it, just do what you want to do."