Page 24 of Forfeits

We finished our meals and even ordered some dessert. Aiden offered me a bite of his tartufo, smiling as if daring me to take it.

His gaze landed on my mouth as I leaned forward and sucked the ice cream off his spoon.

Delicious—as was the sight of him giving a barely audible little gasp as I did. I wasn’t ready for our date to be over.

“Shit. Do you want to go for a walk and get a coffee somewhere? I need to sober up before I get behind the wheel,” I said.

“Good idea,” Aiden replied.

“On one bill?” the server asked when he cleared our dessert plates.

I was about to say no, when Aiden beat me to it.

“Yes. I’ll take it.”

“Oh, you don’t have to pay for mine,” I said, reaching for my back pocket.

“Fletcher,” Aiden said, in a tone that brooked no argument. “I’ll get it. You can pay next time.”

Next time? My heart beat faster, and my dick twitched at the command in his tone.

“Thank you, Aiden.”

“You’re welcome.”

We walked along Elgin, the streetlights and store lights making a pretty backdrop against the darkness. A winter chill hung in the air, even though it was still October. I buttoned up my jacket and hunched my shoulders against the wind.

“Cold?” Aiden asked.

I nodded.

He unwound the checkered scarf from around his neck.

“Come here.”

I went there, my heart beating under my too-thin jacket, and waited while Aiden wound his scarf around my neck and tucked it into itself.

“There you go. I was a little warm anyway.”

“Thank you…again.”

“I love hearing those words from you, Fletcher. I’d like to get you to say them often.”

I stared at him. I wanted to kiss him, so badly. But we were on the sidewalk, in plain view of a lot of people, and I was too aware of the possibility of inciting anger or disdain that I held back.

“Want to stop in and get a coffee?” Aiden asked, pointing at a Bridgehead across the street.

“Yes!” At least we’d get out of the cold.

He let me keep his scarf while we chatted. When my neck got too hot, I unwound it and held it out to him.

“Keep it. It looks good on you.”

“Aiden, I can’t take your scarf.”

“Sure you can. I’ve got lots.”

“Fine,” I said, grinning.