Page 26 of Forfeits

“I mean, maybe someday? Aiden, I only just managed to get back to functioning as a human being. This is the first date I’ve had since…since I’ve been with…”

“Daniel,” Aiden finished for me. “This is a big step.”

“Huge.”

“And…how’s it going?”

I smiled. “Like a dream. A really good, really hot one.”

Aiden let me pay for our coffees. We stepped out into the night.

“Do you want to come back to my place?” Aiden asked. “I’ve got a bottle of nice Scotch, or we could just hang out, chat some more. Or…”

I knew what that meant. And boy did I want to say yes. But it was already ten o’clock and I wasn’t sure how late Patrick expected me to be.

“Can you give me a second to check in with my nephew, Patrick? He’s with Lucy.”

“Yeah, of course,” Aiden said, his gaze running over me in a very appealing way. “I’m just going to step into the bakery. Do you like scones?”

“I do like scones.”

Aiden smiled and walked away. I found a quiet spot and took out my phone, texting Patrick. Hopefully he’d answer.

Just checking in. Is it okay if I stay out a bit longer?

I waited, watching the people walking by, wondering if going back to Aiden’s place was a good idea. It had been a long time since I’d been physical with anyone, and I really liked Aiden.

My phone chimed and I looked down.

Lucy’s in bed. I’m watching America’s Top Model. Btw, that chili you made was so good!

I grinned.

Thanks. Look, I don’t know if I’m ready to come home…

Huzzah, huzzah. Eggplant emoji.

Lol. Can you stay another couple of hours?

YES.

I’ll pay you overtime.

Not necessary. Go have fun.

I’ll try to be back by midnight.

I can sleep on the couch. Stay out as long as you want. It’s good for you.

I sent him a super happy face emoji.

I pocketed my phone just as Aiden came out of the bakery holding a paper bag that he shoved in his coat pocket.

“I hope that smile means you can accept my invitation?” he said.

“Wait! What have you got there?”

“Never mind. You’ll see in a bit.”

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