Page 48 of High Stakes

“You’re going directly to him?”

“If he sees it with his own eyes, he can’t argue it.”

Bella

I rest my hand against the kitchen door, stilling at Aiden’s words.See’s what?

I hear him disconnect the call, so I rush back towards the bathroom, closing the door and leaning against it.

There’s something more going on. None of this makes any sense. Aiden turning up like that, practically kicking the door down. And the way he’s suddenly changed his mind about a relationship. And forgiving me for beingwith Cal. Just like that. No questions, no anger. It’s almost like he doesn’t care, as long as I haven’t had sex.

Aiden taps on the bathroom door, and I jump in fright. “Yeah?”

“Open the door,” he says. I glance down at my gym gear, wincing. I pull my top off and grab a towel to cover myself, pulling the door open. Aiden eyes me suspiciously. “You okay?” he asks. I nod. “I’d like to cook dinner tonight,” he states. “Are you free?”

“You don’t cook,” I say, frowning.

“Is that yes?” he asks, sounding irritated.

“Sure.”

“Great, I’ve got some errands to run.” He leans closer, kissing me on the lips. I test the waters, cupping his cheek and pulling him closer to take the kiss deeper. He allows it for a second before pulling back.

“Maybe we could shower together,” I suggest, seeing as he’s always insisted getting in with me.

“I’d love to, but I have shit to do if I want to get back in time to make dinner.”

“Our first as a couple,” I say, adding a smile.

He forces a tight one in return. “Yep.”

“Are you mad with me?” I ask, running a hand over his chest.

“I’m mad with myself for almost blowing it,” headmits.

“So, let’s put things right,” I say, opening the bathroom door wider and dropping my towel. He stares at my breasts, almost lost for a moment before shaking his head and bringing his eyes to mine. “Later, Bella. I promise.”

I shower and dress in comfortable clothes. I pull my hair into a messy bun and curl up on the couch, going over everything that just happened in my head, trying to get it straight. But no matter how many times I go over it, it doesn’t add up. I call Aria.

“Oh my god, I was so worried,” she cries. “I’m so sorry. I was talking to JP trying to sort everything out, and Aiden saw your text. And yah know what else is weird. He put a call in and had Cal’s address in seconds.”

“Weird,” I agree.

“Are you okay? Is Cal?”

“Yeah, we’re both fine.”

“Did you . . . yah know, do the deed?”

“I didn’t get chance, but we were close. Aiden turned up like a crazy ex.”

“Yeah, he went off here before he left. He was so mad.”

“It doesn’t add up, does it?”

She pauses, “It’s definitely weird. Tensions were high but why is he so bothered when he’s made it clear he doesn’t want arelationship.”

“Apparently, he’s had a change of heart. The threat of me with someone else woke him up and now we’re officially a couple.”

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