Page 76 of On the Rocks

“I…well, you know about Levi,” I said carefully, not wanting to pry while also wanting the information.

“And you’re wondering when my last serious relationship was?”

I lifted my shoulder. “A little. Yeah.”

He stared down at the stove, frowning like it was difficult to remember. “It ended about ten years ago. Right before I started Elixir. Actually, it sort of prompted the whole Elixir idea. But yeah, it’s been a while.”

Ten years ago? I tucked my head against his side to hide the look on my face. Something about that bothered me more than Aiden’s possible string of one-night stands. If he hadn’t had any kind of long-term relationship since then, did that mean he hadn’t wanted one? Or was there another reason? Was he incapable of commitment?

I tried to keep the uncertainty off my face as he tilted my chin to kiss me, tried not to let him see the worry as I wondered what the chances were of him being able to commit to me. Concern rattled around inside me as we sat down to the wonderful breakfast he’d made, and despite my best efforts, the fear wouldn’t go away, nor would my mother’s words.

I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.

21

AIDEN

I’d heard it said that a June wedding was lucky. I didn’t know how much more luck Vincent really needed considering he’d already snagged Piper and now had a beautiful baby girl, but I supposed a little extra good fortune couldn’t hurt—if you believed in those kinds of things. Which I definitely didn’t.

“What did you think about the ceremony?” Cora asked as we walked arm-in-arm through the reception hall. The Cipriani 42nd Street was originally built to be a bank. Now it was an event venue that boasted beautiful, historic touches such as soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, and marble columns. Cora was utterly dazzled and couldn’t stop gushing over the decor.

“I didn’t know Vincent was capable of being such a sap,” I said, not unkindly.

“The vows were adorable, weren’t they?” she said, practically swooning. “Did Piper really crash a car into Vincent’s Bugatti?”

“Yes.”

Cora chuckled. “What a memorable first meeting.”

“You could say that. Though from what I recall, Vincent said there was a lot of swearing.”

“Guess that didn’t stop the sparks,” Cora said as we walked past the ballroom. She made a soft sound in the back of her throat. The dinner tables were decorated with hundreds of glittering lights. “It’s like something out ofBeauty and the Beast, I swear.” Her mouth hung open for a beat, and I enjoyed the way the shadows danced across her face, highlighting her sparkly eyeshadow and her glossy lips. “Okay, I officially adore this reception venue. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern elegance.”

“Giving you ideas for your speakeasy?”

“So many,” Cora said, squeezing my arm the way she always did when she was excited.

“Shall we head back to the bar?” I asked.

“Yes, there was another cocktail on the menu I wanted to try.”

Vincent and Piper had signature drinks mixed up for their cocktail hour, which Cora adored. As we made our way back across the room, I spotted Trent and Dominic standing with Paul and Chloe.

“Hey!” I called as we neared.

“Have you tried this?” Dom asked, pointing out the pink-tinted drink in his hand.

“It’s good, right?” Cora said. “You can really taste the orange zest.”

Dominic finished the drink in a few gulps. “I’m gonna grab another. Does anyone want anything?” He darted toward the bar before any of us could answer.

I caught Trent’s eye. He gave me a little shrug as if to say, “The guy’s just blowing off some steam.” That steam was named Amanda. As far as I knew, Hailey was with a sitter tonight, so Dominic was free to let loose. Maybe a littletooloose.

“I didn’t think this guy was capable of being cute,” Paul said, shaking my shoulder playfully. I realized Cora was in the middle of regaling Paul and Chloe with a high school throwback, both of them clearly amused.

“He was actually very adorable back then,” Cora said.

Trent rubbed his hands together. “Yes, let’s hear all about our little Aiden in high school.”

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