Page 29 of Rex

“How?” she asks with one eyebrow raising.

“Let me buy you dinner, and we’ll talk about everything except that night. Yeah?”

“I’ll pay for dinner.”

“Is that a yes I hear?” I tease.

“Yeah, it is. Let me go change while you decide where you want to eat.”

I release her hands and watch her walk away. I take another deep breath, hold it for several seconds, and feel nothing but relief as I let it out. I can finally breathe normal again.

“I’m not surprised. We, as a family, were banned from several restaurants that had buffets. He could clear one in no time flat,” Aria replies with a laugh at her brother’s expense.

“Did anyone explain about the C-L-A notes at the bakery?” I ask and then explain at her confused look.

Laughing looks good on Aria. She’s relaxed, happy, and having a good time, as far as I can tell. I love seeing the transformation it’s done to her. Her smiles come easily, as does her laughter, but some of the confident Aria is starting to shine through again. I didn’t realize until this moment just how much of a burden she’dplaced on herself over that night. I have a lot to make up for, and I’m willing to put in the work.

We trade stories back and forth about the club, her brothers, and dumb things we did as kids. She asks questions and listens closely, and I can’t find anything I don’t like about her. I’ve already admitted to myself weeks ago that I’m fascinated with her, but tonight only adds to that. I want to know everything about her, and I want the time to learn it all. I’m in trouble, and I know it, and yet, I’m more than okay with that knowledge.

When I notice the waitstaff giving us looks, I glance down at my watch and am shocked to realize that the restaurant is closing. We’ve been here a long time, and yet it seems like minutes. I catch the waiter’s eye and give him a chin lift. He immediately walks to our table and hands me the bill. I watch as Aria’s eyebrows raise, and she looks down at her phone.

“Oh my God, Rex. We’ve been here forever,” she says with a small laugh. “Um, I’m paying, remember?”

“Yeah, no. It’s taken care of. You ready to go?”

We stand, and I take her hand without thinking about it. When I realize what I’ve done, I also realize she didn’t pull it away. Walking toward the door, I take my card from the waiter on our way by and steer Aria outside. Walking to her car, I grin when she leans against me. Stopping by the passenger door, I reach for the handle, but Aria leans her back against it. Using our joined hands, she pulls me closer. Tilting her head upward, we stare at each other for several long seconds before she speaks.

“If you chose to kiss me now, I wouldn’t feel so guilty over taking advantage of you before.”

“I’m absolving you of any guilt,” I say before bending down enough to capture her mouth with mine.

Her mouth is soft and inviting, and I take full advantage. I tilt my head a little at the same time I slide my free hand around her neck, under her hair. Pulling her even closer, I breathe in her scent as I stroke my tongue against hers. Aria is an active participant and matches me stroke for stroke. Pulling her hand from mine, I feel both of her hands land on my ribs, and I groan at the feel of her touch.

“Get a room!” someone shouts from the street.

Aria pulls away but does so with a laugh. I was not ready for that to be over with, but the parking lot of the restaurant probably isn’t the best place for this. I quickly wrap both arms around her neck and pull her tight against me for a few seconds. Leaning back, I drop a quick kiss on her mouth before releasing her.

“Let’s get you home,” I say, and then open her door and wait for her to get seated.

I walk around the front of the car and seat myself behind the steering wheel. I start her car and put it in gear. Reaching over, I grasp Aria’s hand again and smile when she gives mine a squeeze. I turn onto the street and leave what is now my favorite restaurant. Arriving at Aria’s home, I gently refuse her offer of coffee.

“I want to come in, Aria, but if I do, I won’t leave until morning.”

“What if I’m okay with that?” she asks with a head tilt.

“Then that would make me a very happy, very lucky guy, but I want you to be sure about that before we go there. I almostfucked this up once, and I don’t want to do that again. I want to do this right,” I respond.

Aria is quiet for a moment and then asks, “Are you open to a date?”

“Absolutely and soon. Like tomorrow?”

“Yes, please. I should be home by 5:30 and can be ready by 6:30.”

“I’ll be here,” I answer before pulling her close and kissing her again.

“Night, Rex.”

“Night, Aria.”

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