Page 129 of Skylar

“Tastes delicious too,” Aiden said.

When he noticed a few glances in their direction, he wasn’t surprised. Given that he stood taller than most men and Skylarwas beautiful, it was to be expected. Most people probably assumed they were a couple, out on a date, and he wasn’t in the mood to do or say anything that would dissuade them from that assumption.

Skylar stood with her arms crossed, her shoulder touching the wall they stood next to. Her gaze was on the activity around them, and Aiden didn’t pursue a conversation while they waited for their table.

Several groups left, so they ended up only waiting around fifteen minutes, which wasn’t really that bad. The hostess led the way through the dining room to a small table set for two.

The next several minutes were spent looking over the menu and deciding what they wanted. It was easy for Aiden to decide. After eating there several times already, he had a few favorites. Knowing what he did of Skylar’s taste, he was able to give her some recommendations. Apparently, her tastes hadn’t changed much over the years as she took him up on his suggestion for lasagna.

While waiting for their main course to come out, they spent the time eating salad and fresh bread and talking about the people from his and Cole’s class that he was still in contact with. Skylar hadn’t stayed in touch with any of her classmates, but maybe that would change now that she was back in the area.

Aiden wanted to broach the subject of their relationship, but he held his tongue. He’d learned to be more patient over the past few years, but this situation with Skylar was testing him.

He was grateful that things were at least comfortable between them. She no longer looked at him with anger or distrust. But at the same time, she also didn’t look at him the way she had when they were dating as teens.

He’d definitely cared for her then, too. However, looking back, he could see that her commitment to their relationship had been more than his was. She’d deserved to be loved and adored as much as she’d loved and adored him.

He might not have been willing or able to do that for her before, but he wanted a chance to do it now.

When their main course came, they were quiet for a couple of minutes as they dug into their meals.

“So, are you going with your parents to Serenity tomorrow?” Aiden asked. “I figure they’ll be going home once Shiloh is released.”

“I’m thinking about going back to Vegas, actually.”

Aiden lowered his fork as he frowned at her. “I thought you were going to stay in the area.”

“I am,” she said. “But I need to go back and close everything up. I have an apartment there full of stuff, so I have to pack it up.”

Aiden gave a huff of relieved laughter. “Oh. Of course.”

She lifted her brows at him. “Did you think I’d changed my mind?”

“Uh. Maybe?” He shrugged. “I just thought that perhaps since Shiloh was doing so much better, you’d reconsidered your decision.”

She shook her head. “I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Your parents are sure thrilled at the news,” Aiden said. “And the rest of your family will be too.”

“Mom and Dad just want all their kids close.” Skylar agreed.

“Are you going to need help with the move?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “I’m still trying to decide the best way to get everything here.”

“Do you have a lot of stuff?”

“The usual amount, I think. Plus, my car.”

“Can you rent a truck and tow your car?”

She gave him an exasperated look. “I’m not sure that I’m qualified to do that. Or that I’d want to.”

“How far of a drive is it?”

“I checked last night, and it’s around a sixteen and a half hour trip, with stops.”

“You could do it one day,” Aiden said.

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