Page 39 of Reclaimed

“We’re almost there, so she’s going to know in a few minutes.”

I rattle the container of Carmelitas in my lap. My super sensitive pregnancy nose can smell the caramel and chocolate through the lid. “I’m hoping to win her over with dessert.”

“She better be quick because I’ve had my eye on those things since you made them this morning.”

“And you’ll keep your hands off of them until everyone else has had their fair share.” I fixate Aiden with a glare.

He glances at me then returns his attention to the road as he slows to make a right-hand turn. “I’d like to see you stop me.”

“You have no idea what you’re inviting, Powell. I’d be careful if I were you.”

He flashes me a signature grin. Something softer. Less forced. For the first time in a while, he looks like the Aiden I’d see cracking jokes at the baseball games I went to with Juniper. Being that my family lived one town over, we didn’t run in the same circles growing up. But everyone around here knows the Powell family, and the youngest brother always stood out as a friend of almost everyone.

“Maybe I know exactly what I’m asking for.” The sedan stops smoothly at the curb of a modest rambler.

The driveway is double parked with cars, signaling we’re probably the last to arrive. The lawn is neatly tripped and flower boxes line the curved sidewalk to the front door. It won’t be long before the petals wilt and the freezing temps force Nancy to stow them away until next year.

“Ready?” The question is breathless.

“Shit, now I’m scared.” Aiden laughs. “Your nerves are rubbing off on me.”

“Just remember this was all your idea.”

“No take backs?”

When I roll my lips between my teeth, I taste the strawberry lip gloss I applied this morning. “No take backs.”

Without another word, Aiden frees the key from the ignition and hops out his door. He rounds the hood, and I admire the fit of his dark wash jeans over his ass and the way his biceps flex as he cracks the knuckles of his left hand with the right one. The sleeve of his white tee shirt rides snug around the curvature of his broad shoulders.

Then, my door clicks open, and he’s holding out a hand for me to take.

“It’s time for your best performance.”

“Do you think they’re actually watching?”

“I noticed at least one head turning as I got out of the car, so the safe answer is yes. Act like you love me.”

My teeth sinking into my lip stifles my laugh. “This is new. We aren’t in love yet.”

“Speak for yourself.” Aiden yanks me flush against his chest. I squeak and steady myself with my palms flat against him. The warmth of his torso is grounding, chasing away some of the earlier nerves. “For all they know, I’ve already fallen madly.”

“I suppose that would be the case if you’re already taking me to meet your family.”

Aiden nods seriously, those sparkling blue eyes conveying a deeper feeling.

“Maybe we should have done less practice kissing and more practicing our lines,” I quip, linking our fingers together and moving out of the way so Aiden can close the door.

He leans down to place his mouth at my ear. The breath ghosting across my skin sends a shiver across my neck. “There’s never enough practice kissing.”

I concur quietly. A girl has to keep some secrets for herself.

The sun shines down between a few fluffy clouds as we meander up the driveway. Summer is over, but this week of fall is uncharacteristically warm. The black and gray flannel I threw over a white tank top is perfect for the shifting temperature, and the length draws attention away from my stomach. Not that I’m showing yet anyway, but I feel more comfortable keeping it partially hidden under these circumstances.

Aiden lays his hand on the brass knob. “Ready?”

“Yep.” I whisper back, straightening my chin and flashing him an exaggerated smile. The way his attention falls to my mouth has the smile fading from my lips.

I shouldnothave brought up practice kissing.

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