Page 52 of One Time in Paris
But the stress of it all was nothing compared to the idea of walking into this pub and facing Isla.
He didn’t need this headache, an attachment that would only make his life more difficult. But lately, every time he thought about Isla, the thought of her brought a thrill. And deep down, he couldn’t help wondering if he’d put off telling her about the marriage just to give himself another excuse to see her in person.
Yes, it was mad and irrational, but ever since Vegas, she’d been in his orbit in a way that felt like the only thing he was genuinely interested or excited about.
Dammit.
He was a bloody fool.
Even if she were interested in him—which she wasn’t—Callum was an obstacle. He wouldn’t be happy with the idea of Aiden dating his sister. And he would be even angrier about how things had started and everything Aiden had concealed since.
He sighed, checking his mobile once again as he considered hopping back in the car and leaving. Mason hadn’t texted since concluding the meeting, and unfortunately, the negotiations were far from over. They wouldn’t resume for another few days, but Mason had seemed encouraged. Like progress was finally being made without Aiden at the helm. In fact, the only time he’d even seen Lola was during that business brunch when the blessed phone call from Isla had come in.
Of all the rotten luck.
The deal was what he needed to be worried about and focusing his attention on.
Not Isla.
He set his hand on the handle of the car.
You owe her the truth.
He swallowed the acrid taste from his mouth, stomach roiling with disgust for himself.
Jumping out of airplanes in the military had been less intimidating than this.
He inhaled, dragging a hand down his face, willing his feet to move.Just open the damn door. Tell her. Walk away.
You’re a grown man, Camden. Stop acting like a coward.
Then—a sudden scuffle. Raised voices. His head snapped up.
Several people stalked out of the pub onto the gravel. The camera crew from the production he recognized...and alsoIsla.
She rushed out toward a car, Tomas in tow.
“Come on, Isla, you know you’re blowing this completely out of proportion,” Tomas said, reaching for her hand.
Isla yanked her hand from his and turned, face filled with fury. “Am I? Look, maybe this whole thing was a mistake, Tomas. After two years apart, people change.Wechanged.”
“Isla, you know how much I care about you, baby.” Tomas grabbed her by the shoulders, then kissed her on the mouth.Hard.
A flash of heat shot through Aiden—sharp, unbidden, impossible to control. His jaw clenched so tightly it ached.
But something inside him coiled tight, a surge of anger that had no place here. No logic. No reason. Because it didn’t matter.
Except it did.
Because Tomas kissed her, and she hadn’t kissed him back. Because Isla had stiffened. Because she’d pulled away.
But why did it feel like Tomas was getting away with something? Like Aiden had just stood back and let someone else take what should have been his?
They’re just acting, right?
The camera was still rolling. It had to be.
A slap rang out, and Aiden jerked his chin up.
