Page 93 of One Time in Paris
“Yes. But don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Not really. I’m just so tired, Aiden. So tired of living on a schedule. Every single day of my life over the past few years has been filled with plans, places to be, a to-do list. It’s alwayswhat’s on the agenda.”
She dabbed her lashes, not wanting to smudge the mascara she’d carefully applied before coming over. “When I left London almost two years ago to go to Elle and Quinn’s wedding, I never imagined that it would be for good.”
Hell, she’d been in the middle of auditions for a show. She’d gotten the part, only to turn it down.
“I appreciate what Callum did in buyingLa Hacienda—I really do—it’s just that I went from one extreme to another. A life where I never knew what my next job would be, where I was barely scraping by, despite the wishes of my father. Where I would wake up and do whatever the hell I wanted, free of responsibility.”
She gulped a breath, appreciative of his watchful gaze. How silently he listened.
Then she said, “And, instantly, it was like...I grew up.” She gave a sad shrug. “I know it sounds stupid, but every single day of my life since then has been relentlessly planned. It’s neverwhat do I want to do today?It’s alwayswhat do I have to do today?I’m tired, creatively spent, and I feel like I’ve hopped on a hamster wheel for a life I’m not even sure I want.”
Aiden stood, then went over to the mini fridge and pulled out two small bottles of wine—the sort that came in four packs with screw tops. He uncapped them, then brought one to her. “It doesn’t sound stupid. I understand more than you might believe.”
She accepted the wine from him with a sad smile. “I know. I know you have it worse. I’m no CEO of a company I didn’t want.” With a shaky breath, she swallowed some white zinfandel. “Nice touch, by the way.”
He chuckled. “It was all I could find at the store nearby.” He sat beside her again. “But you’re wrong. You are the CEO of your company. Callum may be bankrolling the inn for you, but you’re the one on the ground doing the everyday work. It’s grueling, soul-sucking, and unending. I get it.”
Aiden took a sip and set the bottle down on the table beside him. “The first few years I was at Camden Enterprises were more of an adjustment to me than any of my training in the army. I thew myself into it—much the same way you did—and found myself burned out and ready to set the place on fire after about a year.”
Isla frowned and scanned his eyes. She’d gotten the impression that they were in similar places in their lives—neither completely satisfied with their jobs. But that didn’t really sound like it was the case for Aiden. Or maybe she hadn’t been listening. Hehadfelt like that. But didn’t now? “So, what stopped you?”
“Besides the fact that I didn’t want to serve a life sentence for arson?” Aiden drew a slow breath, and a muscle flexed in his jaw.
She didn’t get the feeling he talked about this much. If at all.
“Quitting would have been the same as failing. And I realized that if I failed, I’d rather fail trying than by quitting.” Aiden leaned back against the seat, studying her. “So I do understand, Isla. This isn’t my dream life. It’s not the worst job in the world either. The perks and money are nice—I’m not going to lie. It’s just all a bit empty. For me.”
“But you’re going to keep doing it, right? You won’t quit?”
He shook his head. “Not unless the board asks me to. Which, at the rate I’m going, who knows. That possibility always seems to loom over my head, real or imagined.”
She looked away, wrapping her hand around the bottle. “I think about quitting. Every day. But then it seems crazy because I don’t know what I’d be doing instead. And if I don’t want the inn, then what was the whole point of Callum saving it?”
“I think you discount the fact that maybe Callum didn’t entirely save it for you alone. He thought about your mum a good deal. Not to mention that he may not admit the fact that he needed it for himself, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t true.”
Talking about her brother brought another wave of guilt. Because Aidendidknow Callum well. He was his friend. He might be able to give her better insight because of that—yet it felt wrong to be here, like they were forming a relationship that could supersede that.
Like she was stealing her brother’s friend away.
Ugh. Why is this all so complicated?
“I just can’t see myself living such a scheduled life forever. I know it appeals to so many people, but it’s like poison to me. Even my trip to Vegas—which was supposed to be fun—had been planned with every single thing scheduled. I’m so tired of doing what’s expected. You know the only thing that’s unexpected in my life right now? You.”
He raised a brow. “So, I’m the pool boy?”
She wrinkled her nose, then climbed closer to him, straddling his lap to face him. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
His hands slid onto her thighs gently. “I’m not offended. People get together for all sorts of reasons. Boredom included.”
“So, I’m bored and you’re looking for meaning to your empty life?” She quirked a brow.
One hand smoothed around the curve of her ass, tugging her closer. “Could be. And if it is—what’s wrong with that?”
She set her arms around his neck. “Seems like we’d be risking an awful lot if it’s just about scratching those itches, Aiden.”
Aiden searched her eyes. “I never said it wasjustabout that. Not for me, anyway. For me, it’s that you’ve consumed my every thought, Isla Scott.”
He kissed her forehead, and her eyes fluttered close, her throat tightening at his words.
