Page 134 of One Time in Paris
And thanks to Callum’s surprise appearance there that first day—and the fact that he’d also signed a release form—they’d even managed to touch on the tension that had formed by hiding their relationship from him.
Sure, it was only bits and pieces woven together with the more substantive tour of the town.
But it was compelling.Interesting.Personal.
Even romantic.
Their love story as captured by an impartial observer.
Of course, there wasn’t any way that it would have his favorite parts. But even Aiden, who had lived the damn thing, had to admit it made for a hell of a plot.
Isla stilled, her breathing growing more even, then she pulled back, confusion filtering through her face. “It didn’t make you angry?”
Aiden chuckled softly. “No, Isla, it didn’t.”
“But they exploited the situation—lied to us. It can’t possibly be legal, can it? They used our relationship to sell their show.”
“That’s true, except for the legalities. I had a substantial amount of time on my hands today, actually. Read some of the waivers and paperwork I signed for the production. But if that worries you, I can have someone else take a closer look.”
The tension in her face relaxed. “No, I was worried about how you might take it.”
Aiden set his hands on her shoulders and gave them a soft squeeze. “Isla, I love you. I don’t care who knows, and I’m not ever hiding it again. From anyone. If anything, I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops. The past week has been torture without you. I don’t think I’ve ever checked my mobile so many times in my life, justhopingyou might call.”
She swallowed, her eyes scanning his, no longer tearful but still wary.
God, please let her forgive me.
“You walked out on me the night of Callum and Liddy’s party, Aiden. Left me to face everything...alone.” Her voice trembled at the last word.
Thatwas his biggest mistake and regret. He shouldn’t have left her to face it all alone.
He kissed her forehead, then brushed his lips tenderly down to hers. Pulling his mouth a fraction away from hers, he murmured, “I never meant to leave you alone, Isla. I just felt like everything I touched turned to ash. Incapable of protecting you and preventing myself from torching everything around me. But I am sorry. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”
A soft sob broke free from her. “You keep saying that. But then you go away again?—”
He kissed her again gently, his heart aching at the pain he’d caused her. He’d failed her despite his best efforts.
“I’m here,” he repeated, his voice scratching through his throat. “I’m here, Isla.”
Her fingertips combed up to the nape of his neck, gripping him as she returned his kiss, first timidly, a kiss desperate for comfort. For the security that had felt so threatened. Then slowly, her kisses deepened, the intensity growing as the familiar hum of electricity sizzled between them, tearing through him with a ferocity that made his chest throb.
“I love you, Isla,” he whispered, pulling back to cup her face in his hands again, staring at her deeply. “It may have taken me years to find my way to you, but once I realized I’d been looking for you this whole time, falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. You’re all I want. Tell me what you need, and I’ll do whatever you ask to be with you. It’s that simple. You want me to resign? I will. To tattoo your name across my chest? Happy to. You’re already inked much deeper anyway.”
She gave a tearful laugh. “I don’t need any of those things. I love you too, Aiden. I know we had an unconventional start to our relationship, but I have to admit you scared me. One night, we were talking about staying married and being together forever, and thevery next day,you were gone. And not for work this time.”
He brushed a tear from her cheek. “I wanted to respect your wishes for space. God, Isla, the last thing I wanted was to hurt you more. Just tell me what you need.”
She scanned his gaze, her eyes bright with tears, lashes wet. Her kisses had given him hope—but maybe he ought not to expect it.
They loved each other—but was it enough?
They hadn’t even started to face the many obstacles between them.
Maybe I’m too late. Maybe the damage I’ve done is already too deep.
“I need . . .” She drew a slow breath as though she hadn’t fully fleshed out the thought herself.
What was it that Callum had said?
