Page 33 of One Time in Paris
“Besides the Camden brothers,” Isla said with a scoff. “Well, and that wanker Luca Harris. Fucking prick completed the process of giving Cal trust issues when he caught Luca fucking his ex-fiancée in their flat. And we’ve all paid the price since.”
Aiden winced.That’s true.Callum definitely had valid reasons for being wary of his friendships and mistrusting others. He hadn’t even told Quinn or Aiden about catching Luca with Sophia until a couple of years earlier. The admission had been enlightening—and given Aiden a much deeper understanding of Callum’s personality.
But it was also another reminder that Callum had experienceddeepbetrayal before from a man he’d considered a close friend. If anything, it made Callum more sensitive to even the perception of betrayal.
Aiden cleared his throat. “Right. Well, it’s true. Callum lets few people in. If anything, Liddy has softened him considerably—taken the pressure off you. And now that he’s finally talking to your mum again, I’m sure it helps, too.”
“I know,” Isla said with a roll of her eyes. “And believe me, I thank Liddy for it regularly. But that doesn’t mean he had the right to step into not only mypersonalbusiness, but a business relationship, and then walk all over my arrangements. The sheer audacity of it, Aiden.” Her eyes grew red-rimmed, and she swiped her lashes with the back of a knuckle.
Gently, he crouched in front of her, then brushed a tear from her cheek away with his thumb. “I’m sorry.”
Isla lifted her eyes to his, and unexpectedly, his heart stumbled.
He hated seeing her so miserable, especially knowing he’d caused some of this.
But that wasnormal, right?
He’d known her all his life. Cared about her.
She sucked in a breath, and the moment held for just a smidge longer.
God, it would be so easy to close the distance, brush his mouth over hers, taste the salt of those tear-drenched lips. Comfort her.
She dropped back onto the sofa. “Ugh. I’ll figure it out. What are you doing here anyway?”
He gritted his teeth. The last thing he wanted to do was lie yet another time—this entire situation with her was filled with so many lies that it drove him insane—but telling her about being married right now?
The timing couldn’t be worse.
He inhaled sharply. “I just came to check on my investment.” He settled back onto his heels.
God, I’m such a fucking liar.
“Listen,” he continued, not wanting to dwell on it any longer than necessary, “I don’t think Callum has handled this appropriately, but the fact that he flew all the way here from London and went to the lengths that he did is good evidence of how strongly he feels about this. I’m not saying he’s in the right, but you probably do need to talk to him. Without all the listening ears.”
“I know, but I’m not ready.” Isla stood and glanced back at Aiden. “To be honest, I’m glad you’re here. You probably kept me from having a meltdown in front of everyone. Thank you.”
“Of course.” He stood, the unease churning harder now. “Ready to go back out there?”
She nodded, then sighed. “After you.”
14
AIDEN
Settling backinto his seat at the most highly rated restaurant in Paris, Texas, Aiden let his gaze wander over the eclectic decorations—the tin roof that jutted over the kitchen, string lights between the brick walls, and clear lofty ceilings that gave the feel of sitting on a patio rather than inside. Even some of the tables had umbrellas.
Interesting.
He and Callum had left the rest of the production crew behind at the Hampton Inn and headed out on their own for dinner and beer—which they’d grabbed in a jug. Reaching for the center of the table, Aiden refilled his glass as Callum returned from the lavatory. He gave his friend a steady smile as though guilt wasn’t eating an acid trail through his lungs. As though this was just another normal night in London.
But it wasn’t. And until Aiden managed to have the conversation with Isla that he’d come for, things wouldn’t begin to go back to “normal.”
Callum sighed and sank into his seat. “I’ve really made a mess of things, haven’t I?”
“I’ve seen messier situations,” Aiden said dryly, sipping his beer. He’d also caused them. But this one felt uniquely catastrophic. “But yes. I’d say walking all over your sister’s plans and flying here from London without telling your wife what you were up to are both...slightly unhinged.”
Callum groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
