Page 56 of One Time in Paris
“Not exactly, no.”
Isla bit her lower lip.
Dammit.
She had to stop doing things that called attention to that luscious mouth of hers.
“You can stay with me if you want,” she said with a shrug. “Wehaveslept in the same bed before, with considerably less clothes on.”
That’s precisely why this isn’t a good idea.
But he could have self-control. If Isla could handle it, he should be able to also.
“Yeah, all right. Thanks,” he said instead. He popped the boot of the car, then pulled his bag from it and followed her toward the motel room.
They slipped inside, and Isla flipped the light on.
Aiden closed the door behind him, scanning the small but tidy space.
One queen-sized bed.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Aiden forced his face into neutrality, but for a second—just a second—her eyes flickered over him, like she’d caught something in his expression.
Isla kicked off her shoes, replacing them with slippers. “You okay?” she asked.
If she only knew the absolute war raging in his head.
“Fine.” He adjusted his collar, like that would do anything to loosen the knot of tension forming in his chest.
“Do you mind if I grab a quick shower before we talk? I feel gross.”
Another reprieve from the inevitable?
“Of course. I honestly wouldn’t mind changing either.” He still had his work suit on.
“Good. Give me five minutes. I won’t even blow-dry my hair.” She grabbed a few things from her suitcase, then disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Aiden stared at the door, a heavy feeling settling on his chest.
I shouldn’t be this nervous.
But how did one tell a woman he’d known forever that they were legally wed?
And not just a woman. How had she gone from his best friend’s little sister to someone he thought about constantly?
He set his bag on the floor and opened it, his head pounding. Changing, he sat on the end of the bed and closed his eyes, listening to the soft stream of water from the shower, counting the seconds with dread.
He didn’t need to be so worried. He’d tell her, and they’d face and fix the problem together. Then move on.
But that was it, wasn’t it?
Move onto what?
What in the hell was he moving toward?
No one. Nothing.
