Page 67 of An Irish Kiss
It took him a second to realise what she meant.Then he bit back a grin and nodded.“And you may call me Aidan.”
She snickered.“You’re even funny.Wow.”
“What’s so funny?That’s my name.”
She pointed a finger at him.“Treat her well, or you’ll be dealing with me.”
“I’ll treat her well because she deserves it.And because that’s the kind of man I am.”
She reared back slightly, looking faintly impressed by this, which he’d take as a win.There was no reason to let the woman think she could boss them both around.
“She’ll be down soon.”She sat on the other side of the table.“So, what are you doing today?”
“You mean besides looking for another place to stay?”
“Besides that.”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Rory is working.At the bookstore in the morning then here.”
“Then I guess I’ll be at the bookstore in the morning, then I might mosey back here.”
She half smiled.“If you didn’t insist on calling our ruined castle yours then I could like you very much.”
“I hope you’ll find it in your heart to overlook that and like me anyway.”
“Hmm.We’ll see.”
She sauntered off, leaving him to his now-cold breakfast.But he didn’t care.That exchange had felt a lot like acceptance to him.
He was disappointed when he finished his meal without spotting Rory, but it wasn’t like she frequented the restaurant in the mornings.He probably should have set up a time to meet this morning, instead of merely hoping they’d bump into each other.
But still, knowing where she would be gave plenty of options to ‘accidentally’ bump into her again.
And maybe, just maybe, they could see if the magic of yesterday could be replicated today.
Aidan entered the bookshop,his eyes going straight to the counter.“Good morning.”
Rory’s head whipped up, the shy smile she offered him filling his heart with warmth.“It is now.”
He could study her all day and never get tired.The mix of emotions fluttering through her skin fascinated him.
“Ah, Aidan.”Mary Connolly drew near.“It’s good to see you again.”
“A man can never have too many books, right?”
“Oh, you’re exactly right.Isn’t he, Rory?”
Rory’s gaze held amusement, her mobile mouth shifting.“Aidan is exactly right, yes.”
His heart skipped a beat.That intense look she gave him suggested she wasn’t just talking about his professed love of books.
“Well, it’s good to see you two have decided to lower your arms.”Satisfaction oozed through Mary’s voice.
“My arms are available for Miss Aurora any time she likes.”
Mary’s brow creased, but a ringing phone demanded her attention.Which left him and Rory, alone at last.
