Page 29 of The Vow We Made
I roll my lips together and bounce on my feet, holding in my smile. Luckily, he doesn’t wait for a response because I wouldn’t want to tell him his brother is not my type. I’ve never met two siblings who are so different.
Holding out the crook of his arm, he asks, “Shall we?”
I curl my fingers around his bicep and slide them down his lower arm. I know his coat isn’t the reason for their bulked appearance because I’ve seen the muscle underneath the fabric. My heart skips at the thought.
Will dropped us at the back of the Festival Hall, directly adjacent to the Thames. It’s not an area I visit often, if at all, but as we walk along the South Bank, I wonder why I don’t come this way more often. Regardless of the biting January chill, the place is heaving. I’d take a bet most of the buzz is from tourists who visit at all times of the year.
The walkway is littered with an assortment of street vendors offering food, wine and the occasional craft. In the background musicians strum guitars, play accordions or sing their hearts out in competition with the children’s carousel as it plays a mechanical rhythm and whirls its way in circles.
Small crowds gather to watch in fascination while living statues remain so perfectly still. I wonder how they manage in this coldandhow they deal with the odd joker pulling stupid faces and shouting ‘boo’ as they walk by.
Aiden places his hand over mine which is still hugged to his bicep. “Are you alright, not too cold?”
“No, I’m fine.” I smile while we weave our way through the crowds. “Where is it we’re going again?”
He smirks. “I didn’t say.” He leans closer to my ear. “Be patient.”
His breath to my cheek, sends my head in a spin and causes my legs to shake. I can’t remember a time when I’ve been so knocked off my feet by a man. Well, not for a very long time.
While he guides our path, we both take in the beautiful view across the river. The water is calm tonight and peaceful in comparison to the bustle around us. Once under the bridge that’s been obstructing our path ahead, London presents a spectacular view. Big Ben and Westminster Palace bathe in a golden hue while Waterloo bridge casts a string of bright white lamps across its walkway. The pier leading down to a riverboat cruise joins in with its decorative display of disco inspired lighting until our attention is captured by the sheer scale and magnificence of the London Eye. Set against a backdrop of lights reflecting from the water and silver-lined clouds in a deep blue night sky, my breath is taken by this incredible giant Ferris wheel.
I’m still staring in awe and trying to take it all in when Aiden swerves our path inland and we come to a complete stop. “We’re here.”
I follow his gaze as it travels the height of the biggest wheel in London. “Here?” I ask, catching his grin. “We’re going here? On the Eye?”
“Victoria.” It’s amazing how his tone drops and I wonder if it’s wrong that every time my name falls from his mouth, I wish he’d make me cry out his. “How long have you lived in London?” he asks without realising quite how his tone makes me feel.
I swallow hard, pulling myself together. “All my life.”
“And in that time, have you ever taken time to soak up this fantastic city?”
“I love living here and being part of it all, but I don’t think I’ve ever been a tourist on my own patch and I’ve never been on the Eye before.”
A slow, sexy smiles spreads across his face. “Good, then let’s make our first time, together.” He reaches for my hand which now falls easily into his. “Ready?” His eyes widen with anticipation. A squeeze to my fingers reassures me, but I’m very confident, even without this gesture. This is something Iwantto do, especially with him.
I nod eagerly. “I’m ready.”
We walk past the crowds who stand in line patiently waiting to take their turn and head up the ramp excusing ourselves as we go.
I’m so embarrassed. “Why are we queue jumping?” I ask through gritted teeth and a false smile. “It’s so rude.”
He laughs. “Don’t panic, I pre-booked.” But I don’t feel any better about it.
We’re soon at the front of the line where Aiden hands over our tickets and I stare at my feet, hiding my blushed face. It’s a minute or so until the next pod opens, but as soon as it does, the sound of delight fills the air from the exiting crowd and I can’t wait to find out what they already know.
Aiden drops my hand to receive two Champagne flutes, which he hands to me. A silver ice bucket with a bottle of bubbly is also thrust into his arms by the attendant who barks out instructions. “Take your time Madam, just step into the pod as it passes.”
I thank the guest host as I pass by Aiden and a welcoming warmth surrounds me as I enter. There are some advantages to this heated pod at such a cold time of year. I head straight to the furthest window and gaze across the water. Strangely, the river appears to level below my feet as if I’m walking on water. I’m like a small child taking in every detail of my surroundings and my stomach somersaults in anticipation of what’s to come.
I turn to find Aiden taking off his coat, laying it carefully over the wooden bench placed in the middle of the pod. I was right about the tie he wears neatly under the collar of his white shirt and black jumper. I also take the time to rediscover his biceps and all I want to do is wrap my hands around those defined muscles. I swallow hard at the thought.
We’re now alone. No Will, no crowds, just us and this is the way it will be for the next thirty minutes.
“Are you warm enough?” he asks.
“Actually, I’m a little too warm.”
I unbutton my coat while Aiden walks around to my back. His fingers linger against my collar and gently pull the heavy material away from my arms. His finger brushes the back of my neck, but it’s a feeling I relish all too briefly when he carefully folds and places my coat next to his own.
