Page 78 of The Vow We Made
“Asleep,” I lie and wink in Victoria’s direction. At least I get a smile from her this time.
“Lazy bugger. Wake her up.” I had a feeling Steph wouldn’t be content with my answer, but I continue to shield Victoria just as she’s asked.
“No can do. She wasn’t comfortable last night and didn’t sleep well. I’ll get Victoria to call you when she’s awake.”
But Steph isn’t stupid. “Hmm, thanks, Vickie, love you too!” she shouts down the line and I raise my eyebrows at Victoria as she rolls her eyes and dabs her tears. “Okay Aiden,” she continues, “I suppose I’ll have to speak to you about it. We’ve been delayed and won’t be home for another two days.”
Who am I to turn down the chance of more time with Victoria, especially when she needs me most? I’m relieved to be staying, but don’t let on. “Is there a problem or—?”
“No problem. In fact, quite the opposite. Will’s here and he’s whisking me off to Edinburgh for a couple of days.”
I’m stunned. “No shit,” is all I manage, and of course Victoria is tapping my arm and mouthing, “What? What is it?” I hold my finger to my mouth and signal a silent, “Shhh.” I have a feeling Steph knows Victoria is by my side and if she finds out she’s right, I’ll be in the dog house.
“Are you alright with that?” Steph questions and I completely misinterpret it.
“You and Will? Of course, I am. I thought we’d already been through this.”
“No, you idiot, are you alright with holding the fort a few more days?”
I’m quick to pick her up on her slip-up. “So it’s a few days now, not two?”
“I’m not sure.” There’s amusement in her tone. “Would it be a problem?”
“No, you go enjoy yourselves, don’t worry about us.” I say with a sarcastic tone while glancing over to Victoria who is still begging to know what’s going on.
“I know you’re joking Aiden. You’re as bad as your brother.”
“Then make sure you enjoy it while you can. The patient is even more cranky than normal and she won’t thank you for buggering off and leaving her, but I’m sure I’ll cope.”
“Good man,” Steph says, ignoring my comment while in the background, I hear Will’s voice shout, “Cheers bruv.”
“Tell him he owes me. I’ll see you soon.”
“Thank you. Give her a hug from me.”
And Steph is gone.
“What was that all about?” Victoria sniffs and wipes the last of her tears away.
“Apparently my brother has been abducted by aliens and turned into some kind of romantic sap. He’s went up to Glasgow to surprise Steph. Now he’s whisking her off to Edinburgh for a few days.”
“That’s a bit out of the blue.” A slow smile forms across Victoria’s lips. “But so romantic.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, angel. He has time to fuck this up, so I’m airing on the side of caution.”
“I hope he doesn’t. Steph’s super keen and she’s really fussy.”
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed it all works out, but in the meantime, we get—”
“More time for us?” She leans forward, her kiss reciprocated without hesitation. When I draw back, her brow is no longer furrowed and the worry she held has cleared if only for now. I won’t push her if she’s changed her mind about talking. Whatever it was, I’m sure she’ll tell me when she’s ready. With Steph away for longer, we have more time.
“How about I take you out today, maybe take a cruise down the Thames? I’ll cook dinner, whatever you want.”
She shuffles her body down beside me and back in my favourite place. Her delicate breath dances across my chest while the soft tip of her finger follows suit. “Everything sounds wonderful, but can we wait until later? I want to stay here, with you, like this for a while.”
“We can do whatever you want.”
We both stare at the other; her beautiful honey eyes search mine as her chin rests in the place where her fingers run in circles.
