Page 3 of Ward

Ten minutes ago, I would’ve killed for the opportunity to eat dinner alone in my room. Now I’m genuinely looking forward to getting to know the man in front of me. I don’t understand this intense curiosity about him, or the bizarre urge to hang onto his every word.

All I know is that Aidan O’Rourke wants to have dinner with me, and for no comprehensible reason, I want to give him what he wants.

“I’d like that,” I say. “Thank you.”

“Good.” His expression softens. A small thrill breezes through me at the notion that I’ve pleased him. “Until then, my house is yours. Make yourself comfortable.”

Aidan glances at something behind me, and I turn to find Jen standing in the doorway, holding a small plate of cut-up fruit.

“Tell Paolo we’ll be eating at six-thirty,” he says to her.

“Of course, Mr. O’Rourke.” Jen nods to me. “Come along, Grace. I’ll help you unpack your things.”

As I rise from my chair, Aidan stands, too. This time, I offer him my hand.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” I tell him. His gaze narrows in on mine, and again, I find myself out of breath.

“I’m happy to help,” he says.

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