Page 43 of Aidan

“Maybe next time, then.”

We reach the vehicle and then we’re back on the road.

“Thank you again for inviting me to lunch. I had a really nice time.” It’s been great getting to know Aidan’s family.

“Of course.” Nessa glances at me in the backseat. “I, for one, know how intimidating it can be as a newcomer. I’ve only been around a couple months myself so I know how nice it is to be welcomed. It’s great to have friends. Especially ones who understand what it’s like being attached to a Donnelly.”

“Excuse me,” Caitlín gasps. “I’m a Donnelly.”

“Exactly my point.”

The two of them bicker good-naturedly while I sit back and enjoy the scenery. It’s been a pleasant afternoon. Finally, we drive through the gate guarding the entrance to the estate and down the lane to stop in front of the manor. Nessa lets me out and I wave over my shoulder with a goodbye before entering the house. I head straight for Aidan’s wing. He’s sitting in one of the chairs with a glass in his hand. He glances up at my arrival.

“You’re back. Did you have a nice lunch?” he asks.

I set my purse on a table and sit on the couch closest to him, curling my legs beneath me. “I did. I really liked the both of them.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“Were the kids okay?”

“Of course. Aisling helped Nora make lunch and the boys traipsed around outside. They’re back out there, although they said they’d be back soon, and Aisling is in the dining room drawing you a picture of her day for when you get home.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” I smile. “What are you doing in here all alone, anyway? I figured you’d have some work to do.”

“Just sitting and thinking.”

“About what?”

“Things.” Aidan takes a sip from his glass.

I study him closer. There’s a distance in his eyes. Something…off. “That sounds ominous.” I try to joke.

Finally one side of his mouth curls up displaying the dimple that hides in the auburn scruff covering the lower half of his face. “It’s not, I promise.”

“You know whatever it is, you can talk to me. We’re still friends, remember.” I reach across the short distance separating us and lay my hand on his. Aidan flips it over and threads his fingers through mine.

“It’s just family business stuff that will work itself out eventually.”

I’ve always loved the casual way he touches me. Except after the kiss this morning, I’m far more aware of the texture of his skin than ever before. The way the callouses slightly abrade my flesh. The heat that builds where we’re connected and how it travels up my arm. I’m much more aware of the attraction that’s been present from the moment we met, but that I’ve kept tempered for five years because I didn’t want to ruin what we had.

Except, after all this time, we have more. Or could. A certain boldness comes over me. I release his hand, unfurl my legs, and stand up. When I settle back down, it’s across Aidan’s lap. His eyes widen. I try not to blush, but from the heat radiating off my upper chest and cheeks, I’m pretty sure I haven’t succeeded.

“You looked like you needed a hug.” I shrug with as much nonchalance as I can muster.

Both sides of his lips curl this time and he rests his arm over my thighs. “If this is the kind of hug I get, then I could get used to them.”

“I also figured if you can’t get away, we can talk.”

Aidan arches an eyebrow. “I’m not complaining in any way, but you don’t have to become a delectable lap decoration just to talk to me.”

My cheeks become even hotter. “What if it’s about the wedding?”

His head draws back slightly. “Are you breaking up with me already and you’re trying to let me down easy?”

“What? No. I thought that, well, since it’s real and all, we should consider setting a date.”

Beneath my butt and hips, Aidan’s body actually relaxes.How had I not noticed how tense he’d become?

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