Page 112 of Ruthless Temptation

“I’ll go check in at the hotel,” Aidan said, picking up his bag and coat. Then he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arm around her lower back, tugging her up against him once more.

Her heart fluttered—fluttered!!—and her face lifted, taking in his strong, handsome features.

“I missed you,” he said, and the fluttering turned into an almighty tornado. It must have been obvious, as his smirk spread across his face. Then he kissed her softly.

“I’m glad you are here,” she said reluctantly. Because it was true, even if it was confusing.

“I know.” He kissed her again and then guided them back out into the hall.

Lily watched the nurses take in the tall, powerful man beside her, his hand on the small of her back, and a small sense of pride and...wow, what was that?...ownership came over her. She turned and Aidan cupped her face.

“I’ll be back in a few hours.” His voice was deep and husky.

Oh lord, her lady bits were going to react very inappropriately if he didn’t leave soon.

“Okay.” A warmth filled her chest.

She wasn’t going to say no to his support when her father was close to passing. That he was here when she’d been craving those muscular arms around her was a miracle.

Thankfully, Aidan hadn’t pushed his questioning any further about the conversation with her mom. Explaining that she wanted to know what it felt like to be in love because her feelings for him were... strong was definitely not what she had in mind.

He had caught the tail end of the conversation and assumed she loved Matt.

She was most definitelynotin love with Matt, but she did still work for him, and Aidan would need to understand that.

“How long are you staying?” she asked.

“As long as it takes.” He kissed her cheek. “See you soon, peaches.”

As long as it takes.

What did that mean?

Lily was sure she’d soon find out. Meanwhile, her face heated as she watched Aidan walk away.

God, he was beautiful.

His strong back, dark wavy hair, perfect ass—she knew it was perfect as she’d had a handful of it in her hands a few times—and powerful arms. He walked with the confidence of a man who knew his worth and was willing to confront anyone who challenged it.

As long as it takes.

Lily really wanted to unpack that. What did he think was going to happen?

While he’d taken her by surprise and it was a little romantic, especially his kiss, she was still confused by his presence.

Nothing had changed.

I hope you don’t have your sights set on either of these boys.

Was she right? Was Aidan on a rich boy’s path of rebellion? It would be irresponsible of her to read too much into his arrival. Aidan had money. Lots of it. Flying across the world wasn’t as significant as someone else doing it.

Did she want him to leave? No.

Did she want to melt into his arms and let him take care of her? Oh, boy, yes, she did.

But that was leading him on.

When Aidan returned, she would speak to him and be honest. She didn’t love Matt, and there wasn’t anything romantic between them, but she needed her job.

---