Page 72 of High Stakes

She doesn’t look up when I enter, she’s busy looking at something on her iPad.

“I’ll be with you in just a sec,” she says slowly, trying to concentrate on whatever she’s looking at.

When I approach the counter, she finally looks up, the smile on her face fading when she sees it’s me. I remember a time when she would smile as soon as I entered the room.

“Aiden, what are you doing here?”

“Seems we’re both full of surprises,” I mutter, fighting the urge to touch her.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” she mutters.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were with Cal?” I have no right to sound upset, but I can’t hide it.

She narrows her eyes, “You failed to mention you and Laurie were expecting,” she snaps. “I thought she was married?”

I shrug, sighing heavily. “He left her. Long story.”

“Sixteen weeks,” she mutters, “Around the same time you were trying to con me.”

“I wish I could go back in time, Bella. I would change it all in a heartbeat. I was so wrapped up in Jake’s death and getting the club signed over . . .” I trail off. “Sorry, you don’t wanna hear all this shit again.”

“Are you happy?” she whispers.

I could tell her I am and make this easier. I could walk out of here and never look back, but I owe her some honesty, so I shake my head. “No. I don’t want a baby, especially not with Laurie,” I add an unamused laugh. “But here we are.”

“You loved her once, maybe in time . . .”

“Funny, she said the exact same thing. But honestly, I don’t think I ever loved her really. I didn’t know what true love was, not until . . .” I trail off.

Bella shifts uncomfortably. “Jake went to an awful lot of trouble to get you away from her. But now a baby isinvolved, I think he’d tell you to do the right thing by Laurie.”

I nod, “I am. But you didn’t ask me that, Bella, you asked if I was happy.”

The shop phone rings and she looks back, “I need to-”

“Sure,” I say and she disappears into the back. I wait a second until I hear her speak, before taking her mobile phone off the side. I unlock it using the code she had on her old mobile, smirking when it works. I enter my phone number, then call my phone so I have her number again.

Bella returns a minute later. I’m browsing through her designs on one of the iPads. “These are great,” I tell her.

“Well, you know where to come when you pop the question.” She winces.

I laugh, “Can you honestly see me getting married?”

“I didn’t see you having kids,” she mutters.

“Good point. I never asked you,” I say, moving closer to her. She steps back. “Are you happy?” Without hesitation, she nods. My heart crushes. “I’m glad,” I tell her, feeling like the words are choking me. “Take care, Bella.” And I force myself to leave.

Bella

The second the shop door closes, I burst into tears. Hot, fat tears that drip onto the counter. I miss him.And Ihate that. I watch as Aiden gets into his car. He grips the steering wheel, staring straight ahead, and then suddenly he slams his hands against it over and over. It only makes my tears fall harder. He starts the engine and pulls away at speed, his tyres screeching in protest.

Aiden said himself that he doesn’t want a baby. I was right, he wouldn’t have been happy if I had of told him and that would have hurt me all over again. I don’t want him to be with me because he feels forced to do the right thing, what kind of relationship would that be? I’m glad he doesn’t know, and I intend to keep it to myself because he doesn’t deserve to be a part of our lives.

I grab my coat and bag. There’s no way I can concentrate on work now, even though I’d planned to work late into the evening. It was clear that was our last goodbye. We’ve both moved on. And even though I hate him with all my heart, it still hurts.

I grab some Chinese food on my way home, it’s all I want to eat lately but after my little crying episode, I’m not sure I can even manage this. I get home and head for the kitchen. I plate up the food and pull out my mobile, surprised when I see a text from Aiden. I frown as I open it. He doesn’t have this number, or at least, that’s what I thought.

Aiden: I’m sorry. I know I keep saying it, and it’s just words. But I really am so sorry. I keep messing my life up, Bella, but my one and only regret, is losing you. If you ever need me, I’ll always be here for you. Love Aiden xx

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