Page 16 of Make You Stay

Rushing from Aidan’s truck, I make a beeline for my front door. It isn’t like the man doesn’t know the way—he’s more familiar with this old farmhouse than I am.

We pull off our boots, shaking the bits of snow from our coats before Aidan heads for the stove, tossing on another log.

Me? I’m heading for the wine cabinet, pulling out a bottle of shiraz that I paid way too much for at the local market.

Even so, I feel the need to celebrate the little victories, and a friendship with Aidan is just the ticket.

“Will you open this for me?”

“Sure.” Aidan takes the bottle, popping the cork with ease. “Viola, madam.”

“Perfect.”

We settle onto the enclosed porch, a tray of cheese and crackers in front of us, the fire from the stove warming every crevice in the house.

Aidan motions to the tools and lumber littering the back half of the house. “I’m sorry for the mess. I hoped to get it all done before the snow arrived, but nature had other ideas.”

I scan the back room, still uncertainwhatit was Aidan hoped to finish. “What was my mother planning back here?”

Aidan’s eyes twinkle as he snorts out a laugh. “Betsey wanted a conversation pit, sunken down two or three steps. According to her, she was bringing back the seventies.”

My eyes widen, horrified. “But why?”

“I asked the same question. Several times, in fact. If you don’t like that idea, I can do something else. Trust me, I argued Betsey on this point.”

I chuckle, taking another swallow of the sweet red wine. “I’m glad it’s not just me, but that sounds like a terrible idea.”

“Agreed.”

I chew my lower lip, aware of Aidan’s emerald gaze on my face.

Friend zone, Chloe. Remember, you and Aidan will only ever be friends.

“I’d really love to create something cozy, with a fireplace. Like a—”

“Reading nook,” we both say in stereo, our gazes holding.

“Exactly.”

Aidan clinks my glass with his own. “I thought the same thing. Let’s ditch her conversation pit idea—”

“Also known as a liability pit when someone drops into it headfirst. Likely me, as evidenced by my lack of grace on skates.”

“Let’s not do that. You have far too pretty a head.” Aidan averts his gaze, but I notice the slight flush. At least I’m not the only one affected. “A small corner fireplace. Ambiance more than heat. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a couple of overstuffed armchairs. A decorative window that will capture the morning light. Maybe stained glass.”

I can’t hold back the smile crossing my face. “That would be perfect. It’s like you’re in my head.”

I try not to blush—again—when he smiles at me. Even through the thick beard, I can see his faint dimples. The truth is that the beard is bothering me less and less. Or maybe it’s that I like Aidan more and more.

We chat about the revised house plans for the next few minutes, letting the warmth from the stove, the wine, and the conversation settle into our bones. Funny, the camaraderie we now share when only a couple of days ago we were mortal enemies.

“Can I ask you something, Chloe?”

“Sure.”

“What happened with you and Betsey? I’d like to know the full story since my friend never saw fit to let me in on all her secrets.”

Shifting on the couch, I tuck my legs under me as I chew the inside of my cheek, trying to formulate a response.

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