Page 23 of Make You Stay

I wish I had dinner with Aidan and the girls instead.

I won’t admit it aloud, but I love being around Aidan. There’s a comfort in his proximity, combined with the ever-growing desire to rip off his clothes.

Hey, I have eyes, and those eyes didnotmiss Aidan’s broad shoulders and chest under that thin t-shirt.

Dad bod? Not on that dad.

But it’s pointless to focus energy on Aidan. He’s my friend, and per his rule, that’s all we’ll ever be.

Thus, ending that tale before it ever began.

Judging by the banging sounds emanating from downstairs, my new buddy is already hard at work.

When I glance at the clock, I groan. It’s almost eight in the morning, and I’m usually up before dawn. Sliding on some sweats, I shove my glasses on my face and throw my hair atop my head in a messy bun.

It might not be pretty, but I need caffeine in my veins before I contemplate my outward appearance any further. Besides, who am I trying to impress?

Aidan doesn’t look at me like that. I could probably walk around in a bikini, and he wouldn’t look twice.

Okay, he probably would. Heisa guy.

A smile crosses my face as I enter the kitchen and the fragrance of coffee wafts up my nostrils.

Good man, Aidan.

I pour a cup before heading to the back of the house, eager to begin my daily banter with my resident hot carpenter.

“Good morning, Aidan. Want some more coff—” The question dies in my throat when Aidan looks up, a smile crossing his face.

His gorgeous, cleanly shaven face.

I know I’m gaping, but I can’t stop staring at him. He was attractive before, but holy hell, it’s suddenly three million degrees in here.

“You okay, Chloe?”

With an audible swallow, I nod, motioning to his face. “Wow. You shaved.”

Aidan grins, running a hand across his chiseled jaw. Hiding a jaw that beautiful ought to be illegal. “I decided I had enough of the lumberjack look for a while.”

“Wow.” Perfect, now I sound like a daft idiot, repeating myself again and again.

Judging by the sexy smirk decorating his face, he loves every second of my reaction. “You approve?”

“Mm-hmm.” Turning on my heel, I dart into the kitchen. I need to regain my equilibrium because Aidan has knocked any semblance of balance all to hell.

Loud footsteps fall in the hallway as he trails me to the kitchen, leaning against the doorjamb. “I can’t tell if you like it or not.”

“I like it.” My voice, usually low and smooth, comes out as a high-pitched squeak, complete with full facial flushing.

Oh, the mortification.

Those dimples deepen as a grin splits his face. “What was that?”

Breathe, Chloe.

Finally finding my voice, I release a sigh as I brace myself against the counter. “I said I like it. You’re just a bit disconcerting right now.”

“Why is that?”

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