Page 35 of Make You Stay

Aidan leans on the counter, a sexy smirk playing on his mouth. Glad to see he’s decided to stick with the clean-shaven look. No matter what Barbara says, the man is gorgeous without the damn beard. Okay, he’s gorgeous either way.

I still prefer seeing his face.

“I’ve got an idea. We should have dinner together a couple of times during the week. We’re right next door to each other, and that way, we aren’t alone.”

“That way, you don’t have to cook,” I retort with my usual sass.

“Also, a bonus. What do you say?”

But I don’t answer him, rather shoot back my own request. “Can you open a bottle of wine?”

If my response bothers him, he doesn’t let it show, instead focusing on the wine rack. “How about this one? Oh wait, this is expensive.”

“Open it.”

“You don’t want to save it for a special occasion?”

“We’re all together. Thatisa special occasion.”

His dimples deepen with the smile crossing his face. “I like your logic.”

He pops the cork as I continue the food prep, sad that it appears our flirty banter has been shelved in lieu of platonic camaraderie.

That idea should make me happy.

It doesn’t.

Suddenly, Aidan is right next to me, and my heart jumps at his proximity. I suck at appearing disinterested.

Then he touches me, his fingers brushing against my neck as he pushes my hair over one shoulder. “You look beautiful, Chloe. Something indelibly sexy about the way that dress hugs your curves, giving me just a hint of what lies underneath. Whets my appetite.”

Suddenly it’s three thousand degrees in the kitchen as a full-body flush dances across my skin.

My mistake.

Seems the flirty banter is not only still in force but has also been kicked up a notch. The only problem? I know he’s been spending time with Barbara, and likely the woman is warming his bed.

Determined to stay my course, I maintain a staring contest with the peppers, chopping them into bits.

“You’re blushing.”

“Am I? Must be the heat in the kitchen.” Pivoting, I thrust a bowl into Aidan’s hands. “Will you take this to the table?”

Aidan’s sexy smirk widens as he leans in, pressing a soft kiss right underneath my ear and setting off a series of sparks in my body. “You’re very flustered right now. I wonder why.”

He sends me a wink before turning on his heel, leaving me at the counter, my heart pounding and hormones racing.

How in the world will I survive dinner?

Ten minutes later, I’m about to find out as the entire group crowds around Betsey’s dining room table, the hum of laughter and conversation reverberating off the walls.

This is what family is about.

For the first time since my father died, I don’t feel the pang of loneliness. Raising my glass, I toast the friends gathered.

After that, they waste no time digging into the food, except for Natalie, who has a far more pressing question. “Dad, why was Barbara at the house again?”

Aidan clears his throat, shrugging. “I don’t know. She stopped by, claiming to need some repairs on her kitchen.”

---