Page 77 of Make You Stay

With a sigh, Aidan lowers me to the ground, caging me between the wall and his muscled body. “I was a fool, and being away from you taught me a valuable lesson. I want you in my life. Ineedyou in my life.”

I drop my gaze, unable to meet his intense stare. I’ve never seen him so riled up with desire. He can barely contain himself, which isn’t helping our situation. “No matter how ridiculously attracted to you I am, I think we’re better off as friends. That way, our rules don’t get in the way, and we don’t end up hurting each other again.”

A grimace crosses Aidan’s face as he taps his hand against the wall. “That’s a terrible idea. We are an amazing couple—ask anyone who saw us together. I screwed up—royally—but it’s fixable. I’m going to fix us.”

How do I argue those words, especially when I’ve dreamt of hearing them roll off his tongue? “How do you plan to fix us? We aren’t a broken window, Aidan.”

“First, I’m going to show you I’m serious about all of it. Abouteverything. I’m not running or pushing you away—not anymore. Then, I’ll up the ante on the flirtation because let’s face it, I know exactly where to touch you to make you quiver.” He glides his hand along my hip, his thumb drifting over my clit. “After I’ve broken your defenses and made you as desperate for me as I am for you, I’ll make love to you. All night, every night. I will make it happen. Mark my words.”

There is something so sexy about a man taking charge, especially when it involves some delicious, sensual torture.

Especially when it’s the man I love more than life itself.

But for now, I’m maintaining my position. If he wants me, he’ll have to work for me. “Some pretty heavy declarations, Aidan.”

“Maybe, but they’re accurate. As for tonight, let’s go finish our wine and watch a movie. Then, I’ll go home and take averylong shower while I jack off and pretend it’s actually you sucking my dick.”

I giggle at his pained expression. “I am pretty talented in that department.”

“Rub it in, please.”

“I think that’syourjob tonight.”

Just like that, Aidan and I slide back into our flirtatious banter, but I refuse to see it as anything beyond friendly wordplay.

Still, it’s far easier to be his friend than his enemy, and that entire family will need my love and care in the coming days. That need trumps any of my personal desires.

We walk to the family room, settling on the couch. Aidan wraps an arm around me, but he isn’t encroaching. He’s giving me the space I claimed to need.

“There are two things I need to say.”

I bite back a groan, wondering if we’re about to take a turn from bad to worse.

“First, I’m playing tomorrow night, and I need you to be there. I’ve written a new song that you have to hear.”

“Okay, I can do that.”

“Second, I’m not giving up. Know that. I’m just calling a delay of game for tonight.” He leans in, brushing his lips against mine. “I fight for what I want, especially whenI’mthe reason I no longer have it. So, prepare all the arguments you have because I plan to destroy every single one. You’re mine, Chloe—plain and simple—but I have no issue proving myself to you. I owe you that but be warned, I’m gunning for you, sweets.”

Chapter 17

Aidan

Last night didn’t go exactly as planned. I had hoped to swoop in and sweep Chloe into my arms before carrying her to the bed and loving her until she damn well knew my intentions.

Turns out, I’ve mucked things up more than I care to admit. The pain in her face, when she claimed I broke her heart damn near, brokeme. In that instant, I saw how much she loved me once and what a bastard I was for tossing something so precious away.

Still, despite everything, Chloe has agreed to come to the bar tonight, and I’m hopeful I can finally prove where my heart lies—with her andonlyher.

Then, I’m making love to that woman for a week straight. I’m serious. We’ll only stop to eat and refuel before our next round.

I thought I had it bad before? I’m lost to Chloe, and I never want to be found.

The only quandary with tonight is whether the damn blizzard will hold off until I finish my set. Mother Nature has been generous with the snow this season, and the upcoming storm threatens to dump a foot of the white stuff.

She can dump ten feet, so long as I have Chloe in my arms.

Strolling into the living room, I spy Emily studying the contents of a package. “What do you have there?”

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