Page 33 of The Vow We Made
She takes a moment, tapping her fingers on the table while chewing her bottom lip. It could be she’d rather not say or she’s choosing her words carefully. Either way, I have to respect the answer she gives me.
She starts slowly. “In my last relationship, I had my fingers burnt.” Immediately, I know she’s cautious. “Since then I haven’t been out with anyone and—” she hesitates before adding, “this is my first date in three years.”
I’m taken aback for a moment. How can a beautiful woman like Victoria be out of the dating game for so long? “I’m sorry, I had no idea.”
She shakes her head, “It’s fine, I mean how were you to know?” she says putting her hand over mine once again. “I may have got a little spooked in the pod earlier and I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but it was me who was moving too fast, not you. I wanted you close and I don’t think you misread my signals at all.”
Now I’m completely confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Then let me make it clear.” She scratches her forehead, huffs out a smile and shakes her head to the side. “Aiden James, if you only knew what was going on in my head. Just believe me when I tell you, for my own sake, I have to slow things down. The last time I did this, my heart was broken. I can’t afford to put myself in the same position.” There’s a hint of a smile when she says, “I bet you’re having second thoughts about this date.”
Seconds thoughts are the last thing running through my mind. “Far from. If it helps, I want you to know we can move at any pace you want and if you think I’m getting ahead of myself, then tell me. Be honest from now on and I promise to take your lead.”
Her focus falls to her hand, still firmly placed over mine, “Thank you Aiden, you didn’t have to be so understanding. The truth is, I haven’t been out with anyone in so long, I’m not sure I’m doing it right, but I am sure I want to be here with you. I just need to take things slow.”
“Slow we can do, but promise me one thing. Don’t hold back on me. Always tell me how it is.”
The corners of her mouth rise and her eyes crinkle a little at the sides. “I will.”
Even though I’m willing to do things her way, I can’t take my eyes from her. She’s pulling me in with every ounce of her being but she has no idea at all. The shape of her amber eyes, her kissable lips, her high cheekbones and short, almost wavy, hair; all gorgeous, all perfect.
We’re locked in the seclusion of our own world for a few seconds until the waiter arrives, breaking the moment. If I could, I’d turn him away, despite the menus in his hand and the grumble of my stomach.
VICTORIA
It’s with a sense of renewed understanding that Aiden and I leave the restaurant. We’ve spoken with complete honesty, although he doesn’t yet know my full story. I will tell him how I married the most amazing man, then just two weeks later, found out he was a liar and a cheat; not at all the person he’d portrayed himself to be. For now, Aiden and I are getting to know one another. I want that to go somewhere, so maybe if I concentrate on building this new relationship, the old one will be easier to talk about.
We head out into the night and stroll along South Bank where the cold wind continues to blow around us. I shiver so Aiden drapes his coat around me. “I can’t take this away from you. It’s not fair for you to freeze just to keep me warm.”
Aiden wraps me into his side. “I never feel the cold, in fact, I’m glad of the fresh air. It was getting pretty hot up there.” He signals towards the top of the tower and my eyes travel up too, then fall to his eyes now fully focused on mine. My fingers run the length of his arm until our hands meet. “You’ve been pretty fantastic tonight, thank you for everything,” I tell him with complete sincerity.
“My pleasure.” His gentle kiss to my forehead seems the most natural move for him to make.
There are no less people around on the walk down to Westminster tube station, but the speed in which the crowd moves along South Bank is quicker. Everyone but Aiden and I are in a hurry to get home out of the bitter cold. The background noise continues to hum while we make our way along the riverside but I can’t say I notice too much of what is going on while I float in my dating bubble. Aiden’s hand holds mine while we stroll at a lazy pace and laugh while recalling the best bits from a stand-up comedian who, by coincidence, we’ve both seen live recently at the O2. Every now and then, I glance towards him still wondering if we’ve met in another life. Certain tones in his voice are familiar but I can’t pin-point meeting him any time before last week. Knowing how I felt when we first met and how he affects me now, I’m sure I’d remember a man like Aiden.
All too soon, we’re back in Kensington. We reach my front door and I’ve already put the key in the door, only turning to say goodbye. That’s when his spicy cologne drugs my senses completely, giving him an advantage and the opportunity to grab the collars of his coat, which I still wore. He pulls me closer, his mouth lightly covers mine at first, then his lips; warm and soft to the touch, press harder before they slowly open. I relax into his hold as his tongue runs over my lips and seeks access. I’m all too willing to let him in, and when I do, he steals my breath by taking my mouth completely. His hand cups my jaw, his thumb runs over my cheek, back and forth until, gently, he withdraws placing two short kisses to my mouth.
My eyelids flutter open revealing his own eyes studying the outline of my face. He traces the outline with his finger tip as his eyes return to mine. His mouth turns up at each corner. “Until Wednesday.”
“Until Wednesday,” I say, confirming our second date arrangements before I let him go.
* * *
As soon as I’m inside, I call the one person who will understand the turmoil I’m in. Evelynn and I were brought together by my husband. He didn’t introduce us formally, although looking back, that would have been an interesting introduction, but I have her as one of my dearest friends now, because of him. We’ve helped one another through the toughest parts of our lives, although this is the first time any new man has given me a reason to call.
The five-hour time difference between us means I can get in touch during my early hours of the morning and it will be the previous evening for her.
“Evelynn, it’s me.”
“Hey you.” The swirl of her light and breezy American accent fills me with comfort somehow.
“How have you been? It’s been too long.”
“I know and I miss hearing your voice, but things are going good, great actually. I’m happy to be back in New York permanently, although I still get to fly around the world which keeps me occupied, as well as a few other things.”
“Such as?”
“This and that, you know how it goes.” I’m sure she’s referring to the man she met a while ago and I wonder if he’s become a little more serious. She doesn’t give me time to ask the question and very quickly moves on, “Come now, tell me about you. What’s going on? I know it’s late there so you must have a reason for calling.” Her accent curls around each word and supplies a virtual hug down the line.
