Page 37 of Stained Hearts
I could picture him clearly, sitting there, nibbling his lip and thinking hard on what I said.
“If I go, will you let me get some chocolate?”
Or maybe not so hard.
“Yes. I’ll take you to Indulgence Chocolatiers for a chocolate and a nonalcoholic wine pairing. How does that sound?”
“God, you’re going to spoil me.”
That was the idea. Aiden had been given the raw end of the deal, and he deserved to have some pampering.
“So, will you go with me?”
“Sir, you had me at chocolate.” He laughed. “I’d love to go.”
We talked for a bit, and then Aiden yawned.
“Okay, bed. Now.”
“God, you’re bossy.” He chuckled. “Just so you know, I don’t mind at all. Good night, Tom.”
He hung up, and I sat there staring at the phone. Aiden was a flirt and tease, but damn, he tripped all my triggers.
I couldn’t wait for tomorrow.
“SO, WHATdid you enjoy the most?”
His eyes were still wide by the time we left. Like everything else I’d seen so far, Aiden was totally invested in the museum, just like he was in life. I pushed him down the street to where I’d parked, and he chattered all the way about things we saw.
“The planetarium. I didn’t know it would be so… amazing!”
I’d thought so too. The whole thing only lasted twenty-two minutes, but as soon as the lights went down, a tentative hand reached for and covered mine. It was such a simple, sweet gesture that I turned my hand over and entwined our fingers. When I gave his a slight squeeze, he sighed and leaned back in his seat and watched as the universe unfolded above us.
“What about you? Did you have a good time?”
Oh hell yes. “I did.”
He tilted his head back and looked up at me. “And what was your favorite part?”
“Hm. I’m torn between the rainforest with the miniwaterfall, and the hand that somehow found its way into mine.” I leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I think the hand wins, overall.”
His smile lit up his entire face and fanned the embers in my heart.
“So, dinner?”
He shook his head. “I’m not really hungry.”
“Oh, okay. Then should we go right to the chocolate and wine tasting?”
Another shake. “How about if we go to your house?”
That brought me up short. “Aiden….”
“I’m not talking about sex. I want to sit and maybe watch a movie or something. I mean, I wouldn’t be averse to cuddling on the couch, if you want.”
Holy shit, that sounded so domestic. “I’m in.”
We made it back to the car, and with practiced movements, I got him out of the chair, into his seat, then stowed the stuff we got and his ride in the back. After he was ready, I went to the driver’s side, climbed in, and turned the key in the ignition.
