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When they stand to begin their first dance, they twirl across the dance floor as if they’re the only two people in the room, the music ringing in the air around them. Halfway through the song, the guests are encouraged to join in, and to my surprise, Aiden stands, tugging me with him.
I look at him questioningly.
He chuckles. “It’s a wedding, Lilly. You have to dance.”
I acquiesce, letting him pull me out onto the dance floor where he grasps my hand in his and reaches for my waist. His fingers send a shiver up my spine as they settle just above the curve of my hip. Looking down at me and meeting my gaze, he takes a confident step back, and I follow, swaying to the music.
Lost in those blue eyes of his, I find it harder and harder to look away. Those butterflies in my stomach are back. My entire body burns with electricity. I force my head to turn, glancing around the room. The only other couples on the dance floor seem to be real couples. Women leaning their heads on their partners’ shoulders, couples kissing softly as they sway.
“You never mentioned you had ideas for the foundation,” Aiden says softly, and my attention turns back to him.
“Didn’t I?” I ask, my voice coming out quieter than I’d intended. I clear my throat.
He shakes his head. “What kind of ideas?”
I smile at him in amusement. “You want to talk work at your brother’s wedding?”
His eyes are warm. “It’s more than just work to you.”
It’s a statement, not a question. And I’m taken aback by how true it is. And not only that—he knows it’s true. He knows me. “You’re right,” I say.
“So, tell me about your ideas.” He holds me with his gaze, the other couples spinning around us.
“I … I thought we could have art shows. Like real art shows. Go all out. Champaine, people dressed up—the whole nine yards. We can showcase an emerging artist. Help them get on their feet. Maybe even showcase students. And with your connections at King Tech, you could invite, well, wealthy people. It could be a real way to raise money for the foundation.” When I realize I’m rambling, I stop short, looking to Aiden for some kind of reaction.
But to my surprise, he doesn’t seem dismissive or skeptical. He seems … intrigued.
He bites his lip in thought, his eyebrows furrowing. “That’s actually …” He chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s actually a good idea.”
I laugh, feigning insult. “You’re surprised I have a good idea?”
He smirks. “Not at all.” He steps to the side, twirling me under his arm and then pulling me back to him. The momentum sends me closer than I was before, my chest brushing softly against his, our breaths intermingling. His hand on my waist holds me close, his body heat seeping into every inch of me. My breath hitches in my throat as I gaze up at him, his eyes intense with an emotion I can’t quite identify.
Suddenly the song ends, causing couples to step back from each other, the chatter in the room slowly returning to normal. Aiden holds me against his chest for a few heartbeats before the next song comes on—something upbeat and catchy. He steps back, letting go of me, the spot on my back where his hand had been suddenly cold and empty.
I take a small step back as well, glancing around. “How does a drink sound?” Aiden asks, breaking the awkward tension suddenly between us.
I smile. “Perfect.”
Chapter 9
Lilly
The venue has multiple open bars, and Aiden and I venture inside the mansion to where it’s less crowded. Within a few minutes, the bartender hands us our drinks. I take a sip of mine—some custom couples cocktail Asher and Olivia had designed together for the event.
The room we’re in has couches, chairs, a large fireplace, and tables for people to set drinks down on. A handful of people are lounging on some couches, drinks in hand, laughing.
I glance around the corner, seeing an ornately decorated hallway that passes a kitchen on the right and then leads to who knows where. My head on a swivel, I feel like I can’t get enough of this place. Aiden notices my interest and raises an amused eyebrow at me.
I laugh. “This venue must have cost an arm and a leg.”
Aiden smirks. “Well, if there’s anything Asher has, it’s ‘arms and legs.’ A lot of them.”
I snort. “Not just Asher, I assume.” I raise my eyebrows at him. “I mean, you and Alec are cofounders too, right?”
He shrugs, whether modestly or secretively, I can’t quite tell. “You’re not wrong,” he admits.
I nod, continuing my perusal of the room—the chandeliers above us, the intricate carvings on the ceiling.
