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I roll my eyes, laughing. “Your honeymoon is not a good time to call.”
“How’s the financial situation at the foundation?” Asher presses.
I snort. I glance up from my desk to see Olivia’s office empty. She’d left a little while ago to supervise some workshop going on in one of the classrooms. “It’s decent. Could be better, but we’ve actually got a plan for that.”
“A plan?” Asher echoes.
“Lilly wants the foundation to host art shows as fundraisers.”
“Huh,” Asher says. “It’s a decent idea, actually. So you’re implementing it?”
I nod. “Yep. We’ve been ironing out plans all week.”
“That sounds great. So you think the foundation is worth keeping? It’s not a lost cause?”
I smile. “Definitely worth keeping. No two ways about it.”
“I trust your opinion on it,” Asher says. “If you think it should stay, it stays.”
“Thanks,” I reply. “Now go hang out with your wife, you idiot.”
We both hang up with a laugh.
Chapter 19
Lilly
I stare at myself in the floor-length mirror in my bedroom, turning from side to side to survey my outfit. The red dress I’m wearing falls just below my knees, the deep V showing off just enough cleavage to be sexy.
I take a deep breath. Aiden might not know what tonight will bring, but I certainly have an idea.
I’ve been thinking about it all week. I’ve been basically unable to think of anything else. After going over plans for the art show with him every day, I’d end up back at his apartment, wrapped in his arms and eventually seeing stars.
He’d suggested we go out Friday night, so here I am, dressed and ready for him to pick me up at my apartment. And while he’s been nothing but a gentleman, only going as far as I’m comfortable and never asking for more, I’ve finally decided.
Tonight, I’m going to lose my virginity.
I’d mulled it over in my head every night this week. Part of me feels crazy. Am I just caught up in the moment? Falling for someone who’s surely slept with more people than I ever will? Am I being stupid? But the way he cares for me, looks at me—it’s got me unable to think straight.
Besides, isn’t it time? At twenty-four, shouldn’t I be doing this now?
And while my head might be telling me to wait, my heart is telling me something entirely different. That Aiden is more than just some guy. More than my last boyfriend or any boyfriend I’ve ever had. Aiden could be … it? I barely want to say it, to jinx it. And whether he’s the one or not, he might just be the perfect one to lose it to.
A knock on my front door pulls me from my thoughts with a jolt, and I grab my purse and a jacket and hurry out of my room.
Aiden greets me when I open the door, looking me up and down and then smiling. “God, you look incredible,” he says, leaning in to plant a soft kiss to my cheek.
“Thanks,” I say with a grin, stepping out and shutting the door behind me.
Aiden drives us downtown. He’d mentioned a fun comedy club that he frequents with his brothers, and I’d agreed. We park nearby and walk a few blocks to the club, the brisk Seattle air chilly against my bare legs. Aiden wraps his arm around me as we walk, keeping me warm.
The show is good. We get drinks, and I find myself laughing hysterically at the comedians. At one point, Aiden rests his hand on my knee where it stays for the rest of the night. Even when I want to shift positions, I don’t. I’d rather the warmth of his hand.
We walk back to his car hand in hand, and he asks if I want to spend the night again even though we both know the answer is yes.
When we get to his apartment, he offers me a drink, and I settle myself in on the couch like I’ve done every night this week. I’ve found myself feeling more at home here than in my own apartment.
Aiden joins me with our glasses of wine and pulls me against him in a cuddle.
