Page 21 of Unbroken

She jumped and whirled toward him, her pulse racing in her veins and thundering in her ears.

“S-sorry,” she stammered. “I didn't hear you.”

He smiled gently but didn’t move, and she shifted uncomfortably.

“I, um… I wanted to thank you.”

He gave a little nod. “You're welcome.”

“Not for the pizza,” she clarified. “I mean, that too, but… for not interrogating me.”

His head tipped to one side. “I would never do that.”

She was beginning to understand that.

“I know,” she said softly. “But I always feel weird when I'm out in public. Everyone wants to know what it was like, how I escaped… This was the first time in forever that I felt like I could just… relax. It was really nice.”

The tension was back in his face, and his tone was tight when he spoke.

“You shouldn't have to put up with that.”

She gave a little shrug. “People are curious. It's…”

“Rude,” Aiden cut in.

There was that.

She nodded. “I'm just so tired of reliving it over and over, you know?”

“I’m sure,” he murmured. “I'm glad you decided to eat with me.”

Heat flared over her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze to the floor.

“Would you be interested in having dinner with me again, for real this time?”

She snapped her eyes up to meet Aiden’s.

“Like… go out?”

“Or stay in.” He shrugged. “Whatever you want is fine with me.”

She was momentarily floored. He knew everything that had happened, yet he willingly wanted to go out with her?

“Are you sure?”

Aiden smiled. “I know I'm a year late, but I was hoping I hadn't missed my chance with you.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I just…”

She trailed off, and Aiden sobered.

“If you don't want to go on a date with me⁠—”

“No, I do,” she stated firmly. “I’m just surprised, is all.”

Aiden's dark eyes stared into hers.

“I wanted you a year ago, and I want you now. Nothing will change that.”