“I hate when you’re right.”
Sierra laughed.“As long as you don’t hate me.”
“Of course not.I’m happy to have a friend who can be honest with me.”She finished off her tea.“Besides, I’d already figured that out.I just didn’t want to admit it.”
*
Aria hated beingwishy-washy.On the one hand, she wanted Ryan.On the other, she was afraid of what would happen if she got involved with him again.On a physical level, that is.But really, could it be any worse than it already was?She was in love with him.Still.Maybe she should just relax and see what happened.Maybe having sex would lead to more.And maybe it wouldn’t and she was just kidding herself.
She said to hell with it and called Ryan.“Are you working this weekend?”
“Friday.Not Saturday or Sunday.Why?”
“I thought I’d cook but it would be great if you could come play with the baby while I do.I’ve been known to burn things if I’m the only one here.So, how about Saturday?You could come over around four.Sophie should be up from her nap by then.”
“That would be great.I’ll bring some wine.Red or white?”
“Red works.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then.And Aria?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks for asking me.”
“You’re welcome.”She hung up, satisfied with her newfound decisiveness.
Of course, that didn’t last long.Very shortly after she hung up with Ryan, she began second-guessing herself.Would this lead to more than she was ready for?Ryan would absolutely stop if she told him she wasn’t ready to go any further than kisses.But would she?
Aria hadn’t had sex in a long time.She really liked sex, especially with Ryan.When they had kissed she remembered what being with him was like and damn, was it tempting to say to hell with her reservations and follow her instincts.But would that be wise?
Probably not.She still didn’t trust Ryan to stick around.She knew he would for a while.She suspected he even meant to stay.But would the siren call that had sent him off to yet another new place ever since his time in Afghanistan be too tempting to resist?
She didn’t know, and she didn’t see how she ever would.At some point she’d have to take him on faith and hope for the best.And if he broke her heart again at least she’d have tried.
Not that she meant to tell Ryan her heart was at risk.No way.Better he think she was only in it for the sex.
*
Ryan considered Aria’sinvitation to dinner a big step forward.Instead of him being the one asking to see her and the baby, Aria had asked him.And she was cooking.He chose a smooth Pinot Noir, figuring it would go with whatever she decided to cook.She wouldn’t tell him, either, saying he’d figure it out when he got there.
He knocked and when no one came to the door, he opened it and walked in.“Aria?”
“In the kitchen.”
He walked in, sniffed, and said, “Oh, my God.Is that what I think it is?”
“If you think it’s lasagna then yes.I know it’s early, but I wanted to get it ready to pop in the oven.Sophie woke up a little while ago.I changed her and put her on her tummy while I came in here.I thought it might occupy her for a bit.”
He wondered why she’d done everything before he got there, since he was supposed to be tending to Sophie so Aria could cook.But he didn’t ask, figuring she had to have a reason.He just had no idea what it was.
“Will you go get her?”Aria asked Ryan.“And she’ll need a bottle.I’ll get it ready.”
“You’re not nursing at all anymore?”
“No.I think I told you, she wasn’t gaining as much as she should have, so I supplemented.Once I started supplementing, my milk production went way down, so I quit.”
“Okay.”Having never had a child or thought about it much, he had no idea when women quit nursing.He imagined it varied with the woman.
