Page 51 of Pretender

That went a bit too far.

I drop my hand to his. “Come, let’s get some fresh air,” I say, nodding towards the door and the welcome quiet darkness that awaits us.

Once outside, I take a deep breath. It smells of wet grass and a hint of wood fire here now. The air is cool and refreshing.

“Are you okay?” he asks tentatively.

“Yes,” I answer without turning to him. Okay, be a grown-up and just tell him. I kick my toe into the gravel. “I just thought it was getting a bit too intimate in there. I’m sorry.”

The sound of him exhaling comes from my left, and I swivel to see his reaction. He’s rubbing his neck, his gaze on the ground.

Cute.

“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I saw your mum looking at us, and Venetia was right there, and Mark said we didn’t seem real, so I kind of panicked.”

He exhales again. “Linnea?”

“Yes?”

“Are you…”

His pause makes me turn to him. His hand drops from his neck.

“You’re not attracted to me, are you?” he asks, straightening up again, meeting my eyes. “That was just part of the act, is that what you’re saying?” His eyes narrow as if he’s trying to read my mind.

Is he offended?

Surely, Aiden, Italian God and charmer of all women, is not insecure.

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.” I shift my weight to my other foot. “I mean, you’re clearly good looking,” I say, waving a hand. “But I’m not in the headspace to feel anything about it.”

He huffs out of his nose, sticking his hands in his pockets. “It’s not me, it’s you, is that what you’re saying?”

“Sure,” I say. “I’ll never mix business and pleasure again, so if I was worried I’d fall for you, I would’ve found a way out of this.”

“Right.”

“Aiden, if I was worried about you falling, I wouldn’t have done this either.” I laugh. It’s the silliest thing I’ve said all night.

He stares at me for a beat. His expression blank.

What’s on his mind now?

“Don’t get arrogant, Linny,” he says finally, smirking as he relaxes his stance, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“Good, so we agree.”

“Hm.” There’s that little grunt again. “Sorry about the … physical response in there. But you’re a bloody good kisser.”

The words catch me off guard and I freeze. Only a strange sound comes out.

“Uh.”

Aiden thinks I’m a good kisser?

No, he’s just joking around. He’s kissed a million people. Snap out of it, Linnea. This is Aiden. Charmer. He knows every step of every dance, and this is just another one.

“What?” he asks, stepping closer, and the move jolts me back. I clear my throat, finding my voice again.