Page 637 of Manhattan Bossholes

“So, I have news,” Aiden said.

This was what I’d been waiting for. I tipped my head at him, waiting for the bomb to drop.

“I bought a ring.”

I paused a beat as the news settled into my bones.

“Aiden…no.”

He burst out laughing. “Megan wins the bet! I said that you were going to explode, but she swore you’d be quietly disapproving. Smart girl.”

I didn’t appreciate that they were making me the butt of a private joke.

“It’s too fast,” I retorted.

“Cameron, I love her.”

There was something in his expression that slowed me down.

“We’re good for each other,” he continued. “Just because it’s fast doesn’t mean it’s rushed. There’s a difference.”

I shook my head, barely able to believe my ears. I held on to one thing—he said he’d bought the ring, not that he’d popped the question. Maybe there was still time to save him from himself. “I just don’t get it. Since I know next to nothing about her, other than the fact that she’s a business rival, give me one example of how you two are good together.”

His eyes took on a devilish gleam.

“Other than sex.”

He chuckled and took a swig of beer. “Okay, sure. We look out for each other. Put the other person first. You know how I fractured my wrist? The roller skates she wanted?”

I kicked myself for not even asking about his wrist. I nodded.

“The first thing she did when we got home from the hospital was put our skates out on the street with a ‘free’ sign on them. She gave them up because she knew I wouldn’t want to try skating again. And she’s the one who researched the best physical therapy facilities so I wouldn’t have lingering issues.”

Kind of her. Okay, it was a start.

“That’s something she did for you,” I eyed him. “What about vice versa?”

Aiden smiled. “How about a million little things? I make sure her heated blanket is on before she gets into bed. I know how she likes her coffee, and which mugs are her favorites, so I fix it for her every morning. I give her the best side of the couch. I hug her every chance I get. I pay attention to the little stuff she mentions, like a lotion she likes, or new restaurants she wants to try, and I surprise her with them. All I want to do is delight her. It makes me happy to make her happy.”

He smiled, almost woozy with whatever he was feeling.

“But it’s more than just stuff. We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders. We truly listen to what the other person is saying. We give advice when it’s asked for, or provide an ear when that’s what’s needed. She’s got my back, and I’ve got hers. I’m the best version of me when I’m with her.”

Aiden now seemed sheepish, like he was afraid he’d said too much.

“I don’t know how to respond to that,” I offered. “Things might be good now, but that could change. No, fuck that, it always changes. So what’s going to happen when the shit hits the fan between the two of you and her daddy comes after Veritique in retaliation?”

He slammed his hands on the table in frustration. “Damn it, Cam! Can’t you get past your own fucked-up history and realize that just because you had a rough go doesn’t mean the rest of the world will? True love exists. You can deny it all you want, but I’m living it. Every day. And I’m marrying Megan whether you like it or not.”

I’d never seen easygoing, affable Aiden so pissed off.

“Did you at least buy the ring at Veritique?”

He glowered at me. “No, I didn’t.”

I started to protest, but he cut me off.

“I sourced the diamond myself and had Clara design a ring based on my specs. I wanted it to be a representation of my love for Megan without any outside influence. One-of-a-kind.”