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Why does my gut make me feel that he has words on the tip of his tongue? I can feel the stare of his eyes burn through my skin, but he’s holding back, like he knows I may not like whatever it is. How can I sense that with only just meeting him? Is it intuition? This pull between us seems natural and instant. I keep my attention elsewhere and wait for him to speak, but he doesn’t. I start to feel nervous, and my fingers graze the metal trio of hoops on my bracelet whilst I wait for him to decide whether or not to talk.
“Aiden, stop. Just say what you're thinking.” My restraint is about to snap. “I’ve known you for no time, but I can see something is bugging you.”
“You want to see the door, you don’t look like military or forces. I can only think of one other reason a young woman wants to scan the area. I may be wrong but I’m an intuitive guy who lives by what my gut tells me. You’re fidgeting with your wrist or you keep looking toward the door. Is it Ricky?”he questioned, while he peeps in the direction my eyes are poised.
“The guy on the door. No… it’s... it’s just…” I feel the heat travel up to my cheeks and I quickly drop my head down away from his eyes.
“Blaire, just so you know, whatever it is, you are fine here. You don't have to tell me anything but I'm a good listener, if you do want to talk.”
“Thanks.”
I take a gulp of my drink and start to play with the label on the bottle and notice the crackle in the air between us. He hasn’t pushed me to tell him anything, only offered me a friendly ear.
Who does that? A gentleman, that’s who.When did a guy last treat me as a person, scrap that as a woman, as someone that wasn’t an object?
The flutter in my stomach grows when Aiden disturbs my thoughts by coughing loudly. “Guys, are you going to stop pretending you're caught up in something important?”
“I was enjoying watching the show.” Liam smiles, but Dylan elbows him in the side.
“Don't be a dick,” Dylan jokes back. “We thought we would leave you to it. You don't need us butting in. Actually, let’s head over to the bar. Liam, are you coming?”
“Yeah, man.” Liam grabs Aiden’s shoulder and squeezes it. “See you later, Blaire.”
“Bye guys, no need to leave on my account.”
“Oh, don't worry, we’re not,” Dylan replies. “The night’s young and I want to top up while I’ve a chance, catch up with a few people.”
“Are you going with them, too?” I ask, watching for Aiden’s reaction, before I reach forward for my beer bottle from the table.
“Not unless you want me to?” he whispers honestly. His eyes never falter away from mine before he reaches over and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You have nowhere else you need to be, have you?”
“No, just here with you,” I utter.
* * *
Ican't figure out why Aiden decides to stay around for me. Why would he? The door opens again, and I try to control the shake of my knees, especially when a guy walks in. Aiden is right about being intuitive to something going on, but so am I. I try to hide away but for some reason, I can’t conceal my fears fully from him and I don't know why. My heart is screaming as it crushes in the cavity in my chest. Even though I don’t know him at all, it feels like he’s been a part of my life forever and that I can trust him. The only person who knows what went on that day is Levi, and I didn’t even have a choice in telling him; but I can't exactly call him just to make small talk. I can't risk Rich finding out where I am, but having someone who is here for me in Armstrong, well, that would be different.
I know deep down my brother wouldn't understand without going in search of him, but after my behavior of a quick exit and not being truthful with my reasons, I need to start to rebuild my life and confidence. Aiden may just be the person to help me do that in time.
Am I crazy for trusting someone I’ve just met? My gut doesn't think so, but time will tell. He did offer a friendly ear, if I need it.
The volume of the music starts to increase, and the room becomes a multitude of bodies which sway and sing to the rhythm of the beat. I check the time and it’s still early, but it seems the party is just about to start to get lively.
“Blaire, do you want to get another drink or leave before Kennedy persuades you to join in a round of karaoke?” Aiden leans in and whispers. He tilts his stool closer to mine while he balances his hand on the table to keep himself upright.
“She wouldn’t, would she?” I raise my brows and open my mouth. Aiden cocks his head to Nate as he holds a microphone in his hand. “Shit, get me out of here, I’ll drown the place out.”
“You can’t be that bad.” Aiden stands and holds his hand out for me to grasp. “I think your voice is beautiful, soft with just a slight twang.”
“Are you trying to charm me?” I ask. I fold my arms across my chest and push my breasts upwards.
“Me? Never.” He places his free hand over his heart, before he pulls me into his chest by my hand. “I'm just being truthful about a sexy woman in my company. Is that okay?”
I nod in embarrassment as he lets go and wraps his arm tightly around my shoulder and ushers me to stand. I notice Dylan appear next to us with a shit-eating smile across his face laced full of mischief.
What the fuck is he up to?
“Where do you think you’re going, man? I’ve put us down for a song and we’re up next.” Dylan laughs.
