AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Sixteen
Ella
It’stheearlyafternoon,and I’ve been in a strange mood all day, vacillating between feeling sad and like the old me. Thanks to my surprise visitor, it’s mostly the latter.
We’re sitting on the couch, watching an action movie. Well, watching isn’t quite the right word, because my mind is elsewhere, contemplating the gorgeous man sitting next to me with his arm around my shoulder. It’s comforting, and his self-assured warmth seeps into my body, helping me relax, as does the steady beat of his heart.
It wasn’t always so calm. When we first sat down, Aiden’s heart was hammering against his chest, betraying his controlled outer facade. It matched mine. So close to him, how could it not go into overdrive? But forcing myself to watch the movie, even if I didn’t register what it was about, eventually calmed my nerves.
What a surprise package Aiden Burg is turning out to be. Behind the jovial exterior is a man who deeply cares. And I’m hopelessly drawn to him.
Hating the feelings he’s stirring up, doesn’t make them any less potent. They run deep. It bothers me, yet I wouldn’t want to stop them.
Tiero and I have no future. There shouldn’t be this guilt. Should being the operative word. I feel disloyal, like I’m betraying him. But really, I can’t beat myself up over this. It’s not like I’m seeking Aiden out or pursuing anything with him. For now, I’m simply enjoying his company.
We could be good friends.
Yeah, right.Given the fiery looks he often throws in my direction and the way my body heats under his gaze… but I’m not going there.
My phone rings in the bedroom where I left it, but checking the time on the oversized kitchen clock, it’s too early to be Rhia.
Who could this be? I haven’t given this number to anyone, and there’s only a very small number of people who’d have access to it. It’s probably Gary checking in on me. I’ll ring him back later; I’m too comfortable to move.
Stop lying to yourself,I chide myself. Being too comfortable is only half the truth. The other half? I don’t want to leave Aiden’s side and disturb this newfound peace and quiet in my soul that his presence inspires.
As soon as my phone stops, Aiden’s begins to jump on the coffee table; he must have set it to vibrate.
“Sounds like someone is keen to get in touch with us. Is it Gary?” I ask.
Aiden checks the display. “No. It was Miranda.” The next moment, it rings again. “And she’s persistent, as always.”
That makes me grin. She really is a firecracker.
“Miranda,” he answers the call. “What can I do for you?”
I can hear her excited voice, but can’t make out what she’s saying. “Yes, I’m with Riley.” A moment later, Aiden hands me his phone, rolling his eyes. “She wants to talk with you.”
Taking it from him, our fingers brush, and I’m zapped into heightened awareness of him, tingling where our skins meet. “Hey Miranda,” I greet her, just a little breathless.
“I heard about your fall. Are you okay?”
“Jeez. News travels fast around here. I have to keep that in mind.”
“Freemont is like a big family. We talk. There are no secrets.” Funny, given what industry they’re in. “Do you want to have a very late lunch? I’ve just finished work and haven’t eaten yet. I’m keen to catch up and hear all about your sea voyage,” she says, getting straight to the point.
“You work on a Saturday?” I ask, a little surprised.
“Honey, I work whenever my clients are available. Weekends, unfortunately, can be the busiest, but I try to keep Sundays free,” she explains. “So how about a late lunch?”
I really like Miranda, and we’ll be great friends, but right now she’s got way too much energy… definitely more than I can cope with today. I feel too vulnerable to be around her big personality. “Aiden made some food a little while ago, so I’m really not that hungry,” I tell her.
I’d much rather hide away in my apartment. “I’d love to another time, though,” I add quickly.
“Why don’t you come to Ethan & Garrett’s birthday party? That way we can catch up and you get to meet more Freemont people. It’s tomorrow at the brewery. Aiden can bring you.”
Oh no, I’m not going to ask Aiden to drive an hour back and forth just to collect me for a party. But I do want to see the Switzerland crew again. Hmm, but how to get there? From memory, the brewery is up north where Aiden lives.
“Send me the address. I’ll work out how to get there. What can I bring?”
