AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, I’m no expert when it comes to relationships. I couldn’t even get my fiancé to show up at the wedding,” Riley said drily. “But you could start by telling her how you feel. Share your feelings, I’m told is the thing to do.”
Aiden grimaced. “It’s difficult to share anything if she refuses to listen to me.”
Craig cleared his throat. “I’ve never understood women, so I can’t give you any pointers. What I do know, though, is you’ve never been in love, really in love, before. Should you give up so easily?”
“No man understands women,” said Riley. “So don’t even try. Just love her. How did you meet? Start from the beginning and tell us everything.”
Resignedly, Aiden shoved his laptop out of the way and put his feet up on the desk. “It’s going to take a while.”
“Let me get a glass of wine,” Riley said.
“Good idea,” Craig added.
The bell on his front door buzzed. “My food has arrived.” Aiden chuckled. “Give me a minute; I think I also need wine for this.”
He got up to open the door. Talking to his cousin and sister had lifted the weight somewhat from his chest. Sharing his feelings had never been easy for him. To open up to his emotions, as Aunt Janice had encouraged him to do, sounds petrifying, to say the least.
After their parents had passed away, Aunt Janice had urged all three of them to see a therapist, but he’d studiously refused. There hadn’t been anything to talk about, anyway. They were gone—talking about it wasn’t going to change anything.
At least Riley and Craig were still speaking to him. Maybe they could help him figure out a way to get at least one of the Millers to listen to him.
Chapter Twelve
Annie grabbed Vivian’sarm as they crossed the street. “We’re shopping, Viv. Come on, smile. At least nobody here in Bozeman knows anything about your scandalous life.”
“Oh, you’re talking about the fact that literally everyone in Marietta knows Aiden kissed me, and later the same day, my brother punched him?”
Annie grinned. “I hear Carol Bingley is beside herself. Apparently, she hasn’t had a story this juicy to gossip about for a while.”
Snorting, Vivian pulled her bag closer to her body. “My feet are hurting, I’m hungry, and I’m thirsty. Surely, your guests need you by now? Can’t we just have tea and go back home?”
“My guests had breakfast, nobody wanted lunch, and they all know I’ll be back later this afternoon. You’ve taken some much-needed vacation time, and it’s Friday. These are good enough reasons to go shopping.”
“I have decided to take a few days leave, hoping the story about the Irishman and the reporter would’ve died down by Monday. It has been impossible to get anything done when everyone in the ER keeps whispering and giggling.”
Annie smiled. “Let’s face it; life can be pretty boring in a small town. You should enjoy the excitement. And remember, the kiss isn’t the only bit of news. There’s also Mitch. Don’t forget the juicy bit about your brother punching your lover.”
Fortunately, they had just entered a boutique, and Vivian didn’t have to answer her sister.
Her lover. Aiden had just kissed her, but she’d been having very graphic dreams about making love with him. It would never be possible, though—he was back in Portland, probably already looking for his next story.
“Oh, Viv, look at this one,” Annie called out. “It’s absolutely you—I’ve always loved you in this shade of blue. Try it on.”
“Why do I need a dress?”
“For tomorrow night’s Valentine’s ball, of course.”
“There is no way I’m going.”
Annie’s face dropped. “Are you really going to let Carol Bingley and her gossiping ruin Valentine’s Day for us?”
“Valentine’s Day is just a gimmick to sell pink and red stuff. I have a book and…”
“You are not going to stay at home on Valentine’s Day and read a book, seriously. Imagine what Carol will have to say about that. Oh, please, Viv. Do it for me? I want to go. Please?”
Vivian groaned. “Okay, I’ll do it for you, but I’m not buying a dress I’ll never wear again, and I definitely don’t want anything that resembles a prom dress.”
Smiling broadly, Annie searched through the dresses again. “I’m soooo happy. So, what about this one?”
