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Vivian looked stunned, but she was smiling. “Welcome to Marietta.”
“Hi,” said Aiden, his eyes drinking her in. All the smooth lines he usually had on the tip of his tongue had disappeared. If he were to try and say what he was feeling, he’d probably end up stuttering. It was also very difficult not to stare at the swell of her breasts visible just above the deepVof the dress.
“I’ve read your article,” Vivian said. Her tongue slipped, licked her lower lip. His body responded. Damn, how long would he have to make small talk before he could whisk her away?
Annie approached him. “She finally listened to me,” she whispered loudly before she hugged him.
Vivian fidgeted with her dress. “I’m sorry about… about everything. I should’ve listened to you. Thank you for helping Webster setting the record straight. I’ve heard his article has also been published.”
Amongst smiles, everyone else found a chair. Mitch didn’t look at all pleased with their arrival, but that was just too damn bad.
Aiden took Vivian’s one hand in his. The need to touch her was so overwhelming, he couldn’t help himself. “Look, I shouldn’t have interfered in your life without your blessing but I’m not sorry about Webster’s article. Hopefully Brett Carson will be stopped now.”
“I can’t believe it’s finally over. All thanks to you.”
Grinning, he leaned forward. “I’m sure I’ll find a way you can thank me properly.”
Inhaling deeply, Aiden tried to calm down the wild beating of his heart, but Vivian’s flowery scent was making breathing difficult. She moved to sit down and he made sure he got the chair next to her. Moving his chair closer to hers, he took her hand in his. Electricity crackled, Vivian caught his eye and smiled. The restlessness he’d experienced when he’d left Marietta settled down.
How the hell was he going to walk away from her?
*
Aiden leaned closerto Vivian. “I really am sorry about everything. I never meant to hurt you.”
She pressed his hand, her eyes twinkling. “Well, we’ll have to find a place and time to forgive and thank each other properly, won’t we?”
His eyes darkened, her breath hitched. They were in a room full of people. Change of subject necessary. “You’ve written a beautiful story.”
He tightened his grip on her hand. “I was hoping Annie would persuade you to read it.”
Pointing toward his sister, Vivian smiled. “It was actually Riley who sent me the link.”
Aiden looked at his sister. “Really? But how…”
“Aunt Janice had her number.” Riley smirked. “You’d already made such a mess of everything; I had to do something to help you.”
Grinning, Aiden lifted their linked hands. “At least she’s talking to me again, so thank you, sis.”
Mitch was glaring at Aiden. “You hurt my sister.”
Riley turned toward Mitch. “He’s here. With her. Relax, will you?”
For a moment, Vivian was worried her brother was going to explode. Apparently, Annie had the same thought as she quickly got up. “Come on, Mitch, let’s dance.”
Mitch opened his mouth to protest, but Annie pulled playfully on his arm. “Oh, come on, chill. It’s Valentine’s Day.”
Reluctantly, Mitch got up to follow Annie.
“He seems to be in need of a lot of hugs,” Riley said loud enough for Mitch to hear. Mitch growled, but Annie quickly pulled him onto the dance floor.
“He’s just very protective of us.” Vivian smiled. “After our parents passed away, he took on the role as protector.”
Riley nodded. “Be grateful you only have one brother. I have a brother and a cousin to deal with.”
When both Aiden and Craig protested, Riley held up her hands and laughed. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She looked at Aiden. “Have you told Vivian about your television interview?”
Clearly uncomfortable, Aiden shifted in his chair. “It’s not really worth mentioning…”
