Chapter 106
Aria’s POV
I glanced at the door and quickly bent down to pick up my phone, feeling oddly guilty.
“Aunt said lunch is ready,” Aiden said, leaning against my doorframe.
“Oh! Perfect timing. I just finished practicing,” I replied, awkwardly hiding my phone behind my back like a teenager caught doing something naughty.
Aiden’s dark eyes flicked to my hidden hands, a knowing look crossing his face. “Ready to eat then p>
“Yes, definitely p>
I got up and carefully closed the piano lid before following him downstairs, hyper- aware of his presence just steps ahead of me.
After washing my hands, I checked my phone and found Julian had sent over the sheet music for the two songs. I’d completely forgotten about it this morning-too distracted by Aiden’s perfect abs when I’d walked in on him.
Lucy finished bringing out all the dishes as we sat down. I glanced across the table at Aiden and decided to bring up my new gig.
“So, I accepted a side job,” I said, watching his reaction.
He looked up from his plate, his expression encouraging me to continue.
“Julian’s starting his concert tour next month. First stop is here in the city. He’s
asked me to be a guest pianist for two songs during the show p>
“Is the pay good?” Aiden asked, his voice neutral.
I thought about the three hundred thousand dollars and couldn’t help smiling. “Well, it’s not bad. I mean, I’m only playing piano for about ten minutes and getting $300,000. Pretty easy money, right p>
Realizing how money-hungry I sounded, I quickly added, “Of course, it’s not just about the money. I really want to experience the concert atmosphere p>
Yeah, that’s it. I just want to be part of a concert!
Aiden carefully picked the bones from his fish and placed the meat in my bowl. “You’re right, it’s not much p>
Rich people really do have a different concept of money!
“Do you need money?” he asked, his eyes studying me.
“No, not at all p>
“Hmm.” Aiden gave me a long look. “If you ever need money, just tell me. I can— give it to you p>
The slight pause in his sentence made my stomach flutter.
“It’s not the same,” I insisted. “I prefer earning money through my own work p>
With the job now reported to my “husband,” the next step was signing the contract with Julian. His manager had already discussed terms with Summer, and right after lunch, Summer called to let me know I needed to come sign the paperwork.
“This quickly?” I asked, surprised.
“Julian’s company is pushing for it,” Summer explained.
“Oh, okay!” I agreed without much thought.
I’d been planning to take a nap, but now I’d have to get dressed and go sign the contract instead.
With the temperature hovering around ninety degrees outside, I automatically chose a long, flowy dress and flat sandals. I wasn’t planning to stay out long-just sign and return—so I kept it casual, braiding my hair to one side and applying only sunscreen and lipstick.
I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs, bumping into Aiden coming up from his office.
“I’m going to sign that contract,” I informed him.
Aiden gave me a quick once-over. “I’ll drive you p>
I almost said I could just take a taxi, but he was already walking away. I watched his retreating figure for a moment before heading downstairs to pour myself a glass of water while waiting.
Aiden came down quickly, having changed into loose black pants and a matching silky button-down shirt. As he descended the stairs, I couldn’t help noticing how impossibly long his legs looked.
“Ready?” he asked, stopping in front of me.
I put down my glass after taking one final sip.
I was used to seeing Aiden in crisp,
formal suits all proper and
untouchable. But today, dressed like this, he looked like some fallen. aristocrat with an elegant air of decadence that made me want to do very inappropriate things..net
Once in the car, I deliberately avoided looking at him. The last thing I needed before
a business meeting was to get distracted by sexual thoughts about my fake husband.
The twenty-minute drive felt like torture, but thankfully, the meeting place wasn’t far from the mansion.
When the car stopped, I barely glanced at Aiden before quickly unbuckling my seatbelt and practically jumping out. “I’m late! I’d better hurry up. If you’re busy, you don’t have to wait for me p>
Before he could respond, I was already running toward the elevator with a group of people.
As the doors closed, I caught a
glimpse of Aiden looking down at his
shirt collar Why was I running from
him? Because one more minute alone with him in that shirt and I’d
have done something stupid
have done something stupid like climb into his lap.
I stepped out of the elevator, head down, and immediately collided with Summer,
who had just exited from an adjacent elevator.
I didn’t recognize her at first I thought she was someone else.”Sorry!” I mumbled, trying to keep walking.
“Aria?” Summer called after me, but I didn’t stop.
She had to jog to catch up with me, grabbing my arm. “Why are you walking so
fast? Is there a wolf chasing you p>
No wolf, just one extremely hot Aiden Carter!
“No, I just didn’t want to be late,” I lied.
Summer checked her watch. “We still have ten minutes. What’s the rush p>
I felt my face heat up. “Oh, really? I must have gotten the time wrong p>
Summer didn’t question it further. “Why did you suddenly take this gig anyway p>
“Good money, minimal effort, close to home,” I replied cheerfully.
Summer paused, considering my response before nodding in agreement.
I could tell she wanted to ask about
my married life-especially after that scene where Aiden had shown up to defend me—but we’d reached the coffee shop and entered the semi-private booth where Julian and his manager were waiting.net
Two months had passed since Julian and I had last worked together, and I preferred keeping our relationship strictly professional. I didn’t want any unnecessary connection with someone of his celebrity status.
Summer and Julian’s manager, Horace, had already negotiated the terms that
morning. I quickly reviewed the contract, confirmed nothing had been altered, and signed my name.
The whole process took less than five minutes.
I picked up my phone and looked at Julian across the table. “Well, I should get
going p>
Julian smiled, clearly amused. “Are you in a hurry today p>
“Not particularly p>
“So you don’t even have time for a coffee p>
Summer looked at me with the same question in her eyes.
I felt my cheeks warm. “My husband is waiting in the parking lot p>
Horace, who seemed reluctant to have Julian and me interact too much, jumped in.
“Since Mrs. Carter’s friend is waiting, perhaps we can meet another time p>
Julian gave me a cryptic smile. “Are you two that close already p>