Chapter 232
Aria’s POV
I fell asleep quickly, only to wake up a few hours later.
I rubbed my eyes, blinking as my vision cleared. When I looked up, I found myself staring into Aiden’s familiar dark eyes. It took me a moment to process where I was.
“Finally awake?” he asked, his voice still husky from sleep.
I nodded, making a little sound of agreement in my throat. As I lowered my hand, my fingers brushed against the fabric of his shirt, and suddenly I realized my position. My arms and legs were sprawled across his body, and my head had been resting on his chest.
I quickly rolled away from him, the heat rising to my cheeks. “I usually don’t sleep like that! I was just really exhausted p>
Aiden’s lips curved into that infuriating smirk of his as he reached out and pulled me back against him. “Using me as your personal pillow and then running away, Mrs. Carter p>
The word “using” sent my mind straight to what we’d done earlier, making my skin tingle with the memory.
“I wasn’t running,” I protested, shooting him a sideways glance. “I’m just… thirsty. I need water p>
Hearing this, Aiden released me and got up from the bed. I watched the muscles in his back flex as he crossed the room to grab a bottle of water. He twisted it open before handing it to me.
“It’s cold. Drink slowly,” he cautioned.
I nodded gratefully. I hadn’t been lying about being thirsty. The first sip of cold water cleared away the fog of sleep instantly, sending a refreshing chill all the way to my stomach. I took the next few sips more carefully, letting the water linger in my mouth before swallowing.
After drinking about a third of the bottle, I screwed the cap back on and set it aside, deliberately changing the subject. “What time is it? Has the men’s competition started yet p>
Aiden gave me that knowing look that made my stomach flip. “Your alarm hasn’t gone off yet p>
I reached for my phone to check the time, but right as my fingers touched it, the alarm started blaring. Two o’clock.
I silenced it and looked up at Aiden with a mischievous smile. “Want me to take you for a ride p>
My eyes must have been sparkling with excitement because I could feel the anticipation bubbling up inside me.
Aiden nodded, his voice dropping an octave. “Yes, I’d love a ride with Mrs. Carter p>
Something in his tone made me suspect he knew exactly what I was up to. My cheeks warmed again, but this time not from embarrassment.
“I need to wash my face first,” I said, sliding off the bed.
“Go ahead p>
I padded into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face and trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. When I came back out, I caught Aiden rubbing his shoulder with a slight grimace, but he dropped his hand as soon as he saw me.
I pretended not to notice, digging into my bag instead to pull out beach sunscreen spray. “The sun’s brutal out there. Want some protection?” I asked, holding up the bottle.
Aiden’s eyes locked with mine. “If Mrs. Carter wouldn’t mind p>
I bit my lip and moved closer to him, spraying the sunscreen on his neck and exposed hands, my fingers lingering longer than necessary on his warm skin.
We got ready quickly and headed out. I led Aiden to the jet ski rental area, paid the f*e, and handed him a life vest. “Put this on. I’ll meet you back here in a minute p>
There were changing rooms nearby, and we each went into our respective ones. I slipped into my life vest with practiced ease and emerged quickly, standing under my umbrella while waiting for Aiden.
When he walked out in his black and white life vest, my breath caught. This was the first time I’d seen him in one, and damn if he didn’t make even safety equipment look sexy. The vest hugged his broad shoulders, highlighting his athletic build and giving him this rugged, bad-boy vibe.
I stared a bit too long, mesmerized by how the fabric stretched across his chest. I only snapped out of it when he took the umbrella from my hand.
Realizing I’d been caught ogling, I tried to recover. “The vest doesn’t seem to fit you perfectly p>
Aiden looked down at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “The pants are a bit short p>
I glanced down at his legs and sure enough, his ankles were exposed where the protective gear ended too soon “Oh yeah, they are. Should we get you a different size?
“It’s fine. If we go up a size, the top will be too big p>
“True,” I agreed, thinking but not saying: because those legs of yours are ridiculously long.
I pressed my lips together, suddenly feeling a flutter of excitement. “Ready to head over p>
“Lead the way p>
The jet ski I’d rented was already waiting by the shoreline with an attendant standing beside it. “You two know how to ride?” he asked.
Before I could answer, Aiden spoke up. “My wife is one of today’s competitors p>
The attendant’s eyes widened instantly. “Whoa, really? Which number? I watched the morning races-they were incredible! Especially JJ p>
“JJ,” Aiden interrupted.
The attendant didn’t seem to register at first. “Huh p>
Aiden emphasized, “My wife is JJ p>
Now the guy’s eyes were practically shooting stars. “Holy shit! JJ! I’m such a fan! Can I get a photo with you p>
I couldn’t help but smile, surprised and flattered that someone recognized me from the jet ski competition. “Sure, no problem p>
The attendant immediately handed his phone to Aiden. “Dude, take our picture! Your wife is badass p>
Aiden took the phone, but smoothly blocked the guy’s hand when he tried to put it on my shoulder. “Photo’s fine, but hands off p>
The attendant looked embarrassed. “Sorry, man! Didn’t mean anything by it! Just excited, you know p>
He quickly stood up straight beside me, maintaining a good four inches of space between us. I held my helmet in one arm and flashed a peace sign with my free hand.
I could feel Aiden’s eyes on me as he took the photo, his jaw tightening slightly. Was
he actually jealous? The thought sent a little thrill through me.
“Got it,” he said, handing the phone back.
The attendant looked at his screen, his smile growing wider as he stared at the photo. After a few seconds, he pocketed his phone and turned to Aiden Dude, you hit the jackpot marrying JJ! Treat her right!” He pulled the jet ski closer to us since you’re JJ, I’ll skip the safety lecture. Have fun, you two p>
He released the jet ski, waved, and walked back to the rental booth.
I looked at Aiden, feeling slightly awkward. “Do you want to drive p>
“Didn’t Mrs. Carter promise me a ride?” he replied, making it clear he wanted me at
the controls.
I didn’t hesitate. I put on my helmet and climbed onto the jet ski, then turned to look back at him. “Hop on p>
Aiden secured his helmet and
swung his long leg over to sit behind
me. Our bodies pressed close together, and I could smell the mixture of salt from the sea breeze
Due
and the woody cologne that clung to
his skin. The combination was intoxicating-fresh yet intimate.
I felt a surge of excitement that had nothing to do with the jet ski and everything to
do with the man behind me. “Hold on tight!” I warned.
Aiden made a low sound of amusement and wrapped his arms firmly around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. “Ready when you are, Mrs. Carter p>
The moment he finished speaking, I gunned the engine and the jet ski shot forward across the water.