Chapter 270
Aria’s POV
I woke up in a groggy haze, slowly opening my eyes to find Aiden’s face mere inches from mine. His dark eyes studied me intently as I blinked the sleep away.
“Aiden,” I murmured, my voice husky with sleep.
Something in his expression softened immediately at the sound of my voice. He twisted the cap off a water bottle and handed it to me. “Drink some water p>
I glanced down at the bottle, taking it with delayed movements. The cool liquid slid down my throat, instantly clearing the fog in my brain.
“How long was I out?” I asked, touching my warm cheek.
Aiden smiled. “Not long. We just arrived at the restaurant p>
I checked the time on my phone—already 1 PM. As my mind cleared, hunger took over. I looked at him sheepishly. “I’m starving p>
“Then let’s go eat lunch,” he said.
“Mmm-hmm.” I nodded, unbuckling my seatbelt and pushing the car door open.
The midday sun blazed overhead, making me squint as the brightness assaulted my eyes. I quickly raised my hand to shield them, blinking rapidly to adjust. When I saw Aiden walk around the car, I instinctively reached out for his hand.
“It’s pretty sunny,” I said, feeling the warmth of his palm against mine.
“I have an umbrella in the car,” he offered.
Aiden glanced down at my outstretched hand and gripped it firmly, his lips curving into a smile. He started to turn back for the umbrella, but I stopped him. “Don’t bother, it’s just a short walk p>
It really was just a short distance. The car was parked in an open lot right in front of the plaza, about fifty yards from the entrance.
Being Monday lunchtime, the restaurant was practically empty when we walked in— only two other tables were occupied. We had our pick of seats, and I chose a comfortable booth.
My stomach growled as the server brought out appetizers. I bit my lip, trying to resist, but gave in quickly, devouring one shrimp chip after another. Within minutes, I’d emptied the small plate.
I looked up to find Aiden watching me with amusement dancing in his eyes. Embarrassment heated my cheeks as I reached for my water and took a small sip. “I was really hungry,” I explained lamely.
“Want another appetizer?” he asked.
I shook my head, feeling self-conscious. “I’m a little better now.” I demonstrated “a little” by holding my thumb and index finger slightly apart.
Aiden’s usually stern features softened with humor. “The food will be ready soon p>
As if on cue, the server appeared with our steaming hot pot. The rich coconut aroma hit my nose, making my hunger even more intense.
I stared at the milky coconut broth, unconsciously swallowing. My reaction was so obvious that even the server laughed. “It’ll be ready to eat in about five minutes,” she said.
My face burned as I glanced across at Aiden. Thankfully, the server left quickly, placing a timer on our table.
I gripped my chopsticks, eyes fixed on the timer. Five minutes had never felt so long. When it finally beeped, I perked up instantly. “We can eat now p>
Aiden lifted the lid and scooped some chicken into my bowl. “Careful, it’s hot,” he warned.
“Mm-hmm,” I nodded, already mixing my dipping sauce.
I was so hungry I didn’t speak a single word while eating. Aiden watched me enjoy my meal with evident pleasure, his own appetite seemingly improved by my enthusiasm.
Only after my stomach was full did I feel like myself again. I sipped my sour plum drink with deep satisfaction.
Aiden had finished eating long before me. Seeing me put down my chopsticks, he smiled. “All done p>
“Yes,” I answered, feeling content.
With my hunger satisfied, drowsiness crept back in. I stifled a yawn and checked the time on my phone. “It’s already two. Don’t you need to get back to the office p>
“First I’ll take Mrs. Carter home,” he said smoothly.
Since he didn’t say he didn’t need to go back, I assumed he’d return to work after dropping me off. Not wanting to delay him, I grabbed my phone and stood up, ready to leave.
Aiden did indeed have work waiting. After he drove me home, his phone rang-it was Lucas, his assistant.
“I know. Push the meeting back ten minutes. I’ll be there at 3:10,” Aiden said firmly before hanging up.
He glanced over at me as I emerged from changing my clothes. I’d planned to give him the gift I bought, but decided to wait until evening since he needed to return to work.
Catching his gaze, I hesitated briefly before running to him and wrapping my arms around his trim waist. I rested my chin against his chest, looking up at him. “Was that Lucas calling p>
Aiden held my waist, looking down into my eyes. “I have a meeting soon p>
“Then you should-” I started, only to be interrupted by another yawn.
Heat rushed to my face as I quickly released him to cover my mouth. After the yawn passed, I continued, “You should head back to the office. I’ll take a nap p>
Otherwise, I’d be yawning non-stop.
Aiden’s lips curved upward, his eyebrow slightly raised as he regarded me. “The meeting is urgent,” he said unhurriedly, “but I still have time to kiss my wife p>
He leaned down, stopping right beside my face. “Didn’t you say you missed me, Aria?” His deep voice whispered in my ear, both teasing and seductive.
My heart raced faster with each word. I’d sent him that text last night after landing in
DC, looking up at the dark sky and impulsively messaging that I missed him.
I nervously averted my gaze, only to
find myself trapped in his intense dark eyes. They reminded me of concentrated ink that couldn’t be diluted, fixed on me with a predatory gleam of determination.
Like a wolf that had been lying in wait for too long.
I tried to look away but couldn’t bring myself to do it. After a few seconds of internal struggle, I bit my lip lightly and rose on my tiptoes, hooking my arm around his neck and pressing my lipsst his
The touch of our lips sent an electric current through my body. I felt his arm tighten around my waist as I instinctively pulled him closer, tightening my arms around his
neck.
His subtle woody scent and unique essence enveloped me completely, dominating and powerful just like his kiss. My mind went blank all could hear was my heartbeat and Arden’s breathing.
My legs weakened, and after just a moment, I melted into his arms, completely drained of strength.
I couldn’t help thinking that Aiden’s kissing skills had somehow gotten even better.