Chapter 274
Aria’s POV
I’d barely caught my breath after our intense lovemaking when Aiden’s hands started to wander across my body again. That familiar spark ignited in my core, but before things could escalate, his phone rang with an irritatingly shrill tone.
“I need to shower,” I said quickly, seizing the opportunity. I scrambled away from his reach and dashed into the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a definitive click.
Jesus Christ. The man’s stamina was unreal.
I leaned against the cool tile wall, my legs still trembling slightly. Don’t get me wrong I craved Aiden’s touch constantly, and my body responded to him with embarrassing eagerness. One stroke of his fingers in the right spot and I’d come undone. But while I’d be thoroughly satisfied after one or two orgasms, Aiden could just keep going… and going… and going.
I turned the faucet, letting steaming water fill the large bathtub. A nice soak was exactly what I needed right now. If that phone hadn’t rung when it did, we’d probably still be tangled in the sheets, and I honestly needed a break. My thighs were already sore, and certain parts of me felt deliciously raw.
While waiting for the tub to fill, I couldn’t resist grabbing my phone and typing into G e: “husband too good at sex, exhausting me, what to do?” I scrolled through the results, snorting when I saw the comments. Nearly every response was some variation of “Where can I find a man like that?” or “Girl, you don’t know how lucky you are p>
I kept reading through forums and advice columns, eventually feeling slightly ridiculous for complaining about what most considered a blessing. The truth was, sex with Aiden was mind-blowing. Those earth-shattering orgasms that rippled through my entire body-just thinking about them made me clench involuntarily.
But damn, I was tired.
After soaking until my fingertips pruned, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and stepped back into the bedroom. Aiden had finished his call and was sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone.
“Who called?” I asked casually, curiosity getting the better of me.
“Ryan,” he replied, setting his phone down.
Of course it was Ryan. Who else would have such terrible timing? I nodded, muttering, “Ah, right p>
I turned my attention to unpacking the rest of my suitcase, arranging my clothes in neat piles. As I glanced back at Aiden, my eyes caught on his lip—there was a small cut where I’d bitten him earlier in the heat of passion. The memory sent a little thrill through me.
“Would Mrs. Carter like some late-night dinner?” Aiden’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts.
“I’d love some.” I checked my watch. “It’s barely eight o’clock p>
In another thirty minutes, my stomach would definitely start growling.
Aiden watched me with those intense eyes of his. “Ryan was asking if we wanted to join him for a bite p>
I almost said “not really,” but then realized having more people might actually be nice. Less pressure, more conversation.
“Should we go with him?” I asked.
“Would you mind, Aria p>
“No, not at all.” It wouldn’t be my first time hanging out with Ryan and Aiden’s crowd.
A thought suddenly struck me. “Can I invite Lillian p>
“If she’s free, absolutely p>
I grabbed my phone immediately. “I’ll text her then p>
This was perfect—a casual social setting might be exactly what Lillian needed to expand her dating prospects. Aiden and Ryan knew tons of eligible bachelors, and while they might not be Lillian’s type directly, their networks were extensive. The more connections she made, the better her chances of finding someone.
I mentally patted myself on the back for my matchmaking brilliance and opened our chat:
Me: Lil, Aiden and I are grabbing late dinner with Ryan tonight. Wanna join?
Lillian’s response came almost instantly:
Lillian: Seriously? You two want me as your third wheel so you can shove your perfect relationship in my face? NO! NO! NO! Hard pass!
I cringed slightly and typed back:
Me: Not just us! Ryan and probably others will be there. Didn’t you just say last week you wanted to find a “disgustingly sweet romance”? How will you meet guys if you don’t socialize?
Lillian: But they’re not exactly in my league. What’s the point?
Me: They might not be your perfect match, but think about their connections! Resources, Lil!
Her response came with lightning speed:
Lillian: BLESS YOUR HEART! If I find someone through this, I’ll owe you for LIFE! I
love you, A! Where are we eating? I’ll grab an Uber right now!
I realized I hadn’t actually confirmed the location yet. I looked up at Aiden. “Where are we having dinner p>
“I’ll send you the address shortly p>
“Perfect!” I replied, telling Lillian to stand by for details.
I finished organizing my suitcase, carefully arranging the two designer bags I’d picked up for Lillian. Soone enough, Aiden forwarded Ryan’s message with the restaurant details, and passed it along to Lillian. We changed into fresh outfits and headed out.
By coincidence, Ryan had originally planned to meet with Ethan, but Ethan canceled last minute. Ryan wasnt thrilled about being the third wheel to Aiden and me, but when he heard my friend was joining, he decided to stick with the plan.
Lillian, ever the overachiever, had arrived before us. When we entered the private dining room, she and Ryan were already exchanging contact info. I’d worried about awkwardness, but clearly that was unnecessary.
Lillian had done what she did
best-networked like a pro. From what I could overhear, she’d been refreshingly direct with Ryan, explaining she was looking to expand her dating options but had no delusions about her league Ryan, apparently amused by her honesty, was already connecting her with several promising contacts.
I glanced at Aiden, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Did we arrive too early p>
“Seems like it,” he murmured, looking equally surprised at how well Ryan and Lillian were getting along.
Lillian spotted us and waved enthusiastically. “Aria! Come sit p>
I slid into the seat beside her as she whispered, “This is going way better than
expected p>
“I can see that,” I whispered back. “I feel almost unnecessary now p>
“Don’t be ridiculous!” She changed subjects smoothly. “Are those the bags you bought for me p>
“Yes,” I handed them over. “Here you go p>
“Thanks, babe! I’ll Venmo you later!” Lillian said loudly, giving me a side hug.
I felt my cheeks warm at her calling me “babe” in front of Aiden. Somehow it felt more intimate now that we were married.
Ryan caught the exchange and smirked. “If you call her ‘babe,’ what’s Aiden supposed to call her p>