Thorned Embrace, page 4
Aiden crosses to an empty table, spreading his hands wide as he leans over it. His shoulders are tense, and the veins in his hands flex under the pressure he’s putting them under. I get the indescribable urge to trace them with the tips of my fingers.
A dark cloud lingers between us as the silence stretches.
Aiden runs a hand through his hair, and I’m hit with a realization. He does that any time he’s nervous. How have I never noticed that before? “Is everything okay?”
When he doesn’t look up, I take a step closer.
He doesn’t react, so I take another, and then another, until I’m standing close enough to reach out and touch him.
With shaking fingers, I place one hand on his shoulder. “Aiden?”
The muscles under my hand soften as he relaxes. I let my hand drop as he looks up and turns to face me. “Sorry, I just needed a moment to collect myself.”
I nod, and he takes a deep breath before releasing it.
Hesitating, I ask, “Should I go?”
I take a step towards the door, but his hand snaps out, grabbing my wrist to stop me. “Please stay.”
His plea freezes me in place almost as much as his touch does. There’s something vulnerable in his eyes that makes me want to reach out and comfort him. But I force myself to remain motionless, hoping my presence will ease whatever is happening inside him.
His grip is surprisingly gentle compared to the action. When I make no further attempt to leave, he releases his grasp on me. I’m not sure if I imagine it or not, but his thumb grazes my wrist, causing my heart to pound in my chest.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have grabbed you.” His shame filled eyes fall to the floor, but I’m already shaking my head.
“I’m fine.” I hold out my wrist to show him. It isn’t even red. I need him to know that he didn’t hurt me. “See?”
His hand lifts from his side a fraction of an inch, and I’m sure he’s going to reach out and touch me again, but he doesn’t. There’s a part of me that wants him to reach out again, but I know he won’t. “There’s no excuse for my behavior. Forgive me.”
“It’s already forgotten. There’s nothing to forgive.” I don’t dare voice how my skin still tingles from his touch.
A hint of relief flashes across his face, but the shame doesn’t disappear. His eyes search mine and for the life of me, I have no idea what he’s looking for. But for the first time, I hope he finds it.
“Aiden, what’s wrong?” Genuine concern for the man before me creases my brow once more.
For a moment, I’m not sure he’ll answer.
A soft groan escapes his lips, like it causes him physical pain to admit what he’s about to say. “I don’t like being touched.”
My thoughts flash to my touch on his back and my hand flies to my mouth. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”
Regret floods through me, and I take a step back to give him space. He shakes his head, taking a step closer to me. “No, no. Not you.”
I can’t help but believe him. There’s just something about the way he looks at me. He’s never been more sincere with me than at this moment.
I know it’s rude but I can’t stop myself from asking, “But why?”
A puzzled look settles on his face. “I don’t know. It makes me uncomfortable. It always has.”
Another question bubbles to the surface. “How do you shake people’s hands all the time?”
He shrugs. “Practice. And I’m usually prepared for it.”
“I can’t imagine how hard that is for you?” His determination to overcome something that bothers him on such a personal level is admirable.
I know I’m bombarding him, but one last question nags at me. “But my touch doesn’t bother you?”
The corner of his mouth tips up in a knowing smile. “No, your touch doesn’t bother me.”
His words comfort my fear that I’d done the wrong thing by touching him. “Are you sure I didn’t make it worse?”
“Yes. I’m sure. You helped.” A quick laugh leaves his lips. “More than you know.”
I want him to explain, but I don’t want to push him. He’s already shared more with me in the last few minutes than he has in our entire working relationship. But something about his words settle deep in my chest, implanting seeds where they land.
“Glad I can be of assistance.”
He smiles and, for the first time, it feels genuine, a hint of something I don’t recognize shimmering from deep within his eyes. “You look beautiful.”
His words wash over me and a blush burns on my cheeks. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He chuckles and I feel it in places I’d rather not think about.
Extending one arm to me, he asks, “Shall we?”
I bite my lip, nervous energy buzzing in my fingertips. I take his arm and without another word, he leads us back into the party.
CHAPTER SIX
WITH LILLY BY my side, I step back into the crowded ballroom. The vibrant atmosphere envelops me, boosting my mood and making me feel invincible.
One touch. One touch from her was all it took to stop my downward spiral. My anxiety was nearly unbearable, but as soon as she stepped in, a sense of calm washed over me. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Now this party and all the people pressing in around me don’t seem so unbearable.
I shared a part of myself with her that I’ve never shared with anyone before. She didn’t even question it or shame me. She just accepted it as part of who I am. I don’t know why I expected anything less. I have never met anyone as kind as she is.
The way she looked at me. Her green eyes softening, the pupils dilating, never breaking eye contact. She’s never looked at me like that before.
Spencer waves to me from across the room, and I nod my head in acknowledgment. Turning to Lilly, I lean down to whisper in her ear. “It’s time.”
I don’t intend for the movement to be intimate, but my breath brushes across her skin, and her scent invades my senses.
Her breathing grows heavier, and she nods. The corner of her lip disappears behind her teeth. A shiver runs down her spine, sending goosebumps rippling across her skin. Satisfaction races through me at her response to such a simple action.
The moment stretches between us before she steps away from me. She waves to one of my staff and they pass on the news that things are about to start.
I can’t help but watch her walk away. Her navy blue dress hugs her curves and stops at the floor. Crisscrossing straps hang over slender shoulders, exposing smooth, touchable skin. A single slit runs up the length of the dress, stopping at thigh height. The view becomes increasingly enticing as she walks, showcasing her sun-kissed complexion and perfectly toned calves with every step.
Forcing my eyes away from her, a task that is far more difficult than it should be, I turn my attention back to my employees. At every corner of the room, servers hide in the shadows holding trays of champagne.
My gaze easily finds Lilly waiting beside the surprise we arranged for Spencer and Abby. Lilly bows her head to me, her eyes sparkling with a hint of palpable mischievousness.
Emotion stirs in my chest. She’s warming up to me. With every interaction, the tension between us continues to grow. At some point, that tension will snap. That is, if I don’t snap first.
Once again, my eyes meet Spencer’s, and I nod in affirmation, silently informing him we are ready to start.
“Can I have your attention, everyone?” Metal tinks on crystal as he calls everyone to attention.
It takes a moment for the murmurs to end, but everyone’s eyes are glued to Spencer. Abby steps up, taking her place at his side. She tucks one hand in the crook of his elbow and gives his arm a slight squeeze.
They hold each other’s gaze, pure love and admiration passing between them. Envy for what they have runs through me, and my eyes unintentionally move to Lilly.
Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears. She watches them intently, taking in their every movement. I would pay sizeable sums of money to know what was going through her head at this exact moment.
Spencer places his free hand over Abby’s as if he needs the extra contact to boost his confidence. “Abby and I want to thank each and everyone of you for joining us tonight.”
“Thank you for the food!” Someone yells from a table near the back of the room.
A woman smacks him on the back of the head, and I recognize her as Julie, Abby’s mom. “Corey!”
Laughter rolls through the crowd as everyone turns to see who’s making the commotion.
“You’re welcome, Corey. Now stop stuffing your face and save some for the rest of us,” Abby yells out across the crowd.
Her family roars with laughter, but Corey’s face turns bright red, only further evidence of his embarrassment.
When the laughter settles, Spencer continues. “As I’m sure some of you have guessed,” Spencer peers down at Abby and smiles, “Two weeks ago, I asked the love of my life to marry me.”
Gasps erupt across the room.
“And Abby has agreed to become the future, Mrs. Grant.”
Just as Abby proudly raises her hand to reveal her engagement ring, the room becomes filled with a symphony of shouts and applause.
“It’s about time!” Julie calls out.
My eyes lock with Lilly, and she pulls the cord in her hand. The sheet covering our surprise falls to the floor, unveiling a massive, aged wooden sign with their names carved into it. The perfect combination of a herringbone pattern and white lettering creates a stunning visual. Adorning the edges of the sign is a delicate string of flowers, adding a perfect touch of Lilly’s talented design.
After working tirelessly all week, I finally finished building the sign from scratch, all to prepare for this moment.
Spencer and Abby turn and the surprise on their faces makes all the hard work worth it. Tears sparkle in their eyes. The cheers of the crowd grow louder as Spencer pulls Abby into his arms, their kiss a sweet and victorious moment.
The crowd surrounds them, and I take this moment to escape the chaos.
I find Lilly where I last saw her, but now she’s moved behind the sign. Finding a sanctuary away from the lively chatter and laughter of the party. I slide in beside her, our shoulders brushing against each other. “Hey.”
I meet her gaze, and her radiant smile mirrors my own happiness. “Hey.”
Tears still linger at the edges of her vision, and she tries unsuccessfully to blink them away. “That was beautiful. The sign turned out perfectly.”
I raise my hands, scanning them like there’s something wrong. “It was worth every splinter.”
She laughs, taking one of my hands in hers to inspect it. “I don’t see anything.”
Buzzing erupts across my skin and her warmth infiltrates my hand, spreading up my wrist and into my arm. It spreads until my entire being is humming. That’s what her touch does to me.
She examines my hand closely again before I say, “That’s because I wore gloves.”
Bursting into laughter, she drops my hand. As happiness fills me, a broad smile forms on my face. I can’t help but be consumed by her laughter, my eyes fixated on the vibrant green of her gaze.
She swats playfully at my arm, brushing the fabric of my suit with a light brush of her hands. “Are you teasing me?”
“So what if I was?” I arch an eyebrow at her, the remark more of a challenge than a question. “Was it working?”
Pink tints her cheeks. A soft chuckle coming from her parted lips, and she shakes her head ever so slightly. “If it was, do you think I’d admit it?”
I crack a smile, even though I try to keep my face impartial. “No, I don’t.”
Taking a step closer, I peer down my nose at her. Without breaking eye contact, she beams up at me with a rebellious gleam in her eyes. “I think you’d make me work for it, Lilly.”
She falls into a stunned silence. Her mouth falls open, and I continue leaning in until our faces are only a foot apart. “But I’ll tell you one thing I know. I have one hell of a work ethic.”
Straightening my spine, I withdraw from her. Her eyes follow me as I move, a hint of disappointment crossing her face.
Blood pounds in my veins, and I can’t even comprehend where my confidence came from. We have been verbally sparring for years, but this is the first time our sparring has turned into blatant flirting.
When she finally speaks, she stutters through her words. “That’s - that’s good to know.”
Her neck is crimson. I don’t think I’ve ever put her at a loss for words before. She’s completely flustered.
I can almost imagine the sensation of pressing my hand into the back of her neck, feeling the softness of her skin beneath my fingertips. The need to pull her close and feel her breath brush against my lips is almost overpowering. I want to wipe the disappointment off her face and make every single thought disappear from her pretty little head.
But I don’t.
I’m not going to push it. I know she isn’t ready.
So I do the only thing I know I can do to turn this conversation back to where it should be, talk about work. “We should get back to the party.”
Nodding, she glances around us, as if she’s forgotten we aren’t alone. I let the smallest amount of self importance inflate my ego. Even with the stress of this party going on around us, and all the work that still needs to be done, for a moment, her focus was only on me.
I lead us towards the perimeter of the party. Pleased surprise warms my heart as she follows. There’s close to a hundred people here, but she would rather circle the room with me than return to her friends.
Glancing back at her, I catch her staring at a vase of flowers, and I just know she’s over thinking her style choices. “Your arrangements are wonderful.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes travel the length of the room, and she motions to the surrounding space. “They are nothing compared to this.”
I shake my head, not taking her deflection of my comment. “Just accept the compliment.”
She hums softly, a sparkle shining from her eyes. “Only if you do.”
“I will if you will.”
She holds out a hand to me. “Deal.”
I shake it, tilting my head back with a laugh. Her hand lingers for a moment as she releases my hold, her fingertips grazing against mine. A part of me hopes the touch was intentional.
We continue our path around the outside of the room. With my eyes fixed attentively, I scanned the surroundings for any necessities the party might require.
“Who knew we’d ever be able to compromise on anything?”
Her statement catches me off guard. I glance down, finding her green eyes already on me. “What do you mean?”
She shrugs, avoiding my stare. “I always saw you as unmovable. Someone unwilling to change.”
Is that how she sees me?
I keep my gaze fixed on her, but she continues to avoid meeting my eyes. “We can’t all be a flower blowing in the breeze.”
A laugh slips from her lips, and I know I’ve got her. She finally glances back, peering up at me through thick eyelashes. “Is that what I am?”
Nodding my head, I add. “Don’t forget the thorns.”
She absentmindedly runs her tongue over her bottom lip. “How could I forget the thorns?”
My eyes lock on its movement, and the corner of her mouth tips into a smile. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you a favor.”
Intrigued by her sudden change of topic, I pause mid step. “What’s that?”
Her steps halt beside me, and she hesitates before she speaks again. “I was hoping you could help me with the letter. I have made no progress with it.”
Without giving myself time to think, I’m nodding. “Of course. I said I’d help, didn’t I?”
Things have been so hectic, I’d almost forgotten about my offer. The invitation is innocent, but it lights every nerve in my body with excitement. Just the thought of one-on-one time with her thrills me.
“Does tomorrow work for you?” She twists her hands behind her back.
Holding back a smirk, I study her with a sweeping gaze. I’m making her nervous again. “I have to meet a client at four, but I can swing by afterwards.”
“That’s perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She takes a step back, giving me a small wave before she moves towards the party. “You know where to find me.”
The only thing I can do is watch her go. Excitement already buzzing through me for what tomorrow might bring.
CHAPTER SEVEN
LINGERING OUTSIDE A shop typically screams that a person is up to no good. But the longer I stand here, the harder it is to force my feet to move. Her invitation for this afternoon is as innocent as the task she wants to accomplish, but something about it causes my stomach to twist and excitement threatens to flood through me.
I knew I should say no, but I couldn’t. I could never say no to her.
Glancing down at my watch one last time, I force my feet to move and open the door to A Lane of Flowers. The floral scent bombards my senses the second I step through the doorway. Some people might think the scent is too much, but it calms my nerves, reminding me why I’m here. Of who I’m here for.
Silence greets me. The store is devoid of any customers. My shoes thud against the wood floors as I close the door behind me. Glancing around the space, I take another step into the shop. The open sign is off, and the storefront lights are dim, giving the flowers a shimmering translucent glow. I step up to the counter and glance behind it. “Lilly?”
There’s no response.
I contemplate walking into the back room to find her, but after a long moment, she sticks her head out through the doorway. “Oh, hey. Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”
She removes an earbud and stuffs it into the pocket of her apron. “That’s okay. I just got here.”
Pink tints her cheeks, and a slight hint of sweat coats her brows. “Oh good. I was trying to finish up before you got here. This afternoon has been wild.”
