Page 39 of Bad Influence
“Be who you are when you’re with me,” he says.
“That’s not possible either,” I reply. “Who I am with you is a direct response to who you are with me.”
“If you want to leave, we can leave. If you want to stay for five minutes, we can do that, too. Don’t let some arbitrary fear stop you, Caroline. And don’t deprive people of yourself because that’s what you’ve been taught.”
Killian takes a step closer as the elevator door opens and a group of people step out. They cast us a glance before proceeding to Eve and Lilith’s apartment.
“You don’t have to be the life of the party, Caroline. You don’t have to be anyone other than yourself, and if you need time to figure out who that is, then take the time. But it’s not going to happen while you’re locked up in the apartment.”
I’m acutely aware of the fact that he hasn’t stepped back, that he’s still close enough the skirt of my dress is brushing against his legs.
“You’re always locked up in the apartment,” I say stubbornly.
“Because that’s who I am.” He nods towards the apartment door. “Let’s go.”
Taking a bracing breath, I nod. The door is unlocked and Killian twists the handle, pushing it open. It’s not what I’m expecting. There are a lot of people here, but it’s not crowded.Everyone is in groups, talking and laughing as music plays on the speakers.
Eve is behind the kitchen island mixing drinks as Lilith circulates amongst the guests. Eve notices us as soon as we walk in and abandons her station, coming over to us.
“You came!” She says in excitement, throwing her arms around me. I’m startled for a second before returning her hug. “You look amazing, I love this dress!”
“Thank you,” I whisper, glad the low lights are hiding my blush and low confidence.
“There’s someone Lilith wants you to meet. Let me get her,” Eve says.
“What? Who?” Killian asks sharply. Eve doesn’t reply since she’s already turned around, waving Lilith down. She keeps a hold of my hand as if she’s afraid Killian is going to steal me away.
“Caroline, hi!” This time, when Lilith hugs me, I’m not surprised.
She looks up at Killian. “Surprised to see you here.”
“Who do you want Caroline to meet?” He asks.
I give him a look which he ignores. He doesn’t have to be so rude.
“Oh, yes! Hold on, let me find him.” Turning, Lilith searches the crowd until she finds who she’s looking for. “There he is. Come with me.”
“Wait, Caroline—” Before Killian can finish his thought, Eve grabs his arm and pulls him away from me. She must be surprisingly strong with how easily she pulls him away.
Lilith takes a hold of my hand and pulls me through the crowd towards a man standing in the corner, looking at one of her pottery objects. He’s got a glass of wine in his hand, dressed in grey slacks ironed to perfection and a light, black sweater, the sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms. He’s turned to the side, showing his sharp jaw and straight nose.
“Aiden,” Lilith calls.
He turns fully to look at us and I swear my breath catches.
He’s…wow.
He’s got soulful brown eyes hidden behind glass and when he smiles at Lilith, a dimple appears on his left cheek. His smile is polite, welcoming, the kind which instantly puts you at ease.
“Lilith,” he says. God, even his voice is perfect, like honey and lemon.
“This is who I wanted you to meet,” Lilith says. “Caroline, this is Aiden Fairchild. He’s a divorce and family attorney at Blackwood, Pierce & Caldwell, one of the top law firms in New York. Aiden, this is Caroline, she’s also a lawyer and she’s just moved here from California. Talk amongst yourselves while I get you both a couple of drinks.”
Lilith rushes off, leaving the two of us standing there in an awkward silence.
“Do you think this is a romantic set up?” Aiden asks.
“I hope not,” I say before I can think better of it.
