Page 12 of Aiden & Lily

Right?

Aiden cleared his throat and forced himself to continue. “Do you think that would ruin the friendship?”

He hated that he couldn’t give more details. He hated even more that he didn’t know Reese like he used to. They’d just gotten back on good terms. He needed assurances that Reese wouldn’t throw him to the wolves.

Or maybe he needed someone to tell him not to take another step until he talked to Reese himself.

Mathew was quiet for a long moment. Then he blew out a breath, his voice turning hesitant. “If the friend had already moved on, and the girl in question was a decent person who made this other friend happy…” He shrugged. “Yeah, I’d say the guy should go for it.”

Aiden’s head snapped up. Surprise and hope seeped into his expression before he could stop them. Did this mean Mathew would have his back if everything with Reese came to a head?

The look on Mathew’s face reminded him he had to tread carefully. He couldn’t give himself away. It was out of character for him to be interested in anything serious. So he did what he did best.

He deflected.

“So, I can date your ex but not a member of your family, huh?”

Mathew threw him a flat look and grumbled, “I knew this wasn’t about your friend.”

Aiden tossed the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth and grinned. “Good to know you haven’t lost your ability to read people.”

He clapped Mathew on the shoulder and strode from the room. If Mathew thought his current situation was okay, then maybe Aiden didn’t have to worry. Except Mathew didn’t know the whole situation.

He pushed through the door and headed down the hall, Lily’s smile still bright in his mind. There was a very real possibility that nothing would come from Aiden’s fascination with Lily. They could go on one date. Maybe two. They could end on good terms, and no one would have to be the wiser.

4

LILY

“That’s the fifth time you’ve checked your phone, Lils. Is there something you haven’t told me?”

Lily’s head snapped up, and she shot Jasmine a glare before glancing around to make sure none of their sisters had heard.

They had a decent-sized family, and the last thing she wanted was for any of their four other siblings to know she might be interested in someone. There had been far too much drama surrounding relationships lately. Jasmine and Lily were all too aware, since being in the know was their favorite pastime.

“Shh!” Lily hissed.

Jasmine’s eyes widened comically. “There is, isn’t there!”

Lily shook her head. “Maybe. Maybe not. We exchanged numbers, but he hasn’t messaged me.”

“When? At the country club?”

Lily nodded.

“Girl, it’s only been a couple days. Guys know better than to immediately accost you with messages or calls. They don’t want to appear desperate.” Jasmine scooted closer, her boots scuffling across the hay-covered floor of the barn. “You gonna tell me who it is?”

Lily chewed on her lip, then shook her head.

Jasmine gasped. “What? Why not? I’m the one who made you go to the club that night. I deserve to know.”

With a laugh, Lily shoved her phone into her pocket. “I’ll tell you the second something actually happens. I’m not going to get my hopes up if there’s nothing there yet.”

Her twin squinted at her. “That hardly seems fair. Swear to me I’ll be the first to know.”

Lily rolled her eyes. “Fine. I promise.”

Though she wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep that promise.