Page 121 of Instigator

I chuckle, fastening the buckle on my shoe and rising to my feet. “Not even close.”

I’m not sure who crosses the room first, him or me, or maybe we both do. We meet in the middle, and his hands land on my hips. His breath catches.

A glimmer of satisfaction rolls through me. I put a lot of effort into my appearance tonight, and I’m glad the only person whose opinion I care about is favorable.

“You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his thumb caressing the inside of my hip.

Another warm glow floats over me at the praise. “Thank you.”

He leans in, then pulls back sharply. “Can I kiss you? I don’t want to mess up your lipstick.”

“I’ve got more where it came from.”

“Okay, good.” This time when he ducks down, his lips unerringly find mine. His kiss is sweet, chaste, and minty fresh.

His hand cups the back of my neck, possessive and claiming in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs against my lips.

I take a lot of care with my appearance. He says he likes the way I look now, and I even believe he’d have liked me back when I was a hundred and fifty pounds heavier. But it’s the way he sees me, deep inside my soul, that sets my body alight.

I finally feel like an equal. A partner. Not arm candy. Not the brainiac only wanted for a good time. Not the moneybags paying for everyone’s way.

With Aidan, I feel valued. Appreciated. Seen.

The words are on the tip of my tongue. I want to say it. Need to say it.

“Aidan, I⁠—”

A knock pounds at the door.

“Hold that thought,” he says, stepping back. He crosses the small living room to the door, wrenching it open. “What’s up?”

I can’t see the person on the other side. Only that he’s male and wearing a tux. Probably one of his teammates.

“Cap,” a masculine voice says. “It’s Sinclair.”

“What did he do?” Aidan demands, his shoulders tight. “What did he say?”

“He just said to get you. He’s at my place. He’s… not good.”

Aidan grunts, then turns back to me. “I’ve got to handle this. Do you mind grabbing a ride to the gala? I’ll meet you there.”

“Of course. You do what you have to do.”

I pick up my clutch and shawl, then cross over to the entrance. Now that Aidan’s not in the way, I can see Jenkins standing on the welcome mat, wearing socks and slides with his tuxedo. I huff a breath of laughter and give him a polite smile.

“Hi, Parker. You ready for tonight?”

The young forward barks out a manic-tinged laugh. “Not at all. Who knows if we’ll even show up at this rate. Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”

“A friend asks for help, you help them,” I say simply.

His eyes crinkle as he grins at me. “Yeah. That. Exactly.”

Aidan lifts my coat off the hook, helping me into it, then kisses my cheek. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he promises.

“Just take care of Sinclair. Whatever he needs.”