Page 37 of Wild Mistake
“I can’t even imagine what it’s like to feed two of them! Please take some of this home tonight.” She doesn’t allow me to refuse. “I’ll make you a tray.”
“Thank you. But only if there’s extra.”
“There you are.” Aiden comes into the room. “Sorry, I got detained by one of Jackson’s ridiculous stories. I didn’t mean to leave you to fend for yourself.”
“I’m good.” I share a knowing glance with Val. “You don’t have to worry about me. I promise I know how to mingle.” I feel more comfortable in this place than I should.
“Okay, I lied.” He scoops up a plate and follows me down the buffet line, adding items as he talks. “I don’t want to waste the night talking to my brother when I can talk to you.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah.” He reaches for the serving spoon in my hand. The one I haven’t released yet.
Our fingers touch. Electricity buzzes down my spine.
He’s standing close. Too close. His body is mere inches from mine, close enough his breath kisses my neck. It makes me wish he would press his lips there.
All I would have to do is lean back to feel his hard body against my soft curves.
I lift my gaze to look at him over my shoulder.
As our eyes meet, the flutters in my belly return in full force.
He glances at my lips.
“What’s happening in here?” Maeve’s teasing voice pops the bubble we’ve created.
I step forward and drop the serving spoon into the dish with a clang. My face heats as though we’ve been caught doing something we shouldn’t and I can’t bring myself to turn around.
“Here. Help yourself to a plate,” Maeve says from behind us. “Aiden, this is my friend Rosalie. She runs the library.”
“You’re Aiden?” a woman says.
Curiosity draws my gaze to see who’s joined us. As soon as I do, I wish I hadn’t. My stomach drops. I recognize Rosalie. She’s the woman who comes to the diner every day. The one I saw Aiden flirting with in the parking lot.
“You’ve already met?” Maeve’s brows scrunch.
“Not officially.” Rosalie smiles. “We passed each other outside the diner.”
“You almost hit my truck with your book.” Aiden says and they both laugh. He holds out his free hand, balancing his plate on the other. “It’s nice to officially meet you.”
I might imagine it, but I swear there’s a spark of interest between the two. She definitely holds his hand a little longer than necessary. It’s the reminder I need to keep things in the friend zone when it comes to Aiden.
I finish filling my plate and head to the table. Aiden, Rosalie, Maeve, and several others join us. I focus my energy on not paying attention to Aiden, which is nearly impossible with him sitting across from me. The man is so damn fine, it should be illegal. Even the way he holds his beer is attractive.
“Okay! Everyone!” Maeve shouts after everyone has eaten. She claps to gain everyone’s attention. “We’re gonna play a game in the living room. Gather ’round!”
“What if we don’t want to?” someone shouts from across the room.
She glares in their direction. “Then go be a party pooper outside.”
“Maeve,” Ryan groans. “Not everyone shares your love of party games.”
“Oh, come on.” She rolls her eyes, moving to the living room and muting the television before plopping a box on the coffee table. “It’ll be fun, I promise. Give me one hour and if you hate it, we’ll put it away.”
“This better not be one of those games with a thousand rules.” Jackson holds his beer up and squints. “Because I’m probably too drunk for that.”
“Amen to that.” Alex holds his beer up in agreement.
