“Fine, Aria. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Yep. Sure.”
Myles turned and walked out, and Aria slumped against the wall. She smacked her forehead with her palm. Good job, Aria.
* * *
A week later, Aria received lunch delivered to the studio with a note. “Hope you enjoy lunch, friend.” She opened the bag to find a chicken gyro with a small Greek salad on the side. Smiling, she inhaled the sandwich. Yum.
Aria couldn’t wait to dig in to her lunch. Thanks to the stellar work of her real estate agent, she’d closed on her new house early. Brent had convinced her to hire movers instead of doing it herself, so in just one day, the company had cleaned out her storage unit and delivered all of her belongings to her home. They’d worked until the wee hours of the morning setting everything up, and then she’d come in to the studio to work. Tonight would be her first night in her own place, and she was ecstatic.
She bit into her gyro and groaned, silently sending up a prayer of thanks for her friend. Picking up her phone, she texted Myles. Thanks for the lunch. Friend. It’s so good. #Greedy.
His reply came in seconds. Ha. You’re welcome. Enjoy your gyro, Aria.
She tossed her phone onto the couch. Every day since she’d told him they should be friends, he’d sent her a gift to the studio. The first day, he’d ordered a kale-and-spinach smoothie from her favorite place. It had shocked her because she hadn’t recalled telling him how much she loved that particular flavor. He’d even remembered to substitute the banana for strawberries.
One day she’d arrived at the studio to find a beautiful vase full of peach dahlias and peonies. Aria had immediately started a new painting inspired by her flowers. It had taken her much of the day and the next to complete it. But it was going in her next collection.
After a long day at the studio, she’d been surprised when one of Myles’s interns stopped by with vanilla ice cream and potato chips. She’d eaten every bit, along with the doughnuts from Washtenaw Dairy he’d had delivered yesterday. Not only was Myles being unfair, he was contributing to her weight gain.
“I need to go to the gym,” she murmured to the empty room.
Brent poked his head in. “What’s up?”
She smiled at him, gyro midair. “Hey.”
“You have company.”
Hope bloomed in her belly at the possibility it could be Myles, and she chided herself mentally. They were friends. Just friends. That’s all. “Who is it?”
“I thought I’d come see my baby girl.” Her father entered the room.
Aria jumped up and ran into his arms. “Daddy! You’re here.”
He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “I figured I’d come check you out.” He kissed her brow when she pulled back. “I missed you.”
She hadn’t seen her father since opening night of her exhibit. After years of working year-round, he’d taken a much-needed extended vacation to the Maldives. Just seeing the many pictures he’d sent her via text made her heart swell. He’d deserved the break.
“Daddy, how was the trip?” She took a seat on her stool.
“It was amazing. I have never spent so much time simply resting and relaxing and sightseeing.”
“I’m just happy you enjoyed yourself. The pictures were lovely.”
“You should definitely put it on your bucket list, sweetie.”
Aria smiled at her father. “I will.”
“I figured I’d drop by and take you to dinner. So that we can catch up.”
She studied her father. He’d always seemed larger than life, fearless. But she knew he was hurting over the deterioration of his marriage. Picking up his hand, she squeezed. “Are you okay? I spoke with Mom last week. She told me she signed the papers.”
Her father nodded. “Yes, she did. When I returned from my trip, my lawyer showed them to me.”
According to her mother, the settlement had been fair and there was no reason to contest it. Aria had made her peace with the divorce, though it still angered her that her mother had treated the entire separation as nothing more than a trip to the grocery store. Every time she’d seen her mother, there was no emotion in her face or her tone. It was almost like the divorce was happening to someone else.
“I’m sorry, Dad. I know you’re hurting.”
“I’m just fine, sweetie.” He scanned the room. “I’ve been thinking, though. If you wouldn’t mind taking the day off, I could use your help picking out decor for my place.”
Aria grinned. “I’d love to spend the day with you, Daddy. And I can shop for my new house, too. By the way, I want you to see it.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Aria spent the rest of the afternoon with her father. They walked downtown and visited several little shops along the way. By the time they’d finished, her father had picked up several items for his new home and Aria enjoyed seeing him smile. After she’d given him a tour of her house, he’d invited her to dinner.
Seated across from her father at Real Seafood Company Ann Arbor, they discussed her art and her plans for the rest of the year as far as exhibitions were concerned.
“I missed the deadline for the Art Fair this year, but I do plan to go. Want to join me?”
“I’d love to, but I’m in court most of the week.”
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair took place every year in July. It was one of the largest fairs in the nation, and she considered it a must-see for every art lover. Ann Arbor literally transformed into one huge exhibit, closing off segments of major streets for the four-day event. Artists from around the world displayed dynamic pieces of art, in categories such as mixed media, sculpture, painting and photography. Live performers served as entertainment for attendees. Aria remembered attending when she was a teenager and falling in love with the atmosphere. She’d vowed to be a featured artist there one day.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be that year. Aria had been so busy with the move and opening Cocktails and Canvas that she’d missed the cutoff to apply for a vendor booth. The process was extremely competitive, with thousands of artists applying for a coveted slot. Several of her friends did make the deadline, though, and she couldn’t wait to go and see what they’d come up with.
“Aw, well, maybe I’ll pick you up a piece for your housewarming.”
“Just make sure it’s not too wild. You know I like subtle.”
She giggled. “I know. I promise I’ll behave.”
Their waitress approached their table and took Aria’s dessert order. Cheesecake was the perfect nightcap. Once the server left, she glanced up and noticed Mel waving at her from near the front of the restaurant. And her friend wasn’t alone.
“Oh, no,” Aria mumbled.
Her father frowned and turned toward the door. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Aria lied, just as Mel reached their table—with her brothers in tow. Every brother. Including Myles.
“Aria!” Mel hugged her. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too.” Aria plastered on a wide smile. “Mel Jackson, this is my father, Judge Louis Bell.”
Mel greeted Aria’s dad with a hug. “It’s so good to meet you finally. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Louis smiled at Mel. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hey, Aria,” El said, giving her a quick embrace.”
“What’s up, El?”
The other brothers greeted her in quick succession. Aria glanced up at Myles before turning back to her father. She pointed to each of the brothers as she introduced them. “This is Drake, El, Ian, and...Myles. They’re surgeons at Michigan Medicine.”
Her father exchanged handshakes with the brothers. “Good to meet you. You wouldn’t happen to be any relation to Dr. Lawrence Jackson, would you?”
Drake nodded. “He’s our father.”
“Really?” Louis nod
ded, too. “I’ve played several rounds of golf with your father. We both serve on the advisory board for Detroit Neighborhood Revitalization Foundation.”
“I didn’t know that, Daddy,” Aria said. Again, she looked up at Myles, who was watching her intently. She shifted in her seat. “That’s great,” she said loudly, as if this were the best news in the world. Why did I just yell that? She was mortified at how her voice had boomed in the quiet room.
“It’s great work,” her father replied. “Over the years, the city has seen an influx in new business and residents.”
Although Louis had lived in Inkster for much of his childhood, his parents were from Detroit. He’d resided off Seven Mile Road for the first six years of his life and had spent a lot of time in the city.
“What are you guys doing here?” Aria asked. “Where are Love and Avery?”
“It’s siblings dinner,” Mel said. “We do it semiannually, just us. Ian missed the last one, and we thought we’d move it up because I’m moving next month.”
Aria nodded. “That’s cool. Daddy, Mel is moving to New York and attending the business school at NYU for her graduate degree.”
Louis raised an interested brow. “That’s good. You definitely want to ask Aria about New York. If I wasn’t sure she was born and raised here, I would think she grew up in Brooklyn.”
Aria laughed. “Daddy, stop.” She took a sip from her drink and peeked at Myles again. Yep, he was still watching her.
Her father chatted with the brothers Jackson about their careers and Ann Arbor for a few minutes, while Aria tried not to look at Myles again. Except she couldn’t keep her eyes off him. In her defense, though, she hadn’t seen him since she’d told them they should be friends. Talked to him, yes. Laid eyes on him, no.
He looked so good she wanted to bite him. And since she remembered every bit of their night together like it had happened that morning, she knew he wouldn’t mind. Dressed in dark jeans, a stark white shirt and a blazer, he definitely deserved the attention he was getting from many of the women in the restaurant. Attention that made Aria want to fight someone, anyone. My control is slipping.
Louis Bell could definitely command attention, because everyone was engrossed in what her father was saying about the state and lending a helping hand to those in need. Aria cared about people in need—she just couldn’t concentrate with Myles standing so close.
Soon the hostess interrupted them to let the Jackson clan know their table was ready. In a few short moments, they said their goodbyes and left her with her father.
Aria exhaled slowly, closing her eyes.
“Aria?”
She glanced up at her father, who was eyeing her curiously. “Are you okay?”
“Sure,” she said. “Do you mind if I take my cheesecake to go?”
“I’m okay with that. But I’m a little concerned about you.”
“I’m fine, Dad.” She turned to find Myles staring at her from his table, that damn sexy smirk on his face. “Thanks for dinner.”
“Tell me, is Myles something to you?”
Aria blinked. “What?” She scratched the back of her head. “Why would you ask me that?”
He shrugged. “Because I noticed a few things.”
“Like what?”
“How you introduced him when he came over.”
Aria struggled to recall the introductions. “I don’t think I said his name any differently than the others.”
“And then there was the staring.”
She placed a hand over her chest. “Me?”
“And him.”
Sighing, Aria leaned back in her seat. “Okay. We went out on a few dates, and I recently told him that I just wanted to be friends.”
“Friends don’t look at each other like that.”
“Dad, I’m not ready to be with anyone. I just want to focus on my business and my art. That’s it.” She sliced a hand through the air.
He leaned forward, taking her hand in his. “Aria, I know you’ve been through a lot. I know it can be terrifying to trust again after heartbreak.”
“It was so hard,” she breathed, brushing a lone tear that had fallen. “Which is why I think it’s best to kind of chill for a minute.”
“I understand the need to protect yourself. I remember what it was like to be young and falling for someone. I know what it’s like to lose someone you hold so dear. There were bad times, but the good times... Those were priceless. Even though we’re divorcing, I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything in the world. And I want that for you. I want you to fall in love with someone who loves you for you. But the only way that will happen is if you’re open to it. So, don’t close yourself off. Any man would be lucky to have an Aria.”
Aria chuckled. “Daddy, you’re amazing. I love you so much. Thank you.”
He patted her hand. “Now, let’s get out of here.”
She placed her napkin on the table. “I need to go to the restroom.”
“I’ll make sure your cheesecake has extra strawberries.”
Aria stood and walked toward the bathroom hallway. Lost in her swirling thoughts, she barreled into a wall. Only it wasn’t a wall. It was hard muscle. And it smelled good. He smelled good. Slowly she lifted her eyes.
Myles smirked. “Hi.”
“Hi.” A smile formed on her lips. “I’m sorry I ran into you.”
“That’s nothing to be sorry about. You feel good.” One of his hands slid around her waist. “You look good.”
Aria gasped. “Thanks.”
“Aria...” Her name on his lips made her feel warm all over. She’d missed his voice. “We should talk.”
“We’ve talked.”
“Text is not talk.”
“I can’t do this.” She backed away. “My dad is waiting for me. I have to go.”
“Aria, wait.” He grabbed her wrist, pressed his fingers to the pulse point.
“You always do that.”
He frowned. “Do what?”
“When you touch me, you measure my pulse.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what that means. Or even if you realize you’re doing it. But it drives me crazy.”
“In a good way?”
The best way. “I don’t know.”
“Please, can we talk?”
Aria couldn’t take it anymore. Being Myles’s friend seemed next to impossible because she didn’t have platonic feelings for him. Imagining her friend naked, imagining him kissing her and making love to her was not appropriate behavior.
She paced back and forth in the short hallway, not even caring if she looked unhinged or even slightly deranged. Muttering to herself, she turned over every reason she had for hitting the pause button on them, and none of them made any sense to her now. All of them were just excuses to walk away. Because she wanted him in a way she’d never wanted anyone, and she needed to let herself feel it.
Stopping in front of him she searched his eyes. “Myles?” His eyes were on hers, watching her so intently she felt it all the way to the tips of her toes. Forget it. She caressed his face and pulled him to her, kissing him. Hard.
His lips, his soft moans, his hands... Oh, God. But they were in a public place so she reluctantly broke the kiss. Then she turned on her heels and walked into the restroom.
Aria took a few minutes to compose herself before she emerged from the bathroom. Myles was gone, and she hurried to her father. On her way to her table, she glanced over at Myles, who tipped his glass to her with a gleam in his eyes.
Smiling to herself, she fired off a text with her address to him. Then, she sent another one. Meet me at my house at 10. Friend.
Chapter 10
“Hey, boy.” Ms. Pennie smiled at Myles as he entered her bedroom. “I was wondering if you were going to stop by.”
Myles greeted her with a kiss to her temp
le and set a bag on her bedside table. “I brought dinner.”
Ms. Pennie peeked in the bag. “Thanks so much.”
He watched Ms. Pennie prepare her fish by cutting it into tiny pieces, like she’d always done. “How are you feeling today?”
She shrugged. “I’m good and tired.”
After her fall, her doctors had ordered an entire battery of new diagnostic tests to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread to her bones or her brain. Once they ruled out metastasis, Ms. Pennie had been released home with a referral for physical therapy and strict instructions to stay off her injured leg as much as possible.
Myles had hated to leave Aria after their night, but he had to be there for Ms. Pennie, just as she’d always been there for him. In hindsight, he realized he should have told Aria the truth or at least called to check in with her, but he’d done what he always did when the stress of life was too much. He worked, then went home and played until his fingers were sore. As a result, he’d hurt Aria.
He’d been in a haze of routine and hadn’t snapped out of it until he’d received a terse text from Avery telling him he’d messed up—in a not-so-polite way. He’d dropped everything and raced to the studio to see Aria, to apologize for treating her as if she didn’t matter. Because she did.
“Boy, what’s wrong with you?” Ms. Pennie dipped her fork into her coleslaw. “You seem distracted.”
“I’m fine, Ms. Pennie.” He smiled and sat on the chair next to the bed.
“I need you to stop worrying so much about me, son. I’m fine. Old, but fine.”
“I know. But I can’t help worrying about you.”
“I tripped on an old shoe. That’s why I fell. But I do have something I want to run by you—I’m going to put the house on the market.”
Myles’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I don’t need this much space anymore. I haven’t given private lessons in years, and it’s a lot of upkeep. Roaming those empty halls just seems to highlight the simple fact that I’m alone.”
Spark of Desire ; All for You Page 32
