by Ciara Lake
“Yes, I love them. They’re beautiful. But this is too much.” Avery put her hand on her forehead. “You can’t do this.”
“No, it is not too much. I am free. I can do as I wish. I wish to bring you pleasure. Plus, I want to replace the ornament which is no more.” Aiden winked. “Let us step back out of their way.”
“You really don’t have to do this.”
“I know.” He nodded.
“Did you buy a new watch?” Avery touched his wrist.
“Yes, do you like it? It is a Rolex. I like timepieces.”
“Let me see.” Avery pulled his wrist closer. “It’s lovely, Aiden.”
“Thank you. I was fond of it as well.”
Avery watched the clerks buzz around getting things calculated then bagged.
“Mister…”
“McMichael.” Aiden smiled.
“We have your total.” Nancy grinned. “We gave you thirty percent off on the Christmas ornaments due to this being such a large purchase. The total comes to two thousand, one hundred ninety dollars and seventy-six cents. Will this be charge?”
“I will use a credit card.” Aiden handed her a platinum Visa card.
Avery had to remember to close her mouth as she watched the transaction. So many questions rattled her brain.
After he had finished paying, they walked in silence back to the entrance where they arrived. “Wait here. I will bring the car around,” he told her.
“Okay.”
Within minutes, Aiden pulled the Jag up to the front curb. Again, he helped her in. When seated, Avery buckled herself in. “Aiden,” she said as he pulled out onto the road.
“Yes.” He glanced over at her. “Am I driving too fast? I do not mean to scare you.” He slowed down. “I love to drive. I have never driven a machine like this. I am glad I was not too tall for this one.” He smiled. “I used to watch automobiles race by the London house. I have never driven an automobile before. I was locked away and missed out on this invention until now. In fact, I witnessed horses and buggies transition into cars.”
“No, your driving is fine. Especially for someone who has never driven before.” Avery looked over at him. “You’ve seen a lot of interesting things in your time.”
“Yes, I have.” His voice sounded odd. “I learn new things quickly.”
“Aiden, where did you get your credit card?”
He chuckled. When he looked at her, his eyes were full of amusement. “Why? Do you think me a thief?”
“No.” Avery looked down at her hands, shaking her head. “I just wondered about it. I try to be—”
“Avery, you think I might be a thief.” He grinned. “I think you really do. But do not worry, the bills will be paid.” He patted her folded hands she held in her lap. His hand lingered on her lap. “I have accumulated much wealth over the centuries. Do not worry. I am not a thief.” Aiden glanced at her, flashing another wide smile. His teeth gleamed in the darkened car. “I may fall to other temptations of the flesh, but theft is not one which tempts me.” His eyes shimmered in the lights of a passing car.
“It really stayed dark all day.” Avery changed the subject. With the window down a crack, she could smell the salt in the air and hear the waves rolling against the shore. “Let’s go to the docks tomorrow to see the fishing boats.”
“Sounds like a wonderful plan.” Aiden pulled into the parking lot in front of the inn. “How about I take you into the restaurant? You can wait there while I go change in the cabin. It will not take me long.” He slowed the car.
“Okay, I’ll wait there.”
“I will be quick.” He pulled the sports car up to the curb in front of the main mansion, then he got out and walked her inside the lobby.
Grace was standing behind the lobby’s counter.
“Good evening, Grace.” He nodded to her. “I am leaving Avery with you while I go change for dinner. I will return shortly.” He bent down to kiss Avery’s cheek. When he turned to leave Avery grabbed his arm. He paused and turned back. She kissed him passionately. Aiden pulled her closer to him, returning her kiss with equal fervor. “I enjoy your kisses very much.” He spoke close to her ear, making her shiver. His hands touched her hair, lingering near her lower back.
Grace walked around the counter, approaching them. “Maybe you two would like to delay dinner?” She chuckled. “I can send room service.”
“No.” Avery shook her head. She flashed hot at Grace’s words. “We’ll eat in the dining room.”
“Okay then, go ahead, Aiden. But you’re dressed fine to me.” Grace grinned. “I’ll seat Avery in the dining room. Let me take your coat.” She reached to help Avery out of her coat.
Aiden left, and Grace looked out the window as he drove off.
“Is he driving a Jag?”
“Yes.” Avery nodded. “He rented it.”
“Good taste. I like a man with good taste. Liking you is good taste. Hell, it’s excellent taste.” Grace took Avery’s coat to the coatroom. When she walked back out, she smiled. “You, my dear, look fabulous. You two are perfect for each other, so beautiful together. When shall we have your wedding?”
“Oh, thank you, but we’re only friends. Your compliments are very sweet though.”
“Really, just friends?” Her eyebrows rose. “You hardly seem like friends after the kiss I witnessed. And the way he looks at you...like you’re about to be his dinner, or should I say dessert?”
“Grace.”
“What?” She shrugged. “I’m only telling you what I observed. If you think you’re only friends, you’re in serious denial. Being your friend is certainly not on his mind.”
“No?”
“No. Avery, are you that innocent?”
“You’re wrong.” Avery shook her head, feeling hot once again.
“No, dear, let me tell you, for a man like him, you should offer yourself up as his main course morning, noon, and night.” She smiled and touched Avery’s elbow, escorting her into the dining room. “Don’t let him slip away. From what I can see, it will be hard to find another man to compare to him.”
“You’re right. He’s very unusual.” Avery chuckled.
Chapter 4
Grace sat Avery at the same table Aiden had occupied hours earlier. The atmosphere was different now, quiet and romantic. Faintly, she could hear the reception going on in the banquet room.
“How’s the wedding reception?” Avery asked as she took a menu from Grace.
“Great. They’re going to dance the night away.” She smiled. “They’re just sitting down to eat.” Grace gazed toward the kitchen. “Drew has made a delicious special dinner tonight. Lobster and steak, I suggest you try it. You and your handsome man can join in dancing later.” She did a little shimmy. Her bracelets jingled. “They’re having a big band with swing dancing. It’ll be a blast.”
“Oh, sounds fun.” Avery laid her menu down. “I haven’t danced in a long time.” She looked around. Perfectly pressed white tablecloths covered all of the tables, along with candles and vases filled with golden mums. The chandelier’s lighting was low, casting the room in soft shadows. Candles reflected in the large bay window. Avery could see her reflection in the window too.
“I’ll check on you two later. Enjoy your meal. Remember, it’s on me.” Grace waved as she walked away.
Avery watched her head back to the lobby. As a gracious hostess, she spoke to all of her customers as she passed. There were a few other tables filled with couples scattered around the large dining room. Their conversation level was a whisper.
“Avery, would you like a cocktail?” Connie brought a pitcher of ice water to fill their goblets.
“Did you work all day?” Avery handed her a water glass.
“No, I’m just working extra hours for holiday money. I’ve got four kids to buy gifts for. Fridays and Saturdays are great days to get extra time, especially during a wedding.” She filled Aiden’s goblet too. “Are you waiting for your handsome man who you were with t
his morning?” Connie grinned.
“Yes. I mean, no, he’s not my man.” Avery sipped her water. “I don’t need a cocktail. I’ll wait for Aiden.”
“Okay, I’ll be back.” Connie left to wait on her other tables.
He’s not my man, he’s an angel. Resting her chin on her hand, Avery looked out the window, watching the activity outside. It was dark, but she could see various areas of the grounds, which were lit up and decorated for Halloween.
I need to buy candy for tomorrow. Maybe I’ll dress up too. Avery watched three children run to catch up with their parents as they were walking along the sidewalk. Small votive candles in plastic cartons lined the walk. It had stopped raining, but the wind was slightly blowing.
In the window she saw the reflection of a tall figure approaching her from behind. She turned to see the figure was Aiden. He was dressed in a dark charcoal gray suit with a bright lavender tie, bringing just enough color into the mix. There weren’t adequate words to describe how impressive he looked. The people in the dining room stopped talking to watch him pass. Grace stood at the entrance of the dining room watching too. He looked like he’d just walked off the pages of Gentlemen’s Quarterly.
No, he’s a heavenly angel in an incredibly expensive suit.
“I hope I did not make you wait too long.” His dark eyes held her gaze. Aiden pulled back a chair, sitting to the right of her. “Are you okay, Avery?” He touched her hand.
“Yes, I’m good.” She smiled. “You look very nice.”
“I wanted to look as nice as you do in your lovely dress.” He grinned.
Her stomach jumped and twirled. “You look better than I do by far.” Avery gazed into her glass of water.
His hand was warm on hers. He caressed her knuckles with his thumb. “Hardly, my Avery, you are a beautiful woman. I can never compare to you.” Aiden kissed the back of her hand.
“Hello.” Connie stood next to their table. Avery hadn’t heard or seen her approach. “Can I get you a cocktail?” she asked Aiden
“I will have whatever Avery is having.” He smiled at Avery again.
“I’ll have iced tea.” Avery turned to focus on Connie’s face. Her heart beat so hard, as if it were trying to escape her chest. She could feel Aiden looking at her. Grace’s comments came back to mind, causing a flash of heat to pass through her. “And I’ll have a glass of white Zinfandel.”
“Would you like Zinfandel as well?” Connie asked Aiden.
“Yes, please.”
“Lobster and steak is our special this evening.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Aiden sat back in his chair. “How about you, Avery?” He relaxed his arm on the table.
“It sounds delicious.” She nodded.
Connie refilled Avery’s water, then rushed away to place their orders.
Nerves ate at Avery, making her bashful to look at him.
“Are you uneasy with me?” Aiden whispered close to her ear, making her tremble.
“No.” She shook her head.
Cocking his head to the side, he stared at her. “Are you sure?” He touched a curl hanging over her shoulder.
Another shiver of anticipation raced up her spine. “I’m fine. Your suit is very nice. I like your tie too.” Avery sipped her water.
“Thank you. I wanted to dress special tonight. It is a celebration of sorts, at least for me.”
“It is?” she asked.
“Yes, this is my first evening truly free for such a long time. I have really enjoyed our time together too.” He took a sip of his water. “I enjoy you very much.”
“I enjoyed myself too.” Avery looked down at her hands.
“Do not be nervous with me. There is no need.” Aiden touched her hand again. “I have something for you.” He pulled out a large, dark blue velvet box.
“For me?” Avery’s breath caught in her throat. “You already bought all those ornaments and decorations. Already you’ve given me too much. I really can’t accept any more.”
“You are too modest.” Aiden chuckled. “I love it when you blush. Truly, your sweetness overwhelms me.” He put his left hand over his chest. “In your world, true sweetness is rare. When found, it should be celebrated, treasured.”
Connie interrupted them by placing their wine glasses in front of them. Her gaze passed over the blue box, and she grinned at Avery before she walked away.
“I saw this where I bought my watch, and I thought of you. Open it.” He held the box out for her.
Avery hesitated.
“Avery.” He laid the velvet box in front of her.
“Okay, I’ll open it.” She flipped it open. A necklace with a large teardrop diamond along with matching earrings stared back at her. “Oh, Aiden, these are so incredibly beautiful.” She touched the white gold chain. “I don’t know what to say.”
“When I saw the diamond teardrops, they reminded me of your precious tears. I had to get them for you.” He pulled the box back toward him. “Your tears are more prized than diamonds. Let me put this on you. A woman such as you deserves precious jewels.” He took it out, stood, and then walked behind her. He put the necklace around her neck. Avery moved her hair so he could clasp it. As he finished clasping the necklace, he kissed the back of her neck, then her cheek.
The sensation pulsed through her body, almost making her swoon.
“Please put the earrings on. I want to see them on you too.” He sat back down and pushed the box closer to her.
She removed her simple gold hoops. “These are very lovely. I’ve never had jewelry like this.”
“That should change.” He took the gold hoops from her hand.
She put a teardrop in each ear. They were large, at least two carats each. The necklace’s diamond was twice that size. “These must have cost a fortune.” She fingered the necklace. “They are simply amazing.”
“No, you are simply amazing, and you make these diamonds look even more beautiful.”
“Aiden, these are too expensive for me to accept.”
“Do not worry about the cost. I wish you to enjoy having them. You will hurt my feelings if you decline to accept these gifts.”
* * * *
Connie brought out their iced teas and their multi-course meals. Aiden ate whatever Avery did not. He definitely seemed to enjoy it. After they finished eating and downing two glasses of wine, they joined the wedding reception. A small brass band played, and the dance floor was full of swaying bodies. Joining in, Aiden swung Avery around the floor with the expertise of a man who’d danced for years.
The wine had loosened her inhibitions. Even with the great differences in height, they managed to do well together. Her dance lessons came back as if they were only yesterday. The crowd parted as they watched Aiden swing her around to a Duke Ellington tune. Avery laughed, fully enjoying their exuberant dancing. The swinging music was excellent, then its tempo slowed. She was warm from the exercise and it felt good.
He held her close. “I love big band music.”
Avery pressed against him, swaying with him to the music. He pulled her closer, tucking her into him. They were pressed together so tightly she could feel his penis grow beneath his trousers. His hand caressed her back, and they danced to the romantic music as if they were one, their bodies moving in unison. Bending down, he rubbed his cheek against hers. Then he kissed her. He kissed her so intently she didn’t even realize the music had picked up tempo until they finally broke their kiss. Aiden stared deeply into her eyes. His eyes were the color of molten gold, and the way he looked at her made her heart skip a beat.
Aiden resumed dancing. He was full of never-ending energy. He could probably have danced until sunrise or beyond.
Avery started to lag a bit in her movements. “Aiden.” She pulled on his arm and stepped to the side of the dance floor. “As much as I love dancing with you, my feet are killing me. I can barely take another step.” She leaned into him.
His face changed instantly. A frown creased his brow.
> “Avery, I am sorry. I did not realize. Forgive me.” He scooped her up into his arms.
Avery was so surprised she made a little squeak. “Aiden, you can put me down.” She patted his chest in an attempt to get him to release her. The crowd clapped as he walked through them to the banquet room’s door. “I can take my shoes off and hobble home. You don’t need to carry me.”
“No, I have you.” His voice was tight. The doors swooshed closed behind them.
As they passed the grandfather clock in the hallway, she noticed the time. “It’s past midnight already. I can’t believe time flew so fast. I was having such a good time I lost track. If I were going to work, I’d be getting up soon.” She giggled. “I’ve not been up this late in a while.”
“You should have told me you were in pain,” Aiden said. “I do not wish to cause you any discomfort.”
“I was having fun. So much fun, I didn’t even notice my feet were hurting.” She smiled at him. “Really, Aiden you can put me down. People are staring.”
“They have been watching us all night.” He kissed her mouth, at first tenderly, then he deepened his kiss.
The taste of him made her dazed. She could feel his heart beat. It picked up pace as he kissed her. It surprised her to feel his heart pounding so hard. Astonished at the passionate feelings growing within her, Avery kissed him back fervently. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer.
Avery heard some giggling from behind them. The noise brought her back to reality, and she pulled back from him. Her lips tingled from their kisses. Her body was limp in his arms.
“I didn’t know angels could be so passionate,” she whispered. She looked around them to see four of the bridesmaids watching.
“More than you can imagine.” He was close to her face. Butterflies twirled in her stomach.
“I think her night’s gonna be hotter than Holly’s,” one of the bridesmaids said loud enough for all to hear. The other girls giggled more.
“I think you should put me down.” Avery swung her legs a bit. “I can walk.”
