The maître d’ takes us to a table in the back of the room, next to the window. “Your menus are on the table. A waiter will be with you shortly to take your orders.”
“Thank you, Thomas.”
My eyes widen at the familiarity Aiden has with Thomas. Aiden pulls out my chair for me before taking his own seat and reaches across the table to take my hand in his. I love the feeling of our entwined fingers, but I feel so out of place. I’m a simple girl. I know Aiden has wealth behind him, but this kind of extravagance is not something I’m accustomed to, and it makes it hard to relax.
Reluctantly, we let each other’s hands go to look over the menu. Everything’s so fancy and once again, I’m feeling very out of place. I’ve no clue what most of it means. I think maybe it’s in French or something. Under a hushed whisper, I look over at Aiden and say, “I’ve no idea what any of this is.” Quickly, I look back down at my menu in hopes he doesn’t see my embarrassment.
He chuckles. “Neither did I when I came here as a child. I’ll order for you if you like.” He shuts his menu, and I raise my brow at him questionably.
“Don’t worry. I won’t order the escargot.”
Sinking back in my chair, I nod. “I trust you.”
He smiles brightly, the curve of his lips accentuating his chiseled jaw. He’s such a strong-looking man and right now, he’s beaming with happiness. I’m guessing because I used my forbidden word, trust.
Interrupting our moment, the waiter approaches our table and takes our order. While waiting for our dinner, we talk about how much we missed and love each other, simply enjoying our evening together.
Our meals are served, and mine, of course, is mouth-wateringly delicious. I knew Aiden would only order the best. Lifting his glass of expensive champagne, he winks at me, knowing I’m enjoying the food. He spoils me far too much. I’ll never know how I got so lucky to deserve him or really, any of this.
I shift the conversation to something a little more stressful even though we had a small discussion in bed earlier. I want to watch his reaction. After all, last time he was there, both our lives changed dramatically. I just don’t know how he will cope with being back at the same place where he was arrested. “So, how do you feel about going back to work on Monday?”
His face crinkles. “Not sure. It’ll be strange.” His eyes look a little panicked. He shifts in his seat, then exhales heavily.
“Are you sure you’re ready to go back, Aiden? No one would blame you if you needed more time,” I ask, doubting him. Maybe even doubting my own ability to be back there as well.
He smiles, trying to reassure me. “You’ll be there which helps considerably. I’m sure it’ll be fine. You always tend to keep me focused on the important things.” I hold his hand tighter and half-smile at him. “Are you ready to go back to your job with us?”
A cold shiver slides through my body.
“Jeni?” he asks, concerned.
I swallow hard. “I’ll be fine knowing you’re there with me.”
He moves my hand up to his mouth to kiss it tenderly. “A toast,” he announces. I raise my glass to his. “To the most beautiful, caring, and life-changing woman I’ve ever met.”
Clinking my glass to his, I smile. “To the best man a woman could ask for.”
We both take sips from our flutes. The champagne tastes crisp, clean, and is chilled to perfection.
It’s getting late as I look around the dining area, and to my surprise, we’re sitting alone in the great expanse of the room. Aiden notices me looking around and does the same. I hadn’t realized everyone had left as I was too wrapped up spending my night with Aiden.
“I guess we’d better let these guys close up for the night.” He stands and walks around to my chair, pulling it out for me.
“Thank you.” He’s such a gentleman.
Aiden takes my hand and leads me to the maître d’ desk. “Thank you, Thomas. Sorry for keeping you here late.”
“Not at all, Mr. O’Connell. It was our pleasure.”
“Thanks, Thomas. Everything was lovely,” I tell him.
“Glad you enjoyed your evening.”
“Give my regards to Georgia and the kids,” Aiden states.
“Yes, sir, I will. Good night, sir, ma’am.” Thomas dips his head.
“Good night,” we both say as we walk to the elevator and step in. He wraps his arm around me, pulling me toward him so we’re face to face, our lips an inch apart.