Page 31 of Sick Little Devotion

Good enough.

I head back downstairs and find Aiden waiting in the kitchen. I hadn’t even realized he was already ready to go. He’s wearing a pair of khaki shorts, a white T-shirt, and boots. I bite back a smile, struck by how different he looks in this outfit.

“Okay, let’s go,” I say, clearing my throat.

He looks up, his eyes scanning over me. “You used to look cute, you know? But now, now you’re a fucking hottie even in that,” Aiden grunts, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the exit into the courtyard.

“Are we not driving?” I ask stupidly as he punches in a code, and we step into the fresh air.

“Nope, I have plenty of places to hike from here—for now, anyway.” Aiden looks over his shoulder at me as he drags me across the perfectly landscaped yard area, complete with a fountain and lots of stone. I admire it as we pass, appreciating it for what it is.

“Did you have someone design all this?” I look up at him as we reach the gate.

“I did it myself.” He gives me a surprisingly shy smile. “I just wanted you to have everything you could ever want. I remember that time we went to the Myriad Gardens. You talked about how much you loved the fountains and the pretty courtyard. I thought I’d do my best to bring it back to you.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, unable to do anything other than nod. The moment leaves me longing for the old Aiden—the one that I didn’t feel slightly fearful of.

“Come on.” Aiden squeezes my hand and tugs me out to a trail, instantly bringing back thoughts of last night. However, I push the intimacy away. I don’t want to give into my sexual desires for Aiden—even if it’s easier said than done.

Especially when he’s trying to connect with me on this level.

“You know, I always thought it was unfair that you had to start working in the store so early on. I don’t think your dad…” Aiden’s voice trails off as he catches my eye—and the look that I’m giving him.

I don’t want to talk about my dad.

“I just think you need more time to discover who you are outside of work and when you are not taking care of everyone else. That’s what I intend to give to you. I want you to do anything and everything for yourself while you’re here.”

“Except leave,” I deadpan, trying to pull my hand away.

“No, you can’t leave, but if I let you leave, you’d run right back to your old life, and that’s not what you need. You don’t see it now, Sara, but I do—just like you always saw me.” He adds the last bit in an almost inaudible voice, and I find my heart aching for him again.

And this time, it’s not sexual at all.

It’s just the Aiden that I know and love…

But he still left you, Sahara. He broke promises. Don’t forget that.

Conflict overwhelms me as we trek along, making our way through the woods. We are on the other side of the property—not the side that he chased me on or where he fucked me. I can’t help but admire his strong frame and golden-brown hair as we walk. His appearance is neater than it used to be, but somehow, the ruggedness is still there. The sight of Aiden in the woods is almost mesmerizing, and I take a deep breath again, filling my lungs with fresh air and the scent of cedar and pine.

Maybe I can just enjoy this. Worry about everything else later.

I finally begin to relax, as the sticks and leaves crunch pleasingly beneath my boots. I don’t remember the last time I took any time to just enjoy the moment, and I have to admit that it’s more relaxing than I thought it’d be.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Aiden asks, like he can read my mind.

I fall in step beside him. “It’s not so bad.” I don’t want to tell him the truth that I’m enjoying it or that, as we break through the trees and I catch sight of a large, clear pond, I’m no longer thinking about anything other than how amazing the moment is.

“Beautiful, huh?” Aiden nudges me, and then tugs me toward the edge of the water.

“How is it so clear?” I toe the edge of the water with the tip of my boot. Tiny frogs jump around, diving into the clearness and swimming away from me.

“I’ve spent a lot of money to treat it, but don’t worry, I didn’t use anything that would harm the wildlife or fish. I just wanted it to be perfect for you.” His voice softens, and I can’t bring my eyes up to his.

I don’t want him to see what I’m feeling.

Instead, I take another step into the water, nearly soaking my entire boot. A little frog jumps onto it, and I let out a childish giggle, unable to hold it in.

“You’re such a nerd,” Aiden says from behind me. “I knew you’d love it down here.”