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High Stakes

Page 120

by Nicola Jane

She shakes her head. “I can tell. Besties, remember.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

She scoffs, “What does it matter?”

“It matters,” I say firmly. “To me. To Bella.”

“I don’t think you’re good enough for her.” She’s blunt but it’s what I expected. “And I don’t know why she’s even giving you the time of day.” She takes a breath. “But it’s not up to me what Bella does. She told me how great you’ve been with Braiden.”

“He’s got me wrapped around his finger and he doesn’t even realise,” I say with a small smile.

“I thought you’d give up after a week,” she admits. “But you’ve proved me wrong so far.”

“And I will continue to. I want this, Aria. I want Bella and Braiden in my life. And I’ll take whatever she gives me. I can’t even begin to apologise for everything I’ve done. And if she gives me a chance, I’ll put it all right.”

“How?”

“I’m gonna marry her.”

Aria sits up, leaning closer. “Marry her?” she repeats.

“Tomorrow if she’d let me. I’m serious, Aria. I love her.”

Aria smiles. It’s the first genuine smile she’s offered me in a long time. “Then we have some plans to make.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Bella

It’s Aria’s last day and I’ll be sad to see them both leave. But they’ve been here a week already and they have to get back to the businesses. I wish I could bring my London life to here, because I miss them so much.

“You have to look perfect,” Aria says, brining me back into the room.

“Huh?”

“For lunch today, you have to look perfect.”

I frown, “Why? I don’t think Bob and Sheila will care what I look like.” The local bar owners aren’t reallyfussy about attire when the place is always full with the farm lads.

“Because it’s my last day and I want it to be amazing.” She holds up a white summer dress and I narrow my eyes.

“It’s just the local.”

“Please,” she begs, “For me.”

I sigh. “Fine, whatever.”

“And I’m doing your makeup, no arguments.”

I groan dramatically. “I’ll stand out like a sore thumb.”

“When was the last time you bothered with makeup?” she asks.

I laugh, “I don’t even remember.”

“Exactly. Plus, I want some nice pictures of you, Aiden and the baby to take home.”

My frown deepens. “You want Aiden on the pictures?”