I remember watching the news as they announced all the new cities around America that would house special operationsforces. That was years ago, and a new way of life, of being on alert, is the new norm. “It must be a good change of pace then,” I say, trying to keep my mind off the horror of the past and the memories that will be burned into my mind for the rest of time.
“It is,” Aidan remarks. “What about you? Tell me about yourself.”
Facing the water, I keep my gaze off him and on the horizon. “My house is right over there,” I say, distracting myself and hopefully him. “See those lights?” I point to an outlet on the other side of the bay.
He nods.
“That’s my neighbor’s yard. You could probably get to my house quicker by boat than car,” I joke.
“You’re avoiding my question.”
Sighing, I say, “I wasn’t ready for actual conversation. I figured we’d get right to it,” I explain, making a lewd gesture with my hands.
He pulls me in tighter. “Is that what you want then? To get right to it? I was trying to make polite conversation because that’s where it seemed you wanted to go.”
“No, no. I’m glad we’re talking. It was just unexpected, that’s all. I didn’t come up with any interesting facts to tell you about my life.”
“You didn’t have time to come up with lies?” he counters.
“I didn’t say that.”
He quirks one brow. “You didn’t have to.”
“That big, pastel purple Victorian house in town? The one that sells antiques?”
Aidan’s eyes light up. It’s hard to miss. Everyone knows it. It’s purple, and I didn’t have the heart to change it when I took it over.
“Yeah, that’s yours?”
“Magnolia’s Steals,” I reply dryly. “That’s my store. I collect and sell antiques. It was a casual hobby while I was married, but now it’s what I do full time. There’s an online store where a lot of my business takes place. I liked the idea of keeping an actual store where people could come in and touch things—see treasures from the past. I’m a sucker for a good story, and all of the furniture and jewelry and random bobs and bits have a story.” I shrug. It’s on the table. My life. Kendall and the shop. And my sordid breakup. “You basically know everything about me now.”
“Wow. That’s really impressive. I…like antiques.”
I snort. “Your house is the opposite of classic. It’s all modern, Aidan. You don’t have to pretend to like something just to get in my pants. Truth is, you were already headed there the second you smiled.”
“My smile?” Aidan teases, widening the very grin I’m talking about.
I look away. “That’s the one.”
“Here’s the thing: this sofa might be considered modern now, but one day it will be an antique, right? It will tell the story of when I kissed the beautiful Magnolia Sager for the very first time.”
“That is a pretty interesting story,” I reply, cocking my head. “And how many other women were kissed for the first time on this modern loveseat?”
He coughs and drags his hand across his mouth to cover a smile. “You’re the only one who matters.”
“Right now,” I deadpan. When his smile falls, I put him out of his misery. “It’s fine. Honestly. I don’t want anything long-term. Casual is something I’ve never tried before.”
“You realize you are in the minority, then? Most women don’t want to know or think about women who have come before them.”
“And you? Do you want to think about the man who came before you?”
Aidan clears his throat. “Well, not really. I know enough to know that your ex didn’t treat you properly. I may be into casual dating, but if I ever find a woman I want to keep forever, that’s a game-changer. You can guarantee I’d be faithful. I’m honorable when it comes to promises and vows.”
I nod. “That’s one good quality,” I say.
“One?” Aidan barks. “That’s two in my column. You told me you liked my smile.”
“That goes in the bad column. The smile will get me into trouble.”
