Page 194 of Between the Lines

Because I get to talk aboutotherpeople’s stories... I don’t mind quite as much. I’m nervous, every single time. But it’s also a new adventure.

And as Aiden likes to remind me, that’s where I thrive. Every time I feel anxious to do another interview, he tells me:You’re in control. You got this. And you’re going to love it when you’re there.

“It’s a major success,” he says and puts a hand on my bare knee. “My wife is a bestselling author. And, Chaos, just the fact that you were recognized? For yourbook?”

“I know. I didn’t even feel scared when she approached me! Like, I wasn’t nervous at all. I thought it would be aboutThe Gamble, and I was just…” I shrug. The sun is shining, and I’m with my best friend in the world. Past Charlotte hasn’t got a thing on Present Me. “Unbothered.”

He laughs. “That’s you. My unbothered queen.”

“Wife, queen… you’re full of compliments today.” I look over at his hand on the steering wheel and the thick gold band on his ring finger. My husband.

Our wedding was a small, private affair. Only our closest family members and no press. The party after had been different. It was a much bigger affair, with all of our relatives and friends invited.

I’ve focused on making new ones in the last few years. After I decided to stay in LA, I’ve gained more than a few. It’s been a rocky process. Building my own little tight-knit group, and settling into habits I used to scorn.

And I’ve loved every single day of it.

“Ever since we got rid of that ‘no compliments’ rule,” Aiden says. “Do you remember that one?”

It takes me a moment. “Oh my god, yes. Early on in our relationship.”

“Yes. You didn’t want to develop feelings.” He chuckles again. “It was a valiant effort, Chaos. But it failed.”

“Badly. I liked you long before I admitted it to myself. Or to you.”

He looks over at me. “You know, I suspected.”

“You did?”

“Of course. You weren’t terribly subtle.”

“I can be, I think.”

His smile widens, and he removes his hand to help steer around a sharp narrow curve, flanked by greenery. The island is stunning, and we’ve already decided this won’t be our last time here. “Yes, with other people. But not with me.”

I sigh. “No, you always saw right through me.”

He puts his hand back on my knee. “Not through you. I just sawyou.The real you.”

I take his hand and weave our fingers together. My own ring is a slim gold band with a solitaire diamond. I didn’t want anything big. Nothing giant, nothing fancy. I love the design he chose. Simple, elegant, everlasting.

“I like to think I saw you, too.”

“You did,” he says, and his fingers tighten around me. “At a time when I felt like no one else had in years. I didn’t allow anyone in close enough to let them look. And there you were, with your notepad, asking questions and refusing to takeno commentfor an answer.”

“You were tough to crack,” I say with a chuckle.

His smile widens. “I think we were both tough to crack.”

“Well, we’re thoroughly cracked now and locked in for life.” I turn toward him in the jeep and reach out to run a hand through his hair. “You’re not scared?”

“Scared?” He’s so handsome. Dark beard, sparkling green eyes, and that wide smile. I’ve looked and looked at him for over two years straight, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough. “Terrified, Chaos. As always. But we’re going on this adventure together.”

I tighten my hand around his. “And we love a good adventure.”