Page 78 of Love Unscripted
Aaron chuckled as he worked at getting his body temperature back under control. “I don’t think it’s the onscreen chemistry he’s worried about.”
She gave him a naughty grin. “The off screen chemistry is none of his business.”
“Camille,” he warned. “We agreed to keep this contained until filming wraps up. You don’t need to be embroiled in another media storm.”
She bit her lip and glanced away. “You’re right.”
“So, back to the lawsuit. Do you agree with me that you should be honest about your real reason for leavingShadow Peak?”
“Aaron, the emotional trauma was a part of it.”
“I’m not saying it wasn’t but the impression you gave me was that it wasn’t the main reason.”
She was silent for a moment and then she sighed. “Okay, I’ll speak to my lawyer.”
“Good,” he got to his feet and then held out his hand to her. “Come Queen Esther, you have some work to do.”
“Work?” she came to stand inches from him.
“You know, charming the pants off Xerses and entrapping Haman.”
“Well, I’ve been working on the first part.” She whispered near his ear.
Aaron inhaled deeply of her and then cleared his throat. “You’ve succeeded. I’m definitely ready to give you up to half my kingdom.”
~*~*~*~
By the second banquet, the air between them was unmistakable.
Esther finally spoke. Aaron could barely breathe while watching her, as Xerses and as himself.
Later, he found her outside, preparing to leave. He took a quick look around. They were alone for the moment.
“You were amazing,” he said.
She turned. “Because you didn’t rush me. You allowed me to be Esther.”
They stood there, night settling around them.
Then the pull sharpened.
Aaron was the one who moved first. One step forward. And she was in his arms.
His mouth covered hers. She sunk into him opening her mouth to receive him. They kissed deeply, sensuously, until he knew that he had to break things off.
Chests heaving, they stared at each other. He caressed her face. Drinking in the sight of her. He wanted to say more. But nowords were needed. They could feel the energy. What they felt about each other was clear.
“See you tomorrow for Bible study,” Camille finally said with a slow kiss on his jaw before stepping away.
Aaron watched her go and knew that the warmth he felt in his chest had a name.
~*~*~*~
That evening, the warm glow of the dining room light cast a cozy ambiance as Aaron sat down to dinner with his brother Adam and Madison. The air was filled with her cheerful chatter about her day at preschool, her little hands animatedly gesturing as she recounted the adventures of her friends and the art project that had turned her fingers into a rainbow of colors.
After dinner, Adam helped Aaron clear the table, their laughter mingling with Madison's giggles as she playfully tried to help. Once the dishes were stacked in the dishwasher, Aaron tucked Madison into bed, reading her a story until her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted off to sleep.
Back in the living room, Aaron and Adam settled down with steaming cups of tea, the comforting aroma filling the air. As they sat in the quiet, Aaron's gaze drifted to the wedding band resting on his finger, a palpable reminder of Scarlett. With a deep breath, he slipped the ring off and placed it on the table between them.
