Page 76 of Aiden & Lily

Instead, Mathew leaned against the machine and studied him.

The moment felt like one of those old Western standoffs, where the first person to reach for his gun decided the outcome. Except neither of them was armed, and Aiden didn’t want to lose his closest friend simply because he’d fallen in love.

Clearing his throat, Aiden leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs. The couch was one of the most comfortableoptions in the room, and Mathew used to sit beside him there all the time.

Before the secrets came out.

The speech Aiden had prepared vanished the moment Mathew spoke.

“You going to Lily’s birthday party next week?”

Aiden nodded. “Yeah.”

“Me too.”

Mathew pushed away from the machine and crossed the room. Aiden watched him warily. Part of him expected Mathew to deck him so they could finally get the anger out of their systems.

Instead, Mathew sat beside him and let out a long breath. “You’re still with her. Even after everything.”

Aiden cut him a sharp look. “Of course I’m still with her. I’m not backing down just because you wanted me to.”

The corner of Mathew’s mouth twitched, and Aiden had to fight a smile of his own.

“Yeah, well. You haven’t exactly had the best track record.”

Aiden lifted a brow. “You thought I’d lose interest if you gave me enough time? Is that what all this avoiding me has been about?”

Mathew shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t stick around. I didn’t want us to get into a fight over something that might end on its own.” His expression softened. “But you proved me wrong.”

“Darn straight I proved you wrong. Lily is everything to me.”

Mathew gave a dry chuckle, and Aiden flinched.

That only made Mathew laugh harder. “Sheesh, man. I’m not going to hit you.”

“Forgive me for valuing my life. I have no idea what you’re capable of when you think you’re right.”

Mathew continued smiling, and Aiden felt his own grin break free. Slowly, the tension between them eased. The familiar quiet they used to share settled back into place.

Aiden leaned against the sofa, and Mathew did the same.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” Aiden said.

“We don’t know that telling me right away would’ve gone any better,” Mathew admitted. “What if the relationship hadn’t been as strong then? One fight between us might’ve scared you off.”

Aiden considered that. “Maybe.”

Mathew frowned. “That doesn’t make keeping it from me right.”

“No. It doesn’t.” Aiden glanced down at his hands. “But I’m starting to believe some things happen the way they do for a reason.”

Like the fact that Reese had been out of town while everything with Mathew unfolded. One step at a time. Now there was only one hurdle left to go.

“He doesn’t know, does he?”

Aiden turned sharply. “Who?”

“Reese.” Mathew’s expression said he already knew the answer. “You haven’t told him you’re dating his ex.”