Page 9 of Aiden & Lily

The redhead leaned closer to her sister when the other girl cupped a hand to her ear. They resembled two little girls on a playground, giggling and speaking to each other in secret. Only they were all grown up.

He moved along the perimeter of the room, trying not to look like he was following them and failing to talk himself out of it. A few girls brushed his arm or tried to catch his attention, but for once, he barely noticed.

It took longer than he liked, but he managed to get within earshot and caught the tail end of their conversation.

“I’m going to let him give me a ride home,” her sister insisted.

“Do you trust him?” The redhead’s surprise faltered with concern. “You know how Dad can be.”

Her sister sighed. “Yeah, I’ve gone out with him before. He’s harmless. Kinda like you.”

The redhead swatted at her sister. “Hey!”

They both laughed, and her sister nudged her back. “What about you? Gonna see if anyone’s worth an evening walk in here?”

Aiden stiffened, wondering if he’d be lucky enough to be picked for such an adventure.

It wasn’t like he was committing to something serious. He just wanted a chance. A conversation. A way to find out if this strange tug in his chest was worth paying attention to.

“Maybe. But he has to be a cowboy. Someone local.”

The sisters exchanged knowing looks.

“I get it. No long-distance stuff.” Her sister glanced through the room. “Well, it’s not like you don’t have a lot to choose from. Pick a cute guy wearing the right stuff.”

“You know as well as I do that doesn’t mean anything, especially since this town has gotten more popular.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Her sister perked up. “Quiz ’em. See what they like to do. Have them show you a pic of their favorite horse or something.”

The redhead snickered. “Be realistic.”

Her sister joined in on the laughter. “Well, good luck. I’ll see you later tonight, kay?”

They hugged, and her sister disappeared into the crowd.

Aiden watched the girl he’d become fascinated with for a second longer and knew the exact moment she decided she was going to bail. He stepped forward just as she spun around. The drink in her hand sloshed against his chest, dousing him in what smelled like root beer.

She gasped, her eyes traveling up his torso until they reached his.

Blue.

Like the sky after a storm. When the clouds have cleared away and a rainbow has been painted on the horizon. They were endless and vibrant and… everything.

He’d never seen eyes like hers.

He was so intent on them that he didn’t realize she’d scrambled for some napkins and was currently dabbing at his clothes.

He chuckled and lightly caught her hand before she could keep scrubbing at his shirt. “Don’t worry about that, angel. I’m fine.”

“But it’s going to stain,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s just a shirt. I have plenty.”

Her cheeks flushed a beautiful shade of pink, and he had to curl his free hand into a fist to keep from reaching out. They’d only just met. He needed to remember that, no matter how strange and strong this pull felt.

Then her eyes widened with shock, and he realized he was still holding her hand.

Shoot.