Page 58 of Seduced in Ink

“I took out what you said you were going to wear last night. Is that okay?” he asked, leaning forward to check his face for toothpaste marks or anything.

“Oh, great. That’s great.” She blushed, and he frowned.

“Did I do something wrong? You had the blow dryer going, or I would have told you what I was doing.”

“No, you did everything right. I’m just not used to this whole coupling thing. Even though I don’t think we’re a couple. Right? No, don’t answer that. Please don’t.”

She rushed off to the bedroom, and Aaron stood there, blinking as he stared into the mirror.

“Fuck,” he whispered under his breath.

They were not ready for that conversation, especially because he knew what the answer would be. He would walk away from her, and then he wouldn’t know what to do.

Because everything was fake. This was all a façade. An idea where they could pretend in order for her to find herself. And she was doing it. She was beautiful and brilliant, but she wasn’t for him.

Even though he thought he might already be in love with her.

“Fuck,” he whispered again and then shook his head, washed his face, and got ready for the day.

As soon as they were ready to go, her in a light dress, and him in khaki pants and a white button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled up, she slid on her heels, went to her tiptoes, and kissed him softly on the mouth. “I’m sorry.”

He frowned. “Why?” he asked.

“I’m grateful that you’re doing all of this for me. But I’m not treating you right. I’m doing this wrong. So, after this weekend, we’ll talk. But for now? Let’s just do what we’ve been doing and have fun.”

He swallowed hard and nodded. “I can do that. And, Madison? You’re not taking advantage of me. This place has great food, great views, and I’m getting some inspiration for my work. Plus, I like hanging out with you. We’re friends. Always.”

She smiled up at him then, and he hoped like hell he wasn’t lying to himself about that. Because he loved her.

And he was so screwed.

They went downstairs to the dining area, their hands linked as they made their way in, nodding at others as they did.

Though they were around twenty minutes late, people were just now sitting down for breakfast, and Aaron was grateful.

“It seems like everybody had a bit of a lay-in,” she whispered.

“Thank God.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t want to deal with the fact that we’re late and my hair being only somewhat done.”

“You still look hot.”

“Thanks. Honestly, I don’t care. I would have just let the pink show, but that would require straightening my hair, and I just don’t have the energy today. Somebody wore me out.”

Aaron practically preened on his way to an empty table. As soon as they stood near, Mark gestured him over to his table.

“Madison, come sit with your mother and me.”

“Yay,” Madison whispered under her breath, and Aaron did his best not to laugh out loud at that.

“Hi, Daddy,” Madison whispered before kissing her father on the cheek. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, you two. Glad you decided to show up.”

Her dad gave Aaron a look with a raised brow, and Aaron did his best not to play with this collar, knowing the man likely knew exactly what had happened the night before.

Jesus Christ, he hoped he didn’t know exactly. That was not something Aaron ever needed to discuss with anyone but Madison.