Sitting up, I crossed my legs Indian style as I contemplated whether or not to call him back. Just that morning I had rid myself of a man who had been just as tempting. The pain that shot through my chest was enough to make me drop my phone, and I swallowed the lump that was threatening to emerge. I had cried for months over Devin. I had just freed myself.
Climbing out of bed, I turned off the lights and opened the door to my balcony, listening to the familiar and soothing sound of the waves. It was just cool enough to keep me sated. Half an hour later, I once again lay in bed, but sleep would not come, and I sat up, staring at my phone. Aiden may be nothing like the bastard I had just freed myself from, but I learned a long time ago I didn’t have to have a Mr. Forever. It made absolutely no sense whatsoever for me to deny myself. Devin sure as hell hadn’t shed a single tear over me. Aiden could be a welcomed distraction from my aching heart. Deciding not to dwell on a simple text, I typed a short reply then hit send.
Nina:
Sorry, I was on a call.
I exhaled and sat back, waiting to see if he would respond. What the hell was I doing? Moving on, I guess?
Aiden: I have to know your name.
Nina: Why?
Aiden: Come on, it’s a name. I already have your number.
Nina: Well, it wasn’t given to you.
Aiden: I only had time to program mine in and text myself. I didn’t have time to snoop around. But I will track you down.
Nina: There were at least twenty females in there tonight willing to give you more than their number. I’m sure they would be happy to give you their name and chant yours over and over.
Aiden: I saw you yesterday at the beach and then tonight at my bar. Are you sure you aren’t one of those women?
I knew I had heard that voice. My songbird, of course!
Nina: Nina
Aiden: Finally. For someone who thinks about fucking you sure are hard pressed to give up your name.
Nina: Funny.
Aiden: Where are you? It’s only ten o’clock.
Nina: In bed, safe, thank you, and very comfortable.
Aiden: Come see me on Thursday.
I laughed. This man really thought he had game.
Nina: I’ll think about it.
Aiden: You should…you know, after you’re done thinking about fucking.
I laughed out loud again.
Nina: Are you going to let that go?
Aiden: I’ll think about it. See you Thursday, naughty girl.
Cocky too, nice.
And for a few minutes before I drifted to sleep I did think about fucking. Those eyes, those amazing eyes, and that voice…But those eyes, they weren’t orange but…amber, the color of a low lit fire. His lips were perfectly plumped symmetry, and his smile was insanely boyish, yet his body language screamed all man. My God, just looking at that man had me completely unraveled. I felt giddy and excited, having butterflies for the first time…well, since Devin.
I immediately wished I hadn’t texted him.
It was just word play. It meant nothing.
But that voice, it had a hint of southern drawl and was so deep, not baritone, but just right. Up close, he had strong features and was so completely beautiful. Way too flawless. I needed to find one. Next time I saw him, I would make sure to find one.