Sun-Kissed (Love In All Seasons 1)

I haven’t forgotten his eyes all afternoon. As I’m dragged around the reception, hugging great aunts and distant cousins, I keep sneaking looks at Aiden, who’s been talking to Peter for way too long. It might have been a bad idea to leave him alone, but I’m trying to keep him from the line of fire that is my family.

But every time I see him, my panties get wet and my nipples get hard. I need that man alone.

And soon.

I keep imagining him stripping me of this hideous dress and letting him rake his hands over my skin, and this sexy lingerie I have underneath.

During dinner, he’s left alone again, as I sit with the wedding party up front. After, though, I cut through the reception to where Aiden stands. He’s at the bar, holding a whiskey, and looking so damn sexy.

My dad’s on my heels. “Are you going to introduce me?”

“Yeah, just… go easy on him. He means a lot to me.”

I bite my lip, and as we approach Aiden, I shoot him an apologetic look. He just brushes it off as if he has been expecting this moment.

“Aiden, this is my father James. Dad, this is Aiden.”

They shake hands, and my dad looks him over critically. My dad came from a family with means, and he has a certain idea of what my future spouse should be. A man like Donovan, Anna’s husband, would be ideal. Or, more specifically, a man like Peter. Executive offices downtown, secretaries, and three-piece suits.

Not blue jeans and fishing poles and no cell service.

Still, I like the sort of man Aiden is. Everyone in the bar we went to together knew his name.

Heck, they knew his dog’s name.

And I don’t need much. Besides, Aiden said he didn’t live on a boat year round, he said he has a house too.

Which, I know doesn’t even matter.

Aiden came here as a favor--not because he wanted me for more.

Still, I can’t help wonder what more with him would look like... The idea of giving up on my dream of playing the cello professionally seems impossible... I’ve worked for that my entire life.

And Aiden’s life is in Alaska.

“I didn’t know the pair of you were performing a duet today,” Aiden says, bringing me back to the moment.

“What did you think of it?” Dad asks, crossing his arms and looking intently at my date.

Aiden runs his hand over beard as if really considering the question. “It took my breath away. I knew Alice took her music seriously, but I had no idea music was in her bones or that you were so accomplished yourself.”

Dad smiles, and I feel a flash of tenderness for him.

But for all that tenderness, I still know my father likes things to go his way. And Aiden is not his way.

“So you live in Alaska and came all the way down here for the wedding? Seems like a big leap for someone you hardly know.”

“Hell no. Alice asked me to come and of course, I wanted to. I’d do anything for her.”

I just about choke on the drink I’m not even drinking. Those are some bold words to say to my father. When I see a waiter pass, I reach for a glass of champagne, guzzle it, and retrieve a second.

This is a conversation that deserves slight intoxication.

“What, Alice?” Aiden says as if sensing my discomfort. But apparently not that interested in softening his stance. “You know it’s true.”

My dad narrows his eyes. “What do you do up in Alaska, anyway?”

“I’m a fisherman. King salmon, mostly. What about you, James?”

I press my lips together, amazed that Aiden isn’t playing at anything besides himself. Also a little nervous that this could escalate quickly.

“Me?” My dad leans over the bar and gets himself a Manhattan. Once it’s in his hands he looks back at Aiden with a smirk. “I’m in investment real estate. I play with the big boys.”

“Dad,” I say, scowling.

Dad just shrugs. “Look, I know we’ve had a hard few months, and you thought bringing Aiden would sting.” He squeezes Aiden’s shoulder, ready to step away. “You seem like a good enough guy, just not good enough for my little girl.”

My dad is entirely out of line. Aiden doesn’t deserve this.

“Dad,” I say, wanting to stop him. “This isn’t about you.”

Dad looks at me sympathetically, but I don’t want his sympathy.

“Look, Alice, this has nothing to do with your music. We all know that this fling isn’t anything more than that. So have a few dances and drinks with this fisherman, and--”

“Sir,” Aiden says cutting him off. “With all due respect, Alice means more to me than that. She means--”

“Listen, I’m not trying to be heavy-handed, but there’s no point in beating around the bush. The truth is, her life is meant for so much more than yours.”