Flirting With Destiny(44)

“Tonight? I can’t be ready that fast. I don’t know if I have anything to wear—”

“No, no, actually I’m going alone,” he interrupted. “I didn’t think you wanted to tag along to another boring fund raiser. You won’t be missing anything. Plus, you still need to rest.”

Ha, he beat me to the punch. Now I was in the clear. I shrugged and said, “It’s okay, I hope you don’t find it too boring.” I waited a beat before adding, “Wait, this is actually perfect. I could use this weekend to take Jules up on her suggestion to go shopping for wedding dresses. I have my eye on one from an ad in a magazine, but it’s only available in the Chicago store.” I watched his face as I let the words fall out as naturally as possible.

I wondered if what I’d said even registered. He seemed to be more interested in watching the clock on the wall, as if getting to his fundraiser was more important than what I’d said.

“So what do you think?” I asked when it became clear he wasn’t going to respond.

He stood up and patted my arms. “That’s wonderful. You and Jules go do your girl thing. Have a shopping spree.”

I peered into his eyes. “I wouldn’t be back until Sunday evening.”

“What time Sunday?” He paused and I held my breath. I had no idea what time Aedyn’s private plane flew into the Des Moines airport. “Never mind, just text me when you figure it out. You deserve to have some fun.”

I smiled at him, trying to hide my relief. What a twist of fate for me. Chip’s schedule and distraction was working in my favor. I didn’t even mind that he rushed me out of the office, cutting our conversation short. I figured it was best to just get the hell out of there as fast as possible before he had a chance to ask any questions.

I dashed back to my apartment, filled with apprehension about going behind Chips’ back. Once inside my door, I had second thoughts—for the seventeenth time—and my confidence drained away. Chip was leaving town. I didn’t need to go to Chicago to get away from him and think. I could do that at home.

It was time to face reality. The real reason I wanted to go was to be with Aedyn. There! I said it!

I pulled my small suitcase out of the closet and set it on the chair next to my bed. I zipped open the lid and propped it against the back of the chair, staring at it, knowing if I was really going, I should pack. Then I began to worry about all the implications of what I was about to do and my doubts grew larger. Time was running out. I knew I should call Aedyn and tell him I was free to come this weekend, but instead I left the suitcase empty, walked into the kitchen and uncorked a bottle of wine.

I had some soul searching to do.





Chapter 18

Aedyn

I was in shock. Pleasantly shocked. I’d managed to convince Lauren to come to Chicago with me. “I still can’t believe you were sitting in my driver’s limo this morning.”

A big grin crossed Lauren’s face and she waved both hands, mimicking the moment I saw her. “Surprise,” she said, repeating her exact word.

“Jesus, it was a surprise.” I shook my head and laughed. “I thought that when I left Granger, I’d never hear from you again.” I pulled my apartment key out of my pocket and turned the lock.

“Aw, no way, Aedyn. It’s been wonderful getting to know you again, now that we’re all grown up. I’m glad my schedule opened up and we could spend some extra time together.”

“Perfect.” I smiled and held the door as she walked in. “Do you like it?” I asked, setting our bags down inside the door of my apartment. I felt like the Big Bad Wolf luring Red Riding Hood in. The very moment she stepped over the threshold, my dirty mind was already scheming and hearing the click of her heels on the polished cement floor didn’t help. It inspired an immediate visual of long legs, short skirt and tits popping out everywhere. Did girls realize how sexy that sound was to guys?

“It’s gorgeous. So elegant and upscale.” Lauren said as she perused the living room. She tilted her head toward the large, sweeping floor to ceiling window and exclaimed with delight, “Oh, look at that view.” She stepped over to the glass and peered out with amazement.

“That’s Lake Michigan.”

“A view of the lake. This is fantastic. It’s so… opposite of my apartment.” She turned and smiled at me. “My place is small and the only view I have out my front window is the crazy neighbor in 2B. I swear he must be stalking me. He’s always out there, smoking a cigarette and pacing back and forth. Completely different than this.”