Jillian nodded. “I remember meeting Cheyenne at Dillon and Pam’s wedding. The triplets were adorable. I don’t recall ever meeting Taylor.”
“I’ll make sure you meet Taylor and Dominic if you ever come to visit me in Charlotte.” He’d deliberately chosen his words to make sure she understood that if a meeting took place, it would be her decision.
After putting on his tie, he turned to her, trying not to stare again. “I’m all set. Ready?”
“Whenever you are.”
He was tempted to kiss her but held back. Knowing him like she did, she would probably expect such a move. But tonight he planned to keep her on her toes. In other words, he would be full of surprises.
* * *
“Hi, Aidan!”
Jillian figured it would be one of those nights when the group of women sharing their table chorused the greeting to Aidan. It was the book-club group. She should have known they would find him. Or, for all she knew, he’d found them.
“I take it you’ve met them,” she whispered when he pulled out her chair.
“Yes, earlier today, while taking my stroll when you were at the spa.”
“Evening, ladies. How’s everyone doing?” Aidan asked the group with familiarity, taking his seat.
“Fine,” they responded simultaneously. Jillian noticed some were smiling so hard it made her wonder how anyone’s lips could stretch that wide.
“I want you all to meet someone,” Aidan was saying. “This is Jillian Novak. My significant other.”
“Oh.”
Was that disappointment she heard in the voices of the six women? And what happened to those huge smiles? Well, she would just have to show them how it was done. She smiled brightly and then said, “Hello, everyone.” Only a few returned her greeting, but she didn’t care because she was reflecting on Aidan’s introduction.
My significant other.
Before their breakup they had been together for three years and this was the first time he’d introduced her to anyone because of their secret. It made her realize that, other than Ivy, she’d never introduced him to anyone, either.
The waiter came to take their order but not before giving them a run-down of all the delectable meals on the menu tonight. Jillian chose a seafood dinner and Aidan selected steak.
She discreetly checked out the six women engaging in conversation with Aidan. All beautiful. Gorgeously dressed. Articulate. Professional. Single.
“So, how long have the two of you been together?” asked one of the women who’d introduced herself earlier as Wanda.
Since it appeared the woman had directed the question to Aidan, Jillian let him answer. “Four years,” he said, spreading butter on his bread. Jillian decided not to remind him that one of those years they hadn’t been together.
“Four years? Really?” a woman by the name of Sandra asked, extending her lips into what Jillian could tell was a plastered-on smile.
“Yes, really,” Jillian responded, knowing just what the chick was getting at. After four years Jillian should have a ring on her finger. In other words, she should be a wife and not a significant other.