Chapter 13: A Fine Line
649 Words
Emma didn’t sleep well that night.
She tossed and turned, replaying the moment Aiden had brushed that stray lock of hair behind her ear. The way his fingers had barely grazed her skin. The way he had looked at her—like he was waiting for something.
And the way her heart had betrayed her by reacting to it.
It was frustrating. Infuriating. Completely irrational.
She had spent so much time trying to keep her distance from Aiden Carter, yet somehow, he had weaseled his way into her life, into her bookstore, into her head.
And she had no idea what to do about it.
By the next morning, Emma had decided on a plan.
Avoidance.
If she could just keep her interactions with Aiden strictly professional, maybe she could regain some control over this ridiculous situation.
Unfortunately, Aiden had other ideas.
He strolled into the shop right before noon, looking as effortlessly charming as ever. Emma barely spared him a glance as she sorted through a stack of new book deliveries.
“Morning, Sunshine,” he greeted, leaning against the counter.
Emma didn’t look up. “Don’t call me that.”
Aiden smirked. “You’re extra grumpy today.”
“I wonder why,” she muttered.
Lily, who was behind the counter arranging the cash register, shot Emma a knowing look before turning to Aiden. “So, movie star, what’s on your schedule today?”
Aiden shrugged. “Not much. Thought I’d stop by, help out, maybe convince Emma to admit she likes having me around.”
Emma finally looked up and shot him a glare. “Not happening.”
Aiden grinned. “You keep saying that, but your eyes say otherwise.”
Emma scowled. “You are insufferable.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’ve mentioned that before.”
Lily giggled. “You two should just date already.”
Emma nearly dropped the book she was holding. “Excuse me?”
Aiden looked far too amused. “I agree with Lily.”
Emma shot him a glare. “You’re both insane.”
Lily shrugged. “I mean, you’re practically already in a fake relationship, according to the internet.”
Emma groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
Lily wiggled her eyebrows. “Maybe it doesn’t have to be fake.”
Aiden chuckled. “She has a point.”
Emma exhaled sharply. “Oh my God. I refuse to be part of whatever rom-com fantasy you two are plotting.”
Lily sighed dramatically. “You’re no fun.”
Aiden smirked. “I think she’s plenty fun.”
Emma turned away before he could see the way her face warmed.
The rest of the afternoon was relatively normal—at least, as normal as it could be with Aiden Carter hanging around.
But even as Emma tried to focus on work, she couldn’t shake the way Aiden kept looking at her.
Like he was trying to figure something out.
Like he knew something she didn’t.
And that made her nervous.
By the time evening rolled around, Emma was exhausted.
She was just about to close the store when Aiden spoke up.
“Let’s go to dinner.”
Emma blinked. “What?”
Aiden shoved his hands into his pockets. “Dinner. You. Me.”
Emma frowned. “Like a… date?”
Aiden smirked. “If you want it to be.”
Her heart did something weird in her chest. “And if I don’t want it to be?”
He grinned. “Then it’s just two coworkers getting food.”
Emma hesitated. She should say no. She should walk away. But…
She kind of did want to go.
And that realization was absolutely terrifying.
Still, she crossed her arms and leveled him with a look. “Fine. But only because I’m hungry.”
Aiden chuckled. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Sunshine.”
Emma sighed.
This was a very bad idea.
- Writer
