I took in a few deep breaths to calm myself, as well as preventing myself from flying down the steps and wrapping my legs around him. I began my descent down the stairs. Halfway down, he looked up and his body glided to the bottom of the staircase, his eyes never leaving me. I began to feel self-conscious.
"You look beautiful," his voice was almost a whisper, the undertone of his words almost felt like he was saying something else. Then his lips were on mine. I had to warn him about my make-up before we finally were in the car.
The drive was quiet and, when I looked to Aidan, I realized his eyes were fixated on my leg, my very exposed thigh to be exact.
"Ah-hem," I cleared my throat and raised my eyebrow at him with a playful smirk on my face.
"What?" He played innocent and then smiled crookedly.
"You know what," I bumped his shoulder with my shoulder.
"Um...how high is that slit anyway?" I shrugged. "Well, remind me stay on your left side for the night."
I laughed.
"Hey," he looked at me without humor, "I am dead serious. No one needs to be looking at all of that." He waved his hand around my thigh.
"Oh God, it's because I'm sitting down in the car, Aidan. It's not that high when I‘m standing." I rolled my eyes.
"Okay, then don't sit for the rest of the night either," he smiled playfully and took my hand.
I smiled easily at the hand holding.
Now, let me explain to you that falling for Aidan was not my intention and I was doing my best to fight it, but I was losing. Still, I knew that I had to keep my emotions in check. This was just an arrangement, regardless of how much we 'enjoyed' each other’s company.
Pulling up to the Grand Prospect, we were greeted by three trumpet players dressed in black and white tuxes, even the woman. Viola was right. It was a very nice touch. Arriving at the first landing of the stairs, we could hear the small string quartet was playing softly. Once we were on the second floor you could hear the orchestra music flowing from out of the grand ballroom. The doors of every room were open, the lights brightly lit.
"Lilli, Aidan," Viola moved to us quickly, placing hugs and kisses on both of us. "I'm glad that you have arrived." She turned to me. "I need your help with Pierre." She took my hand and we began to walk away, but Aidan still had my other hand.
A jerk of my arm had Viola and I both looking at him.
"Just give me fifteen minutes of her time and I promise to bring her back," Viola pleaded with Aidan.
"Who is this Pierre?" Aidan raised his eyebrow, still holding my hand.
"Oh my, calm down, Aidan. He would much rather date you," Viola giggled and then finally pulled me from his grip. I shook my head and walked away.
"They will be back soon." Liam patted Aidan on the back.
"So, what is the problem?"
"Pierre is asking about some details about with the menu," Viola was looking around, clearly trying to find Pierre.
"I assure you that we were supposed to have the scallops," I overheard Anne and followed her voice until I came to a frantic Pierre.
"Oh lord, what is that woman up to now?" Viola pulled us toward them.
"Mrs. Iverson, I assure you that this was discussed and it was—"
"What's the matter?" Viola butted directly into their conversation.
Pierre was about to speak, but he caught sight of me and relief washed over him.
"Oh, thank Gucci, Mrs. Iverson." Pierre sighed out.
I briefly caught Anne giving me a look of annoyance and disgust.
"Yes, Pierre?"
"The menu...." He handed the menu over to me, "we went over this thoroughly. However, Mrs. Iverson," he motioned to Anne, "is insisting that..." I cut him off.
"The menu is accurate, Pierre." I smiled, reassuring him.
He exhaled a large breath.
"Thank you," he said quickly and brushed past Anne as he continued on his way.
Viola smiled at me, grabbed my arm, and led us from the kitchen out into the ballroom. The walls were draped with the white fabric and the table settings were done phenomenally.
"Oh, Viola, it turned out even better than I had anticipated," I squeezed her arm.
"You helped, my dear. It is spectacular." I could hear the pride in her voice.
"Lilli!" Maggie shouted as she hurried over with Jason.
"Hey you," I hugged her. "You look fantastic."
"And you look stunning as always," she smiled back to me. "Are you heading to the table?"
"Oh no," Viola shook her head. "We have mingling to do." Viola informed and I sighed. "Hang on tight, sweetie, we have some rounds to make."
I groaned, but put on my best pageant smile. Viola giggled and led the way.
Not even halfway through the crowd, and being introduced as "Mrs. Aidan Iverson", Aidan had caught up with us.
"There you are," he slid one arm around my waist.
"Here I am...in mingling hell," I whispered.
"I know. It doesn't get any better either." He looked apologetic.
"Think of the children," Viola chimed in on the other side of my head. I took a deep breath and forged through the rest of the crowd.
We came across a familiar person, Doctor Johnson.
"Lilli, you know Dr. Johnson, the Iverson family doctor." I nodded and shook his hand.