Save the Date (Modern Arrangements, #1)

When he chuckled, Vi looked back to us and grinned. If only she knew what we were really talking about.

Aidan’s hand was on my lower back as we entered the dining room. A tingling current passed through my clothes. Inhaling deeply, I tried to fight the shiver about to quake through me. He moved his hand to pull out my chair and I was finally able to release the breath I had been holding.

We sat through the courses with general conversation. Aidan and Liam discussed AIS while Viola talked about the foundation. When the wedding was brought up, Aidan thankfully changed the subject. Sitting with dessert plates in front of us, Viola brought around a new topic for discussion.

"So, where are you honeymooning?" She looked between us and sipped from her wine glass—the fourth.

I dropped my fork on my plate and I heard Aidan clear his throat.

"Um…we haven’t really talked about it, yet."

"What?" Viola put her glass down roughly. "What do you mean you haven’t talked about it?"

"We’ve both been kind of busy –"

"And we really don’t need a honeymoon, Viola." I finished.

"Don’t be ridiculous! Of course you do." She sat back with a determined look on her face. "Liam?" she placed one of her hands on top of his. "Do you remember our honeymoon?"

"Of course, love." He grinned. "Ireland for two weeks and then the Island for two more. And, if I recall correctly, the last week at the Island was clothing optional." He winked and chuckled. Viola giggled.

"Please don’t start," Aidan shook his head, horrified. I laughed and he scowled at me.

"Sorry," I mumbled through more stifled laughs. He narrowed his eyes at me. "Oh come on, it’s funny."

"No it’s not. It’s scarring me." A small smile started to form on his lips.

Lips that suddenly looked more appealing than the lemon vanilla cheesecake sitting in front of me. The urge to wipe the cheesecake over his lips and climb in his lap to lick it off coursed through me.

Whoa, there! I shook my head quickly and turned my attention back to Viola and Liam.

"Oh Aidan, how do you think Maggie came to be, Immaculate Conception?" Liam chuckled.

"I just don’t need to hear about it. By the way, when did you guys decide I was old enough to hear you talk like this? Because I want to renegotiate with whoever made that decision."

I laughed again, this time at Aidan acting like the kid who caught their parents going at it.

"Lighten up," Viola said as she took a sip from her glass. "I’m sure you can come back with a few stories when you return. In fact…I’ve got it! You guys can have the Island for two weeks after the wedding."

"The Island?" I asked. Who the hell has an entire Island?

"Yes, Aidan Sr. left it to us and I want you to use it for your honeymoon." She smiled. "Lilli, you will need to get packed before the wedding and I’ll have everything sent and ready for when you both arrive after the wedding."

"Vi, I can’t just leave for two weeks without planning –" Aidan tried to argue.

"Nonsense, Aidan," Liam interjected. "Things will be fine. You’ll have the satellite phone and internet while you are there. If necessary you can fly back but I don’t see why that would occur."

"Umm –" My brow furrowed as I ran through good reasons to get us out of this.

Aidan sighed. "Thank you, Viola, but –"

"It’s settled, Aidan. It will be good for both of you to get some alone time together."

The way she said alone time made me shift uncomfortably.

"You both are always apart and that needs to change if you’re going to be together for four years," she lifted her glass to her mouth. I swear I heard her mumble, "or longer" before she took a sip.

"I don’t think we’re getting out of this." Aidan leaned and whispered to me.

All I could do was nod.

We left from Viola and Liam’s in silence and remained that way the entire ride home. I didn’t want to think about a honeymoon because all I thought about was what’s supposed to happen on your honeymoon. I felt a little nervous he would expect it. I didn’t think it should happen but I also felt jilted because I wouldn’t have the experience other brides get on their wedding night. Not to mention that I had the urge to jump Aidan tonight right at Viola’s dining room table.

Once we were in the apartment, Aidan headed to the large leather chair, plopped down and turned on the television. I went straight to the bar. Pouring a glass of wine, I also poured bourbon. I handed the bourbon to Aidan on my way to the couch.

"Thanks," he paused. "How did you –?"

"Aidan, how many times did you order those at the club? It wasn’t hard to figure out." Stretching out my tensed muscles, I smiled.

"Yeah, but how did you know…I mean…why did you grab it for me?"

I shrugged the best I could while half lying on the couch.

"I figured you could use a drink as much I could after tonight’s dinner conversation." I giggled, thinking about his reaction to Viola and Liam’s indiscretions.

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