Addison sighed. She’d massacred everything on her plate and her gut ached as a result, a sign of pure gluttony, but the food had tasted too delicious. She recalled her mother’s warning many years ago that happy women overeat when nice men they like take them on dates, wine and dine them, and love them up. Funny, she never overate with her ex-husband, but now she thought maybe Mom’s old wives tale was right. She’d devoured her salad and showed her salmon who was boss.
She tried to ensure that when she looked into the man’s eyes as he spoke, she didn’t come across as silly and love-struck. Aiden talked about all sorts of things in great detail, and often her mind wandered as she focused on his lovely lips, or how good his hands felt all over her body.
I’m such a damn pervert. Why can’t I stop thinking about last night? He just fucks so damn good! His dick… shit! What a thing of beauty. Okay, that’s enough! Concentrate, Addison… But I can’t. For God’s sake, we talked for over an hour after sex. Who does that? The man had talked about his job and brother, and asked me questions about my family… What sky did he fall from?!
“And you know, so, that’s basically how it goes.”
She nodded in agreement even though she had no idea what the hell he’d just said.
“You have no idea what I just said.”
At her gasp, he burst out laughing. She couldn’t help but do the same.
“I’m so sorry, was it that obvious?” She winced, feeling quite shitty now that she’d been cold busted.
“You’re going to have to learn how to play that off better. I, for instance, can nod, give direct eye contact, and answer questions without the person before me even knowing that I have completely checked out.”
“Well, if there were awards given out for drifting away along another train of thought but still looking in the know, I suppose you’d win. Anyway, I’m sorry. I did hear bits of what you were discussing, like the new offices being built.”
“Yeah… so tell me…” He tossed his napkin on the side and folded his hands along the table. “What’s on your mind?”
“I was just, uh, thinking… It was nothing. You know what though? I want to run an idea past you.”
“Shoot.” He reached for his glass of water and took a sip.
“I want to create a series of fitness instruction tutorials and provide it on Patreon for people with various physical disabilities.”
“Hmmm, interesting. Tell me more.”
“See.” She leaned in close to the table, eager to lay her ideas out before him. “There isn’t a lot out there for people who, say, have a spinal injury, just had a C-section, or finished physical rehabilitation but still want some low impact exercise that is effective. I know that swimming and whatnot are ideal exercises, but for those who can’t get out much or can’t afford to pay for a gym membership or have a pool, I thought developing low impact exercise regimen for them would be beneficial. It’s not a get rich idea, just one I’ve had for a while that I think would help. Working in the hospital before I got married originally gave me the idea. I’ve had many speech therapy clients who came to me after an automobile accident telling me how much they’d like to be more active. Every time they try though, they seem to hurt themselves and then they just give up.”
“That’s a great idea, you know that?” he said after a contemplative pause.
He’d given her his seal of approval.
“You think so?”
“Yeah, I do. I say go for it.” He glanced down at his watch, then waved the waiter over for the bill. “Look, I have to get ready to go. There’s a meeting at work in a bit but thank you for lunch, especially since I asked you at the last minute.”
“It’s not like my schedule is filled to the brim,” she joked, rolling her eyes.
“It will be soon enough, and I’ll have to beg you to pencil me in,” he teased as he got to his feet.
“Never that. I will always find time for you.” She winked at him and could have sworn his complexion deepened. The waiter arrived and Aiden settled the bill.
“All right, let’s get out of here.” After helping her with her jacket, he took her hand and they walked out of the restaurant. She leaned into him, wanting to ask if he wanted to hook back up later, but thought better of it.
Go slow, Addison… Don’t rush this good thing.
“Aiden, you seem to give pretty good advice so let me ask you something else.”
“I’m going to start charging you by the minute. You’re just using me like some pocket psychic.” She burst out laughing and squeezed his arm. “No, go ahead. What’s on your mind?” He smiled so sweetly at her. They approached their cars parked side by side.
“I know of a professional camera lady, a college friend of mine who could shoot my workouts so that they look proficient. I could even sell the DVD version on Amazon for the older or old school crowd but to really make them look professional, I need a bit of a loan.” She sighed, then took a deep breath. “That means I’d either need to go to the bank, or call my father. The bank will look at me and laugh. I haven’t asked my parents for anything, especially after my marriage blew up in my face.” She hung her head, reliving the whole trauma all over again.
“Put your pride aside, Addison, and ask your parents for the money. From what you’ve told me about your Mom and Dad, they want you to succeed. You’re lucky to have them.” He unlocked his car door and opened it, but remained standing there, an almost unreadable expression on his face. The man had spoken extensively of his brother, but little of his mother.
“What do you mean by that?”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “I mean what I said… you’re lucky to have them. Not everyone has good parents.”
“Like you?’
“We’re not talking about me. I was just answering your question. Look, I have to go.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Then he went to start his car, pull away and drive off. She stood there by her own car, but it suddenly felt unbelievably cold. The warm spell from his touch and kiss had suddenly blown away, leaving a chill behind.
I know I don’t know him like that, but damn, Aiden, what was that about?