I pick up my spoon and stir it around the stew. "This smells delicious but I'm not really hungry."
"Did you already eat?"
"No. I haven't eaten since lunch. I'm just excited, and when I'm excited I lose my appetite."
His brows rise. "Excited about us?"
"And about the future. I know we just met but I feel like this is it. Like I've been waiting my whole life for you and now here you are."
"I know what you mean. I really wish we didn't have to hide. I want to take you out and be like a real couple."
"How long do you think we'll have to do this?"
"I don't know. I was hoping it would end once you were done working with Celine but if that's going to continue then I think it'll depend on how fast Celine moves on."
"By move on, you mean find someone else?"
"Yes, which shouldn't take long. She goes out a lot and she's attractive so she'll definitely get asked out. I'm just worried she's holding out hope we'll get back together. If she is, she won't start dating again."
"You think she'll try to get back together with you? Has she already tried?"
"She called me a couple times but I didn't pick up. She left a message saying she wanted to talk.”
“About getting back with you?”
“That’s what I assume, but there’s nothing to talk about. It’s over. Nothing she says will change that. We’re just not good together.”
“Has she called you today?”
“No, and she hasn’t sent me any texts.”
"Maybe she's accepted it's over."
"I doubt it. It doesn't work that way with Celine. She holds a grudge and doesn't let go of it until she either gets revenge or gets distracted by something else."
"Like what?"
"A new guy." He takes a piece of cornbread. "Let's not talk about Celine. This is our first real date and I want to enjoy it, not talk about my ex."
I smile. "This is a date?"
"The first of many."
I can't believe this is happening. I've been dreaming about this guy, thinking about him constantly, wishing he were mine, and somehow my wish came true. I never get that lucky, but maybe things are finally turning around for me. I've got Aiden, and soon I'll get my promotion. I'll be able to pay my rent, stay in New York, and prove to my parents that I can make it in the city.
As we're finishing dessert, Tom comes over to our table, smiling as he glances down at Aiden's hand wrapped around mine. "How's the happy couple?"
"Very happy," I say, smiling back. "But we can't tell anyone so we need you to keep it a secret."
"Why can't you tell anyone?" Tom asks.
"Long story," Aiden says, getting out his wallet. "It really only applies to people we know. If Roger calls you about the deal, or anyone else at the firm, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention me being here with Sophie."
Tom's brows draw together. "I don't like the sound of this. Why does your boss care who you date?"
"He used to date the boss' daughter," I explain. "It's a recent breakup."
"But one that was long overdue," Aiden adds, setting his credit card on the bill.
"Sounds complicated," Tom says. "Back in my day, when you got a girl you showed her off around town. When Lois and I were going steady, I paraded her around to anyone who'd pay attention." He laughs a little, his face beaming. "I couldn't believe a girl like her would go out with a guy like me. I about fell over when she agreed to marry me. And for some reason, she stuck with me all these years." He leans down to me. "This may sound hard to believe, but I'm not the easiest guy to live with."
I laugh. "I bet you're not that bad. Tell Lois dinner was wonderful."
"Will do." He takes off with the bill, then comes back moments later, handing Aiden his credit card. "You two have a good night."
"It's straight to bed for me," I say. "I have an early morning."
"Hope to see you back for dinner tomorrow."
"I can't," I tell him. "I need to head back."
"You sure you can't stay?" Aiden asks in the tone I used to think was flirtatious. Now it's confirmed. He was definitely flirting all those times he made comments in that tone. He just couldn't act on his feelings, but now he can.
"I'd consider sticking around." I say it with the same flirty tone.
"Goodnight, you two," Tom says as he leaves.
"Can I walk you to your room?" Aiden asks.
"I'd like that."
We leave the restaurant and go up the stairs to my room.
"Thank you," I say, smiling at Aiden. "I think I've got it from here."
"You sure you don't want help with the key?"
I laugh, remembering back to that night. I was so nervous around him I couldn't even get the key in the lock.
"I've got it figured out now." I turn toward the door.
"Sophie." Aiden's hand wraps around mine, gently pulling it away from the door and turning me toward him.
"What is it?" My voice is breathy, my heart racing so fast I feel like it's about to leap from my chest.
"Stay with me."
My eyes lift to his. "We haven't even gone out yet, other than tonight."
"I realize that, but I don't want to be without you tonight. If we can't see each other in New York, we have to make the most of the time we have when we're here."
I take a breath. "Aiden, I want to. I really do. I'm just not someone who moves that fast. I want to get to know you more."
His lips rise to a slight smile. "That's not what I meant when I asked you to stay. I just want to spend the night with you. We can talk. Watch a movie. Or I can just hold you in my arms." His hand lifts to my face, cupping the side of my face. "Please. Stay with me."
I gaze into his eyes, trying
