Page 78 of Beneath the Quiet

“What, Mae? Afraid I’ll kiss you in public if I stay?”

I glance down at his lips. “No, of course not.”

He shakes his head. “Then why?”

“I’m working and I don’t need you here distracting me, okay?”

His eyes crinkle at the corners. “Am I distracting you?”

“Yes! You and that text you sent are distracting me, Aidan. It’s the worst timing, so will you please let me work and scoot off somewhere after you’ve got your tea?”

He releases a long breath. “Hmm. I’m tempted to stay here and watch you tackle the old bugger, but I’ll play nice. I’ll go if you tell me to my face what your reply to my text is.”

I study his eyes for what seems like an age, trying to come up with the right answer.

Only…I don’t know what it is.

I want to tell him soon, but am I ready for this?

Am I ready to dive into a sexual relationship with someone like Aidan? Sexy as sin, responsible single father, successful farmer Aidan…so tempting.

Would it be such a bad idea to explore what he can offer me?

“Here they are.”

I glance towards Mrs. McCarthy, watching her close her door, and force my nerves away. It’s now or never. If I’m honest with myself, there hasn’t been a real reason to ignore what I want for a while.

My time’s up. Quickly, I angle my body and face Aidan again, hiding from her.

“Soon,” I whisper.

His eyes darken, and he licks his lips. “I can accept that answer.”

The tension in my shoulders ebbs away, silencing my nerves. But the excitement won’t fully disappear. We’re both through with pretending that this thing between us will disappear if we just ignore it. I hope that we look like two members of the village exchanging pleasantries, though I can’t be sure since people are already talking. But no one would suspect us of anything if they walked past us. That’s what matters to me.

I know it’s what matters to Aidan.

I push another lock of my hair behind my ear, the simple gesture setting me free from our little bubble. “I’ll text you later.”

As Mrs. McCarthy reaches us, I push my hand against my abdomen, trying to silence the excited flutters.

“I brought three for you this time.” She rolls the paper bag firmly on top. “I hope that’ll tide you over for a bit.”

He raises his head and takes the bag from Mrs. McCarthy. “Thank you. I’ll transfer the amount when I get back to my office.”

She waves his words away. “Don’t be daft.”

I raise my eyes at the stubborn set to his jaw.

“I won’t take no for an answer. You know that.”

She shakes her head at him. “Must we have this conversation every time, boy? You know I’m even more stubborn than that old goat trudging up my pathway.”

Aidan and I turn at the same time, and there’s the man of the hour. I steel my resolve to get this over and done with once and for all.

“Mr. Murdoch.”

He grunts in passing, and I stifle a sigh and turn on my heel to watch him fetch Harry. The older man pulls a rope through the metallic loop hanging in a halter from the bull’s neck, talking softly to the animal. I lift my hand and turn the locket at my neck around over and over again, wondering for the millionth time how to get through to the older man.