Chapter 5 Say It or Leave

"Sorry, we're closed!" I shout from the kitchen as I hear the bell chime, signaling someone's entered the café.

When I don't hear the bell again-meaning they haven't left-I wipe my hands, pick up a small kitchen knife (just in case), and step out slowly.

"I said we're closed," I repeat as I move behind the counter.

"I heard you loud and clear," a familiar husky voice responds from behind me.

My breath catches. I drop the knife and turn.

Standing there in black jeans and a gray T-shirt, a herbal cigarette hanging from his lips, is Aiden Wilde-frowning.

"We're closed," I say again, but my voice is softer now. "You can place your order and pick it up tomorrow."

"Cut the crap, Hadley. You know why I'm here," he says, voice tight with frustration.

I shake my head and back away from the counter, trying to put some distance between us. He follows.

"No, I don't."

"That's a lie. You. Know. Why. I'm. Here." He steps closer with each word until my back hits the counter. I swallow-not from fear, but anticipation.

He lowers his head and kisses my neck, right where the fading hickey sits. He bites it again, and I moan softly. My traitorous mind thinks about how long it'll take to fade. Maybe I want it to linger.

His lips trail up my neck, across my cheek. He bites my earlobe and then licks it before whispering, "You've been avoiding me, Hadley."

Then he steps back.

Breathless, I look at him through slitted eyes. He taps ash into an empty tray and just watches me.

"Have you recovered enough to talk now?" he asks casually, while I'm still trying to get my legs to stop shaking.

"I love how responsive you are to my touch," he murmurs. "How I can make you come undone with just a few fingers."

I stiffen and raise my chin. "For all you know, I'm like this with every man."

He chuckles. "I highly doubt that. Now come sit your sexy ass down. We need to talk."

I bristle. "What makes you think you can give me orders in my café?"

His gaze sharpens, voice dropping a few octaves. "I won't repeat myself again. Sit."

And damn my body, it obeys before my brain catches up. I slide into the seat across from him.

"Good girl," he murmurs, smiling.

"I'm not a pet," I snap, and he laughs.

"Believe me, I know. Every time I'm near you, my body reminds me."

I roll my eyes. "You said you wanted to talk?"

"You've been avoiding me," he says, the humor fading.

I turn away, but he gently grips my chin and angles my face back toward him.

"Why?"

"I haven't been avoiding you. I've just been... busy at Lily's," I lie.

"Too busy to show up for your biggest contract?" he asks, one brow lifted.

"Cameron's capable of handling it. And I was there yesterday."

"You say that," he replies, "but when I bumped into you in the parking lot, you turned around and walked away before I could even say a word."

My cheeks heat. I look away again.

"I kept wondering if I did something wrong, but I couldn't think of anything. I gave you a week to figure it out, Hadley. But I'm not the most patient man."

I sigh. "It wasn't you. I was just... embarrassed. About how I acted."

He chuckles. "You're so different."

"Is this just a sexual thing?" I ask abruptly. "Or is there something more?"

He shrugs, leaning back. "I don't know. I'm hoping there's more. You're... different. Refreshingly so."

"What do you want to do about it?" I ask, unsure of what I even want myself.

He grins-a slow, predatory smile that makes my stomach flip. "A lot of things. But first, I want us to figure out what this is."

He gestures between us, then pats his lap. "Come here."

And just like that, my body moves of its own accord, walking around the table until I'm by his side. He pulls me down gently into his lap.

"I like you, Hadley," he murmurs, his hand tracing my spine. "I noticed you on set even before we met. And this past week? When you avoided me? It was hell. You're in my head constantly."

I swallow hard.

"But it's your call. I can either court you, or say goodbye and forget this ever happened."

My breath catches.

"We can take it slow," he adds. "One step at a time. I'll wait until you believe I'm really into you. Or..." he grins again, "we can dive in. A whirlwind love story."

I tense. "Love?"

"It can happen," he says with a teasing shrug.

"Do you want me to put you back in that chair, say goodnight, and walk away forever?" he asks. "Or do you want to see where this could go?"

I look at him. Really look at him.

"I want to find out... but I don't want to be rushed."

His expression softens.

"Everything you want, Hadley. And nothing you don't. That's the deal."

Then, with that same husky voice that undoes me every time, he seals it with a kiss.