Aiden chuckled. “They have a festival on and also, there is live music. Plus you can choose whatever you want to eat rather than stick around some stuffy restaurant.”
He had a point.
The smells of different food cooking hit me the moment I stepped out of the truck and I could see the place was busy with families, couples and friends hanging out at the metal tables and chairs littered around or wandering between the stalls, observing the chefs at their craft. My stomach instantly growled to let me know it was very happy to be here and wanted to try everything. Sure enough, music was playing somewhere and judging by the cheering when a song came to an end, there was live music.
“Come on,” Aiden coaxed, his hand taking mine and guiding me towards the first set of stalls and food trucks.
For nearly three hours we wandered around with the crowds, taking in each vendor. The sweet scent of artisan funnel cakes would hit me one second before the smoke for a BBQ vendor would take over. Somewhere, someone was demonstrating the art of different types of sushi while another stall had a delicious Turkish version of bagels called acma which quickly became my favourite. The whole time Aiden was touching me whether it was us holding hands, his arm around my waist or a hand on my lower back. In his presence I felt safe, my eyes taking in all the sights. Even when we finally decided to buy some hot drinks and sit down, the place was busy. We had visited nearly every stall and truck to see what was going on and I was now happily full, my cold fingers wrapped around a paper cup full of hot chocolate.
“So how was that for a first date?” Aiden’asked playfully.
“Perfect.” I smiled. “I mean, this is my first ever date so, I don’t have anything to compare it
to.”
“Is it bad that I’m actually okay with that?” Aiden chuckled.
I felt my cheeks warm. Aiden was just being cheeky but I felt my heart stutter at the thought of him being so possessive. He wasn’t overbearing but rather subtle. I had noticed on a couple of occasions that Aiden would pull me just a little closer to him when another guy’s eyes maybe lingered too long on me. It sent a thrill through me that pooled like liquid heat in my core, making me blush each time.
“Thanks for tonight.” I finally said as I looked at Aiden sat next to me on the park style bench.“I have enjoyed myself.”
Chapter 75
“Me too.” Aiden smiled, leaning in to kiss me.
I eagerly met him for the kiss, my lips craving his taste and the feel of his touch. The tip of his nose was cold against my cheek but his lips were deliciously warm and his taste mingled with the chocolatey sweetness from his own hot chocolate. The feeling of his fingers sliding into my hair to hold the back of my head as he plundered my mouth sent a shiver through me and my fingers tightened their grip on the lapels of Aiden’s jacket. I didn’t want to let go or to stop kissing him even if my lungs felt like they’d burst if I didn’t breathe.
Eventually we broke apart, a soft sigh of contentment leaving me as I stared up at Aiden, getting lost in his beautiful eyes.
“Come on, we should head back.” He finally murmured, helping me up off the cold bench, leading the way to the truck.
I didn’t protest, eager to get out of the cold and head home. I was exhausted and Aiden looked fairly tired too. I knew I’d end up in his bed again tonight. It just felt natural especially after finding out Noah had been in my room. Aiden certainly wasn’t complaining about me being in his bed and while we hadn’t talked about it, there was some silent agreement between us that we both liked waking up in each other’s arms.
Once we climbed in, Aiden was driving us towards home. Traffic was still heavy despite the time of evening and we found ourselves caught at a red light. Aiden’s hand had been on my thigh since we started moving, the heat of his skin licking deliciously against my own skin. When he moved his finger I shivered, feeling the pad run against the hem of my underwear teasingly. A small moan escaped me before I could stop it and I blushed furiously realising what I’d done.
“Damn princess, I’m not going to be able to control myself if you keep making noises like that.” Aiden groaned.
My cheeks were on fire. “I didn’t mean to. You were touching me.”
“Oh?” Aiden glanced at me and sent a rakish smile full of mirth my way. “You mean like this?”
I gasped as his hand pressed firmly between my legs.