38. Aiden #2
“I didn’t set out to fall in love with her, you know.
Or to lie to you. I don’t know if Isla told you, but we don’t remember anything about the night in Vegas except that we didn’t have sex.
I had no clue that we were married until I received the papers once I was back in London, but I had to talk to her first, and at that point, I just wanted to have it annulled.
But then the show happened and with the Ipolymer deal and Isla’s filming. ..”
It was utter chaos, and I handled everything poorly.
“Look, I’m sorry, Callum. I hated every moment that this was hidden from you.
That we were hiding it from you. It’s not who I am.
She’s. ..Isla. The easiest thing about the last month was falling in love with her. She’s—” He couldn’t get the words out.
God, talking about her hurts so much.
“She told us about Vegas—how it all happened. So, I don’t think any of us can hold you responsible for that. And I can’t be angry with you for falling in love with her, either. Or defending her at the party. You did nothing wrong in either case.”
“But I did lie to you.”
“Yes, you did.” Callum flinched, and a muscle in his jaw worked.
“Callum, I’m sorry. I truly am. And not because I got caught in a lie—I wanted to tell you long before I was able and definitely before you found out. But everything just got so...complicated. And my loyalty?—”
“Belongs to her now. Yes, I understood that, too.”
Why does that sound so godawful?
Callum squinted at him. “To tell you the truth, I’m less worried about you breaking her heart than I am about her breaking yours.
Isla...” He sighed. “Isla’s difficult to keep happy.
She has a restless spirit. Mum used to call her an old soul, one that couldn’t quite rest easy.
I thought it was all bullshit, but I have to admit I see it now.
When she’s interested, she’s unstoppable.
But when that interest dies...no one and nothing can motivate her. ”
What is he saying? Aiden frowned. “So, are you giving me your blessing to be with her?”
“You can try.” Callum held his gaze. “And it probably will change some things between us, regardless of what happens.”
That didn’t sound promising—especially with Isla refusing to speak to him.
Aiden nearly ground his teeth, the whole conversation feeling painful and vague. “But you and I?—”
“I think our friendship will survive. If you’re willing to accept my apology for not believing you about Philip.
One of my father’s friends was in line ahead of you at the bar and heard what he said to you.
He took me aside after the scene and let me know what had happened.
Amazingly, Philip had made himself scarce by then. ”
A lump rose in Aiden’s throat.
He nodded, then turned his body away to look at the sea as Callum had been doing. The slightest hint of blue peeked through the clouds, birds flying in the sky, the salt spray in the air.
I can appreciate that Callum, Quinn, and Mason came to see me, but somehow, the ache in my heart hasn’t dissipated. Not fully, anyway.
Settling things with his brothers and Callum was a relief, but it meant nothing if he couldn’t have the woman he’d put it all on the line for.
Maybe they’d rushed everything. They’d gone from childhood friends to lovers to spouses all within a matter of a couple of months.
Had he scared her away?
“I really should sell this place.” He sighed. “I don’t make it out here often enough. Someone should get to appreciate this view occasionally.”
“You know, if you’re interested, we can discuss some sort of partnership in the business I’m trying to get off the ground. With some updates, this would make a fantastic place to rent out as a short-term holiday house.”
Aiden studied Callum’s profile, recognizing the full weight of his words. A tenuous olive branch, offer of trust.
Both of them had been raised with caution when it came to doing business with friends.
And Callum needed this business to find his footing. He didn’t need the money—just to find his way again after he’d idled, trying to settle into something after resigning at Camden Enterprises.
After a moment, Aiden nodded. “That might be something to consider.”
They stood shoulder to shoulder, neither of them saying much, but the silence between them was more comfortable now. Friendly, even.
Another beat passed, then Callum chuckled. “You really do love her, don’t you?”
The laugh that escaped Aiden sounded as though it choked out of him. “I do.”
“Then why the hell are you here? Hiding in Scotland?”
“She said not to contact her. To leave her alone to think. So I’ve done that, even though it’s been torture.”
Callum shook his head. “You’ve got a long way to go when it comes to understanding women, especially Isla.
If you want her, you’re going to have to learn what she needs, not just what she says she needs.
And you, my friend, are standing on the wrong side of the ocean if there’s a prayer she’ll ever take you back.
That show was filming a lot more than you might think. ”
All right, fine. They’d piqued his curiosity, and now it burned impatiently.
Just as soon as he was somewhere with decent reception, he’d watch. He’d force himself to watch the woman he loved and try to be the man she needed.
Pray that she’ll still want me after all this.
As the waves crashed beneath the cliff, Aiden turned to his friend and set a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Callum.” He cleared his throat, hopeful but still discomforted.
At the very least, he had his brothers. His friend.
And tea. There’s always tea. He drew his hand away. “Fancy a cuppa?”
Callum chuckled. “Sounds good, mate.”