Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 190

Aria's POV

I glanced up, catching Aiden's words mid-thought. "So Mrs. Carter cares that much about me."

"She has ulterior motives," I shot back, giving him a pointed look. "She's been trying to steal you from me for weeks now. Anyone with eyes can see what Elena's doing."

Aiden's hand found mine, his grip warm and reassuring. "Don't worry. No one can take me away from you."

God, I loved when he talked like that. A few months ago, I would've turned away blushing instantly, but I was getting bolder now. My cheeks still burned, but I didn't look away.

Instead, I snuggled closer against his side. "No one at all?"

"No one," he promised, squeezing my hand with surprising solemnity. "Not a single person."

My heart flooded with sweetness, but I wasn't about to let him see how much his words affected me. Aiden had a tendency to push boundaries when he knew he had the upper hand.

I allowed myself the smallest smile before straightening my face into something more serious. "I'll take your word for it... for now."

After all, who knew how long those promises would last?

Aiden studied my face, not bothering to argue. Something in his eyes told me he knew exactly what I was thinking.

When he'd said we were going home, I expected exactly that. Instead, the car pulled up alongside the riverfront.

Summer evenings brought everyone out—couples strolling hand-in-hand, families with children, friends laughing together in the fading light.

I unbuckled my seatbelt, confused as Aiden came around to open my door. "I thought we were going home?"

"Didn't you say you were stuffed from dinner?" His eyes dropped meaningfully to my stomach.

"What? I never said that!" I sucked in my stomach instinctively, mortified. "I'm not stuffed at all!"

Aiden extended his hand, eyes twinkling. "Then maybe Mrs. Carter would like some candied fruit? I know how much you love them."

I hesitated for precisely one second before placing my hand in his. "Do they even sell those here?"

"Let's find out."

Hand in hand, we crossed the street toward the waterfront. The place buzzed with activity even after eight, vendors hawking everything imaginable along the path.

Not only did they have candied fruit, they had every kind of sweet treat imaginable! Not that I'd ever admit I'd been craving something sweet. But if my husband wanted to buy it for me... well, it would be rude to refuse, right?

The evening breeze carried the cool scent of water as I bit into the tart, sugar-coated fruit. The explosion of sweet and sour had my taste buds dancing.

I was so absorbed in my treat that I barely noticed where Aiden was leading me. By the time we stopped, I realized we'd wandered to a quieter section of the riverfront, away from most of the crowds.

Aiden guided me to the railing overlooking the water. "Good?"

I'd already devoured half the stick. "Really good. Want some?" I offered, though I already knew the answer.

"No thanks."

"Figured." Aiden never enjoyed sweets the way I did, especially anything tart.

I finished the last piece, still savoring the lingering sweetness when I caught him watching me intently.

"All gone," I announced unnecessarily.

"Was it good?" he asked again.

"Very good," I replied, wondering why he was repeating himself.

"Let me taste."

I blinked in confusion. "But I just finished the last—"

His lips caught mine mid-sentence, effectively silencing me. I pushed against his chest in surprise, breaking away just enough to whisper frantically, "Aiden! People are watching!"

"No one's looking," he murmured, cradling the back of my head as he pulled me in for another kiss.

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