Expired Getaway (Last Chance County #7) - Lisa Phillips Page 0,108

we still share that same connection.”

The one that gave them a daughter in the first place.

Bridget felt tears roll down her face. “I want to meet her.”

He nodded. “I know this isn’t the time, but I also don’t want to wait any longer. You’re back, right?” Before she could nod, he said, “There’s a lot to talk about and figure out with you meeting Sydney. I’m so nervous about the uncertainty of our future, but I also know it’ll be fine. She’s going to love you. And I want to ask if you’ll go to dinner with me. Just us.” He smiled, and it was kind of a nervous smile. As though he had reason to be unsure of himself. “There’s so much to say, and I feel like if I don’t get it out now, I’ll lose my shot.”

Bridget lifted on her toes and pressed her lips to his.

Delight lit in his eyes as she lowered her feet down, flat on the floor. “Let’s talk. Soon.” Relief took away all the tension in her. All the emotion pent up from everything that’d happened today. “I know Enrico dragged you into this, but I’m really glad you’re here. I wouldn’t want this to happen without you.”

Aiden gathered her close again and pulled her into another hug. She loved the feeling of being in his arms. The memory of it was so strong, and yet this also felt far different. She recalled the time they’d spent together as teens. The feel of it was so familiar, yet they were both different now—in all ways—and there was a newness to it.

It was probably selfish that she was happy he was here with her. After all, he’d been kidnapped as well and she shouldn’t be wishing that on anyone, least of all someone she cared about as deeply as she did Aiden.

He was her port. The safe harbor God had given her as a place of peace when the rest of the world swirled around her like a storm. He was a gift God had given back to her now, at a time she finally knew how to responsibly handle those feelings.

In a way, she’d always loved him, though for years she’d denied the strength of what they’d had. She’d always thought of it as a summer fling. She wasn’t going to tell him how she felt right now, though. It wasn’t the time or the place. Neither was ready for confessions of love, and she wanted to meet Sydney.

She’d be praying this time around that she could handle the feelings that developed with Aiden—feelings that had led them both into trouble before—and that they’d be new this time. The last thing she wanted was for this to turn into a disaster again—especially now that they had Sydney to consider.

She didn’t regret what they’d shared, though she knew their actions had become a sin—and the emotions that came along with the sin made her feel the need to leave town without telling him all those years ago. She knew that now.

Bridget had abandoned him. In some way she knew she would be fighting the need to make up for that for the rest of her life. Even though he would likely tell her it was unnecessary. The urge to overcompensate for her shortcomings would be strong. God, help me do this right.

He kissed her this time. Not long, but with conviction. “I’m glad I’m here too. And that we’re both in one piece.”

Bridget opened her mouth to respond in kind when someone shoved her back from behind. She stumbled against Aiden, her head slamming into his chin.

She heard footsteps rush out to the hallway. Over Enrico’s dead body.

Dizziness overwhelmed her and her legs gave way. Aiden caught her in his arms. “Clarke!”

She tried to look but couldn’t get the dizziness to settle. “Go.”

“He ran off down the hall to escape before the feds get here.”

She shoved at Aiden. Not hard, but with enough force he’d know she was serious. “Go after him.”

“Are you—”

She didn’t need him to ask if she was sure. “Go.”

“The FBI is on their way up.”

She grasped his elbows. “Don’t let him escape.”

Aiden didn’t look convinced, but he went.

**

He didn’t like leaving her. Not after everything that’d happened. Still, he did it. Mostly because she’d asked. Although Clarke had kidnapped, hurt, and used her, Aiden would rather stay with Bridget and let the FBI grab the guy on his way out.

Clarke disappeared around a corner at the end of the