Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(15)

“A mother knows these things Aria,” she replied, as though it was fact.

“Well you can put your sixth sense back in your box of mom tricks because he and I are just friends and I really like him and that’s that.”

“Are you sure that’s all it is?” she asked.

“I think so … but there are times when I’m not sure what I want with him. It feels very natural with him. It did from the moment that we met.”

“Just take your time and make sure it feels right. If it doesn’t, don’t lead him on Aria.”

“Mom, I wouldn’t do that.” Would I? Is that what I’ve been doing? There was that kiss and the discussion of a trip to Barbados. But that was just as friends … right?

“Are you still at work?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to keep you. I’m headed to the fabric store this afternoon so give me the rundown on your favorite colors, patterns, hobbies … basically anything you like that I could add to the quilt.”

“How about I text you? Then you can have it all on your phone?”

“That’s a good idea. But do it now Aria.”

Pushy much? “Okay Mom,” I said, laughing.

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I pressed end and started on the text. She was definitely becoming more and more like the mom I remembered. I really hadn’t thought much about my favorite things enough to compile a list. I needed to hurry before she called back. I thought for a few moments and sent her a short list. I was really excited to see the finished product. I wondered if I should go with hand-made gifts too. I hastily decided that I would … well, I would at least try.

I started prepping for my 2 o’clock meeting with the IT and marketing teams. Raina popped in to review some other pressing matters before they arrived. Once we’d finished, she placed portfolios at each attendees’ seat. I was very excited about the feasibility of my new project. I only needed Aiden to give the thumbs-up so that we could move full-speed ahead in preparation of launching it next quarter. It would’ve been great to work on a project like this with him. We’d worked really well together when we were at RPH under different circumstances. I kicked myself for going there but it was true nonetheless.



*****



“Dane Patrick is on line two Miss Cason.”

I stopped short. It had been weeks since he was at my office. I had hoped it was because his predicament with his wife had been rectified. Why was he calling me now?

“Aria Cason,” I said, speaking into the receiver.

“Hello beautiful,” he said.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“Why so rude? I don’t recall your being this way in Venezuela.”

“I don’t care to revisit anything that occurred on that trip. Haven’t I made that clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Then tell me the purpose of this very unexpected unpleasantness,” I said.

“If I were more of the sensitive type, my ego would be crushed,” he replied.

“Dane, you have thirty seconds before I hang up.”

“It’s about Tiffany, my soon to be ex-wife.”

“I don’t believe that’s any of my concern,” I said.

“Unfortunately it is.”

“How so?” I asked.

“She’s filed for divorce with grounds of adultery and she’s seeking a vast abundance of my assets. Assets she doesn’t deserve but will receive if she can prove anything.”

“And this concerns me how?”

“You know how Aria. I know she’s been in contact with April. I also know that she plans to speak with you.”

“As I’ve said, this has nothing to do with me so please keep me out of it!”

“And again, you’re incorrect. She needs someone to substantiate her claims and you, unfortunately, are that someone,” he replied.

“Dane, surely there is something you can do to keep this quiet.”

“There’s only one thing that will make this go away and that’s money. And I don’t intend to just give her everything that I’ve earned.”

“Okay, what exactly are you saying?” I asked.

“You need to tell her that nothing happened between us. Corroborate my story.”

“The hell I will. I’m contacting my lawyer; I don’t intend on being a part of this shit.”

I glanced up to see Aiden standing in my door. Fuck. Had he heard my conversation? He squinted as he studied me. Dane was mumbling something about a subpoena but I was no longer listening. Aiden didn’t say anything; he simply turned and walked away.

“Dane, you can’t keep bringing this shit to my job,” I whispered into the receiver.

“If you give them what they want, you may not have that job much longer, so we need to do whatever’s necessary to protect ourselves.”

“I need to contact my attorney and figure a way out of this crap. In the meantime, give me your contact information and I’ll contact you, not the other way around.”

After adding Dane’s information into my phone, I told him I would call him in a few days after I’d met with my attorney.