Wild Chance (Wild Irish Universe)(16)

“And don’t ask me if I’m sure,” Mona said. “You gave me a week to think about it and I’ve thought about it. I have a bag packed in the car and I’m ready.”

“All right, a stórín. I have to finish up here but…” He dug into one of his side pocket and produced a key chain. He pulled a key off and handed it to her. “This is the key to my place. I will text you the address and the code to access the first door. While you drive on over, I will get a few things done here and join you.”

Mona wrapped her fingers around the key like a life vest. She stepped forward and, on her tiptoes, dropped a soft kiss to his lips. Before he could react, she eased back. “I’ll be waiting.”

Leaving him at the pub sent her heart racing and her mind going through many different doomsday scenarios. Everything thing from this could be a practical joke. He could have no intention of coming home to her. But, somehow, Mona managed to put one foot ahead of the other and make her way to his apartment.

The outside of the building was nice and so was the inside. But Aedan’s unit didn’t have much except what was necessary. Out of habit she checked his fridge and when she saw was some leftovers and beer, she smiled.

“Aedan Callahan, you’re such a man.”

She ordered a pizza, wings and some French fries then continued her tour of the two-bedroom apartment. It was clean, everything in its place. Perhaps that was the after-effects of being military for a while. She found the bedroom that seemed to be his master and set her bag on the floor. After rummaging through it, she pulled out the outfit she’d purchased specifically to use with him. After lying out on the bed, she checked the time.

Twenty minutes for the pizza to arrive—how much longer until Aedan?

Forcing herself to not think about it, she brushed her teeth, did her hair and removed the lipstick she’d been wearing. Halfway through lathering her leg with rose scented cream, a knock echoed through the place. With a frown, she finished, wiped her palms into a towel she’d gotten from his closet and hurried with her wallet to the door.

Mona paid for the order and carried it all to the kitchen. She then went back to finish preparing. Though she didn’t change her clothes, she figured getting half the work done was better.

Aedan arrived not long afterward. He seemed exhausted and a part of her felt terrible for expecting anything from him that night. After a kiss, she shared out some food for him and herself and the two headed into the living room. Mona was the first to sit and she turned to Aedan could take position behind her.

“What’s wrong?” Mona asked.

“Why?”

“You winced as you sat down.”

“I’m getting old.” Aedan lifted one of his fries to her lips instead of his own. “My body isn’t as it used to be. And getting blown up didn’t help. Whenever I wear my prosthetic for very long, most often than not, it leaves the stump sore”

She accepted his offering and chewed. “Stump?”

“What’s left of my leg—that’s what it’s called.”

“Listen, we can wait until tomorrow or some other time to…”

“Second guessing, a stórín?”

“Never. But if you’re in pain I don’t want to start something and make it worse.”

He laughed softly. “I’m not that tired. And I’m not in pain, per say.”

“Good.”

They finished eating while chatting about their day. Once Aedan offered to clear the leftovers away with the plates and cups. Mona excused herself to get ready. With that done, she brushed her teeth, swished around some mouthwash, then turned her attention to her hair. Though the strands took their own time in cooperating, Mona managed to comb them into submission until she was happy with it.

Next, she tried figuring out makeup. In the end, she settled on some moisturizer, some lip gloss and some mascara. She then twisted one way then the next, trying to check out her body before he could.

Satisfied, she took a few cleansing breaths then made her way into the main area.

“Aedan?”

“Mmm?” He turned on the tap.

“Turn around.”

Before doing as she asked, he turned off the water and shifted on his feet to look at her. The moment he saw her, the glass he held slipped to the floor. The sharp sound of it shattering into a million different pieces filled the room but Aedan didn’t seem to care.

“You’re going to cut your—”

But Mona only got one step in before his voice stopped her.

“Don’t move.” Aedan ordered, his voice hard, and husky.

He stepped forward, his limp a little more pronounced and that worried her. Should he be still wearing his prosthetic after being in it all day? But he’d told her not to move, given her an order and her aroused body obeyed without question. Even if her heart was racing, even if she ached desperately to touch him, her body only cared to be obedient.

Aedan approached her and smoothed his large palms down her curves. He took her right hand and turned her away from him. The heat of his stare dragged down her body until he lowered his hand against the curve of her back then dragged it over the roundness of her ass. A low growl left him and for that moment, Mona felt like the sexiest woman alive.

“Do you trust me?” Aedan asked, leaning in close to drop a kiss against one of her bare shoulders.