Chapter Eighty-five

"I mean that I can't keep pretending that everything is okay between us. We need to talk about what happened and figure out where we stand."

Aiden sighed. "Chloe, I know I messed up. I shouldn't have kissed you when Liam was still in the picture."

Chloe nodded. "Yes, you shouldn't have. But I also lied to Liam and kept him away from you because I was scared of what might happen. I don't know if that was the right decision."

Aiden reached across the table and took Chloe's hand. "Chloe, I care about you. I want to be with you. But I also respect your decision to be with Liam if that's what you want."

Chloe looked into Aiden's eyes, trying to read his emotions. "I care about you too, Aiden. But I need time to figure things out. Can we take things slow?"

Aiden smiled. "Of course. I'll wait for you, Chloe. Just let me know what you decide."

As they left the coffee shop, Chloe felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She still had a lot to figure out, but she was glad that Aiden was willing