Dinner

Alys woke up feeling excited. She couldn’t explain why but her heart was racing and she really wanted to see Aiden again. Suddenly she felt a wave of guilt flow over her. It had still only been a couple months since Drew died, how could she be this excited about going to dinner with someone else? Hadn’t she just told Cody she wasn’t ready yet? Her thoughts started to conflict in her mind and she decided to jump in the shower to calm down and sooth the racing thoughts she had going through her head. When she got out she was already feeling a lot better. Besides it’s not as if it was a date, she is going on a business meeting. Which got her thinking, what did a big business firm like Aiden’s want with Drew’s small landscaping company? If they wanted to buy it, how did she feel about that? She knew she couldn’t keep it forever, she already had a lot on her plate with running her coffee shop and she knew that Steven didn’t have enough money to buy it from her. She guessed she would just have to wait and see what Aiden wanted. Thoughts of Aiden started to flood her mind again. It should be illegal to be that gorgeous, those blue eyes looked like deep pools she could easily get lost in. What was she going to wear?

She immediately went to her closet and started shuffling through clothes. She wanted to pick out her outfit now knowing she wouldn’t have much time after getting off work. Thinking about what he had worn yesterday she thought she should go for a business casual look, which she did not have that many options for. She usually just wore a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt for work, since she threw an apron on over her clothes so she wouldn’t ruin anything. Pulling out her only pair of dress pants she laid them out on the bed and started picking through a couple tops. She found the beautiful lilac silk blouse she bought on impulse because it was her favourite colour. She had never had an occasion to wear it before and thought this would be the perfect time. She happily laid it with her pants and took out a nice pair of short heeled dress boots as it was starting to turn into spring so it was still too cold for heels. Happy with her outfit she ran to the bathroom to put her hair in a nice bun that should last through work and threw on a bit of eyeliner, mascara and blush to add a little colour to her pale skin. Smiling at her reflection in the mirror she laughed a little. Why did she care so much what he thought of her? Because he’s drop dead gorgeous. She thought to herself then felt a strange pull. Shaking her head she headed to work.

The morning felt like it was dragging on. Anytime it started to get slow she kept watching the clock. She looked up for what felt like the hundredth time at the clock and saw it was only 10:55. She asked Hannah if she would mind coming in later that day so she could close instead of open, and Hannah agreed. She truly was the best employee, and a good friend too. Hannah would be getting there any minute so she could help with the lunch rush and then she would stay until close and Alys was planning on leaving around 5 to have enough time to get home and change. Wiping down the espresso machine for the third time, lost in thought, she heard the door chime and assumed it was Hannah coming in. Not looking up from what she was doing she called out.

“Hey Hannah, can you start up another pot of decaf this one needs to be emptied” Suddenly she got a whiff of cinnamon which was strange since she didn’t have anything with cinnamon out today and she looked around. Then her eyes met with those deep blue pools.

“Good morning, I’m not Hannah but I can help if you need me to.” Aiden smiled his eyes twinkling with mirth.

“Oh I’m sorry Mr.Nichols, I thought you were Hannah, she’s supposed to be here any minute.” Alys couldn’t help the giant grin and the flutters in her chest as she looked up at the man who had been on her mind all morning. “What can I do for you?”

“Please, call me Aiden. And after the coffee and muffin I had yesterday, I was hoping to have another today.” He gave her a boyish grin, “And don’t worry I don’t like decaf.”

Alys stared at him confused for a second, then realized he was teasing her about mistaking him for Hannah. She laughed lightly and shook her head. “I don’t have morning glory muffins this morning but I do have banana chocolate chip? And would you like it to go or for here?” She asked him a small part of her hoping he would say for here. He leaned on the counter casually and grinned while he looked around. She took a moment to appreciate the well fitted light blue dress shirt and dark grey slacks he was wearing.

“Banana muffins are actually one of my favourites, my mom used to make them for me all the time and for here please, if you don’t mind. I don’t have much to do at the Inn so it would be nice to sit with people around.” He said bringing his eyes back to hers. Her heart fluttered again, glad he was staying. Goodness what is wrong with me? She thought to herself.

“Sounds good if you want to find a seat I can bring it over to you, black two sugars?” She almost wished he would stop looking at her like that it was making the heat rise in the bottom of her stomach, she could feel a blush forming on her cheeks.

“Yes, please.” He grinned as if he could tell what she was thinking causing her to blush even more. Just then the front door bell chimed and in waltz Hannah singing to her iPod. She stopped dead when she saw the flush in Alys’s cheeks and the tall dark handsome stranger leaning towards her.

“Hey Alys, how’s today going so far.” Hannah asked breaking the spell the two had over them, she was wiggling eyebrows at Alys and had a mischievous grin. “Want to help me in the back for a second?” She nodded towards the kitchen indicating she wanted Alys to follow.

“I’ll bring your coffee and muffin right out to you.” Alys’s blushed deepened as Aiden chuckled and straightened back up from the counter and turned to go find a seat. She noticed he took the one closest to the side of the counter where they come and go from the kitchen. He could see her every move. Although he pulled out his phone and started doing something on it. Turning around she went to follow Hannah and saw her standing in the kitchen door staring, mouth open at Aiden. Alys had the sudden urge to growl at her and a small strangled noise came from her throat before she stopped herself. Where did that come from? She grabbed Hannahs arm and dragged her through the door.

“O.M.G” she said punctuating each letter as she said it. “Who is that tall drink of water. Holy Cannoli I think I need to change my undies and he wasn’t even looking at me!” She dramatically leaned against the wall beside the hooks and fanned herself with her hand. Alys fought the urge to growl again and decided to laugh it off instead.

“That would be Mr. Nichols he’s here to talk to me about Drews landscaping company. I think his company wants to buy it. We are meeting later at the Water Mill for dinner to talk it over.” Alys explained to her friend trying to sound like its not a big deal.

“Is that why you asked me to close for you today? Damn I’d sell him anything he wanted. He totally digs you by the way. He couldn’t get enough looking at you. And his eyes followed your every move as you walked back here.” She wiggled her eyebrows again and gave her a big wink.

“Really?” Alys  quickly snuck a peak around the corner and he was still looking at his phone. She looked back at Hannah who was giggling like a mad school girl.

“Ooh you like him too, you should have seen how fast you turned around. I don’t blame you. I mean he’s like some Roman god. No Viking God he’s got more muscle and a beard, that animalistic vibe to him.” By the end of her rant she was staring into the sky tapping her finger on her chin.

“You are way over thinking this, he is here for business.” Alys stated trying to be serious.

“Right… so what are you going to wear?”

Alys shook her head and walked out realizing they had been talking for a couple minutes and she was supposed to be bringing him a coffee and muffin. “I have to go bring his order out, you know work, like we are supposed to be doing?”

“I can bring his order over?”

“No, I’ll do it” Alys heard Hannah giggle again and realized her friend set her up for a reaction…again. Huffing she walked out of the back room Hannahs giggles following her out, she got Aiden’s coffee and muffin ready and brought it over to him.

“Sorry for making you wait, I had to get Hannah started.” Alys said as she placed the muffin and coffee on the table. Aiden reached for the coffee at the same time and they bumped fingers, she felt warm tingles through her hand just like she had the night before and she got another hint of cinnamon as she took a quick breath trying to calm her beating heart. He must be wearing something with cinnamon, he smells amazing. She thought as she involuntarily leaned towards him to take a sniff. Realizing what she had done she went beet red once again and quickly went to walk away when his hand darted out to catch hers.

“Thank you, and don’t worry I don’t mind waiting, I am a very patient man.” He smiled warmly at her and Alys thought she was going to melt, his hand on hers suddenly made her feel so calm. She returned his smile and went back to work.

He stayed in the shop working on his phone for at least an hour, occasionally looking around. Often Alys would catch herself staring in his direction and when ever theirs eyes met she would end up dropping something or walking into things. Hannah was relentlessly teasing her. Finally he got up and Alys thought he was going to leave and she almost felt a pang of sadness at the thought and once again asked herself what the hell was wrong with her. But to her surprise he walked over to the counter.

“I didn’t realize how much time had passed I was just catching up with some emails on my phone. It’s so peaceful in here. If I haven’t over extended my stay I would be happy to order lunch. What ever you have cooking smells absolutely amazing” he even lifted his nose to the air and took a deep sniff.

“Of course you may stay as long as you like!” Alys blurted out quickly and he chuckled. Oh that laugh is sexy. “I have two soups today I have a Moroccan lentil stew and a Guinness Beef Barley”

“The beef barely sounds delicious, thank you.” Aiden went and sat back at his table again, while Alys got him a bowl of soup and a fresh baked cheddar biscuit. She brought it over and this time sat down in the chair across from him. There was no one else here at the moment and Hannah was in the back prepping for tomorrow.

           “So, do you live in Wakerton?” Alys didn’t know why but she had the sudden urge to know more about this handsome stranger who made who made her feel these strange emotions. She had never felt anything quite like this. Even when her and Drew first met it took a while before it got intimate, and his touch never caused those sparks that even a light brush of his finger tips caused across her skin.

“Actually my family lives just outside of Wakerton.” He said as he leaned over to take a large spoonful of soup. He made a loud mmmmm sound as he took a second spoonful. “Did you make this soup too?” Alys gave him a delighted smile and nodded “You are an amazing cook!” He exclaimed.

“Thank you, I always liked cooking with my mom and then in high school I took a cooking course and I really enjoyed it. As I got closer to graduating I didn’t know which I liked more reading or cooking so I decided why pick one what more perfect a setting then warm, cozy, comfort foods and books?” Alys told him with pride.

“Well I think you made some excellent career choices this place is picture perfect. It’s so easy to just relax and spend time here. I am stuck in my office a lot. I don’t get to spend time in places like these very often.” Aiden admitted, Alys saw he had a slight sad glint to his eyes as he said this.

“So make more time to explore more places?” Alys said matter of factly.

“Well I don’t have anyone to explore them with. Otherwise I think I could be persuaded away from the office more easily.” Aiden glanced at Alys for a second before bringing the bowl to his lips to drain the last little bit of soup from the bowl. He had already finished it

“You don’t have a girlfriend or wife?” Alys asked, astonished that this ‘Viking God’ as Hannah put it, was single.

“Nope, free and single. Just waiting for the right one to cross my path.” He said popping the “p” in nope and then clasping his hands behind his head with a sly smirk on his face. “Why do you know anyone whose free?”

This caused another growl to emit from her throat and Alys tried to cover it with a cough. Why did that make me so angry, she thought to herself. She hoped Aiden hadn’t noticed the noise and saw he was just sitting there smirking still watching her.

“No, I don’t.” Alys responded shortly. “I should probably get back to work if I want to be able to get out on time for our business meeting.” And with that she stood up. He chuckled that sexy chuckle again and went back to his phone.

“Ohh what got your panties in a knot?” Hannah asked as Alys walked into the kitchen and started putting dishes in the dish washer a little more aggressive than necessary.

“Nothing, just some men can be a little….a little….big-headed. If I do say so myself.” Alys huffed out, then started giggling as she realized how ridiculous she sounded, she barely knew the guy why did she get so jealous over such an innocent comment. She looked over at Hannah to see her gawking at her in surprise.

“Wow what did Ragnar say to get you so riled up?” Hannah asked

“Ragnar really? That’s the viking reference you’re going to use. You need to watch less TV. Plus with the brown hair shouldn’t he be more of a Rolo?” Alys laughed along with Hannah.

“Nah, it’s his blue eyes. They scream Ragnar.” She put her hand to her head and pretended to swoon. “The highschool students will be getting out soon lets get ready for the rush so we can get you out of here so you can get ready for your date.”

“It’s not a date its a business meeting.” Alys corrected

“Sure, sure. You say potato I say potahtoe.” She winked and they got back to work.

Alys didn’t get a chance to talk with Aiden again as the afternoon picked up. At one point she looked around and didn’t see him and felt a pang of sadness thinking he didn’t even wave goodbye, then she scolded herself for thinking that way. But a moment later a burst of happiness spread through her as she saw him walk out of the hallway where the bathrooms are located. Shaking her head at her own silliness she finished serving her customer then grabbed a coffee, black with two sugars, and went over to his table.

“Are you staying here all day?” She joked with him.

“Actually I was just about to come over and let you know that I have to make a business call so I was going to head back to my room. But I am looking forward to our dinner later. It will be nice to get a chance to talk to you for more than a couple minutes at a time.” He smiled down at her, making the butterflies return. Alys couldn’t tell if they were happiness or sadness, she decided to ignore them since she shouldn’t be having them at all.

“Well I am glad I put this in a to go cup for you then.” She stated as she held out the coffee for him. “On the house.” He smiled at her and took the coffee gently, brushing he’s fingers against hers, she couldn’t help but think he was starting to do it on purposed. And yet she didn’t mind. It didn’t feel creepy in anyway, which maybe it should have, but instead it made her feel warm and cozy as she felt the tingles up her arm. She looked up and saw him gently gazing at her his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to say something. Then he blinked and gave her a sexy grin and wink before taking a sip of his coffee and raising it as if to cheers her then walked out. As Alys stood there staring she felt a slight emptiness as he walked out of view. Sighing she went to help Hannah, and finish up the last of her shift.

Finally it was 5 and she grabbed her things and yelled good bye to Hannah as she rushed out the door. She couldn’t help but feel excited for this evening again. Even though she saw him most of that day she had been constantly watching to see if he would come back just one more time. But he didn’t. Why did that bother her so much. Why was she having such strong feelings for this guy she literally met less than 24 hours ago. Bits of guilt started to build up again as she started to think of Drew, it had only been a couple of months. Was it wrong for her to even think about dating. Hannah and Cody didn’t seem to think so. Hannah said it had to be at her pace, that she would know when she felt ready. She wasn’t even going on a date. It was a business meeting. Why did that make her feel sad again. Feeling guilty and confused she pulled in to her driveway and wiped the stray tear from her eye and took a couple breaths to compose herself. Then she got out of her car and went to unlock her door, but it was already unlocked. Strange, she thought, did I forget to lock my door this morning?

Walking in slowly she looked around, when she saw nothing was out of place she shrugged and went and got ready.

6 o’clock came quickly and Alys was feeling a little giddy at seeing Aiden again. She parked in the parking lot for the restaurant and walked up to the door. There he was standing there his sleeves rolled up and leaning against the side of the building. When he saw her he stood up straighter and a smile lit up his face like a boy in a candy shop.

“You look stunning.” He told her with awe in his voice.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.” Alys smiled back at him. “Aren’t you cold with your sleeves rolled up?”

“I tend to run on the warmer side. Shall we have dinner?” Aiden placed his hand on the small of her back instantly setting off the butterflies in her stomach as warmth spread throughout her body. He guided her into the building and up to the hostess who was staring wide eyed at Aiden as if she didn’t even notice Alys.

“Hey Melissa, table for two please?” Alys said a little uncomfortable with the stare she was giving Aiden for some reason. She finally took notice of Alys and almost looked startled to see her.

“Oh! Hi Alys! Long time no see! Table for two you said?” She asked, a touch of shock in her voice. “Right this way.” She gathered a couple menus and started walking to the dinning room, she led them to a booth tucked in a back corner. “Please have a seat and a waitress will be right with you.” She said to them both, as she went to place the menus on the table she leaned in closer to Alys, winked and whispered, “Nice.”

Alys blushed at Melissa and heard Aiden start to laugh and then cough to cover it up. Soon after the waitress came by with two glasses of water and placed them on the table. She had a very big smile for Aiden and even angled herself as she put his glass down so he could see down her top, but he didn’t even seem to notice while he was looking over the drinks menu.

“Can I get you something a little stronger to drink?” The waitress said sweetly to Aiden.

“Alys, what are you thinking of having to drink?” Aiden asked, he smiled at her as if she was the only person there causing the waitress to pout, she turned to Alys to take her order with a fake smile.

“I think I will have a cider actually, they have my favourite.” Alys ordered

“That sounds great, I will have what she’s having.” Aiden kept his eyes on Alys and the waitress simpered away, adding a little twitch to her walk in case Aiden happen to look.

“Are you hungry? Did you want to order an appetizer?” Aiden was gazing at the menu again.

“Sure, the calamari here is done really well.” Alys told him, and the waitress was back with their drinks. They ordered the calamari to start and they both ended up getting a medium rare steak with baked potato and the seasonal vegetables.

“I am impressed. Most girls order salads on their first date.” Aiden teased

“Well good thing this isn’t a date, it's a business meeting.” Alys didn’t miss the look of hurt that flashed across his eyes before his smile returned.

“Yes of course. Speaking of which why don’t we get that part done and over with so we can enjoy our dinner and company. As you know I own Horizon Architecture and Construction. We have been thinking about expanding our business and one of the things we wanted to venture into was landscaping. Since most buildings usually need landscaping and then maintenance it seems like a good fit. I have heard amazing things about your company and we were thinking about making an offer. Now that being said as Hope Falls is a little farther out, we would like to expand and we would hope some of your top guys would spare a week or two to train some new people to work in Wakerton and maybe even eventually a few other small communities in the surrounding areas. We would keep on all of your current employees and we would extend our benefits packages to them and ensure they have all the same wages and salaries.” Aiden suddenly turned business as he laid out their plan. Alys had to admit it was kind of sexy seeing him all serious as he explained his proposal.

“It sounds almost too good to be true?” Alys stated

“You don’t fix what isn’t broken I believe the saying goes? We like to help the little guys, see them grow and expand. It’s beneficial for both sides. We end up keeping clients on the long term and these small companies flourish.” Aiden said matter of factly. His face softened and he smiled at her again. “It's sort of our thing”

Alys was thinking about everything he said as the waitress came with their appetizer, which she placed in front of Aiden trying to give him a view of her cleavage. Lost in thought Alys didn’t even notice the small growl at the waitress she let out. The waitress gave her a strange look and left quickly.

“Would you like to see the offer?” Aiden pulled out a yellow envelope that was thick with all the legal documents including a formal offer page. Alys took it and leafed through stopping to stare at the purchase offer.

“This is a lot of money.” Alys stated frowning. Different emotions swirling inside her.

“We only offered what we thought the business is worth. We like to do our research and be fair.” Aiden replied, then he placed his hand on hers causing her to put the envelope down and look up at him. “You don’t need to make any decisions tonight, I just wanted to put the offer out on the table. Take your time and think on it, go home read it all over and let me know what you think tomorrow. For now let’s enjoy the dinner.”

Alys put the envelope away with the hand that Aiden wasn’t holding. She had been starting to feel overwhelmed reading the offer and when he put his hand on hers she was able to calm down a bit and get her bearings. She smiled up at Aiden again feeling better from the contact already when all of a sudden she heard an angry snarl and Aiden’s face whipped around looking for where it came from. Cody was suddenly standing by the table, his face red with anger and his eyes flashing in a way Alys had never seen. He was breathing heavily and glaring back and forth between Aiden and the hands that were clasped over the table.

“WHATS THIS? I THOUGHT YOU WEREN’T READY TO DATE!”