Page 19
‘We did.’ Mia laughed.
‘So, I’m not sure how “polite” my company is. And now I’m intrigued…’
‘I meant most things that happen in my line of work aren’t appropriate for public discussion. Cheeky!’
‘Fair enough.’ Aiden shrugged. ‘But I’d argue being a nurse is a lot more impressive than any amount of biscuits I’ll ever make. Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure.’
‘Even if it’s a bit cheeky?’
‘We’ve been talking about sex cookies.’
‘True.’
‘And I can always ignore your question if it’s that bad.’
‘Fair enough. How on earth are you single? I mean, are the men in Hudsbury blind, or just stupid?’
‘Maybe it’s me, not them.’
‘Can’t believe that.’
‘You should. It is me. I’m waiting for Prince Charming and fairy-tale magic. What?’
Aiden choked down a laugh. ‘Sorry, but are you really waiting for your Disney Dream Dude?’
Mia nodded. ‘I blame my parents.’
‘Too many fairy-tales?’
‘They are the fairy-tale. Together over four decades, and still crazy in love. Dad’s always stopping to kiss Mum on the cheek, or give her a flower from the garden. Mum quite literally sings and dances in the kitchen – they’re just that happy together. And in the evenings, they sit on the couch holding hands, or Mum resting her feet on Dad’s lap, while they watch TV or read, or do crosswords together. I grew up seeing what true love really is, and I don’t want to settle for anything less, even if my friends think I’m setting the bar too high and will end up living with a colony of cats. If that makes me sound silly, I don’t care.’
‘I don’t think it’s silly to know what you want and go after it. A solid life plan can be really positive.’
‘You sound like you’ve got one yourself? Let me guess. A goth princess all about corsets and tats, who’ll march down the aisle in biker boots and black lace?’
Aiden laughed loudly. ‘Nah. I don’t see myself as the wedding bells type.’ He ignored the thickening in his throat. ‘Far too much fun to be had.’
‘Oh, you’re one of those.’ Mia’s tone seemed more amused than disapproving.
‘Can I help it if the ladies love me almost as much as I love them?’ He chuckled. ‘So, back to my treat…’
‘You’re incorrigible.’
‘Part of my charm, Princess.’ He scratched an itch on his shoulder.
‘Princess? Really?’ She raised both eyebrows, challenging him.
‘You’re the one talking about fairy tales.’
‘Oooh, are we talking magic and stories? Hey, Mimi.’ Katie sauntered into the store. ‘Afternoon, Aiden.’
‘Mimi?’
‘Gee, thanks ever so, Kitikat.’
‘Kitikat?’ Aiden laughed when Katie stuck out her tongue. ‘I take it you two know each other pretty well?’
