Page 35
‘You should have realised when he emphasised the half inch.’
‘You think?’
‘Yeah, no real man gives a toss about half an inch. At least, not above his waist.’
She stared at him for a couple of seconds before cracking up. ‘Did he seriously think I wouldn’t notice? Or realise how crappy it’d make me feel?’
‘Do not let that loser make you feel bad. He’s not worth it.’
‘I know. It just… gets you down sometimes. But thanks for making me laugh again.’
‘Always my pleasure.’
‘Bye, Aiden.’ Mia headed to the door, still smiling.
‘See ya, Princess. Nice legs, by the way.’
‘Thanks. Figured May was a good time to dig my dresses out of the wardrobe.’
‘Brightened my day right up.’
Mia hesitated by the door. ‘I was going to grab lunch from the café. Can I pick you something up too?’
‘That’d be great, thanks.’
‘What do you want?’
‘Surprise me.’
‘Anything you dislike?’
‘Short-arse wannabes who lie to my favourite Princess.’ He was glad when she returned his smile. ‘I’m not fussy. Pretty easily pleased.’
‘So I hear.’ Mia chuckled as she headed out of the shop.
By the time she got back, he’d made drinks, grabbed the biscuit barrel and spread a blanket from the treatment room out in the sunshine.
‘This is nice.’ Mia followed him into the shop’s little garden. ‘But are you sure it’s OK? I don’t want you getting into trouble leaving the shop.’
‘Aww, you worry about me. I’m touched.’
‘Touched in the head, most likely.’
‘Haha. I do get a lunch break. And I’ve got the phone with me. Besides, it’s a gorgeous day, and I have a gorgeous woman by my side. That’s definitely worth taking time to appreciate.’
‘It’s just a chicken sandwich, Aiden.’ Mia dropped the bag into his lap. ‘Consider it my Friday treat.’
‘Thanks, I’ll get them next time,’ he promised. ‘But do me a favour? The next time I pay you a compliment, maybe just try accepting it, OK?’
‘Yes, sir, thank you, sir, compliment duly accepted, sir.’
He snorted in amusement and tucked into his sandwich. After a while, Mia stretched out her legs and leaned back on her elbows. ‘This really is nice.’
‘It really is. Biscuit?’
‘Thanks.’ She temporarily relieved the owl of his head and peered inside. ‘Dark chocolate, huh?’
‘I didn’t think there were any of those left. They sold really well. Ophelia or Rayenne must have put them in. They’re probably three weeks old, so I’m not sure how good they’ll be. There should be fresher, safer ones underneath.’
