Chapter 2 Strange Pink Glow

Carol’s POV After a few blinks, the color fades. I must just be dizzy, I think. It had been a long day. He looks shocked, but his expression quickly shifts into a smile. God, that smile. He takes in a deep breath and leans against the doorway. “Hi,” he says. His voice is deep and soft. “I’m your new neighbor. I was going to bring some wine over to introduce myself, but I missed my chance.“ I finally snap out of my stupor and manage a smile. “Well, we can pretend this didn’t happen if that means you’ll bring me wine.“ He laughs – God, even his laugh is attractive – and stretches out a hand. “I’m Aiden,“ I shake his hand and smile. “I’m Carol.“ “Carol,“ he repeats. “Like a song. I’ll remember that.“ I never thought my name was particularly special, but when he said it, it felt like the most precious thing in the world. “I’m Fiona, but that doesn’t matter,” Fiona cuts in cheerfully. “We’re going drinking tonight. A new bar, called The Full Moon. You should meet us there.” “I’m sure you have a lot to do,” I say quickly. “But… If you have the time, I could write down the name of the bar for you?” Aiden waves a hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll remember.” He huffs out a laugh. “I’m a werewolf, so I hear about ‘full moons’ a lot.” My heart sinks. Just my luck. There is no way I’m going to make that mistake again. “We should probably head out -- those margaritas aren’t going to drink themselves,” I say. Before Fiona can protest, I grab her by the arm and lead her away. “Wait,” he says. “What?” I ask. I force myself to make eye contact with him again just in time to watch a complicated emotion cross his face. “Your perfume,” he says. “It’s nice, but elusive. Is it a special product?” “Oh -- thank you,” I say, “but I don’t really wear perfume.” I expect Aiden to look embarrassed -- instead, a mysterious smile pulls at his lips. “Sorry,” he says. “It must be something else. Please, don’t let me keep you from your drinks.” Despite his apology, the moment gives me a strange feeling. I can feel Fiona staring at me with a huge grin on her face as I pull her down the stairs and out the door. It isn’t until we’re seated at the bar that she finally bursts. “Carol!” She exclaims excitedly. “Did you hear that? He was flirting with you!” I purse my lips. “I don’t know,” I say doubtfully. “He might have smelled something in the hallway.” “Maybe,” Fiona says. “But did you see how hot he was?! Plus, he was wearing a Rolex. He’s clearly loaded!” I sigh. “I’m not in the right state of mind. And he’s a werewolf.” “So?” “What do you mean, ‘so’?” I say. “Even if I did consider him, he’s going to find his fated mate eventually.” “Well, you could be his fated mate,” Fiona says playfully. I make a face. “Humans aren’t typically the fated mates of werewolves.” Zack told me so. I feel my heart twist at the reminder. Fiona and I banter back and forth. It’s clear Fiona is trying to distract me, but my mind can’t help but wander. Nothing is resolved. I’m going to have to see Zack and Sophia at work tomorrow. When Fiona suggests we order a few rounds of drinks, I am more than happy to agree. I resolve to down my sorrows, just this once. I need it. Fiona and I are debating something when my light is blocked. My heart jumps into my throat. I can recognize that silhouette anywhere, no matter how tipsy I am. “Oh,” I blurt out, “I didn’t think you’d come.” “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint,” Aiden teases. Fiona jumps to her feet. “Take my seat!” She insists. “I’m leaving. Right now.” I whip my head toward her. “What? Since when?” I demand. Fiona grins. “Sorry! My Uber’s here!” Before I can argue, she rushes out the door. I let out a groan. It would be far too awkward to just leave Aiden alone here, so I smile. “Sorry about that,” I say, “Fiona is… quite the character.” Aiden laughs and slides into the booth across from me. “I can tell. You’re a bit of a character yourself, though. You’re funny. And mysterious.” “You think too much of me,” I say, bringing my glass to my lips in an attempt to hide how flustered I feel. “It’s the opposite. You think too little of yourself,” he shoots back. He flags down the waiter to order himself a round of drinks, giving me a moment to collect myself. Once the waiter leaves, he turns his attention back toward me. “Tell me about yourself,” he says. The intensity of his gaze makes my heart jump. “What do you want to know?” “Everything,” he says, his voice low. “But to start, what do you do for a living?” I relax slightly. At least the first question isn’t too intense. “I’m a realtor,” I say. “Not exactly ‘mysterious’.” Aiden smiles. “It’s certainly important work. I’ve been house-hunting, so I have a special appreciation for your it right now. I’m clueless.” I immediately perk up. “Oh, I’m happy to help!” I say enthusiastically. “There’s a lot to consider in this area. It’s all about zoning. The layout makes a big difference, too…” I trail off, realizing I’m rambling. I’m about to apologize when I realize Aiden is leaning forward. “You’re passionate,” Aiden notes. He looks at me like I’m the most interesting person in the world. My heart flutters. “I guess so,” I say with an embarrassed smile. “But really -- if you need any help, feel free to reach out.” “I’ll have to keep that in mind. I have a meeting with a realty office tomorrow, but if it doesn’t work well, I’ll come knocking.” The conversation between us is shockingly natural. Our senses of humor match together perfectly. We order round after round, both not wanting the night to end. I don’t even realize how much time has passed. For a moment, I think I see the strange pink glow again. I decide I must be so drunk I’m delirious. We’re both well past tipsy when the bar closes. The two of us are leaning against one another heavily as we leave, still laughing. It’s not until we’re climbing the stairs that I realize I haven’t thought of Zack a single time since Aiden arrived. I don’t even realize it when I pass by my apartment. It’s only when we’re standing in front of Aiden’s door that I notice. “Oh,” I say. I’m too tipsy to be embarrassed. “I was just following you.” A sly smile pulls at Aiden’s lips. “I’m not complaining,” he says. He unlocks his door. “I won’t stop you if you keep following.” I swallow hard. Aiden turns and enters his apartment. I only hesitate for a moment before walking in after him. Aiden is already sitting on his bed. I don’t join him yet. I stand only a few feet away from him. “So,” I say, “are you going to invite me to join you?” Aiden’s gaze roams over my body. He lets out a deep breath. “Please,” he says, his voice low. He doesn’t have to ask twice. I close the distance between us, straddling him on the edge of the bed. He pulls me against him with so gently I gasp. As soon as I am close enough, he pulls me into a tender yet passionate kiss. The kiss is like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Aiden falls backward onto the bed and I follow after him. It soon becomes clear that we don’t need words to communicate with each other. Our bodies move together like we were made for one another. When we’re finally tangled in the bedsheets, skin against skin, I realize I’ve never before experienced this level of satisfaction before. As Aiden presses against me, I can hear his heavy breathing in my ear. My fingernails press into the muscles of his back. If his lips hadn’t been so close to my neck, I might not have heard what he said. “It really is you.” I don’t have long to think over his words before both of us are carried away by ecstasy. For a long moment, we lay in bed. I can hear the pounding of his heart gradually slow. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt this relaxed in my life. The comfortable quiet goes on for some time. Soon, however, Aiden runs a hand over my shoulder and our bodies are drawn together again. I’m not sure if I ever want to stop.