9

Aidan scrolled his mouse over the webpage for Oliver’s Emporium in New York and clicked on the tab marked “Staff.” Second from the top, he found a picture of a smiling Chloe in a white chef coat and hat.

He clicked the page closed and set his laptop on the coffee table. Raking his hand through his hair, he blew out a disgusted breath. He’d been reduced to spying on the woman in cyberspace. Clearly, he was losing all perspective when it came to Chloe Martin. Hyper-aware of her every movement, his ears were constantly attuned to every creak on the staircase, every step in the hall. Seventeen minutes ago, she had gone down to the laundry room in the basement. It had taken all his willpower not to follow her and rewash his already clean clothes. Pathetic. He needed some fresh air to clear his head and focus on something other than his captivating neighbor. Aidan grabbed his jacket from the hook and was looking for his keys when a scream echoed in the hallway. His heart jump-started in his chest. Chloe! He raced out of his apartment and down the basement stairs.

A stream of water leaked from under the laundry room door.

Not good. He jumped over the river and pushed the door open.

Inside, the washing machine spouted water like a fountain. Beyond it, a set of limbs flailed in all directions.

Aidan blinked, and then had to bite his lip to keep from laughing out loud.

Chloe was stuck in the laundry tub. “Don’t just stand there. Help me out of here.”

“How did—”

“Never mind. Turn the taps off first. They’re behind the washer.”

He waded into the flood, wincing at the cold slosh of wetness invading his shoes. Thirty seconds later, the stream of water stopped. He grinned down at a bedraggled Chloe. “This reminds me of the night you arrived. The wet look suits you.”

“Don’t you dare laugh! I’m stuck in here.” She held out her hand, her expression murderous.

“I think I’ll call you Hurricane Chloe from now on.” He reached out, trying hard not to laugh.

“Very funny.” She smacked him on the arm.

“Hey, the princess does not assault the knight in shining armor. That’s not how the story goes.” He put his arms around her and lifted her out of the tub, not even caring when her soggy clothes soaked his shirt. “If I remember my fairy tales correctly, the damsel in distress usually rewards her rescuer with a kiss.”

The atmosphere in the room changed instantly.

Chloe stopped squirming, her eyes widening in awareness.

The word ricocheted in his head, causing his heart to beat an uneven thump. The fruity scent of her shampoo enveloped him, and his gaze fell to the fullness of her slightly parted lips.

The sound of her quick breath stirred his blood. Mesmerized, he drew closer and touched his mouth to hers. Her lips tasted warm and sweet, like honey with a hint of mint. A mewling sound vibrated from her throat, and she wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling him nearer. The blood thundered in his ears, blocking out all sound, while one hand explored the silkiness of her hair. The world shrank down to the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms. He wished this headiness could go on forever.

A cacophony of music from her cellphone brought reality crashing back.

She dragged her mouth away. “Put me down. I have to get this call.”

Dazed, he dropped her feet into the water.

She pulled the phone out and turned her back.

Trying to subdue his riotous pulse, Aidan scrubbed a hand over his face.

What had he just done?

****

Chloe leaned on the mop and blew some wisps of hair off her face.

Aidan was wringing out towels in the laundry tub.

She wet her lips, recalling with vivid clarity the taste of their kiss. Heat snaked up her neck into her cheeks. What had she been thinking, kissing him like that? Thank goodness Lily had called before things had gotten out of hand. Chloe raised her head and her mouth went dry.

Aidan’s eyes were dark with some raw emotion she couldn’t define.

“Do you think it’s safe to try the washer now?” She forced lightness into her tone. “I’d like those sheets for tonight.”

“We need to talk about what happened.” He moved closer, sending her pulse into a frenzy.

She turned to the basket of clothes and began to fold. “It was a silly response to a silly situation. No harm done.” Yeah, right. That kiss had rocked her world off its axis, but she’d never admit it.

The heat of his hand on her arm made her still. “It was more than that, and you know it.”

She refused to look at him. One glance into those eyes and she’d be lost.

“No matter how spectacular, that kiss was a mistake,” he said. “It can’t happen again.”

He thought the kiss had been spectacular? A spectacular mistake apparently.

Anger bubbled up, safe and familiar. Anger she could deal with. “What do you mean a mistake?”

“Mr. Jenkins frowns on anyone getting…involved…in the workplace. Something I happen to agree with. I know from personal experience it never ends well.”

“I guess you should’ve thought of that sooner, Mr. Vice Principal.” With a jerk, she hiked the laundry basket onto her hip and stalked out. When she reached her apartment, she fumbled with the door, pushed inside, and dumped the basket on the floor. Why was she so upset over a silly kiss?

Because, as Aidan said, it had been spectacular.

Totally different from the kisses she’d shared with Richard.

What was wrong with her? She’d barely ended one disastrous relationship. How could she even entertain the idea of another romance so soon? Chloe kicked off her sodden shoes and socks and stomped to the bedroom.

“That kiss was a mistake. It can’t happen again.”

Aidan was right. Not only was she emotionally unprepared for another relationship, she certainly wouldn’t start one with Maxi’s brother. Chloe wouldn’t let anything come between her and her best friend. No kiss—no matter how good—was worth that.