Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 272

Aria's POV

I used to wait for Aiden in the garage doorway whenever he came home from work. I'd watch him park, then greet him with a playful "Mr. Carter, finished for the day?" before taking his briefcase and offering a little flirtatious affection. It always made him smile.

Today, I felt a surge of nostalgia and couldn't resist recreating that moment as his car pulled into the driveway. When he stepped out, I leaned against the doorframe with a grin.

Aiden's dark eyes flickered with recognition as they met mine. "Yes, finished early," he replied smoothly, approaching me. "Couldn't wait to get home to Mrs. Carter."

My cheeks flushed hot at his response. My gaze dropped to his tie where the tie clip I'd given him caught the late afternoon sunlight, glinting brightly against the dark fabric. Just seeing him wearing my gift made my smile grow wider. I couldn't help thinking about the present waiting in my suitcase upstairs, anticipation bubbling in my chest.

Nanny appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Dinner's ready whenever you two are," she called out.

I wasn't particularly hungry—lunch had been late—but the aroma of Nanny's homemade soup was too tempting to resist. I managed a bowl of the rich broth but could barely finish half my plate of the main course. Aiden didn't eat much either.

I noticed Nanny looking concerned as she cleared the table. There was more food left than usual, and I could tell she was worried. She lingered after putting away the leftovers, though she'd normally be heading home by now.

Aiden excused himself to take a call while I poured myself a glass of water, planning to head upstairs and unpack my suitcase to retrieve Aiden's gift.

"Mrs. Carter," Nanny's uncertain voice stopped me. "Was there something wrong with the food tonight?"

I turned toward her. "Not at all! Everything was delicious."

"But—" Her voice trailed off, clearly uncomfortable asking why we'd eaten so little.

"Oh!" I suddenly realized her concern. "It's not your cooking, Nanny. We had a really late lunch, so neither of us was very hungry. I absolutely love your cooking, please don't worry! You should head home now, it's getting late."

Relief visibly washed over her face. "Thank you, Mrs. Carter. I'll be going then."

"Have a safe trip home!" I waved as she gathered her things.

"Will do."

As I turned back, I caught Aiden watching me from across the room, his phone call apparently finished. I took a sip of water. "We barely touched dinner and Nanny thought her cooking was off."

I walked over to him, instinctively leaning into his warmth. Aiden's arm came around me, pulling me closer.

"Since we didn't eat much," he murmured, "should we think about a late-night snack later?"

I rested my chin against his chest, looking up into his eyes. "Aiden, have you ever had crawfish?"

"Crawfish?" His brow furrowed slightly.

"Not lobster—crawfish. The smaller ones." From his expression, I knew he hadn't tried them before. A mischievous idea formed in my mind. "Can we go out for crawfish tonight? I haven't had any all summer!"

It was late September, well past crawfish season, but I suddenly craved them desperately. I wasn't even aware I was pouting slightly.

Aiden's eyes softened. "Whatever Mrs. Carter wants."

"You're the best, Aiden."

His expression melted into tenderness as he held me. He leaned down until our foreheads touched. "Has Mrs. Carter been drinking?"

"What? No, I haven't been drinking." With my low tolerance, I wouldn't dare!

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