Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 275

Aria's POV

"I frowned, wrinkling my nose as Lillian hugged me goodbye. "Of course my bestie can call me babe."

The evening had been perfect—fresh lobster and two bottles of rich cabernet that left a warm tingle on my tongue. By the time we said our goodbyes, the clock had ticked past ten. Ryan had knocked back a few too many glasses to drive, so he'd called for a car service. Lillian had planned to grab an Uber, but Ryan insisted she ride with his driver instead—something about a woman shouldn't travel alone this late.

Me? I'd only had one beer, but the alcohol hit me harder than expected. The pleasant buzz I'd felt earlier had transformed into a delicious warmth spreading through my limbs.

After buckling my seatbelt, I turned toward Aiden in the driver's seat, my forehead crinkling with the effort of focusing on his face. "Aiden, I think I'm drunk."

His lips quirked upward, eyes crinkling at the corners. "People who are actually drunk never admit they're drunk."

He'd stayed sober since he was driving, responsible as always.

"No, no," I insisted, wagging my finger with exaggerated precision. "I'm not drunk yet, but I can feel myself getting there."

Something about him pulled at me—the way his strong hands gripped the steering wheel, how his cologne filled the small space between us. I wanted to climb into his lap, to feel his mouth on mine, to run my fingers through his hair.

The thought sent a rush of heat between my legs. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look away before I did something embarrassing. "Let's go home."

Aiden twisted the cap off a water bottle and passed it to me. "Drink some water."

"Mm-hmm," I mumbled, taking the bottle and sipping slowly.

He fastened his seatbelt and started the engine, the car purring to life beneath us. I took another sip of water, carefully screwing the cap back on to avoid spilling, then cradled the bottle while watching him drive. My eyes traced the strong line of his jaw, the way his forearms flexed as he turned the wheel.

I didn't realize I was staring until I noticed how his breathing had quickened under my gaze.

Traffic flowed smoothly this time of night, and within twenty minutes, we pulled into our driveway. I set the water bottle down and watched Aiden unbuckle his seatbelt before fumbling with my own.

I pushed my door open but didn't step out, waiting expectantly for him to come around.

When Aiden circled to my side of the car, he found me grinning up at him, my pulse quickening at the way his eyes darkened when they met mine.

"Mrs. Carter not getting out?" he asked, his voice dropping to that low register that always made my skin prickle with anticipation.

I stretched my arms toward him like a child. "I want you to carry me."

The usually composed expression on his face melted into something tender and hungry all at once.

He leaned down, scooping me effortlessly into his arms—one hand under my thighs, the other supporting my back. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my face inches from his. "Aiden."

"Hmm?" He pushed the car door shut with his hip, holding me as if I weighed nothing.

"Have you ever carried anyone else like this?" I whispered against his ear, breathing in his scent.

"Never," he answered without hesitation.

Satisfaction bloomed in my chest, and I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder as he carried me toward our front door. The housekeeper had already gone home, leaving only the entryway light on while the rest of the house remained dark.

As Aiden reached for the light switch, I grabbed his wrist. "Make a wish first."

"What?" Confusion crept into his voice.

"Make a wish before turning on the lights," I insisted, my alcohol-fueled mind finding this perfectly logical.

Aiden raised an eyebrow but humored me, closing his eyes for a moment. "Done."

In the soft amber glow from outside, I studied his features—the sharp angles softened by shadows. I'd planned to tease him, but something in his expression made me shy. "What did you wish for?"

"Can I tell you?" he asked.

"Of course you can. It's not a birthday wish—those are the only ones you have to keep secret." I nodded solemnly, as though sharing profound wisdom.

His dark eyes held mine as he spoke carefully. "I wished for my wife to always be as happy as she is right now."

Something squeezed in my chest. I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his, then nestled against his shoulder, my mouth brushing his ear. "I love you so much, Aiden."

How did I get so lucky? He knew I was being ridiculous, yet he played along without making me feel childish.

He turned his head to look at me, desire darkening his eyes to midnight.

With a soft click, the living room lights flooded on. I straightened in his arms, grinning triumphantly. "Look! The lights came on—wish granted!"

Aiden laughed softly. "And what did my wife wish for?"

He turned off the entryway light and carried me upstairs.

My cheeks, already flushed from alcohol, burned hotter. Truth was, I hadn't made any wish at all—I'd been too busy admiring how adorably serious he looked making his own wish.

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