Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 340

Aria's POV

I woke up feeling surprisingly well-rested despite our intimate conversation about children the night before.

After breakfast, I decided to practice piano for a few hours. The baby conversation was still floating in my mind, but music always helped clear my thoughts.

"I'll walk with you," Aiden said, following me toward the garden door.

We'd only taken a few steps outside when he grabbed my hand. I looked up, confused by his sudden movement.

"Just keeping warm," he explained, his fingers intertwining with mine.

His palm radiated heat against the back of my hand, making me smile despite the biting cold. "You're like a personal heater."

Aiden stopped walking and turned to face me, that dangerous half-smile playing on his lips."Does Mrs. Carter want a proper hug, then?"

I glanced around self-consciously, even though I knew we were completely alone in the garden. After a split second of hesitation, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.

God, he was warm. The early autumn wind carried a faint chill, but pressed against his chest, I barely felt it at all.

"Do you still swim in winter?" I asked, tilting my face up to his.

"Depends," he replied.

"On what?"

"I draw the line at swimming through ice."

I laughed, burying my face deeper into his chest. "Fair enough."

We stood like that for a moment longer before I reluctantly pulled away. "I should go practice now."

"Of course." He kept hold of my hand as we walked back toward the house. "You head up to the music room. I'll bring you some tea."

The grand piano waited for me upstairs, gleaming in the winter sunlight that streamed through the tall windows. I'd barely settled onto the bench when Aiden appeared with a steaming mug.

"Thank you," I said as he placed it carefully on the side table, the heat radiating from it promising comfort.

"Aria," his voice dropped low. "Don't move."

I froze instantly. "What's wrong?"

"There's something on your eyelash." He leaned down closer, studying my face.

I held perfectly still, afraid to blink. "What is—"

His mouth captured mine before I could finish, strong arms pulling me against him. The surprise made me jerk, my hand accidentally hitting the piano keys with a discordant thud.

Aiden didn't seem to notice or care. His palm pressed firmly against my back as he deepened the kiss, holding me in place like a fish pinned to a cutting board.

His kiss was possessive yet tender, enveloping me like the warm bathwater from last night. I surrendered completely, melting into him.

When he finally released my lips, his hot breath trailed down my neck. I clutched at his shirt desperately, gasping for air.

"Aiden—" I moaned his name, barely recognizing my own voice.

He met my eyes briefly before his lips found my nape, sucking gently at the sensitive skin. The sensation sent shockwaves through my body—a delicious ache, like tiny electric pulses.

I pushed against his chest weakly, but he didn't budge. Only after several long seconds did he finally relent, placing a few lighter kisses on the spot before pulling away completely.

"Indeed it would," he agreed, a little too quickly.

Aiden stood from the sofa. "I need to change."

After taking a few steps toward the door, he turned back. "Would you help me choose something to wear?"

"You've never asked me to coordinate your outfits before."

I felt awkward, sensing something odd about his behavior today. Still, it was a reasonable request.

In our bedroom, I browsed through his closet. Aiden's wardrobe consisted mostly of classic pieces that were easy to coordinate—plus, he looked good in everything anyway.

I initially selected a black sweater and matching pants, but glancing in the mirror, I noticed my own outfit. On impulse, I put the black items back and chose something in the same color scheme as what I was wearing.

"This should work," I said, avoiding his eyes to hide my intentions.

Aiden smiled knowingly. "Perfect."

When he emerged from the dressing room, we stood side by side before the mirror. Anyone seeing us would definitely assume we'd coordinated our outfits intentionally.

I couldn't help smiling at our reflection. When I turned, I caught Aiden watching me with an intense expression. "Ready to go?"

"Whatever Mrs. Carter wishes," he replied smoothly.

The weekend traffic was heavier than usual, adding several minutes to our drive. We arrived at the restaurant exactly at noon—technically not late.

Lucas had reserved a private dining room. The hostess led us through the crowded main floor and up to the second level, stopping at the end of a hallway.

"Mr. Carter, your guest has already arrived," she informed us, pushing open the door.