THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

Chapt

new she had to move on. She focused on her studies and taking care of her sister, Ros

oke, leaving the family reeling. Riley and Rose were devas

sponsibilities with her love of partying. Riley often found herself covering for

nstead. Riley wrote the paper for her, but Rose was too tired

eting. But when the caller tried to reach her, Rose answered instead. Pani

ose's heart was racing. What wo

athed a sigh of relief and turned to leave, but that's w

d more handsome than ever. His chiseled chest

rying to compose herself.

"Just attending a meeting," he said. "But I'm gla

ction. "Thanks," she said, trying to s

couldn't ignore. It was as if no time had passed at all, and they wer

his time, Rose felt a flutter in her ches

uldn't help but wonder – what wo

ienced something special. She'd always thought of Aaron a

oughts of Aaron. She wondered if he was single, if he w

anxious to know how the meeting went. Rose hesitat

lly, trying to sound nonchala

in surprise. "Aaron

sh rise to her cheeks. "Ye

ebrow. "Different?

play it cool. "He's jus

with curiosity. "And

r. She didn't want to hurt Riley's fee

finally, trying to sound gentle. "B

tell she was hurt. But Rose didn't

out Aaron. She wondered if she'd see him again, and

would cross again soon, and this

f constantly checking her phone, hoping to se

r mind kept wandering back to Aaron. She wondered if she'd ever

a text message from an unknown number. Her

wondering if you'd like to

sage over and over again. She couldn't

ut a response, tryi

grab coffee with you.

t feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. What wo

ut. Aaron responded with a suggested t

turday. Rose couldn't wait to see Aaron again

until her coffee date with Aaron. She tried to focus on her studie

ff? Rose couldn't shake off the feeling that th

kid on Christmas morning. She spent hours getting ready,

ady there, sipping on a latte. He looked up and smi

ding up to greet her

a little shy. "Thanks," she said.

when they were kids. Rose felt like she'd known Aaron her whol

didn't want the day to end. She wanted to spend

dinner with me?" Aaron ask

spark of excitement.

t, their adv

Aaron's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. She felt a flutter

e books to their childhood memories. Rose was amazed at how

k along the river. The stars were shining bright

each other's company. Then, Aaron turned to Rose and as

ink it's great," she said, trying

locking onto hers. "I'v

palpable. Rose could feel the attraction between

nd of hair behind Rose's ear. His touch sent shivers

all night," Aaron said,

ad to make a decision. Was she ready to take a c

had already made up her mind. She was ready to take

into Aaron's eyes. She could see the desire and affec

brushed his lips against Rose's. The kiss was soft

t racing with excitement. "I've wanted to do that for

the same way. "I've wanted you to do that for a long

rms around Rose, pulling her close. They stood there f

"I know I hurt your sister in the past," he said, "but I want you to

on's eyes. She could see the sincerity and affecti

se said, her voice

e knew that she had found someone special. She was excited to see where th