Chapter 181

Aria's POV I watched Michael's eyebrows lift slightly. "Didn't say much. Just told her some facts." Ryan snorted. "Like she'd listen to reason!" Michael just shrugged, neither confirming nor denying. While they talked, the door to our private dining room swung open. Aiden and I had barely settled in when Claire and Thomas arrived. Claire looked utterly composed being led in by Thomas, practically glowing like she'd won some secret prize. Ryan watched them with an expression like he'd just bitten into a lemon. I caught the brief flicker of regret on his face—probably rethinking his decision to invite Thomas, who was now practically radiating couple energy. I grabbed the menu, trying to focus on the food options while my face still burned from what had happened in the parking lot. Who knew Aiden could be so... impulsive? One minute we were walking to dinner, the next he'd tilted my chin up and kissed me right there between the cars. Anyone could have walked by! I'd been so nervous about