Chapter 252

Aria's POV I quickly checked my phone after texting Lillian. A message from Aiden popped up on my screen. "I'm here." My head snapped up instantly, scanning the street. The black Bentley was parked at the curb just a few yards away. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of it. I shoved my phone into my pocket and jogged over to the car, shopping bags swinging from my wrist. The summer heat made sweat bead across my forehead by the time I reached the vehicle. Aiden leaned across to open my door, then took the shopping bags from my hand as I slid into the cool leather seat. He carefully placed them in the back before returning to the driver's seat. "Why the rush? I wasn't going anywhere," he said, his voice carrying that hint of amusement I'd grown to love. I fumbled with my seatbelt, feeling slightly embarrassed. "This area's notorious for parking tickets." His lips curled into that half-smile that always made my stomach flip. "A ticket for Mrs. Carter wouldn't be the end of the world.