Chapter 198

Aria's POV I was jolted awake by my phone ringing, my body aching deliciously from last night's passionate lovemaking with Aiden. It was my father Benjamin calling. Today marked my twenty-seventh birthday. "Happy birthday, sweetheart," he said warmly. "Your gift will be delivered shortly." "Thanks, Dad! I'll come over tonight for dinner," I replied, smiling into the phone. Benjamin chuckled. "Enjoy your day with Aiden instead. I've made plans to go fishing with David anyway." I didn't quite believe his convenient "fishing plans," but appreciated the thoughtful gesture. "Then we'll come over tomorrow for dinner instead." "Perfect!" After hanging up, I noticed my phone had exploded with birthday messages from friends. I spent the next fifteen minutes replying to each one, feeling warm inside from all the love. Then my thoughts drifted to Aiden. It was my birthday—did he even remember? As if summoned by my thoughts, Aiden pushed open the bedroom door, fresh from his morning swim. Droplets