The Best Kept Secrets.... Оливия Гейтс

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СКАЧАТЬ smiled. When she’d heard the stories about all the trouble Bailey used to get into when she was younger, Jillian had found it hard to believe. Sitting across from her was a beautiful, self-confident woman who seemed to have it going on. A woman who definitely knew what she wanted.

      “I hope Aidan was nice and didn’t give you any trouble.”

      Jillian lifted a brow. “Why would you say that?”

      Bailey shrugged. “Aidan has his moods sometimes.”

      “Does he?”

      “Yes, but if you didn’t pick up on them then I guess he did okay.”

      No, she hadn’t picked up on any mood, but she had picked up on his sensual side. And he had definitely picked up on hers. She was still in a quandary as to exactly what had happened yesterday. It was as if she’d become another person with him. She’d discovered that being kissed senseless wasn’t just a cliché but was something that could really happen. Aidan had proven it. Even after brushing her teeth twice, rinsing out her mouth and eating a great breakfast Pam had prepared, the taste of him was still deeply embedded on her tongue. And what was even crazier was that she liked it.

      Knowing Bailey was probably expecting a response, she said. “Yes, he was okay. I thought he was rather nice.”

      Bailey nodded. “I’m glad. I told him he needed to get to know you and your sisters better since he’s rarely home. And we’re all family now.”

      All family now. Bailey’s words were a stark reminder of why what happened yesterday could never be repeated. They weren’t just a guy and a girl who’d met with no connections. They had deep connections. Family connections. And family members didn’t go around kissing each other. Why of all the guys out there did she have to be attracted to one with the last name Westmoreland?

      “So, besides Bailey’s Bay where else did he take you?”

      To heaven and back. The words nearly slid from Jillian’s lips because that’s where she felt she’d actually been. Transported there and back by a kiss. Amazing. Pulling her thoughts together, she said, “First, we toured Aidan’s Haven.”

      “Isn’t it beautiful? That’s the property I originally wanted because of the way it’s surrounded by Gemma Lake. But then I realized it would have been too much water to deal with. I think the spot where Aidan plans to build his house is perfect, though, and will provide an excellent view of the lake and mountains, no matter what room of the house you’re in.”

      Jillian agreed and eradicated the thought from her mind that Aidan’s wife and kids would one day live there. “I also saw Adrian’s Cove. That piece of property is beautiful, as well. I love the way it’s surrounded by mountains.”

      “Me, too.”

      “And from there we visited Bailey’s Bay, Canyon’s Bluff and Stern’s Stronghold.”

      “Like the names?”

      Jillian smiled. “Yes, and I heard they were all your idea.”

      “Yes,” Bailey said, grinning. “Being the baby in the family has its benefits. Including the opportunity to play musical beds and sleep at whatever place I want. I was living with Dillon full-time, but after he married I decided to spread myself around and check out my brothers’, sisters’ and cousins’ abodes. I like driving them crazy, especially when one of my brothers or cousins brings his girlfriend home.”

      Jillian couldn’t help but laugh. Although she wouldn’t trade her sisters for the world, it had to be fun having older brothers and male cousins to annoy.

      “What’s so funny?”

      Jillian’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing that voice and knowing who it belonged to. Aidan leaned in the kitchen doorway. Wearing a pair of jeans that rode low on his hips and a muscle shirt, he looked too sexy for her peace of mind. She couldn’t help studying his features. It was obvious he’d just gotten out of bed. Those dark eyes that were alert and penetrating yesterday had a drowsy look. And she couldn’t miss the dark shadow on his chin indicating he hadn’t shaved yet. If he looked like that every morning, she would just love to see it.

      “I thought you’d already left to return to Boston,” Bailey said, getting up and crossing the room to give him a hug. Jillian watched the interaction and a part of her wished she could do the same.

      “I won’t be leaving until tomorrow.”

      “Why did you change your plans?” Bailey asked, surprised. “Normally, you’re in a rush to get back.”

      Yes, why? Jillian wondered as well and couldn’t wait for his answer.

      “Because I wasn’t ready to go back just yet. No big deal.”

      “Um,” Bailey said, eyeing her brother suspiciously, “I get the feeling it is a big deal and probably has to do with some woman. I heard you, Adrian and Stern didn’t get in until late last night.”

      Jillian turned her gaze away from Bailey and Aidan and took a sip of her orange juice. The spark of anger she suddenly felt couldn’t be jealousy over what Bailey had just said. Had Aidan kissed Jillian senseless, then gone somewhere last night and kissed someone else the same way? Why did the thought of him doing that bother her?

      “You ask too many questions, Bay, and stay out my business,” Aidan said. “So, what’s so funny, Jillian?”

      Jillian drew in a deep breath before turning back to Aidan. “Nothing.”

      Bailey chuckled. “In other words, Aidan, stay out of her business.”

      Jillian heard his masculine grunt before he crossed the room to the coffeepot. The kitchen was huge, so why did it suddenly feel so small now that he’d walked in? And why did he have to walk around with such a sexy saunter?

      “Well, I hate to run but I promised Megan that I would house-sit for a few hours so I’m headed for Megan’s Meadows. Gemma is decorating the place before leaving for Australia and is sending her crew over to hang new curtains.”

      Megan and Gemma were Bailey and Aidan’s sisters, whom Jillian liked tremendously. Megan was a doctor of anesthesiology at one of the local hospitals and Gemma was an interior designer who owned Designs by Gem.

      Bailey turned to Jillian. “You’re here until tomorrow, right?”

      “Yes.”

      “Then maybe Aidan can show you the parts of Westmoreland Country that you missed yesterday.”

      Jillian could feel Aidan’s gaze on her. “I wouldn’t want to put him to any trouble.”

      “No trouble,” Aidan said. “I don’t have anything else to do today.”

      Bailey laughed. “Until it’s time for you to go and hook up with the woman who’s the reason you’re staying around an extra day.”

      “Goodbye, Bay,” Aidan said in what Jillian perceived as an annoyed tone.

      Bailey glanced over her shoulder at him while departing. “See you later, Aidan. And you СКАЧАТЬ