“But you have needs. I worry.”

“There are a lot of things to worry about in this world. Poverty. Climate change. Me having sex isn’t one of them.”

Her blue eyes were so wide and earnest as she twisted her fingers together. “We could brainstorm some solutions.”

Why him? That was the question of the day. Why did this have to be happening to him?

“No. Listen to me, Shelby. No. We are not having this conversation.”

“We could—”

He cut her off with a quick shake of his head. “As my friend, you need to respect my wishes on this. Let it go. I’m fine.” He suddenly figured out how to distract her. “What about you? You must have needs.”

She flushed a delightful shade of pink and ducked her head. “I wasn’t getting any before. This isn’t new for me.”

“But you’re dealing.”

“Of course.”

“Then do me the courtesy of assuming I can do the same.”

They started walking back to the house. When they got there, Charlie led the way inside. He waited patiently while his leash was unsnapped, then did a couple of quick laps around the living room.

Shelby stood in front of Aidan and raised her gaze to his.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I do worry about you, but you obviously don’t want to talk about it anymore. I need to respect that. I promise, I won’t mention it again.”

What he said was “Thank you.” What he thought was, there was no way his luck was that good.

CHAPTER TEN

AIDAN WAS CONCERNED about Shelby keeping her word, but the next couple of weeks passed without any mention of his needs, or lack of getting any, or however it was she was phrasing it today. Unfortunately his desire for her wasn’t as easily managed. It seemed that every time they were together, he found something even more delightful and sexy about her. Whether it was the way she spoke to Charlie in a sweet aren’t-you-a-cute-puppy? voice or how she carefully carried the cake she’d made for his mom.

Elaine cut into it immediately and served up generous slices of coconut mango layer cake. Aidan took a bite and held in a groan. Talk about double the goodness. Not only did he get credit for bringing his mom the cake he hadn’t made, but he got to taste it, as well.

Elaine sighed as she swallowed. “Shelby, I don’t know how you do it, but everything you bring over is better than the one before. I keep thinking that’s not possible. You have found your calling.”

“Thank you. I’ve been missing summer and this cake seemed the perfect way to bring those months to mind.”

“They’ll be here soon enough.” His mother turned to him. “It’s been a long time since you’ve brought a girl around, Aidan. But I have to say, Shelby has been worth the wait. Remember that awful goth girl in high school? Everything about her was so grim. Not just the clothes and makeup, but the way she talked about death all the time. I never knew what you saw in her. Shelby, on the other hand, makes perfect sense.”

Aidan decided not to mention that part of Caitlyn’s appeal had been her willingness to go to third base. Nothing his mother needed to know. As for Shelby, he exchanged a look with her. She mouthed I know, as if she got it.

Twenty minutes later, they were in his truck.

“I’ve told her at least five times that we’re not dating,” he said as he turned onto the main road that would take them back to town. “I don’t know what else to do.”

“We should get one of those giant banners and hang it in the center of town,” she grumbled. “I know exactly what you mean. No one believes me, either. We are not a couple. We are friends. Why is that so incredibly hard to grasp?”