9 THIS WAS PROGRESS

Aidan saw the smile. It was small but his heart almost stopped beating. She was looking from his mother to Claire and Aidan could see what she saw. They were very much like two peas in a pod and she gravitated towards that. His mother was getting herself a new fan and she didn't even know it. He wanted to get to know her better, so when his father invited Tom to his study for a cigar, he saw his chance.

"May I show you the garden Antonia?" He stood to offer her his hand. He saw the smile slip away and panic enter her eyes. She looked to Claire for what seemed like a save but Claire just patted her hand and smiled at her.

"Go on honey, I'll be right here when you get back."

Was he that bad to put that look of panic in her eyes? Not to be conceited or anything but he thought he was a catch. He's looked in the mirror; he wasn't bad looking.

Toni took Aidan's arm and he led her outside. Once outside she removed her hand from his and just walked beside him.

"Did I do anything to upset you?" he asked when they were finally far enough from the house for anyone to hear.

"Not at all. How did you find out where I live?" she asked the question she had been wondering about since the roses.

"I asked Joe to find out." He decided to go with honesty; there was no point in weaving a lie even though he knew he sounded like a stalker.

"Joe?"

"My bodyguard."

"Are you stalking me?" she waited for the panic or outrage to come but neither did.

"Of course not. I just wanted to send you roses and perhaps ask you out on a date?" He said in a hurry before he could lose his nerve. He had wanted to take it slow before asking her out but now he didn't see the point.

"Oh. Well, thank you again for the flowers."

"You haven't answered my question."

"What question?"

"Would you go on a date with me? Preferably dinner."

"I'm sorry. I don't date."

"Ever?" He asked in bewilderment.

"Ever." She confirmed.

"Ok. How about just sharing a meal with a new friend?"

She seemed to consider it but then changed her mind.

"I don't go out either."

"Out to restaurants or out in general?"

"Both. Either. I prefer keeping to myself so I avoid crowded places."

"How about lunch in my office? I could have a car come pick you up and bring you back. No crowds and it will only be an hour of your time."

"Will you stop bothering me if I agree?"

"Probably not." He said with a grin.

Toni realized how very handsome he was and remembered Claire saying she can't stay indoors forever so she decided to take a chance. This was a baby step, she would expand the circle of people she knows and go out at the same time.

"Ok. When?"

Adrian couldn't help the relief he felt at hearing that. He had thought she would find excuse after excuse to avoid him but she had actually agreed to lunch with him. Next step would be convincing her to go to dinner then be his girlfriend and perhaps he could finally feel those hands on him. The instant arousal was not welcome at this moment; he didn't want to scare her away.

"Are you free tomorrow around noon?"

"Yes. Should I bring food?" He actually had to chuckle at that.

"Since I'm the one who invited you, I will feed you. I might even bring my mother's cake if you want?" he asked teasingly.

"That would be wonderful. I really like it."

He hadn't expected her to actually agree to that. He would have to beg his mother to bake it again and that was going to bring up all kinds of questions he was not ready to answer. He was too excited to care.

"Joe will pick you up around 11:30."

"Ok. I look forward to it."

Toni was surprised at how much she actually meant that. She was making a friend like a normal person; this was progress.