Page 30 of Stood Up

He squeezes my hand that is now resting on the arm console between us. My heart does that skipping fluttering thing again.

“Money is money. I personally don’t like talking about it.”

“Then don’t!” I try pulling my hand away, but he grips tighter.

“I think this is important.” I stop tugging and take in his words. Who knew the drive to get something to eat would be so intense? “Money doesn’t define me because I won’t let it. I’m not a celebrity where people take my picture at every turn. I’m low key, always have been, always will be.”

“I’m not either,” I say quietly. “An attention seeker.”

“You may not be by nature, but you’re gorgeous, Aiden. No man who likes women would not look at you.”

“Stop.”

“Truth. Bottom line is, Aiden. I have it. I can use it when I want, but it’s not who I am. I have nice things, but not extravagant. If I want a nice meal, I have one. If I want a new car, I get it. But it doesn’t define who I am as a man.”

This time I lift his hand to my lips and kiss him. I’m pretty sure my heart just tangled into him in a way I won’t get back.