By your Side

Chapter 10

Everyday life resumed as autumn leaves began to fall, painting the small town in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Lucy walked down the tree-lined sidewalk, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. She clutched her coffee for warmth, her heart racing at the thought of seeing Aiden again after their passionate and unexpected encounter just a few days prior.

"Hey," Aiden greeted her with a smile as he approached from the opposite direction, his hands buried deep in his pockets.

"Hi," Lucy replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in her stomach. They fell into step together, walking towards the quaint café where they both worked.

"About the other night..." Aiden started hesitantly, casting a glance towards Lucy.

"Let's not talk about it here," she cut him off, fully aware that Mason might be nearby. The mere thought of her brother finding out about her newfound feelings for his best friend sent shivers down her spine.

As they navigated through their daily routines, working side by side yet worlds apart, the tension between Lucy and Aiden was palpable. They had to find a way to balance their newly ignited passion while keeping it hidden from Mason, whose disapproval would be crushing for them both.

In stolen moments, they exchanged knowing glances and fleeting touches, each touch feeling like electricity coursing through their veins. But the weight of their secret weighed heavily upon them, as well as the lingering effects of Lucy's past relationship – one that had left her emotionally scarred and hesitant to open her heart once more.

"Lucy," Aiden whispered when they found themselves alone in the storeroom, "I know this is difficult, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what."

"Thank you," she murmured, her eyes filling with tears. "It's just... my past relationship really hurt me, and I'm scared of getting hurt again."

"Trust me," he assured her, gently cupping her face in his hands. "I would never hurt you."

But as they leaned into each other for a tender kiss, the door swung open, and Mason's voice boomed out, "What are you two doing?"

"Nothing," Lucy stammered, pushing Aiden away and wiping the tears from her cheeks. "We were just talking."

"Right," Mason replied skeptically, narrowing his eyes at them. "Well, we've got customers waiting, so let's get back to work."

The challenges that lay ahead for Lucy and Aiden seemed insurmountable: how could they ever find happiness together when the shadow of Mason's disapproval loomed so large? And even if they managed to overcome that obstacle, would Lucy be able to heal from the wounds of her past relationship and fully embrace the love that Aiden offered?

Only time would tell.

Lucy's heart raced as she furtively glanced around the crowded cafe, trying to find a quiet moment to steal with Aiden. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air and the sounds of laughter and chatter from customers created a comfortable din. In that chaos, they could find solace, but only for a fleeting moment.

"Table three needs their check," Mason's voice rang out authoritatively, pulling her attention back to reality. She nodded, her eyes flicking toward Aiden, who was busy wiping down the espresso machine. He looked up, catching her gaze, a secret smile playing on his lips.

"Got it," Lucy replied, forcing herself to focus on her tasks instead of her racing thoughts. As she approached table three with their check, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen if their secret were discovered. Would they lose the support of their friends and family? Could Mason ever forgive them?