Aria pov
"Let me finish." He held up a hand. "I've watched you since you came back to Ravenwood. Watch you build an empire, raise an incredible son, handle crisis after crisis with grace and strength. And I've been in awe."
"That's flattering, but"
"I'm not finished." His smile turned rueful. "I know the timing is terrible. I know you're dealing with your ex-husband and his feelings and his very public declaration. But I also know that sometimes the timing is never perfect, and if I don't say this now, I might not get another chance."
He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. "Aria, I'm interested in you. Not just as a business partner. Not just as a friend. I want to take you out, really take you out. Get to know you without the shadow of Damien Blackwood hanging over everything."
I looked down at his hand on mine. It was warm, steady, uncomplicated.
