Aedan woke her very early the next morning, with an apology and then the gentleness of a brief but sensuous session in bed. He’d ended with another apology and the explanation that he wanted to be at the gym early. Frank had given him hell for being late, and then he’d left early last night.

The offer of a shower together wasn’t forthcoming and Rosa wasn’t sure if it was just because Aedan was in a rush or if there was something else going on. He seemed distant, distracted. She grabbed a quick solo shower, pulling her wet hair back in a clip before getting dressed.

“Are you okay?” She hated when people asked her that, especially her parents. But she didn’t know how else to approach him. He’d unburdened himself, shared something obviously very painful. She thought he’d at least mention it.

“Yeah, fine. Why?” He was sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling on his shoes. He looked up at her, brows drawn together in a faint frown.

“I...well, nothing. I guess.” She shook her head. “Nothing.” She smiled brightly at him. You barely know the man, just leave it alone. This is your insecurity, not him. And stop thinking for him.

“Okay.” He rose, pulling her close. His eyes were serious, dark in the bright light of the morning sun. “Last night was...not how I am. I mean, all that stuff I told you...I don’t share that, ever. I don’t trust anyone with that, or much else.”

Rosa felt her forehead creasing in a frown. Where was this going? “It’s okay, Aedan. I’m not judging you by your past. It just helps me know who you are now. I know it was hard for you to share that. I do.”

Aedan shook his head. “Everyone judges. It’s how people are. Show them a weakness and they take advantage. It’s how I win fights.”

Rosa’s frown deepened. “Do you really think that of me? That I’m that shallow? Or that I’ll use this against you somehow?”

“Honestly? I’ve no idea. I want to believe you won’t, but it’s hard...” He broke off, sighing. “I really don’t know. I want to believe you’re different...” He ran his fingers down her cheek. “You have me confused in more ways than I can say, Rosa. I don’t know what to do with half the feelings I have around you...Most of them scare the hell out of me.”

“You realize you scare the hell out of me too, Aedan? You’re not the only one here venturing into deep waters.” Rosa’s voice was rising, laced with a tinge of anger. “Every relationship has rough spots. We’ve known each other for a total of what? Two days?” Her voice softened. “Give this some time to grow, Aedan. It’s okay to be scared.”

Aedan shook his head. “I don’t do scared, Rosa. If I did, I’d be dead by now.”

Rosa’s anger faded. It hadn’t really sunk in until that moment that someone had tried to kill Aedan, that distrust had been a constant companion most of his life. No wonder he doesn’t trust anyone...or me. “You can think what you want of me, Aedan Kearney, but you’re wrong.” She cocked an eyebrow at him, watching the look of disbelief cross his face, followed by amusement.

“You’re tougher than anyone I’ve been in the ring with, you know that? And you’re probably right.”

“Probably right?” She looked up at him, poking him in the chest. “I am right. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”

Aedan laughed. “Well, yeah. I have been called stubborn before. Quite a few times.” He pulled her hard against him. “Cut me some slack, okay? This is hard, but most good things are. Or so I’ve been told. The only good thing I’ve ever known has been fighting...and that’s also painful.”

She was on the verge of saying something else when he caught her lips in a kiss. He held her for a moment before turning her toward the bedroom door.

“And as much as I’d like to continue this, I have to get to the gym. Can you call for a car?”

“Yes. I already did actually. It should be here by now.”

Aedan walked her down to the sidewalk. The sleek Lincoln was waiting at the curb, the driver hurrying around to open the door for her. There was a moment of confusion when Aedan and the driver both reached for the door at the same time. Rosa thanked the driver, who retreated to the driver’s seat.

“What the hell?” Aedan glared at the man’s retreating back.

“They all do that. It’s nothing.” She reached up, her fingers on his face. “Kiss me, Aedan. You have to go and I have to go home.”

He bent down, kissing her hard, his hands across her back. She’d just spent the night with him but if she could, she’d have gladly gone back to his dingy apartment.

He finally broke away, leaving her swaying on the sidewalk. She opened her eyes, looking up at him.

“I’ll talk to you later.” She smiled.

“All right...” He turned her toward the waiting car. “I better get going before I’m late and Frank’s all over me again.”

“Do you want a lift? I can have them drop you...?”

Aedan waved off her offer. “No, no. Thanks though. I don’t think showing up at the gym in that-” He gestured toward the car with a grin “It’s not me. But thanks.” Aedan kissed her forehead. “I’ll call you tonight, okay?”

“All right.” She climbed into the back of the car. Aedan closed the door and the car pulled away from the curb. This time when she looked back, Aedan was standing on the sidewalk, watching the car drive away. She saw him raise a hand before losing sight of him in the bright morning sunlight.

* * *

THE DOORMAN GAVE HER his usual obsequious greeting. She took the elevator to the apartment, then climbed the stairs to her room. There was a note on her bed from her mother: Thomas called. See me when you get in.

“Great.” She crumpled the note, tossing it in the wastepaper basket by her desk. She dropped her purse on the desk, plugged in her cell phone and stripped out of her dress. There were so many things she should be doing, but she was tired; the late night and early morning wasn’t something she was used to. Then she thought about Aedan, what his day was going to be like, and she changed her mind.

Instead of climbing into bed, she pulled on her old sweatpants and a Columbia t-shirt, heading downstairs. Sophie was in the kitchen, singing to herself, something simple, but in Russian.

“Oh, Miss Rosa. Your mother’s been looking for you. And there was a phone call for you. More than one I think. From that nice young man.” Sophie was beaming; Thomas was a particular favorite of hers.

Rosa sat down at the kitchen counter. “I know, I saw her note.”

“Would you like some breakfast? I can make you eggs or pancakes, maybe?”

She realized she hadn’t eaten yet. “I’ll have toast and tea, please.”

Sophie bustled about the kitchen, setting the teakettle on the stove, taking out the bread. “You know, your mother was not happy to find you gone again last night, especially so soon after dinner.” Sophie shook her head.

“There was some place I had to be. I wasn’t trying to upset her but that always seems to happen, anyway.” She was old enough to leave the house for the night and not return. She wasn’t a child. She didn’t bother mentioned that to Sophie.

Sophie set the tea and toast in front of Rosa, nodding. “She was not happy.”

“Yes, I heard you, Sophie.” Rosa caught the hurt look on Sophie’s face. “I’m sorry. I’m tired. And you know Mom. Anything and everything seems to upset her these days.” She sighed. “Is she home?”

“Yes, she’s in her office.” Sophie set her food on the counter and then left the kitchen without saying another word. Rosa heard her moving about in the laundry room, but there was no more singing.

Rosa chewed on her toast, thinking over her night with Aedan. She was confused, scared, maybe...but not as much as he was. There were so many things in his life that had gone wrong, things for which she had no frame of reference. No one had ever even spanked her, even when she’d colored her mother’s best silk dress with markers, wanting to fill in the white squares on what she realized now must have been a several thousand-dollar designer original.

“Rosa! Where’ve you been?” Her mother paused from behind her, probably looking her up and down. “And why are you dressed like a street person? You know I hate those baggy sweatpants. Your hair...” Rosa felt her mother tugging at the clip that held her hair back. “It’s wet and you smell like-”

“Mom, I’m fine. Really. I was out, for heaven’s sake. It’s not the end of the world.” She could hear the edge to her voice, the rising frustration and today, anger. And for once, she didn’t care.

Her mother sat down next to her. “I’m worried about you. You’ve been gone overnight for the past two nights, you wanted to miss dinner with your boyfriend and now you’re being disrespectful. Are you doing drugs”

“Mother! Of course not! And Thomas isn’t my boyfriend. How many times do I have to tell you that? We broke up weeks ago. I dumped him, if you need to know.”

“Rosa, there’s no need to get hysterical.”

She turned to her mother. “I’m not hysterical! All I want is to be treated like an adult, not a child. I want a life that’s not controlled by you, all the time, and I think I have the right to that at this age.”

“Well, I see there’s no talking to you today.” Her mother gracefully slid off the barstool, her heels clicking across the parquet floor. “I’ll be in my office if you feel like having a civilized conversation.”

Rosa didn’t even watch her leave. Drugs? Really? She slumped over the counter with her head in her hand. Why does everything have to be a battle with her?

She finished her tea, setting the dishes in the sink. No one else was around so she headed back to her room. Maybe a short nap would help her think. Or something. Anything.

As she climbed the stairs, she heard the chirp of her cell phone. She took the rest of the stairs two at time. Maybe it’s Aedan.

“Hello?” Her voice was breathless.

“Hi, Rosa.” It was Sophia.

“Hey.”

“Listen, I wanted to apologize for the other day. I was out of line...about Aedan. I mean, if you like him, then that’s all that matters. I just...Well, I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too, Sophia. I was tired, and-”

“Okay. So we’re good then?” Sophia cut her off, apparently anxious to say something.

“Yeah. We’re good.”

“Great. Because we’re having a party tonight at Mark’s and I want you to come. You can bring Aedan, if you like.” There was a sly note to Sophia’s voice, almost a challenge.

“Um...I’m not sure if he’s free. I don’t know.” Rosa hesitated.

“Come on. It’s Friday, come have some fun. You can have fun with your new boy-toy, can’t you? Or do you need his permission?”

Rosa sighed. “Sophia...”

“Okay. Sorry. But come out. You really haven’t been out except that once since you broke up with Thomas, and we never saw you when you were together. I don’t want that to happen all over again. You disappeared with Thomas. Like you got swallowed up or something. Or you weren’t allowed to hang with us. You need to get back with all your friends, you know? We miss hanging with you. Please?”

Rosa felt herself cave. Sophia, in this mode, was almost impossible to derail. Over Sophia’s squeals of approval, she finally got the address of the house party.

* * *

IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON when her phone rang again. Rosa had been curled up on her bed with a steamy romance novel. She fumbled for the phone among the blankets, the book tumbling to the floor.

“Hello?”

“Hey, you. How are ya?”

Aedan. “I’m good.” She sat up against the head of the bed, hugging her knees to her chest. “Did you have a good day at the gym? Is that the right way to say that?”

Aedan’s laughter made her smile. “Yeah, pretty good. Listen, I’m going to be done here soon. Did you want catch an early dinner, maybe a movie?”

She could hear the anticipation in Aedan’s voice, anticipation that matched her own. Her earlier trepidation that something was wrong faded away. Just me overthinking things. “Well, I have another idea actually. One of my friends is having a party, nothing fancy, just a house party. I’d like to go...I’d like you to come with me. Will you?”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. Rosa listened to the sounds of the gym, less foreign to her ears this time, but no less aggressive and primal.

“Okay. Sure. Where should I meet you?” Aedan’s voice was distant. She couldn’t tell if it was the phone connection or Aedan.

“I can send a car for you and we can—”

He cut her off abruptly. “Hell, no. I can get to your house myself. Just give me the address.”

Rosa gave him the address to the property on Central Park West and the time to be there. After she hung up, she wondered if she’d said something wrong. Aedan had sounded abrupt with her, almost angry. She tried not to worry, but the nagging thought kept tugging at her mind, and when she picked up her book, it made it hard for her to concentrate.

The grandfather clock in the hall chimed the hour softly. Knowing her mother wouldn’t approve of what she was wearing for dinner, she changed into a pair of clean jeans and dressier shirt. She brushed out her hair, added a touch of makeup and some simple jewelry and headed downstairs, dropping her purse on the foyer table. She was dressed for dinner and for her date.

Her father was in the study, sitting on the loveseat, a drink in his hand, reading the Times.

“Dad! You’re home for dinner.” Rosa crossed the room, dropping down beside her father. He pulled her against him, kissing the top of her head.

“Hello, Angel. How’ve you been? It seems we’re like ships passing in the night. Is that the wrong idiom? I guess it’s more like we’re just busy. What have you been up to lately? Or is that your old man prying into your life?”

“Yeah, we’re always so busy...Or, I should say you are. I never see you. And no, you’re not prying. I just...well, since Thomas...I’ve been...” She struggled to put her thoughts into words. “When he and I dated, we were always together, and Sophia and Laura seem to think now that we’re not together, I should be out with them. I think they miss me.” She stared out the window, looking down on the green expanse of Central Park. “I wish... I guess I wish I would’ve said something to Thomas.”

“Thomas was a bit controlling, wasn’t he?” Her father’s voice was low.

She nodded. “Yeah, I guess he was.”

They were quiet for a moment. She could hear the rustle of the newspaper as her father folded it, the sound of the ice clinking in his glass. Such urbane sounds, quiet, familiar.

“Dad, have you ever hit someone? When you were younger? Like in a fight?” She turned to him, a faint frown creasing her forehead.

“Why would you ask that? No, I’ve never hit anyone. Did something happen?” She could hear the concern in his voice.

“No, well...yes. The other night, when I was out...overnight. It wasn’t with Sophia and Laura, or I...didn’t stay overnight with them. I met...this guy.” She could feel a blush creeping up her face. This was uncharted territory; she’d never really discussed the guys she’d dated with her father in any great detail. “Us girls ended up in the Bronx and some guys were bothering us. Aedan...” she said his name shyly. “...came along and...beat them up, I guess. Or, he really didn’t hit them that many times, but he broke one guy’s nose and made the other...um, throw up. But then they ran off. He protected us. We... Aedan and us, the girls, I mean...went to have a drink and...well...”

Her father was looking at her with a mixture of shock and disbelief. “Rosa. Why on earth would you have been in the Bronx? What have you been doing lately? Your mother’s worried your being disrespectful is a sign of something deeper. I told her you were just wanting a little space, but this? Are you in any kind of trouble, Rosa? Do you think it’s-”

“No, no Dad. We got lost and Aedan came along and helped us, that’s all. It’s not like he had any other choice. And he’s trained as a fighter. I mean, professionally. He’s not just some guy who beats people up for fun.”

It occurred to Rosa her father may not be the most objective person to be having this conversation with, but it seemed important now that she make him see Aedan in the best light possible.

“So you felt compelled to spend the night...out of gratitude?” Her father took a long swallow of his drink. He shook his head. “Rosa, you’re an adult and I can’t dictate how you live your life. But I think you need to think about the choices you’re making lately.”

“I can take care of myself, dad. Forget I said anything. Don’t worry about it.” She stood, heading out of the study, almost running into her mother as she came into the room.

“I heard raised voices. What’s going on?” She gave her husband a chilly look, casting a glance at her daughter in the same breath.

“Nothing, Celeste. Just a little discussion with Rosa. Nothing to worry about.”

“Really?” She didn’t look like she believed him. “Fine. It’s time to go in for dinner.” She turned toward the dining room. Rosa’s father rose, waiting for her. Rosa sighed, heading down the hall, sandwiched between her parents.

Dinner dragged once more, and Rosa kept glancing at the dining room clock.

“Eat, Rosa.” Her mother frowned and her eyebrows pressed together.

The buzzer rang, singling that Aedan had arrived.

Rosa pushed her chair back, suddenly nervous. “I’ll get it.”

Her mother looked up at her. “Sophie will get it. You finish dinner. You’ve barely touched your plate.”

“But...” Rosa sank back into her chair knowing better that to argue, plus the butterflies in her stomach suddenly made the notion of walking seem impossible. This isn’t going to go down well. What had made her think this was a good idea?

Sophie entered the room a few minutes later. “The doorman says there’s a Mr. Aedan downstairs, for Miss Rosa.”

Rosa jumped up from the table, dropping her napkin on her plate. “I have a date with him. I’ll be back.”

Her mother held up her hand. “Sophie, have him sent up, please. Rosa, I think we should meet whoever you’re having this ‘date’ with, don’t you?”

Rosa heard Sophie answer the door, then Aedan’s deep voice was a strangely foreign sound in the apartment. But a sound that sent a thrill through her nonetheless.

She managed to get down the hall ahead of her mother. Aedan was standing in the foyer, looking uncomfortably around the marble and glass room. He caught sight of Rosa, and his face brightened. She tried to conceal a gasp; his left eye was swollen and purple.

“Hey, Rosa. You ready to go?” He looked past her and a shadow passed across his face. Rosa turned, catching sight of her mother, followed by her father.

“Aedan.” She reached for his hand. “Mom, Dad, this is Aedan Kearney. Aedan, my mother, Celeste, and my father, Samuel.”

Her mother extended a stiff hand toward Aedan, her eyes focused on his black eye. Aedan shook it, and she dropped Aedan’s hand almost instantly.

“So, I hear you’re responsible for helping my daughter out the other evening.” Her father’s voice sounded strained, as if he were trying for a light tone, but completely failing. She saw her mother turn, shooting a withering look at her dad.

“Yeah, it’s all good, Dad.” She put her arm through Aedan’s, grabbing her purse from the table. “I’m ready. We can go. Bye you two.” Don’t wait up.

She pushed Aedan out the door ahead of her.

“What was that all about?” Aedan was frowning at her as she pushed the button for the elevator.

“They’ve been giving me a hard time over being out, not calling Thomas...” She stole a glance at Aedan, noting the scowl on his face. “And they’re not really...ready...” Her voice faded away. What do I really want to tell him?

“They’re not ready for me?” He cast her a sidelong long, shrugging. “I get it.”

The elevator arrived, the doors sliding open silently. Rosa pushed the button for the lobby.

“What happened to your face?” She was trying not to stare.

“Oh...” He gingerly touched the corner of his eye. “I took a head to the face. Happens sometimes.”

They were silent on the way down to the lobby, Rosa fidgeting with her purse.

“Look, I know this isn’t going to be easy, by any means.” Aedan was looking at the floor lights, watching them light up as the car descended. “I’m not easy...I guess.” He turned to her, his eyes dark. “If you want out of this, I understand.”

Rosa frowned at him. “What do you mean? You mean not go to the party? Or do you mean out, out? Like with you?”

“Me...this.” He spread his hands. “Nothing is easy with me. I think you’ve already figured that out.”

The elevator door opened onto the lobby. The doorman looked up, catching her eye.

She nodded out of habit. “Peter, can you call me a car please? Thank you.” She turned back to Aedan. “I’ve no intention of not doing whatever this is we’re doing...or backing out on whatever this is we have. Why would you think that? Because my parents are difficult?”

Aedan shrugged. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the usual type of guy you bring home to Mommy and Daddy.”

“No, you’re right... you’re not. And right now, I don’t care what my parents think.”

Aedan looked at her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Really? You cared the other night. Enough to break our date. I’m not in this to be your boy-toy. Or the wrong-side-the-street guy to upset Mommy and Daddy.”

“You think that’s what I think of you?” She sighed and lowered her voice. “Yeah, I broke our date. And that was wrong. I apologized. You were right; I’m old enough to make my own decisions. And from now on, I’m going to.” She took a step toward him, poking him in the chest with her finger. “You know, you’re not the only one with issues, okay? I may not have your family history, but I’ve my own. My life’s not perfect.”

Aedan pulling her into his arms. “Yeah. Okay. I get it.” He kissed her but she pulled away.

“Aedan.” Her voice was serious. “I’m not going anywhere. I know you think I’m going to run away because of...well, whatever makes you think I’ll run away. But I’m not going anywhere.” She kissed him gently. “But the eye...it looks painful.”

“Ahh, it’s nothing. I’ve had worse injuries. It heals. The harder I train, the more this happens. You’ll either get used to it or...”

There was a discreet cough behind Rosa. “Miss Thomas, your car is here.”

“Thank you, Peter.”

The driver was holding the door open for them and Rosa slid in, Aedan behind her, shifting uncomfortably on the leather seat. Rosa leaned forward, giving the driver the address.

“What does your father do that he warrants a standing account with a limo service?” Aedan was looking around the interior of the car as it pulled away from the curb.

“He owns things...restaurants, a race horse, buildings...and then he finds people to run them or lease them or race them and makes money. Although I don’t think the horse does all that well; racing is more of a sentimental thing, I guess. My dad grew up in a little town in Upstate New York. He worked summers at a stable and I guess he fell in love with horses.”

“Horses?” Aedan actually sounded impressed. Or maybe it was surprised.

“He’s a self-made man. His family was well off, something to do with furniture, but he wanted more. As he said, there was no way he was going to sell dinette sets for the rest of his life. So he did whatever it is he does and...” She turned to Aedan. “I’m sorry, I’m rambling. Are you tired from the gym?” She wound her arm through his and he took her hand, idly playing with her fingers.

“Yeah, I guess. I’m a little on edge. Sometimes I get keyed up after a tough practice. It’s an odd feeling; too tired to sleep, too much energy.” He shook his head. “I’m fine. So, whose party is this?”

“Sophia’s boyfriend...or friend. Something. Mark. You met Sophia the other night.”

She saw Aedan make a face. “Yeah, I remember Sophia.”

Rosa laughed. “I think she had a micro-crush on you, until she realized we were...that I’d...where I’d spent the night.” Rosa was glad the car was dim; she could feel her cheeks growing hot.

“After you spent the night in my bed, you mean?” His voice was low and he finally turned to look at her, pulling her close, his lips brushing against hers.

“A night I’ll never forget.”

His hand caressed her cheek as his mouth claimed hers. The kiss lasted until the driver opened the car door, light spilling across them. Rosa jumped, pulling away from him.

Aedan was smiling at her, that charming smile that curled the corner of his lips, the one that made her heart flutter and her stomach do little flips. He held his hand out to her and she took it, sliding across the seat out of the car.