Aaron missed Keeley intensely and was more than a little annoyed that Cameron had seen her twice since their return from Monaco, while he couldn't even get a text back. He texted her Saturday morning, but received no response, even after multiple messages throughout the day. By late afternoon, he couldn't take it anymore; there was no way she was that busy.

He drove to her apartment and banged on the door, ready to demand an explanation. He was unprepared to find the love of his life looking like she'd just rolled out of bed at 4 PM. Her outfit screamed cozy comfort, and it was adorable, especially when she blushed. It had been years since he'd last seen her blush—he couldn't even remember the last time.

Her explanation was reasonable, but he didn't want to let her go after their time apart, so he resorted to what she'd probably call a kidnapping. She didn't even fight him, aside from a slight pout. Progress.

Holding her like that… he hadn't done it since the night she was drugged. He wanted to kiss her but restrained himself. Friends. They were friends. The kissing could wait.

"What did you get me?" she asked, her anger gone now that he'd deposited her in the passenger seat.

"If I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise. I think you'll find it amusing."

"And you picked this all by yourself? You didn't cheat and get someone to help you?"

Suddenly, Aaron was grateful he hadn't asked Cameron for help. "No, I picked it personally."

"Hmm," she said skeptically. He would show her. The spoon truly was ridiculous.

When they arrived at his apartment building, Keeley requested a piggyback ride instead of him just picking her up. He happily obliged. The only other time he'd carried her like this was when she was unconscious from the drug. Why hadn't he ever carried her in his previous life? Having her this close felt wonderful!

His stomach sank. It was because back then he'd cared too much about appearances. He never would have allowed Keeley to leave the house in anything less than designer clothes, let alone let people see him carrying her.

Aaron had been an idiot. What did decorum matter when you love someone? It should be the first thing to go.

He reluctantly set her down when they reached the penthouse. Keeley had buried her face in his neck in the lobby, presumably to avoid being seen. Her face was still tinged pink as she stepped away.

"Where's the souvenir?"

He produced the box from the kitchen counter and handed it to her.

Keeley ripped open the packaging and stared. "this is a spoon."

"Look closer."

She examined it more thoroughly, discovering the palace etching. She snorted, then dissolved into giggles. "Why would they even make something like this?"

"I have no idea. It was the most random thing I found, though. Since you obviously like it, what do I get as a reward?"

Her laughter stopped immediately. "Who said anything about a reward? This wasn't a bet."

Aaron sighed. She was right; it wasn't. Why couldn't he ever get anything from her? Even a backhanded compliment felt like pulling teeth.

"I went all the way to Monaco and brought you this spoon, and you can't even thank me?"

Keeley looked at him suspiciously. "What do you want?"

"You were already watching TV on your day off. Watch here instead; my TV is much bigger." Her time was precious; it would give him the illusion of feeling loved by her again.

She seemed relieved. "That's all?"

"That's all," he confirmed.

"Alright. Do you have any food, though? I'm starving."

After she stayed the night, he stocked up on snacks and foods he knew she liked. He instructed her to check the pantry.

"Ah, you have frosted animal crackers," Keeley sighed happily. "I haven't had these in ages. Snacks are so expensive!"

She carried several snack packages to the room with the enormous entertainment system and a large couch. She was so awed by the room that she dropped her bag of goldfish crackers.

"This is the coolest TV room I've ever seen!"

Aaron felt gratified. He'd set it up with her in mind. Crossing the room, he picked up the remote and found what he was looking for.

Keeley's jaw dropped. "Youwatch Dancing with the Stars?"

No, but it was a show he'd noticed she watched often in his past life. He figured she hadn't had time to watch this season.

"I recorded it for you. I'm going to get dinner; I'll be back."

Aaron left without giving her a chance to respond. Now was the time to dote on her as he never could before. Anything she wanted, he'd have waiting.

When he returned with takeout, she was so wrapped in blankets that only her face peeked out. She was concentrating intently on the TV.

How odd. He'd never seen her do this before. Was it comfortable?

"You look like an Eskimo," he noted.

"It's the best way to watch TV when it's cold," Keeley replied defensively.

"I never said there was anything wrong with it; simply an observation. You seem very comfortable."

That was good news—if she liked it here, he could convince her to visit again. Aaron wanted her to feel at home in the apartment he'd bought, in part, for her.

Three episodes later, Keeley showed no signs of leaving. She was engrossed in her show. Occasionally, Aaron offered snacks or water, but otherwise, he was just room décor.

He didn't mind. Truthfully, he was thrilled. He could work on his expansion plan and enjoy her presence simultaneously.

Aaron was living the dream.

The final promotional sentence has been removed as it's irrelevant to the cleaned-up passage.