68

OLIVIA

I step into a pile of leaves. My heart leaps into my throat as I worry I will lose my balance, but I quickly steady myself.

"Be careful,"

Aiden’s voice resounds in my ear from behind me. I just nod my head, my gaze fixed on the ground in front of me to avoid tripping.

All of a sudden, Aiden's hand clasps mine. His hand holds mine, and our fingers intertwine. I swallow a lump down my throat as I turn to meet his gaze.

"I thought you were carrying two things in both hands," I utter.

"I need to hold your hand, so you won't fall," He replies.

He walks beside me. I notice that he is really carrying a small bag and a small basket in one hand. I have no idea why he is carrying them, but I suppose it must be for a good reason.

“ Is that your way of being a perfect gentleman?” I ask.

“Sure," He answers, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “ If I can't keep you from tripping, who can?”

The corners of my mouth curl into a smile.

I can't help but smile; Aiden Blacksmith a