A Little Artist

Claire's heart sped up. She didn't know how to answer him. Staring at him nervously she started to fidget with the hem of her dress.

Aiden's eyes were stern as he looked at her. In reality, he wasn't trying to intimidate her, but his natural disposition would always come across that way. Noticing her true intentions wasn't rocket science. And although he wasn't displeased about it, he could see her eyes wavering as the gears in her head were turning.

"I'm not mad about it Claire." He told her as he grabbed her hands to make her focus on what he was saying. The kind of nervousness she was showing towards him wasn't the kind he wanted her to have. "There's no need for you to be nervous angel." He rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs.

"I really don't mind, so don't overthink about it." He smiled at her while he reasured her it truly didn't bother him.

Pulling her closer to him, he tucked her into his side. He placed his arm on the head rest of the sofa and conformed himself with having her close although his hands weren't touching her.

"I'm not a threat to you or your family so be at ease." He said while he looked at Logan place the mug Lily had finished painting into the stone and wood oven. "Why would I take issue with you using my presence to keep flies away from you and Lily? It's a simple example of how you work smarter, not harder."

"I won't say I'm sorry." Claire didn't feel ashamed for using him, but she didn't want him to misunderstand her either so before he could even turn to face her she explained. "But just to be clear, I'm not just simply taking advantage of who you are so that I can deal with my family's situation with less risk."

Aiden looked back at Claire and noticed she had calmed down. Her initial anxious nerves were now replaced by the kind he wanted her to have. The kind that let him know she was aware of him.

"I've been enjoying your company too..." Claire's voice was soft and quiet. Her cheeks started to blush. "I haven't forgotten anything of what you've said." She looked up at met his gaze. "I just haven't had the time to think about it properly yet. Once I finish dealing with everything that's happened...can we sit down and talk again?"

'I'm screwed.' Aiden thought to himself as he realized how much power her captivating eyes had over him in just a few days of knowing her. His heart squeezed just by looking at her. He was sure that with time, she would have no trouble bringing him to his knees if she wanted to.

"Of course angel. I'm not going anywhere." Aiden replied as he brought his hand to her cheek and gently caressed her flawless face.

"Thank you." Claire smiled at him.

Aiden removed his hand and smiled back at her. He was satisfied with how things were playing out and couldn't wait to see what was to come.

"By the way Angel, I was serious when I told you to leave Lily with me. You can have Ben come with us so that she feels more at ease in your absence and you feel more comfortable with having her away for a few hours. Being with me is ten times better than leaving her somewhere else while you work."

"Are you sure? I'm not against it but..." Her eyes trailed to where Lily was.

"Being a man of my word, leaving today's outing unfinished doesn't sit well with me. I told Lily I would help her make memories she could share with her uncle once he wakes up and I intend to make it happen. Having you be there would obviously make it better, but if you need to go then you can have her stay with me until your done."

Claire looked back at him and saw he was truly irked by the idea of not being able to follow through with his plans with Lily.

"If she doesn't want to go then that's fine. But if she does, I'm more than willing to accompany her for the rest of the day." He reassured Claire.

She was about to answer him when they heard light and quick footsteps coming closer to them. They both looked in the direction of the cute sound of Lily running towards them with one of the brightest smiles Claire has ever seen on her face.

Lily reached the pair on the sofa and lifted up the mug in her hands with pride. She was very satisfied with how it had turned out.

"Sweetie this is amazing!" Claire's eyes grew wide in admiration at Lily's craft.

The mug was painted with dark blue, white and gold colors. It had a design that looked like the image of space. It was dark blue all around but lightened up as it reached the rim at the top. Small specks of white and gold covered it mimicking star dust. It was simple yet elegant in it's own way.

"She did that all by herself. I only supervised at her side." Logan explained as he saw an immensely proud expression spread across Claire's face.

"Lily this is truly beautiful. Colton will love it." Claire couldn't believe her little flower was so talented.

'I did it all by myself Mommy!' Lily looked so happy that Aiden couldn't help himself and started to caress her cheek. Her smile was making his heart squeeze just as hard as when he was lost in Claire's eyes earlier.

"You're a little artist Princess. Now I want one for myself." He praised her making Lily smile even wider. Being called an artist made her feel giddy inside.

As Claire started to pepper Lily's face with kisses, Logan was appreciating the lovely image in front of him. It was like watching a happy family of three. He would have never taken the infamous Aiden Villan to be a family man, yet there he was. Looking at the girls beside him as if they were his treasures. The soft and happy looks in their eyes was enough to make Logan feel happy about helping them share such a special moment together.

"If she were ever to consider taking up painting or sculpting, I would be more than glad to be amongst the candidates to be her mentor." Logan honestly said as all three of them looked up at him.

"Mr. Aalto that would be asking for too much." Claire was surprised at his offer. It was publicly known that he didn't take in pupil's. No matter who requested it from him. And she was sure Aiden hadn't pressured him to say such a thing either.

"Not at all. Not many children her age demonstrate such raw talent. It would be a shame if it were never developed." Logan was sure that Lily had potential.

While working together he was surprised at how serious she was throughout the process. She payed close attention to detail on everything he did. He sincerely believed she could achieve great things if she tried.

"We'll keep that in mind. Thank you." Aiden replied on their behalf as he stood up and lifted Lily in his arms. He slightly turned and offered Claire his hand to help her do the same.

"My people will be in contact with you as soon as we make a decision and in regards to today's payment. We appreciate the offer Logan." Aiden said as he shook his hand.

"Thank you for your help. It was truly a pleasure to meet you Mr. Aalto." Claire followed Aiden's lead and said her goodbyes.

"Please, the pleasure was mine. I hope to see you again little one." He waved at Lily as they made their way out. Lily smiled and waved back at him while she hugged the mug they made together.

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"Sweetie." Claire said to Lily as they were on their way to Villan Enterprise. "Mommy has to go to work for the rest of the afternoon."

Lily's expression immediately turned sad. It was evident she was really looking forward to the adventure she and Aiden had agreed on.

"There's no need to be sad Baby." She continued. "How about you, Aiden and uncle Ben go on the adventure together?"

'But what about Mommy?' Lily didn't want her to miss out on their day.

"We can go together another day. I'm really sorry. I would love to go, but you can tell me all about it later tonight. I'm sure you're going to have lots of fun." Claire smiled at Lily who was a bit disappointed.

Lily looked at Aiden who was sitting by her side. He had a kind expression as he smiled at her.

"What do you say Princess?" He asked her.

She looked at the mug in her hand and after a while smiled. Aiden had shown her something new and amazing. She was curious about what else he would bring into her life.

'Okay.' She signed.