Page 25 of Kink in the Road
I nodded, feeling a mix of reluctance and anticipation. “That sounds good.”
“Great,” Aiden said, already moving towards the door. “I’ll grab a quick shower. Finn, you need a hand with food prep?”
Finn shook his head. “I prepped yesterday. It’s pastries, fruit, cereals. All we need to do is assemble and warm some of it up.”
“Do you need me?”
Finn shook his head again. We should be able to handle it.”
I stood, stretching out the kinks in my back. “In which case, I’ll head home.”
Finn watched me. “You don’t want to shower here? I’m sure we could find you something to wear.”
The offer was tempting, but I needed a bit of space to clear my head. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. I’ve got clean clothes at the cottage.”
He nodded. “Alright. We’ll see you tonight.”
I moved towards the door, then hesitated. Gathering my courage, I turned back and crossed the kitchen to where Finn stood. Rising on my tiptoes, I pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “For everything.”
His smile was soft and warm. “Anytime, Riley. Always.”
Feeling bold, I poked my head into the bathroom where Aiden was showering. “See you at breakfast, handsome!”
His delighted laugh followed me out of the house.
The morning air was crisp as I made my way back to my cottage. Deciding to take a quick walk around the town rather than go straight home, I wandered down the cobble stone street, listening to the birds and the quiet murmurings of a town just beginning to wake.
My feet led me towards my favorite place—my workshop. Inside those walls, I was in control. I had confidence in who I was, what I could do, who I could be.
I rounded the corner and to my surprise, I saw lights on inside, despite the early hour. Curiosity piqued, I pushed open the door, the familiar smell of oil and metal enveloping me.
“Dad?” I called out, spotting him bent over the engine of old Mr. Johnson’s truck.
He straightened, wiping his hands on a rag as he turned to face me. “Riley? What are you doing here?”
Had amazing, mindblowing, incredible sex with two gorgeous men who want me and now I’m battling imposter syndrome and contemplating running away because the fantasy was great but the reality is scary and overwhelming?
I shrugged, moving further into the shop. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d take a walk.”
He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Everything alright, sweetheart?”
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. Dad and I had always been close, especially after Mom died, but we’d never really talked about relationships or love. It had always felt like a taboo subject, too painful for us to broach.
“I... I don’t know,” I admitted.
Dad pointed at the bench. “Grab that lamp and come hold it while I work. Damned eyes are getting old.”
I did as told, positioning myself to give him the best light.
He bent back over the engine, muttering to himself as he examined the pipes.
“You going to tell me about it?” he asked.
“No. Maybe? No.”
He snorted, leaning further into engine bay. “Shit or get off the pot, Ry.”
