Page 52 of Aiden

He buries his face in my hair. His chest rises and falls as he breathes me in. “I missed you, baby. So much.”

His strong arms envelope me, and I can’t help but wrap mine around his neck.

I can’t think straight. He smells too good. The familiar scent of my childhood home, cinnamon and apples, is replaced with another aroma. Mint and smoke, my other version of home.

My resolve falters and I squeeze his waist, he winces slightly, and I’m reminded of his wound. “Sorry.” I whisper, my voice cracking.

I pull back and study his face, his features a mixture of relief with a hint of anger. His eyes pan down to my chest where his necklace lays. His uneven smile makes me melt.

I ask the one question that keeps running through my mind. “How do you know my mom?”

Mom walks up and smiles at Aiden, answering my question. “Honey, this is the man I was telling you about. The investor.”

He places his hand on the small of my back.

“Well, this is the guy I was telling you about.” I shoot him a curious glance.

He gives away nothing. His face is stone.

My mom pats his shoulder. “Now I see why you’re so invested in a small business from a town you’re not even from.” She laughs, gesturing for us to sit.

She brews a pot of coffee and brings us each a mug before taking her spot at the table. Aiden is next to me and Mom across.

“So, Mr. Scott…”

He politely stops her with a smile. “Please, just Aiden.”

“Aiden.” She sits a little straighter. “What’s going on here?” She looks between us and I wait for him to speak up. Thankfully, he does.

“Emma and I are together.”

The way he says it sends shivers down my body. A definite thing. A tangible object you can touch.

I look between them, wondering how Mom will react. She’s got a couple of tattoos herself, so I’m not worried about her judging him based on that. But he’s older and this is all weird.

“I wished you told me during our meeting. Surely I would have figured out who you are when I went to visit.”

He shrugs, smiling as he looks down at his hands. “Yes, I know. I figured I would meet you sooner or later. But I knew if you or Emma knew, you wouldn’t let me invest.” His charming smile lights the room. “Better to ask forgiveness.”

“You’re right.” She raises an eyebrow as she stirs her frothy creamer into her coffee.

I bring the mug to my lips and swallow the warm liquid.How does he even know?

“Ashley,” I say out loud, without thinking. “Ashley told you.”

I’m going to kill her or hug her. I don’t know yet.

“Ashley?” Mom looks at me inquisitively.

Aiden smiles. “I’m her big brother.”

He sounds proud, and I’m glad they’re getting along better.

Mom claps her hands. “Oh! I just love her! This all makes so much more sense now.” She calms and clears her throat. “But still, Mr... Aiden, I appreciate the gesture, but we can’t accept such a gift knowing what we know now.”

I nod in agreement with her words.

Aiden places his large hands on the table, looking more business than friendly. “It’s already done, and I can assure you it’s not a gift. You’ve owned this business for over twenty years. It’s not charity, it’s an investment. I promise you, it’s no big deal.”

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