Page 34 of Stealing It
“She’s going to love this,” I reaffirm.
He smiles, exposing a section of gums. “Surely she will. I thank ya, Miss Magnolia. You always have the treasures I’m huntin’.”
I thank him for stopping in and link my arm in his to walk him to the door. I watch his back as he hobbles down the street to the nearby florist, and I think of my grandpa some more, wistful, happy, that I’ve finally built something out of our shared love for antiques. Finally have a life I love even if it took the whole thing falling apart first.
Aidan clears his throat from behind me. “My competition is looking a little decrepit,” he says, striding from the back room where I had him packaging online orders. It was a killer week, and business is picking up as it always does this time of year.
“He was buying a gift for his wife,” I deadpan. “I’m not into the elderly, although you might fit into that category. Geezer.”
He presses his lips together. “Was that a burn? Did you just try to zing one on me?” He raises one brow and my stomach flutters. “Am I bringing you to the dark side? Is it fun?”
I roll my eyes—an attempt at outward dismissal. Everything internally loves when he acts cocky and sarcastic. “Are you finished with the orders?” I change the subject.
“I’ve been finished. What else do you have for me?” he asks. “Maybe something wet?”
Shaking my head, I look around, and realize the store is clean, everything is ready to be shipped, and I’ve begun plans for the shop window display for Christmas. Aidan helped a bit and he’s already told me he wants credit for his design skills. “I think it might be time to wrap it up. I’m going to pick up Kendall from school and you could swing by for dinner in a few hours? If you’re still up for it?”
He folds his arms across his burly chest. “Up for it? When have I never been up for something.”
“Oh my gosh! Stop joking about this. This is a big thing, Aidan.” Spinning away, I bolt the door and flip the sign to Closed. His hands encompass my waist before I can turn.
He leans down and whispers into my ear, “I know it’s serious. I’m sorry. It’s hard being this close to you when we’re alone.”
He smells like the back room. Like polish and dust. Like memories. Tilting my chin up, I meet his devilish gaze. “What’s your best part of the day? The very best part of every day?”
Aidan pulls away but keeps me locked in his arms, his face contemplative. “It’s different depending on the day,” he replies.
“Tell me what you mean.”
Clearing his throat, his eyes dart to the window behind my head. “In San Diego, the best part of my day was anytime I was out on the water, the shoreline in my peripheral, the ocean to the other side, the temperature is always perfect. Not too hot or too cold. It was…the best.” Aidan pauses and meets my eyes. “The best part of my day when I’m deployed is when I’m not on. When I can take off the gear, strip down to my underwear, and be free. When I can wipe it all clean. That’s the best part of my day. The emptiness.”
I can’t help myself. The energy of truth feels like a drug. I need more. More of his thoughts and feelings. “What about here? What’s the best part of your day here? In Bronze Bay?”
Aidan raises one brow and nods. “Sunrise on the water. I can see it so much better here. I didn’t live on the water when I lived in San Diego. I just worked at the beach. Why do you want to know?”
Biting my lip, I tip my head to the side. “I think it’s important. That’s all.” Hesitating a few seconds, I tell him a bit about my Grandpa.
He nods, eyes smiling. Aidan seems happy when I open up. I think he must feel relieved there are other pieces of me that Paul hasn’t scarred and blazed to the ground. He leans down and kisses me, then dips me back even further as he deepens the kiss. I giggle against his mouth. I’m breathless and can still taste him on my tongue when I pull away.
“Can I bring anything tonight?”
“Just your bravery and common sense.”
He scoffs. “As if you had to tell me that.” He flexes a bicep.
I roll my eyes, but can’t deny my core clenches as I admire him. I lead him to the back door and lock the door behind us, the blinding heat hitting us like a brick.
When I get to my car, I turn to say, “Hey Aidan.”
He grins in reply.
“This was the best part of my day.”
He grins wider. The smile that makes my stomach flip. “Day’s not over yet, Magnolia.”
