Page 25 of Stood Up
“Not sure if I should take that as a good thing or bad.”
He laughs. “Good, son. Good. I’m happy for you. Now just don’t let her get away.”
“No way.”
We hang up, and I text Aiden.
What’s your favorite dessert?I figure I can play off the game she started last night.
A few moments later she texts:Chocolate Cream Pie. You?
A giddy joy hits me as I type:You, tonight.
She replies with her address, and I can’t wait to have her within reaching distance again.
My phone rings and I answer. “Yes?”
“Mr. Dean is Eli from security.” This makes me sit up in my seat.
“Yes.”
“Visited Drake Hamilton. He suddenly decided that he needs to move out of state to be close to his parents. He’ll be gone within the week.”
“Excellent. No trouble.”
“Nothing we couldn’t handle. Our guys are on him until he leaves.”
“Perfect. Thank you Eli.”
“Yes, sir.”
Guilt doesn’t hit one bit at running Drake out of town. Hell no. The fucker is lucky he’s leaving all in one piece. My guys can do damage. Serious damage, but luckily, he saw reason. Now to make sure he’s gone and out of Aiden’s life forever. Mine too. If he’s not, then I’ll deal with it. I’m hoping he’s not that stupid, but only time will tell.
* * *
I’ll have to cancel. Have to work late.
The text camefifteen minutes ago, and working late or not, I’m having dinner with my girl. I pick up Italian and head to her office. I’ve never been so GPS directs me. The building is quaint. Made of brick, the building houses three small shop areas. One has Berkshire Offices written in fine font, and the light is on.
The only car in the lot is Aiden’s so she must be alone. I don’t like her being here by herself after night falls one bit. I pull in, get out, and make my way to the door.
Giving a hefty knock, Aiden peeks around one of the corners. Her eyes visibly relax and soften when she sees it’s me. I stupidly hold up the bag as she walks to me, a wide smile on her face.
“I told you I had to work late,” she says, stepping back, letting me in and locking the door.
“And I need a dinner date.”
“Lucky me,” she says in a joking tone, but her eyes are alight. Damn, she’s beautiful.
“Very lucky and get used to it. I’m going to make you see what I do in us.”
“Who’s to say I don’t,” she whispers, getting up on tiptoes and kissing me. With food in hand, I’m unable to wrap myself in her nor stop her as she pulls away.
“Thank you,” she whispers, her lips so close to mine they barely touch.
“You’re welcome.” I lift the food in my hands. “Where can I lay this out?”
“Follow me.” The office is very sleek and put together. There are a few colorful paintings on the walls, but other than that everything else is a cream color. Aiden opens a door and ushers me through. A large, round table with chairs around it sits in the center of the room while a small kitchen is off to the side.
