Page 26 of Stood Up
“What do you need me to get?”
I smile. “Nothing. Have a seat and let me.” I made sure to have the restaurant give me place settings, and I pull everything out setting it on the table.
“God, that smells so good.” The aroma hits my nostrils, and I have to agree with her.
“Not as good as you smell, and I know for damn sure not as good as you taste.” That beautiful blush creeps up as I dish out her food and slide her plate in front of her.
“Thank you,” she says again as I make my plate then sit down next to her. She begins to eat, and I do the same.
“So, what’s got you so late?” I ask, wiping my mouth.
“Client problems.” She laughs at her own joke, and it’s endearing. “I can’t tell you. It’s just one of those things. I have it almost together but not quite there. So, I’ll be late getting it all worked out by the morning.”
I really don’t like that she’s here by herself so late, and taming the protective beast inside me is difficult. But I will be calling the guys and making sure security is on this place, tight.
“How was your day otherwise?”
“Great. You?” she asks.
“My day was shit. A proposal went horribly wrong, and I cleaned up the legalities all afternoon.” Which is why I wanted to see Aiden, hoping she could help me wash away the day. I just needed her in a way I’ve never needed anyone before.
“Sorry. Those kind of days suck.” She reaches out and touches my arm in comfort and all within me relaxes.
“Yeah,” I say right before taking another bite. “Do you have people that work for you?”
“Yes. I have two, one is part time; she does the books. The other is my secretary slash assistant who helps me keep everything in line. Sometimes things can get a little hectic.”
“Do you work late often?”
Her brow goes up questioningly, and I stifle a smile. “Not often, why are you asking, Mr. Dean?”
“Just not safe. A woman as beautiful as you shouldn’t be walking to her car all by herself at night.”
She full out laughs, and I’m not sure why because I’m serious as all hell here. She sets her fork down and turns to me.
“Way to lay it on thick, Mason.”
I pull her hands into mine, the look of absolute seriousness on my face. She stills at the sight. “I’m not laying anything, Aiden. I’m dead serious about every single word I just said. You are beautiful, and it’s not safe. It makes me uncomfortable to know you’re walking outside at night by yourself when any asshole could hurt you.”
Her eyes soften, and I swear if she says something about me being cute, I’ll turn her over my knee.
“Mason, I’m fine here. The neighborhood is good, the crime rate is really low, and I’m always careful.” She grips my hand tight, giving me a reassuring squeeze that doesn’t help.
“I’m not saying Drake will come here, but how can we know for sure?”
Her soft face falls and I hate having to ruin out time by bringing up that assholes name, but I need her on alert just in case.
“I didn’t think of that.”
“Will you call me tonight when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll come here.”
She squeezes again. “I’m not going to have you come out at nine o’clock.”
I pull Aiden from her chair and set her on my lap. She gives out an ooph as she sits. “Please. I don’t say that word often, Aiden, but I’m saying it here. Please, call me before you leave, and let me come and make sure you’re safe.”
She turns in my arms, locking eyes with me and studies me. I hope she sees how serious I am. If she doesn’t say yes, I’ll be camping out until she leaves.
“I protect what’s mine,” I whisper to her, and a tear slides down her cheek. I reach up and wipe it away. “Why are you crying?”
