Page 8 of Playing With Secrets
“It’s about time. Let’s get upstairs and you can fill me in.” I grab his bag and gesture to the elevators. “I’m surprised they gave you medical clearance.”
He glances over his shoulder like he’s watching out for someone, then follows. “I got discharged from the hospital a week ago and feel fine. I’ve passed all their tests, so I was given the go-ahead to come out here.”
“I’m happy you did. Since you have your bag, I’ll assume you’re taking me up on my offer of staying with me anytime you want.” I press the elevator call button.
“You nailed it. I’m only able to stay a couple of days, so I figured I’d get to spend more time with you if I just stayed at your place.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” The doors slide open and we get on the elevator. “I take it your haircut isn’t something you picked out on purpose.”
He runs his hand over the top of his head. “I needed to make it even, so the buzz cut won.”
“Are you completely healed from the attack?”
“I have some residual medical issues. With the exception of being sensitive to light and loud noises, I am generally in good health.
“Any idea who did it?”
He shakes his head. “The agency is still working on it.”
I nod. “Hopefully, they’ll catch the asshole.”
The elevator opens to my floor. We get out and go to my place. I set him up in the main-level guest room.
We meet back in my kitchen after we’ve changed our clothes. He climbs onto one of the stools at my center island as I rummage through the refrigerator.
I turn, shutting the fridge as I do. “Unless you want cold cuts and cheese, we’re going to need to order in or go out for dinner.”
“Let’s surprise Dori and then go out. She should be getting home soon.” He picks up his phone and checks something.
The thought of seeing her when he’s there and all that’s going on between us causes me to recoil. I lower my head as I try to figure out how to get out of it.
“What’s with the look, Jamison?” He straightens his back like he’s ready to square off with me.
First off, he never calls me Jamison. Next, he knows me too well. I’m not sure how I’m going to get out of this. I turn and grab a bottle of whiskey to escape his glare.
“She’s been sick, so I thought it wouldn’t be a good idea.But I wasn’t being considerate. You’re her brother, and she’ll want to see you. After this drink, let’s get going.” I take two glasses off the shelf.
His presence is a slap in the face I didn’t need, telling me how many people are affected by my one night with her. It takes out all the good and leaves only the sinfulness of it. No matter how great that night was, the aftershocks will be devastating no matter how it turns out.
Aiden eyes narrow. “She didn’t mention she didn’t feel well. But then again, our messages were quick and short.”
“She was busy today.”
His posture gets rigid. “I’m calling you on your bullshit. When I brought her up, the look on your face was a lot more than being concerned about her being sick. I’m getting a distinct feeling you and I are about to have it out.”
I do something that normally would be shitty, but in this case, I think even Dori would agree with it.
“Come on, Aiden. Any look I had was probably because I think your sister has lost her mind.”
“What has she done this time?”
I pour some whiskey into our glasses and slide him his drink. “You can have this, right?”
He nods and takes it from me.
I take a swig of mine and swallow the guilt from my lie right along with it. “She’s still spending time with her boss. If you ask me, it’s a recipe for disaster. I think the stress is getting to her.”
“Why do you say that?”
