Page 38 of Aidan

I hesitate. Aidan and I were already gone this morning. Should I really leave again when the boys and Aisling are still settling in? I don’t want them to think that because we’re not in Burtonport anymore, I’m just going to push them off onto someone else.

“I’d love to, thank you. Let me just check on the kids and make sure they’re okay with me leaving. I feel guilty for not being here. Just in case they need me. Other than Aidan, they don’t know anyone else very well yet.”

“I don’t have any of my own, but my sister Brenna has a shit ton of them, and I can tell you that as long as someone feeds them they’re fine,” Caitlín says.

That makes me laugh. “I suppose you’re right, but it will soothe my anxiety just to make sure. Maybe I need it more than they do.”

“Understandable,” Nessa agrees.

The three of us head out of the room in search of Kellen, Carson, and Aisling. On our way to the kitchen, a set of double doors open and Aidan steps out. The library, if I remember correctly. He comes to an abrupt halt and his gaze bounces between us before landing and sticking on me.

The heat in his eyes burns through me. This is the same way he looked at me in the elevator. My core pulses and arousal makes my skin tingle. One of the women clears her throat. I dart a quick glance their way and back to Aidan. “Caitlín and Nessa came by to invite me to lunch. I was just looking for everyone to let them know.”

Is that disappointment in his eyes? “That was nice of them. I won’t keep you then.”

I turn to the women. “Would you mind giving us a minute?”

“Of course.” Nessa tugs Caitlín’s arm and guides her away.

“Damn it, why do we always miss the good stuff?” Aidan’s cousin’s voice trails off.

I think I’m going to like her. Clearing the smile from my lips, I face him again. “I don’t have to go with them today if you had plans for us.”

He shakes his head. “No, you should go. Enjoy some grownup time.”

I lay my hand on his chest. His heart beats firmly beneath my palm. “I enjoy my grownup time with you.”

Aidan covers it with his. “You know what I mean. It’ll be nice for you to get to know each other and have other women to talk to. I know it’s been lonely for you without that.”

It really has. “You’re being sweet again. You know that, right?”

He cradles my jaw and his thumb caresses the ridge of my cheek bone. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.”

“I won’t,” I say softly.

“Good.” Aidan leans down and kisses me. It doesn’t last nearly long enough before he rests his forehead against mine. “I’ll let the boys and Aisling know you’ll be back later this afternoon. How’s that?”

The pull to stay here wars with the need to enjoy a little bit of freedom. “Are you sure? What if they need me for something?”

“We’ll be fine. If it gets desperate, I’ll call you. Go and have fun.”

I rise up and manage to bring my lips to his for another brief kiss. Everything in me wants to linger, but I make myself draw back. “Thank you. We shouldn’t be gone long.”

Aidan squeezes my hand gently and releases me. “Call me if Caitlín gets you guys into any trouble.”

“It’s just lunch.” I chuckle.

“You don’t know my cousin. She’s like a magnet for trouble. Ask her about the time she drew a knife on Nessa’s stepda.”

My mouth falls open. “You’re kidding?”

He’s the one to laugh this time. “Not at all. Granted the bastard deserved it. May he rot in hell.”

“You know, I’m not sure if I should admire her or be completely terrified.”

“Both,” Aidan replies. “All right, go. Enjoy.”

I wave goodbye and go find Caitlín and Nessa who are waiting at the door. His cousin whistles and opens it. “Holy shit woman, he’s got it bad for you.”

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