Page 79 of Wild Mistake
“Gabe!” I chide, but Parker is laughing.
“Whatever. Never mind.” Gabe picks his phone back up and slinks into the back of the bench seat. “I’m sorry I asked.”
“No.” I shake my head. “Not whatever.” I wait for him to lift his gaze. “If you want to borrow the car we probably can make that work.”
He straightens, a smile curving his lips. “Really?”
I haven’t seen him this excited about anything. Not since moving here.
“But only if you turn in all your assignments this week and you help out.”
“Done.”
“And you cut the attitude.”
“Okay.” He nods. “Deal.”
“I mean it. No talking back, no shitty attitude. Especially around your grandparents.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior.” He meets my stare. “Thank you, Mom.”
“You’re welcome,” I manage to say through my shock.Seriously? Who knew all I need to fix Gabe’s negative behavior is the promise of letting him borrow my car.I hope I don’t regret lending it to him, but more than that, I hope he follows through.
For the first time since moving back to Wilder Valley, I feel this could be home. Not just for me, but for Parker and Gabe. My fears and worry for them are at a minimum, and I can just breathe. I don’t know if that’s because of Aiden, or because they’re finally settling in. Maybe it’s a little of both.
A few minutes later I’m pulling into the parking behind the diner. My lips curve into a smile as I spot the hunky man leaning against the bed of his truck. I pull in next to him.
“What are you doing here?” I say, getting out of my car.
Aiden saunters over, closing the space between us. He doesn’t usually stop in until the end of my shifts, and he never meets me in the parking lot. “I couldn’t wait any longer to see you.” His arms wrap around my waist and he leans in for a kiss. “Mornin’ beautiful.”
“Good morning.” My heart gives a flutter as I lean into his embrace. I inhale the warmth and safety that comes with being in his arms. “This is a nice surprise.”
His hands settle at my waist and he presses another kiss to my lips. This kiss is the kind that sends my pulse racing. His grin is full of satisfaction when he pulls away. “I’m glad you think so.”
“Thanks for yesterday.” I rest my hands on his chest.
“Gabe and Parker had a good time. Right?”
“They did. It was nice to see them not arguing. Well, mostly.”
“Thank you for letting me spend time with them.”
“They like you.”
“I like them, too.” Aiden reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I should let you get to work.”
“Yeah.” I should clock in. I wish I didn’t have to. If I could, I would gladly spend the day wrapped up in Aiden’s strong arms. “Responsibilities suck.”
“Why don’t you stop by the cabin later? You can soak in the tub and then I’ll rub your feet.”
“That sounds amazing.” I sigh.
His eyes darken. “I’ll even rub other things.”
“Doing the Lord’s work.” I roll my eyes. “But I can’t. I promised to bring the boys dinner after work and they have school tomorrow so I need to make sure they’re ready for the week. Plus I promised my parents we’d do a few things around the place.”
“Come over afterward? Even for an hour or two.”
