Aiken
Luck had been in my corner when I decided to pump some gas into my truck. I’d been out to the dairy farm, where I’d hit pay dirt with my web design. They were ass-over-tits for my work, and I got a tiny niggle in my spine that they may have some other answers for me. Mentally celebrating, I’d decided to stop and get food and then march next door and tell Claire she was coming over for dinner.
What that damn woman needed was someone to take charge. Lead her back to living again.
That was when I saw her.
Bingo.
There she was, running around solo, acting all proud and stoic, when she was a little bird, injured and lonely.
No doubt, with a little care, she’d be an eagle ready to rule the world.
Of course, I had to go and scare the fuck out of her, but then we shared laughs over my shoes.
My fucking boots—saving the day as always.
Tried and true.
Every man needs a good pair of boots.
With my coffee in the center console, I headed home, Claire’s brake lights in front of me.
I’d never wanted someone in my bed as much as I wanted this woman.
Not only my bed. Everywhere.
I’d get her. Save her. Breathe air back into her lungs.
Don’t misconstrue my bravado for self-confidence.
I didn’t hold a single clue as to what to do with a woman like Claire.
I could take it slow, but I didn’t want to.
I could allow her to think she was in control, but that wasn’t in me.
I could let her mother me—hell, I sure as fuck wasn’t allowing that.
I wanted her body, mind, and freaking soul.
A few simple interactions, and I knew she’d be mine.
My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing. “Yo, Pops.”
“Hey, Son. How ya doing?”
“All good, I swear, all good. Got a nice place, a smart investment, and lined up a few decent jobs…”
“I don’t like that you’re out there looking for her. She’s gone wherever she’s gone, and it’s not with us.” He cleared his throat.
“I know, but we should know. She should know what she gave up. Ya know?”
“I just don’t want you to stay gone forever. Already lost so much. I’m good with you not working the farm, but this…come back, Aiken. I like having you near.”
“I will, Pops. Soon. I can always rent the house I bought.”
“You having some fun? Meeting some people? College is nearby…I don’t know how old those kids are.”
