I enjoy watching the ebb and flow of clients throughout the afternoon, and then into the evening. Mainly older people and parents with kids at school come in the afternoon, then there’s a switch to the after-work crowd. Aron and Ivar are back-to-back with clients, but Ivar leaves at seven to go to his football game.
As it gets dark, I start to get anxious. What if Adrian knows where I am? I can’t ask Kade to come get me, he’ll have started his night shift by now, and Sally will be busy with Owen and the twins. I’m just going to have to walk quickly back to their apartment and stop scaring myself. Adrian doesn’t know I’m here.
The last couple of clients leave as I wipe down the reception area and log out of the laptop. The first rule of reception is to never leave the desk empty, so I wait until Aron comes out.
“How’d it go?” He’s changed his gym T-shirt for a plain dark blue one that brings out the color of his eyes.
“Great, you have some fun clients. Ivar’s gone to his game. We had four sign-ups.” I shrug on my coat on and grab my bag.
“Four? On your first day? Wow, is there anything you can’t do?” Aron walks closer to me and I have to make an effort to keep my breath steady.
I smile. “Well, I’m a terrible cook. And I’m scared of the eight-legged things that I can’t even bring myself to name.”
He laughs. “Okay, nobody’s perfect. As you saw yesterday my plumbing skills leave a lot to be desired. I’m taking you home, by the way.”
I raise my eyebrows. “You are?”
“I am. Your big brother let me know we’re all working as your protection squad. Nothing gets past the Langstone brothers. You may have noticed we’re built pretty bulky.” He flexes his muscles and I stare. He looks like he could throw cars around without much trouble.
“Kadetold you? All of you? This issoembarrassing. I don’t need to be looked after.” My cheeks are getting hot.
“Look, Olivia. It’s not your fault some crazy guy isn’t respecting your boundaries. From what Kade said, you’ve been very clear with him. I’m just an added deterrent.” Aron grabs his coat from the rack and then puts his hand on my shoulder, looking down at me. “Kade gave me your number and I’ll text you so you have mine. Then if anything seems out of the ordinary, you just call me and I’ll be there.”
My cheeks hot, I gaze back. “Um. I appreciate it. Maybe you can run me home tonight and then I can work something out.”
“Not a problem. Least I can do for you after fixing that tap yesterday and helping us out today. You’re my best friend’s little sister, it’s the least I can do.” His hand is still warm on my shoulder as we look at each other.
I can’t look away and before I know what I’m doing, I stand on tiptoe, putting my hands on either side of his face and kiss him. It’s like I want to prove to him that I’m not just Kade’s sister, or some employee. I want him to see me as something more.
His lips are warm on mine as I inhale his amber scent, pushing my body into his. He hesitates for a second and then reaches those huge arms around me, pulling me in closer as his lips press hard onto mine. He parts my lips, his tongue exploring my mouth, his huge cock already hard against me. I want to grind against him, feeling a powerful deep heat in my core as his hands slip from my waist down to my butt, pulling me closer.
The phone rings and we break apart, both breathing heavily. It rings twice and then stops.
Aron looks down at me.
I steady my breath. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that. I mean, you’re my boss. And Kade’s best friend. Let’s forget it.”
He stares down at me, his expression unreadable.
“Come on, Olivia. Let’s get you home.”
ChapterFour
ARON
Olivia hops down from my car. She mutters what sounds like “thanks, bye” and hurries up the stairs to Kade’s apartment block without looking back. I wait until I’m sure she’s inside before I text her.
Let me know when you’re inside and safe.
I sit, looking up into the first floor window of Kade’s apartment, waiting for the light to come on. My whole body is tense, on high alert, just in case something happens. I feel ridiculously protective of her, in a way I’ve never felt before.
The light snaps on in the apartment.
I’m fine. Thanks for driving me back. Sorry.
I want to text her back. To tell her that kiss was incredible, that all I want to do right now is have her in my arms again. But I can’t. I need to remember she’s off limits. And probably vulnerable right now, if she’s been subjected to some shithead who won’t leave her alone.
The thought of that fucker stalking her gives me an idea. My cousin Alfie Bells is a sheriff over in Snowflake Falls, a couple of hours drive in the opposite direction from Newhope. I dial his number, drumming my fingers against the steering wheel.
