“Are you sure, Aiden?”
“Consider it settled,” Zack answered, knowing they agreed.
“Now that’s out of the way, Mia.” Aiden stood from his seat and walked over to the wet bar to gather drinks. “You owe me baby pictures.”
THREE
Aiden
The street lights flickered through the back windows of the town car Aiden reserved for the night, complete with a driver so he could avoid the ‘whose driving’ argument with Zack.
A last-minute change derailed the plans Aiden had made for three. He made sure there was no absence to hinder the evening.
“I had a wonderful time tonight,” Sophie spoke softly, breaking the silence of the car. “It's unfortunate that Zack couldn't join us.”
“I’m sure there will be another opportunity,” he reassured her. “And to think he calls me a workaholic. I hope it was okay to pullyou away on a work day…” This was their second dinner together and the third meeting this week.
Sophie met his gaze with a small smile, allowing him to implore into her life.
“I run my own tiny empire, like you, Mr. Mackay,” she teased. “I help business owners have everything put together on the back end. If you want to expand or start a new business venture, I will make sure everything is in order. From thumb tacks to taxes, Lidia likes to joke.”
She beamed with pride, and he found it infectious. “I can admire a motivated woman. My parents own a restaurant back home, and my mom’s been running it with my sister since our dad passed.” A pang of guilt hit Aiden, remembering he hadn’t spoken to his family in weeks. He’d been so focused on pivoting the business and pulling Zack out of his self imposed isolation that he’d fallen behind in other areas.
As if attuned to his change in mood, Sophie changed the subject. “So I'd sit in the back seat alone if Zack had joined us tonight?” She teased, turning toward the plush tan leather.
“There's no such thing. Zack is always the driver if he's in the car. Trust issues.” Aiden chuckled. “I would keep you company, of course.” Sophie flushed at his intended innuendo.
“Good to know I won't be a third wheel.”
“Not at all.” Aiden reached over and grabbed her hand, gently brushing his fingers over her warm skin. “I’m glad the universe decided we needed to meet again.”
“I’m sorry about how I handled things.”
“You already apologized, little star.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Daddy.” Aiden corrected. It was an honorific he didn't use often; it didn't suit him for average club play, but since the night they met, something about Sophie crawled into his chest and took hold.
Sophie’s breath caught, and the tips of her ears pinked in the way he was quickly becoming fond of. “Yes, Daddy.”
“That's my good girl.” She preened under his praise.
Sophie grasped his hand, turning the conversation. “So tell me how you and Zack started Surrender?”
“It’s a rather boring one. We were members of the club when the opportunity to invest arose. After a few years, we were put in a position to take the club in a new direction with our ownership. We made the changes we wanted to see in our community.”
“I have been looking to expand and create software that is for our vetted members. Those who have passed the eight-month mark. With the expansion of the Dollhouse, we can expand into a more digital aspect. Taking care of cravings on a one-and-done basis. A kink and lifestyle-friendly database. Madame Scarlett has tightened the ropes behind the scenes, and our club members have never been happier.” However true the words, they tasted foreign to Aiden, as if he had been toeing a company line for so long that it had lost its meaning.
He loved his business and partnership with Zack. The atmosphere was perfect, their bank accounts flush, and neither of them wanted much.
It was their needs that were left unsettled.
“Like Grindr except without the strange diseases and weirdos, as Claudia would say.”
“Yes,” Aiden laughed. “Exactly that.”
“You have a lot of things going on.”
