“Hey, Helen, do you have plans tonight?” he asked.
Aiden left him to make the call, and Quinn crossed his fingers that Helen was free.
“Well, I was going to do some cooking for the week,” she said, “but that can wait. What’s up?”
“It looks like my plans from last night are being rescheduled for tonight. I was just wondering if you might be able to watch the kids.” He quickly added, “I know it’s short notice.”
She laughed. “I’m definitely available so that you can go out. It’s about time too.”
“Thanks, Helen. I’ll be home about one today and then I’ll need you again around six.”
“Okay. That sounds good. See you later, hun.”
Quinn disconnected the call, and he turned around to call out for Aiden, but he stood behind him less than ten feet away.
“Guess we’re on for tonight?”
Quinn nodded, a smile dancing on his lips. “Tonight will work.”
“Great!” He turned around and went back to the kitchen while Quinn stood there.
Yeah. Great! Now, he just needed to try to calm his racing heart. He’d gotten himself worked up since last night, and now they were back on. Quinn just hoped he wasn’t being played for a fool.
* * *
I’ll just spendthe night.Those were the last words that Helen left Quinn with. He tried to assure her that was not necessary, but Quinn’s mind decided to take them and run, supplying all sorts of possibilities.
Quinn had told Helen that he’d be back, but she had simply winked at him and told him to have fun. It gave Quinn a good chuckle as he left the house after saying goodbye to the triplets. Dating with kids was going to prove to be an adventure.
He didn’t even ring the bell when he reached the front door. Aiden must have been keeping an eye out because he opened it right away. He’d barely stepped in and Quinn caught a whiff of the meal. The house smelled like fresh-baked bread and herbs, and he just stood there for a moment and breathed it in. “Smells delicious.”
Aiden smiled. “Thank you! It tastes even better than it smells.”
“Confident, I see.”
Truth was, it was one of the things that Quinn found sexy about Aiden. It for sure made him smile as Aiden welcomed him into the house, placing a quick kiss on his lips. There was something so very domestic about it, like getting a kiss from your husband when you got home from work.
Hey there, buddy, don’t run before you can walk.Quinn reminded himself this was only their proper first date after dancing around each other for so long.
“Feels weird being here when I don’t have to pick up a dust rag,” Quinn said as he followed Aiden into the kitchen.
Aiden laughed. “Who says you won’t have to?” He tossed a look over at Quinn and winked at him, and Quinn couldn’t tear the smile from his lips.
They stepped into the kitchen, and Aiden immediately went back to work.
“Do you need help?” Quinn asked.
“Nope. It’s all under control.” Aiden grabbed a spoon and took a taste of the sauce on the stove. He nodded, a smile of satisfaction on his lips. Quinn watched him and saw the way Aiden lit up, and it intrigued him.
“Perfect,” the alpha said. “The dining room is all set up. Feel free to go have a seat.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help?” Quinn asked.
Aiden laughed. “I am positive. You’re my guest… my date.” He winked again, and Quinn blushed.
He was used to being the help, not the guest. He headed out to the dining room to find the table already set up and prepared for their romantic evening. There was a candle in the middle, and it was already lit.Who knew he was such a romantic.Quinn would never have admitted it to anyone, but he secretly liked being pampered. Independence was all well and good, but sometimes you just wanted to just have someone bring you hot cocoa at the end of a long day. Aiden was already getting points in his book.
Quinn took a seat and waited for Aiden to join him. When Aiden entered the room, he had a tray with the food and two wine glasses, along with a bottle of wine. Quinn went to stand up, but Aiden stopped him.
