Aiden and I lounged on the thick rug in front of our fireplace, drinking cabernet and watching the flames for our Valentine’s Day celebration. Just the two of us tonight. We’d had a romantic chicken cacciatore dinner and talked about Violet’s adoption and Tessa’s engagement.
“I hope Basanelli knows what he’s gotten into,” Aiden said.
I chuckled, feeling freer than I had in eons. Oh, my shoulder still ached, and the fresh wound in my leg pounded, but ibuprofen kept the pain at bay. “He should know. His family’s huge, too. It was nice that he got reinstated today, as well, since he’s no longer a suspect.”
Aiden nodded. “Yeah, he’s a good prosecutor. I have a case in LA and need to leave the day after tomorrow,” he said. “Thought you should know.”
My heart sank. I missed him when he was gone, but he was good at his job. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?”
“I’m not sure. It could be a couple of weeks.” He looked up, his gaze intense. “Are you sure you’re still okay with that?”
“With your job? Yeah. You’re good at it, Aiden. I would never ask you to be anybody other than who you are. I’ll miss you, but you text and call when you can. That’s all I ask.”
He leaned over and kissed me. I knew he worried when he was gone because of some of my cases, but how often did a friend of mine get accused of murder? It really didn’t happen too often. “I promise I’ll take lame contract cases while you’re gone,” I said.
“Ha. I doubt that. Do you want your present?”
“I do.” I loved presents. “But first, here’s yours.” I reached beneath the sofa and drew out his gift, which was in a bright pink box.
“Pretty in pink,” he murmured.
“I also have an outfit for you later,” I said.
His gaze warmed. “An outfit thatyou’rewearing or I’m wearing?”
I laughed, feeling safe and happy. “That I’m wearing.”
His mouth curved into a smile. “That’s what I was hoping to hear.” He opened the box and then grinned. “These are gorgeous.”
“Do you like them?” I held my breath. I’d bought him Celtic knot cufflinks. He had to wear a suit occasionally for work, and he’d need one for Tessa and Nick’s wedding. “I figured they’d bring you good luck.”
“They’re beautiful.” He kissed me again. “Thank you.”
Aiden was tough to buy for, so pleasure filled me.
A knock sounded on the door and I pulled free. “Who would bother us on Valentine’s Day night?”
“I think it’s your present.” Aiden stood. “Stay here.”
My present arrived via a knock on the door? That was interesting.
He crossed around our new sofa. I heard muffled voices, and then Aiden returned with the cutest dog I’d ever seen.
“Sit,” Aiden said. The dog instantly sat, and I swore he smiled at me.
My heart exploded. “He’s adorable.”
“Anna, meet Brickhouse. Brickhouse, meet Anna.”
“Brickhouse?” I asked.
The dog held out a paw. I shook it. He was beautiful with a dark black coat and lighter brown markings around his jaw, chest, and paws. “He’s perfect.”
“He’s a two-year-old Rottweiler created for protection work.”
Oh, I loved him. “Can I hug him?”
“Release,” Aiden said.
