Kiss by Kiss (Riggins Brothers 3)

When we make it back to Warm Delights, Aspen and Lena are laughing with a group of women at one of the tables. “Oh, we didn’t expect you back so soon,” Lena greets us.

“Grant and Owen, they were incredible. You should be proud,” I tell her.

Lena nods. “I am. I’m proud of all of my boys. Did you get everything worked out?”

Grant and I tell them about Lucy and Elijah, and the epic mess at the bank. Despite the shitshow, it’s still turned out okay. We were lucky to be able to figure out what happened so soon, and they can work on getting my money back in my account where it belongs.

“Oh my,” Lena says. “I’m glad you found out who was behind it and can move forward.”

“Me too,” I agree. “How did it go?” I ask my sister. I’m over talking about Elijah and the way he keeps screwing with my life.

“Great. It was busy, but this one handled it like a champ.” She hip checks Lena gently.

“I raised five boys. This was nothing,” she jokes, and the ladies sitting around the table all laugh. “We’ve got this handled. You two shoo.” She motions for us to go. “Take the day to just… be.”

“No, I can’t ask you—” I start, and she’s already shaking her head.

“You didn’t ask me. I volunteered. Besides, Aspen and I are making a new creation. You can’t see it yet.”

“Should we be worried?” Grant laughs.

“Nope. We’ve got this,” Aspen assures him. “Go.”

“Thank you both.” I give them both a big hug, wave to the ladies at the table, and pull Grant back out to the street.

“That was easier than I thought it would be. I was sure you’d insist on staying.”

“They were having fun and looked as though they had it all under control. Besides, there is something else that I need right now.”

“What’s that?” he asks, concerned.

“You.” His eyes soften. “Emotionally and physically,” I add. I can see when he picks up on what exactly it is that I need. Never again will I fear or shy away from asking for what I want or need. Not with this man, holding my hand as if it’s his lifeline.

Chapter 29

Grant

It’s been two weeks since Owen, Aurora, and I confronted Martin Hamilton. Two weeks since my girl has been stressed beyond measure, and two weeks of me offering to help her and her refusing. She’s adamant that this is her mess, and she’s not pulling me into it any further. I love her newfound confidence. I love that she tells me what she wants, but with this, not so much. I love her. It’s a love so deep I know we’re the real deal. It’s going to be the two of us until the end. Until I take my last breath. I can afford to help her, yet she continues to refuse.

Tossing the pen I’m using across the room, I rub my hands over my face. “Fuck,” I mutter.

“What did that pen do to you?” Royce asks, entering my office.

“Casualty of being near,” I tell him, leaning back in my chair. “What’s up?”

“Just wanted to check-in. You’ve been quiet these past few weeks.”

“How do you help someone who refuses help?” I ask him.

“Aurora?”

“Yeah. She’s struggling financially until this fucking shitshow is taken care of, and I hate it. Aspen and her parents are helping, but damnit, I can help her.”

He nods. “Have you taken the time to look at this from her point of view?”

“The stubborn one?” I fire back.

He chuckles. “You’ve told her, I’m sure, that women have gone after us for years for our money. I’m sure she knows my story, my first wife. My guess is she’s trying not to be one of them. Someone who uses you or our family for money.”

“It’s fucking different. I love her.”

“I know you do, but she’s still fragile. She’s come a long way, but I’m sure in the back of her mind, there is still this lingering worry from what he put her through.”

“What do I do? Her landlord sent her a letter letting her know he’s selling the building. She can’t purchase it because her down payment and assets are fucking locked because of that douche and his piece of ass, and now Aurora is paying for it. I know she’s worried about losing the bakery. The location. If the building sells and they kick her out, she’s fucked. She won’t let me help. I’ve tried to convince her. I’ve tried to have Aspen talk to her. Hell, I even sent Mom into the trenches to talk to her. Nothing.” I run my fingers through my hair.

Royce shrugs. “You’re too close to this. You’re not thinking objectively. You’re feeding off your emotions and hers. Think about this from a business standpoint. How would you handle it then?”