Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

“The bad news?” she asked.

“The bad news is now that things are official, I can’t talk about the investigation to anyone, including you.”

“Can you at least tell me if Jack is a suspect?” When I sighed, she added, “I need to know if I’m in any danger with him working at the bar. If he killed my dad, he could want me dead too.”

She was right. “He has a solid alibi. That’s all I can say.”

His wife had given me the same details as he had. Since he hadn’t had time to coordinate with her, unless he’d done it beforehand, I had to let him go for now.

“You aren’t giving up?” she asked.

“Of course not. I’ll find whoever did this. I promise.”

She shooed me away after. I assumed she needed a minute, and I went to grab a shower because, like Emma, I had lots of plans for the night.

By the time I dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, Emma had the table set. “Oh, that reminds me,” I said. “Will you go to dinner with me at my parents’ place on Sunday?” I hadn’t been in a while. “I want to make things official.”

Her brow lifted. “Official?”

“I hope I can tell them that we’re together and that you’re moving in.” The downright shocked expression on her face made me smile. “It’s your fault. You’ve spoiled me. How can I possibly sleep by myself when I know what it’s like sleeping with you?”

“Aiden,” she said.

“Don’t say it’s too soon. We’ve known each other for most of our lives. The little I didn’t know about you, we took care of last night.”

“But—”

“But, what? I’m only this—” I spread my fingers about an inch apart. “Far away from telling you I’m in love with you.”

She mimicked my fingers. “Only this much?”

“Yeah, that’s only because I don’t want to freak you out. And I don’t need you to say it. You’ll get there.”

“Cocky much?”

“My cock can be a bit much at times. But you can take it.” I winked.

She laughed and by God I was hard. “You know if I didn’t think your ego would blow up like a hot air balloon, I might agree with you. But I guess you’ll have to wait and see. Now eat.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The food was delicious and rivaled my mother’s cooking though I’d never tell Mom. I polished off my plate, sat back, and patted my belly. “A meal like that can put you to sleep,” I joked.

She got up and hooked her thumbs in those tiny shorts and let them fall. “I think dessert will keep you up.”

Then, she ran and, damn right, I chased her because dessert was exactly what I needed. And when I came the first time that night, I couldn’t help but imagine Emma pregnant with our child.

Chapter 29

Emma

Aiden was a considerate lover. He gave and gave until I was completely satisfied before claiming a release for himself. The man was perfect, and I wondered how I deserved it. Especially, when the next morning, I awoke to the aroma of coffee and baked goods.

He came upstairs and brought them to me.

“You went to town and came back.”

“I’ll do it every day if you agree to move in with me.”

God, the man was beautiful. “Bribing me, are you?”

“Whatever it takes.”

“A corrupt officer,” I teased.

“As Chief Deputy Sheriff, I plead the fifth. As the man who wants you in his bed, I’ll do whatever to keep you here.”

“Coffee and pastries are a good start.” He sat on the bed looking sexy in his uniform shirt. I rubbed a hand over his chest. “How’s the pain?”

He covered my hand. “Insignificant when you’re touching me.”

I grinned. “I’m serious. I’m worried about you.”

“Another reason to move in. Someone to check on me.”

“Aiden,” I pleaded.

“At least say you’ll be here tonight. We can decide day by day and then you can explain to my parents.”

I laughed when he fake-pouted. “Alright.” His frown turned upside down. “Tonight. I’ll be here tonight.”

He kissed me then and took the hand he covered and placed it on his hard cock. “See what you do to me. I’m going to be late.”

He rolled me onto my back and reminded me of all the reasons he was the best lover I’d ever had.

When he was gone, I called Jessie.

“What? What happened? It’s like early. You don’t normally get up this early.”

“I haven’t even gone for a run,” I admitted.

“Be still my heart. Is the sky falling?” she teased.

“So… what is everyone saying?” If anyone would have heard, it would be Jessie as her coffee shop is always filled with gossiping townspeople.

“Um, let’s see.” I imagined her tapping her chin. “There’s the one about seeing you and Aiden kissing near the salon. True or False.”

I groaned. I hadn’t thought anyone had seen. “True.”

“And there’s the hot kiss at the bar. True?”