Touch by Touch (Riggins Brothers 4)

That’s when I get it. They’re going to talk me up without really talking me up. I look over at my two older brothers, who are sitting next to one another. “You two are lucky bastards. You know that?”

“We know,” they reply, nodding.

“Conrad, we’ve got your back. You do your thing. Call her, text her, take her dinner, whatever, and yes, send flowers.” Sawyer nods at Marshall. “We’ll do what’s best on our end as well.”

“Grant and Aurora have no idea.”

“When they see this side of you”—Royce points to me—“once they see how serious you are, you’re not going to have an issue.”

“We’re going to help you get the girl.” Sawyer slowly stands and comes over to give me a hug. “Come on, Layla, let's go talk strategy.” They disappear into the kitchen, leaving me with my brothers.

I love my family, and knowing they’re here for me makes all the difference.

It’s Friday morning, and I’m on my way to Warm Delights to see Aspen and pick up an order of whatever today’s special is. Marshall and I have met at the gym every morning this week, and I’m glad. Coming to her work has been the only time I’ve been able to see her this week. If I keep buying boxes full of goodies every day, I’m going to have to move into the gym. I now understand why Grant installed a home gym. He wants to be where Aurora is, and her career isn’t good for the waistline.

Monday night, I brought her dinner, and every other night she’s blown me off, or I’ve worked late. Tuesday, she claimed she and a couple of the girls from the bakery were going shopping and to dinner. We had a server issue on Wednesday that kept me at the office late. Last night, we were all at Royce’s to help assemble furniture for the nursery. I was standing in Sawyer’s office when she called her and personally invited her to join us. She claimed she needed to do laundry and clean. I was at her place Monday night, and it was spotless. I know it’s an excuse, but there’s not much I can do about it.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I push open the door to Warm Delights. “Good morning, Conrad,” Gloria, one of the new hires, greets me.

“Morning, Gloria. How are you today?”

She grins. “I’m good, but we both know you’re not here to ask about my day.”

I smile because I’ve been here for Aspen once since our time together. That tells me that they’ve been talking about me. Suddenly my day just got a little brighter. “Of course, I am.”

“Uh-huh, she’s in the back.” She points to the swinging door that leads to the kitchen and office area.

“Thanks.” I wink and move around the counter, pushing through the doors that lead me to the back of the bakery. Aspen is pulling a large tray of muffins out of the oven. “Are those for me?”

She turns and looks over her shoulder, offering me a smile. “Good morning to you too. And yes, these are today’s special. I assume that’s why you’re here.”

I’m here for you. “That, among other things.” I’m trying to take the advice of my little brother, because let’s be honest. It’s the best I’ve got right now. That is until my sisters-in-law have their little performance. Grant and Aurora come home tomorrow. Hopefully, that means that it will be soon. However, first, I need to tell Grant and Aurora that I want to be with Aspen. I can only imagine what they’re going to say when they find out about what happened between us.

I can foresee a lecture from Grant to not hurt her and only to pursue her if I’m serious, much like Royce and Owen warned me. And Aurora, well, I’m not sure. I’d like to think she knows I’m a good man and that she would be happy for us, but only time will tell.

I smell the air. “Are those banana nut?”

“Yes!” She smiles. “These are my favorite. Aurora has this recipe perfected.”

“Loves banana nut. Noted.” I wink.

“I love lots of things, Conrad Riggins.”

Could you love me? “Oh, yeah? Maybe we should have dinner tonight, and you can tell me all about them.”

“Con—” She starts to turn me down; I can tell by the tone of her voice.

“You have to eat, right? Besides, you skipped out on us last night.”

“I didn’t skip out on you. I had to clean and do laundry. I still hadn’t done laundry since being at the cabin.” Her face heats at the mention of the cabin.

“Well, now that’s done, we should have dinner.”

“I really shouldn’t. I have to be up early tomorrow.” She bites down on her bottom lip, and my dick twitches. Does she know how sexy she is when she does that?