Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

We met halfway up the walk. “These are for you.” She handed me an expensive vase with two dozen long stem roses. “They sure are something.”

They were and could have only come from one person as I didn’t think Aiden could have arranged flowers to be delivered so fast. He’d been sleeping when I’d left.

“Do I need to sign for them?”

Miley blinked. “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking how nice it would be to get flowers like this.”

“Not always I muttered.”

As I scribbled my name on the paper she’d pulled out of a pocket while holding the ostentatious bouquet, she said, “Nice shirt.”

I wanted to cry out because this would be news by the end of breakfast. “It’s a PSA,” I said. “It stands for Love All People Dutifully.”

It was too late to take it back. I think I’d told the sisters dearly not dutifully.

I quickly traded her for the bundle and went to my door. I needed to get out of the shirt before my nosy next-door neighbor came out. But it was too late.

“Morning, Emma,” Ms. Watson called from her porch. “Late night? I didn’t see your car come home last night.”

“Busy at the bar,” I said and pushed through my front door.

I dumped the flowers on the island. Then I thought about damage control as I whipped Aiden’s shirt off. I also had the other one he’d given me. I put both in the washer and went upstairs to grab my laundry. I would need to return this to him. However, going to his house wasn’t an option. Not if I wanted rumors of us to die down.

The question was how to break the news to Aiden that I’d been spotted in his shirt, not once but three times, and it would likely be all over town by midday.

Chapter 14

Aiden

Emma wasn’t in my bed when I awoke and maybe that was a good thing. As long as that engagement ring was on her finger, she was off limits. I’d given her enough hints. I spent the weekend at home avoiding town, painting, and planning the next task to tackle in my renovation.

Monday morning I got dressed in my uniform shirt and jeans. I put my shield on my belt clip and my hat on my head. Then, I thought of Emma. She preferred my baseball cap. I had to admit, as I gazed in the mirror, I looked more and more like my father when I wore the Stetson.

I left and stopped at Java Jitters for coffee.

There was a line, as it seemed everyone in town wanted coffee right now.

“Aiden,” a redhead called out. She looked vaguely familiar when she faced me, holding a travel mug.

“Janet?” I guessed.

“Yes! You remember me.”

“Volleyball team?”

She bobbed her head. “Yeah. It’s great to see you back.”

“Thanks.”

I turned away, but she stepped into my line of sight. “Would you like to grab coffee sometime?” I looked around and we both laughed. “Right. We’re getting coffee now. But you look like you’re going to work. Maybe another time when you’re not busy.”

“Aiden.” I glanced up to see Jessie waving me over to the counter.

“Excuse me. Looks like it’s my turn.” I tipped my hat to Janet and walked to the counter. “Jessie,” I said.

“Hey Aiden. It looked like you needed saving.” She had one of those I know something you don’t know twinkles in her eyes.

“Ah, yeah. Thanks. Can I get some of your java? I think I’ve got the jitters.”

She laughed. “Funny guy. Did your late night cause your jitters?” She bit back a grin.

Had Emma talked to her about last night? “You tell me.”

She didn’t. Instead, she asked, “Any special flavor in mind?”

“Coffee-flavored coffee is good,” I said, with grin and a shrug.

She laughed. “House brand then. Size?”

“Big.”

She shook her head. “You’ve got jokes this morning.”

“I haven’t had coffee yet,” I said, deadpan.

Her giggle made me chuckle. “Black or with cream?”

“Black will work.”

“Okay. I’ve got you.” She winked and I stepped to the side. Janet was gone.

Or it least I thought she was. When I left the building, Janet was talking to someone outside and rushed over to talk to me.

“Aiden, I’m so sorry.” I stopped and didn’t mask my confusion. “I didn’t know you and Emma were a thing. I’m so embarrassed. Anyway, we can still have coffee of course. Emma could come too,” she said in a rush. “I should go.” She hooked a thumb over her shoulder. “It was nice seeing you again.”

She left me standing there wondering what the heck had just happened. I would have called Emma right then, but I didn’t want to do it on the sidewalk in the middle of town. I got in my truck and drove a few blocks over to the station.

“Morning, Aiden,” Bess said.

“Morning Bess.”

“Sheriff wants to see you,” she said.