With a guilty smirk, I reach into my pocket, pull them out, and slap them into her waiting hand.
forty-nine
ACE
“He’s just…differentfrom who I thought he’d be.”
The empress gives me one raised eyebrow, lifting the shadows over her eyes. “Mm-hmm.Different. And clever. And…what was it?Oh, yes. Knows how to use his rhythm for a perfect uppercut. And then I think you also discussed his motorcycle.”
It’s a blustery January day. A few days after Aiden rescued my little girl. And he needs a reward. That’s all I’ve been trying to say.
So I had Ashlyn bring him to the casino to give him a present. A little casual thing he’d like. Kicking my legs up onto my desk, I relax back with a bottle of water. Cheeks heating behind my wife’s unspoken accusations.
“Honestly, you talk more about Aiden Cardell than Ashlyn does,” she murmurs.
Ashlyn pulls her coat on, eyeing the weather outside. “Dad, it’s seriously,grosslyembarrassing. Don’t have a crush on my future husband, please.”
“It’s not acrush,” I protest with a sigh. “Right, Wy?”
Wyatt’s eyes crinkle from the custom pink leather couch where he’s sprawled out. “Uh, it sounds like a crush, Dad.”
I purse my lips. “Nah, nah. I’m relieved that Talon’s out of the picture. And Aiden assured me he is. The boy’s going to help us pick new guards for the mansion, too. He’s got connections in Northview.” Aiden knows what he’s doing. Smart kid. I like him.
My firecracker’s finger points accusingly at me. “Mom, please make him stop. I can’t take that dreamy look on his face?—”
“Shh!” I interrupt my daughter. “Here he is. I want to surprise him!”
Aiden strolls in, wearing a gray cashmere sweater, likely Kiton. And tailored. Wool slacks definitely are. They fit him perfectly. And pair well with his Italian loafers—Dolce and Gabbana. Pea coat? Possibly Ralph Lauren. Looks vintage.
He’s just…cool.
“Hey,” I say, smoothing my hair on the sides.
“Hey, Dad.” Aiden gives me a broad smile and crosses the palm tree-printed rug to give me a side hug. “I’m officially returning your Escalade. Professionally detailed and shined for you.”
“I told you, you could have it,” I argue. A hint of disappointment echoes in my mind that he didn’t want my car. Hopefully, he’ll still love what I got him. Well,Ashlyngot him.
“I know, but it’s time for me to buy something else.”
“Well, I thought it wasn’t your style as much, so I bought you?—”
“Dad!” Ashlyn screams to interrupt me.
“I mean…Ashlynbought you…”
Arianna shakes her head in the way that makes me terrified she’s going to end me with poison at dinner.
I reach into the desk drawer and toss him the gift. “Ashlyngot you something. But I did help pick it out.”
He glances down at the set of keys and smiles. My mouth goes dry, wondering how he’ll react. Will he like it?
“I’m sure you did more than justhelp,” he says with a wink.
God, he gets me.
Ashlyn tugs on his arm and rolls her eyes. “I hate you right now. So much,” she says with a glare aimed at me.
“What?!” I ask as she opens the side exit, aiming for the back parking lot.