“I won’t,” Michael answered, meaning it. It had no relevance to their case; it didn’t need to be added to any report.
“Thank you.”
He felt Aaron’s gaze on him again but stared resolutely forward as his heart hammered in his chest. There’d been too much gratitude and sincerity in those two words. Michael didn’t need to see the expression that went with them. He was in enough trouble already. The air in the car seemed to thicken with every second that passed, and the trip to the Clapham Common pack building had never felt so long.
The rest of the journey passed in silence, which was both a relief and incredibly awkward.
By the time Michael pulled up in front of Aaron’s building, he was desperate for Aaron to get out of the car.
It appeared Aaron was of the same opinion because he had the door open as soon as the car rolled to a stop. “Thanks,” he muttered and hurried out. Once on the pavement, he hesitated before ducking back inside the car. “Thanks for driving me home. I really did appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
“What happens now?”
Michael forced a smile he didn’t one hundred per cent feel. “Go home, have a quiet weekend, and we’ll be in touch next week.”
“Next week?” Aaron fidgeted with the zip on his jacket. “You don’t need to see us over the weekend?”
“No.” Michael needed some space, not more of Aaron’s company. He didn’t want more opportunities to make an arse of himself or do something stupid. “Unless there’s another murder, we can’t do anything until next Friday.”
Aaron nodded. “Okay.”
“But don’t leave the city,” he added as an afterthought. “Either you or Harry.” He should have made that clear much earlier.Jesus.If anything did change, he wanted them easy to contact.
He probably didn’t need to worry because Aaron was looking at him as though he was crazy. As though the mere suggestion was ludicrous. Gesturing at his building, Aaron replied, “Where would I go? This is my home.”
“Good.” Michael motioned for Aaron to close the door. “Goodnight, Aaron.”
“Night. And thanks again for the lift.” Aaron closed the door and headed for the front of his building.
Habit made Michael wait until Aaron was safely inside before driving off, and he spent the journey home berating himself. Aaron was helping them with their investigations to avoid being arrested. He wasn’t someone Michael could afford to get involved with. Hell, he shouldn’t like him, let alone want to—
He cut that thought off before it could fully form. So Aaron was hot. There was nothing new about shifters being attractive. A yawn took him by surprise, and he shook himself in an attempt to shake off the lethargy. He was tired, that was all. His mind wasn’t as focused as it should be, and he was letting things affect him that normally wouldn’t.
He and Frank were off this weekend. Hopefully a few days away from this case would clear his mind. Of everything.
Of course, he had to get through Friday first, and something told him not everyone in that room had been oblivious to his fascination with Aaron.
Another yawn, and thankfully Michael saw the familiar sign for his road.
No point dwelling on any of that shit tonight.
He’d deal with it tomorrow.
UNFORTUNATELY, tomorrow came in the form of a text from Frank saying he’d pick him up in half an hour.
Awesome.
Frank only ever picked him up when he wanted to talk before they got to the office. He lived closer to work than Michael did, so if they were lift sharing, it made sense for Michael to do the driving. Except when Frank had something on his mind, like now, apparently.
At least he’d brought coffee.
Frank handed him the Costa cup as he got in the car. More than likely a pre-emptive peace offering because Frank knew he wouldn’t like what he had to say.
Michael took it with a “Thanks.”
He’d barely taken a sip when Frank started.
