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“What are you doing here?” I hissed, keeping my voice low.
“Your mom invited me.”
“You didn’t have to say yes.”
It was bad enough they had invited him over for lunch. But breakfast.
It was too damn early for this crap.
“And miss all of this, freckles?” He wagged a finger in my general direction, and I scowled at him.
“Here you go, Aiden.” Mom handed him a plate before placing down his coffee. “Dig in.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Ben—”
“Judy, call me Judy.”
“Thanks, Judy. This beats stale cereal over at Carson’s house any day of the week.”
“I’ve been saying for years that place needs a woman’s touch. But between the team and helping out with his parents’ charter, it doesn’t leave much time for dating.”
“Mom, seriously?”
“What?” She gave me a coy smile. “Carson is like a son to us. He deserves to find that special someone. What about you, Aiden, any special girls on the scene? I bet the puck bunnies are lining up for a shot with LU’s star player.” She flashed him a knowing smile, and he practically choked on his pancake.
I smothered a laugh as I watched him half-drain his coffee to wash it down.
“Uh, no. I’m not really looking to settle down.”
“I imagine it’s hard to find someone who understands what it’s like being a professional athlete.”
“I guess.” He shrugged, barely meeting my eyes.
“Mom, I’m sure Aiden would rather talk about something else,” I said.
“I’m just making small talk, Dayna Bug. Our Dalton was one with the ladies. Always had a line of them showing up on the doorstep hoping for their chance to steal his heart. Remember prom, now that was a hoot—”
“Mom…”
“It’s okay to remember him, sweetheart.” She gave me a sad smile.
“What was he like?” Aiden asked, surprising me.
“Oh, our Dalton was the best. Loyal and kind, he had a sharp sense of humor,” she said with emotion brimming in her eyes. “He believed in standing up for what was right and working hard. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t wish things were different. He would have taken you under his wing, sweetie. That’s for sure.”
Mom gave Aiden another warm smile. “Anyway,” she inhaled a sharp breath, “how are the pancakes?”
“Good, they’re really good. It’s all great, Judy.”
“You should come over every morning. It’s been a long time since I had anyone except Derek to cook for.”
“I don’t want to make a nuisance of myself.” Aiden’s gaze flicked to mine, a silent question there. But I was too weary to reply.
If he wanted to come over every morning and eat breakfast with my mom and listen to her stories about Dalton, that was his prerogative.
“Derek will be sad he missed you. Maybe tomorrow he can go into work a little later, and you can share some more stories about the team with him.”
“Sure, Judy. Sounds good.”
