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“It’s okay. I know you’re busy.”
“Sort of. We finished up the job here today. I was just doing my final checks and finishing up the paperwork. I could’ve come to see you,” Aero admitted, babbling slightly, unsure what he wanted to tell her but needing to say something. “I wasn’t ready.”
Sam’s brows rose, surprised at his revelation. It wasn’t specific, but it was something. “That’s fine, Aero. Really.”
“Have you eaten?” he asked, changing the subject, and she nodded. She maybe, perhaps, had nibbled on a few cookies in between serving the students and their parents. A few. Like eight.
“Yeah, me too,” Aero admitted, glancing down at his boots, seemingly disappointed.
Sam blurted out, “Wanna grab a drink?”
Green eyes snapped to hers before he extended a hand toward her. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
Rising as if on autopilot, Sam stood and spent a moment extracting herself from the tangle of foliage before slipping her hand into Aero’s and following him out into the hall.
As she locked the classroom door, she reveled in the feeling of his rough, dry palm against her, admittedly, clammy one. Embarrassed, she tried to let go, but Aero tightened his hold on her.
Footsteps sounded and Sam glanced up to see Mike and Rachel exit the teacher’s lounge casually, as if they’d simply bumped into each other at the coffee pot. Only after realizing how long she’d sat at her desk before Aero found her, Sam cringed as she wondered if they’d simply finished their business upon her departure.
“Sam.” Mike nodded at her as they passed, but kept his eyes on Aero.
“Mr. Weaver,” she murmured, squeezing Aero’s hand involuntarily.
“Huh,” Rachel said, glancing down at their entwined fingers, but she didn’t comment further.
The pair disappeared around the corner, and Sam sighed heavily. Only a few seconds had passed, but it felt like an eternity as she warred with herself about whether or not she should tell Aero, Gemma, or even Kelly, what she had witnessed.
“You okay?” Aero asked, pulling lightly on her hand and making her face him. He appeared concerned, his jaw set, his green eyes sharp as he assessed her.
Deciding to sleep on it, she forced a smile. “I’m good. Let’s go.”
Sam was surprised when Aero’s truck, which she was following in her car, traveled away from the school in the direction of the compound. The winding road lined with thick pines was familiar and comfortable to Sam, and she was surprised he was taking her there.
Gunner opened the gate immediately to let both Aero and Sam through, waving at her as she passed. She waved back, then pulled around the clubhouse to park in her usual spot between Gemma and the fence.
Aero met her at the door and clasped her hand in his, walking her into the bar room and immediately up to Kai at the bar. Sam was stunned. He was calm, his body relaxed, his actions sure and confident. It was a delight to see, but so surprising that Sam didn’t hear him ask what she wanted to drink.
“Hey, gorgeous. You in there?” Kai reached out and waved his bar mop in front of Sam, getting her attention. “Wine?”
She nodded. “Yeah. Sorry. Thank you.”
Aero asked for a beer, rubbing Sam’s hand with his thumb while waiting patiently for Kai to serve their drinks.
Once they had their drinks, Aero guided Sam over to an empty booth and let her sit before sliding in beside her.
“You’re in a good mood.” The words slipped out before Sam could stop them.
“I guess I am,” Aero admitted, smiling over at her. “I’m glad the school is more secure.”
Sam grinned, pride and thankfulness filling her heart. “Thank you for all your hard work. We all really appreciate it.”
Aero leaned over, brushing his lips softly across hers. “I feel better knowing you’re protected.”
Sam’s breath hitched and she rested her hand on his thigh.
“It would kill me if something happened to you,” Aero murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear and pressing soft little kisses to her neck.
Sam felt her eyes roll back in her head at his attention, forgetting they were seated in the middle of a crowded room — a crowded room full of people they knew, who would absolutely have something to say about their relationship.
