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“Hi, Aiden.” I glanced past him, wondering if I’d be able to make a quick escape.
“I haven’t seen you in a few days,” he said. “And you didn’t look so great last time we spoke. Is everything all right?”
“Fine.” My tone was brusque, and he frowned. “Sorry.” I felt a pang of guilt. I shouldn’t be taking my frustration out on anyone else. “I’m just not in the mood for a party.”
“Ah.” Understanding spread over his face. “Still haven’t kicked whatever had you down? Do you have a ride home?”
“I’m the designated driver for my brother and his friend, so I can’t exactly bail.” Although I was beginning to think I shouldn’t have come in the first place. I just hadn’t wanted to cause a fuss and have them cancel their plans.
“Hmm.” He looked thoughtful. “Listen, if you’d like, you’re welcome to lie down in my room for a while. It’s a private suite, so nobody will bother you, including me. I’ll be out here until after midnight.”
If he’d been someone else, I might have accepted, but there was something that unsettled me about Aiden. I didn’t want to be alone with him because I couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t try something on.
“Thanks, but I think I’m going to find a quiet spot out the back.”
“Want company? I wouldn’t mind escaping the noise for a while.”
“No, thanks.” I gave him a thin smile, and this time, he got the message.
“Okay.” He backed away. “But if you change your mind, the offer stands.”
With a nod, I hurried to the kitchen before he had a chance to decide to follow me after all. Hopefully Tabitha needed an extra set of hands. I’d prefer to make myself useful in the kitchen than spend another moment among the party guests.
As I closed the kitchen door behind me, my phone vibrated in my clutch. I checked it, and my blood ran cold.
Private number:Countdown to midnight, sweetheart. No kisses for us today, but soon. I promise.
ChapterThirty-Two
LIAM
Sometimes I wonderif you’ve replaced me with one of your leading men, but I can’t bring myself to Google you and find out. - Unsent message from Liam to Kennedy
After takingSaturday to recover from a chaotic New Year’s Eve spent racing from one emergency call to another, I collected Kennedy on Sunday morning for our hike. She smiled as she climbed into the passenger seat, wearing shorts that showed off her gorgeous legs. A small backpack was slung over her shoulder.
“I brought a few supplies,” she said, dumping the backpack on the floor. “I wasn’t sure what I’d need.”
“Just yourself,” I told her. “And maybe some sunscreen and a bottle of water.”
“Great.” She beamed. “I’ve got those plus a first aid kit, snacks, my camera, and a change of clothes.”
“Good planning. Connor would be impressed.”
She sent me a shy smile. “What about you?”
Ugh, this woman did crazy things to my insides.
“I’m impressed too,” I said gruffly, pulling out onto the road.
“So, where are we going?” she asked.
“There’s a newish trail near the west end of town. It’s only been there for a few years.” I glanced at her, stunned once again by how she managed to look exactly like the girl I used to know but also completely different at the same time. “I thought it might be a good place for us to continue our fresh start.”
“Is there much uphill?”
I chuckled. “Kenz, everywhere is uphill around here. You know that.”
She grumbled. I tried not to think of how adorable she was. I was a thirty-year-old man, damn it, not a giddy schoolboy with a crush.
